Movies and shows that are 100% Americana on Netflix #StreamTeam

We’re part of the #StreamTeam and were compensated for this post. All thoughts are our own. Much in the same way that Trollhunter is distinctly Norwegian, Amelie is French and IP Man is Chinese there are countless movies on Netflix that are utterly American. This is a list of movies or shows that are pure Americana. They might not be classic, but they’ve got a style, star or personality that, for better or worse, could only be from the U.S.A.  Enjoy the 4^th of July and revel in this list of Americana entertainment. Did we miss anything? Is your favorite here?

Armageddon

Explosions, Michael Bay, Bruce Willis and a cast of astronaut misfits make up Armageddon. Some called it Con Astronaut Air due to its similarities to Con Air and it can be said that Armageddon is not a good movie. However, it is entertaining, large and fun; just don’t expect any realism whatsoever.

The Warriors

The 70’s in The Warrior’s New York City was violent and akin to Mad Max-in the city, with makeup, baseball bats and urban decay. The Warriors hasn’t aged well, but it’s still a classic and worth watching again or showing the (older) kids what 70’s era dystopia looked like.

Friends

This was a Brit-com before it was an American classic wasn’t it? Much like The Office had a version of the show in the U.K. before it jumped the pond; its stateside version is the one that had longer legs. Friends ages rather well, while the naming of the episodes loses some of the cuteness the show is still very funny about six friends.

Days of Thunder

It’s like Top Gun, but in a car. Days of Thunder is no classic, but it’s a chance for Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall to chew scenery. The racing sequences are nice and it’s entertaining, predictable and great for a rainy day.

The West Wing

Top notch writing? Check. One of the best casts on TV? You betcha. A super top secret plan to fight inflation? Maybe, but the President doesn’t know about it. The West Wing is great television.

Wet Hot American Summer

See also: Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. Either of these epitomized summer camp that kids go to or the summer camp movies that made up the 70’s. All that’s missing from Wet Hot American Summer is a cameo by Kristi McNichol. The cast in the movie and Netflix show is outstanding. The humor is quick, dry, sometimes over the top, quirky and one of our go-to programs when we need a laugh. It’s also 100% Americana, but the kids that did camp overseas can also relate to it because kids are kids.

Kingpin

Any list of American movies without Bill Murray is criminal. Kingpin is a classic. It’s lowbrow, funny, warped and one of the high points for the Farrelley brothers and everyone involved. Kingpin is rated PG-13 and has some sex related humor, a drug scene and lots of Amish bowling.

Talladega Nights

Talladega Nights is subtle like a Mac Truck. This is over the top, goofy, stereotypical and riotously funny. It’s also undeniable Americana and a great one to watch over the 4^th of July.

Bob Ross: Beauty is Everywhere

Sure Bob Ross could be any nationality, but he was American. His soothing voice, painting lessons and hypnotic show was a PBS stable for years. Watch 27 episodes of his iconic craftsmanship as he serves as a tour guide for those in need of a mellow, artistic good time.