The Big Red, White and Blue List of Movies with ‘America’ in their Title
To mark the release this week of Captain America: The First Avenger, Ross McG brings you a whopping collection of films that happen to have the country of French fries, English muffins and Chinese food in their moniker. Why? Because we were running out of ideas for lists, that’s why. And could only think of two movie Captains. Captain Ron and Captain Jack Sparrow. Googling the word ‘America’ isn’t as easy as it looks, you know…
American Psycho (2000)
How American is it? It’s set in America, and has lots of yuppie types who epitomised the American dream back in the 80s. I don’t remember the American dream saying anything about throwing a chainsaw down a flight of stairs to catch up with a hooker fleeing in terror as she was about to be murdered. Nice bit about business cards, though.
If it were an American president, who would it be? George W Bush: controversial, a bit bonkers and very, very funny.
Verdict: American express
American History X (1998)
How American is it? As American as apple pie. If the dessert of apple pie is preceded by a starter of Neo-Nazism and a main course of kerb sandwich.
If it were an American president, who would it be? Abraham Lincoln: not to be messed with.
Verdict: Americaaaaaaahhhhhh!!
Coming To America (1988)
How American is it? It’s the typical rags to riches American tale of an immigrant coming to seek a better life in the land of opportunity. And it started the annoying American trait of having Eddie Murphy play almost every character in an Eddie Murphy movie. Apart from The Golden Child. Which was complete pants with just one Eddie Murphy.
If it were an American president, who would it be? Ronald Reagan: thought to be a bit lame at the time, appreciated more now with hindsight.
Verdict: Ameri-can I watch this over and over again?
An American Tail (1986)
How American is it? As American as Basil The Great Mouse Detective is British.
If it were an American president, who would it be? Mickey Mouse. He used to be president, didn’t he?
Verdict: You little American beauty
An American Werewolf In London (1981)
How American is it? Not very. It’s set in England. As we all know, England is either a land of country yokels led by the guy from the Tetley Tea adverts and Alien3 who will laugh at you because you like drinking milk, or the land of hot nurses. Anybody ever met a nurse in England who looked like Jenny Agutter? Thought not. Imagine the queueing in A & E if she worked there – the health service would crumble.
If it were an American president, who would it be? Richard Nixon: very, very scary at times. But great comedy value too.
Verdict: American idol
American Graffiti (1973)
How American is it? It’s about bored kids driving around in cars. So basically like every other small town in the world then, except Richie Cunningham and Indiana Jones are driving the cars.
If it were an American president, who would it be? Barack Obama: young and hip. Some great speeches too.
Verdict: America Fair-erra
In America (2003)
How American is it? It’s pretty American, particularly considering it’s not even an American movie. Despite being set in New York, technically it’s a British/Irish production. And it’s brilliant. Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton… probably the best on-screen Irish couple since Richard Harris and Sean Bean in The Field. And of course… neither of them are Irish. Damn actors… always pretending to be someone they’re not.
If it were an American president, who would it be? John F Kennedy: cos it’s Irish.
Verdict: America… Feck yeah.
The American President (1995)
How American is it? The title might give you a clue.
If it were an American president, who would it be? Michael Douglas, of course. This is a documentary, right?
Verdict: Ameri-yes we can!
Team America: World Police (2004)
How American is it? It has a scene where Paris is blown to smithereens. Scientific studies have recently shown that one in two American movies do that, so it’s got that going for it. Which is nice. Perhaps surprisingly, it is an American film that simultaneously manages to make fun of Americans and those who make fun of Americans, giving it two more levels than any Michael Bay movie.
If it were an American president, who would it be? Franklin D Roosevelt: because everyone accepts it’s brilliant.
Verdict: Fwag-waving Amewican
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ‘AMERICAN’ MOVIES?
Follow Ross v Ross at www.twitter.com/rossvross
Ross v Ross 
July 26, 2011 at 9:25 pm
You’re forgetting Capt. Kirk! 😀
Fun idea for list, McG. Btw, your Twitter link is broken there, thought I’d let you know.
July 26, 2011 at 11:53 pm
thanks Ruth! link fixed
July 27, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Surprised how many of these films are actually really, really good! In America is probably one that stands out because it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
July 28, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Excellent use of alternate font colors! (It’s so rare I get a chance to say something like that!)
Anyway, awesome twist on what would be an otherwise traditional list.
For a twist, there was that movie called “Amreeka” – do with that knowledge what you will.
July 29, 2011 at 8:57 am
LOL fantastic idea for a post. I’m gonna disagree with you on everyone accepting that Team America is brilliant though. There’s maybe 2 or 3 good bits, the rest is just plain crap.
Having said that, it kind of has to be seen. Just not more than once.
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…..*awaits McG’s head exploding*….
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August 2, 2011 at 3:52 pm
I’ve seen his head. It’s a lovely head. Don’t want it to explode but if anything’s going to make that happen, it’s Katie’s comment
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