1776

Audience Reviews

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Hello T @HelloThereYou Jul 18, 2026 I created this account specifically to counter Ms. Pauline Kael's review of this film/musical. I ABSOLUTELY adored it, and I normally HATE all musicals. Soul-curdling?! What could be more soul-curdling than Cats, or Hairspray, or Hamilton?--the latter of which actually revised history! But I'm sure she would have preferred those wretched, worthless, meaningless productions. She sounds like a saboteur. If you are a normal human being with even an ounce of patriotic memory in your blood, then you will LOVE this. It is divine. The characterizations of our Founding Fathers and those around them are a delight. It is not inaccurate to depict their human side: we know for a fact that Franklin was a rogue. The others, too, will have had their laughs. All this musical does is slightly humanize them for a short moment in time. It doesn't knock them down; it doesn't trivialize a single thing; and it is well and good for us to laugh at ourselves, at our stories, and even--at our Founding Fathers. See more

Ellen P @ecritic Jul 8, 2026 I loved the spoken dialogue and found the musical numbers mediocre and a waste of time. As a play, it is inspiring and a wonderful reminder of the courage of the founders. See more

Bret M @BretM-3 Jul 8, 2026 I’m not a huge fan of Musicals, but I am a fan of history, and those 2 things combined made me really enjoy this movie! I thought it had a really good balance between musical numbers and “normal” scenes. There wasn’t a new song every couple minutes, but rather a song here or there to break up the tension. And I also thought that John Adams was a great protagonist for the film. Overall, this is a great movie that history fans and musical fans alike will enjoy. Perfect for the 4th of July! See more

Schlub Z @SchlubZero Jul 5, 2026 As long as I can remember I have watched this film every year on Independence Day and it remains one of my prime examples of what a historically inspired musical should be, even if a few pacing issues in the second act hold it back from perfection. See more

Nate D @N8Dally Jul 4, 2026 As a 45-year-old Missouri lawyer, I’ve spent years watching people argue over words, principles, and power. That may be why 1776 resonates so strongly with me. The film shows that America’s founding was not clean or unanimous. It was messy, political, and deeply human, shaped by stubborn personalities, competing interests, and difficult compromises. Its greatest strength is its depth. The Founders are not distant icons but flawed, intelligent men confronting an extraordinary decision. Every word and vote matters. Adams is relentless, Franklin wise and witty, and Jefferson must confront the gap between his ideals and slavery. It is long and theatrical, but it earns its running time. 1776 is smart, patriotic without being shallow, and deeply human. It should be watched by every American. See more

Francesca T @JellyFishieee Apr 19, 2026 I love how silly it is but serious at the same time 4.5 though because Jefferson was greatly sugar coated, but at least the song "Molasses and Rum" made up for the sugar coating. See more

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1776

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