Start the weekend — and next week — right with these films airing July 17-23. All times ET.
July 17
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Steven Spielberg’s second great film about World War II chronicles the horrors experienced by an entire generation of young men. Tom Hanks stars as Capt. John Miller, whose mission is to locate and bring home safely a lonely private whose three brothers have been claimed by the war. TNT HD, 9pm
July 18
Philadelphia (1993)
Tom Hanks earned an Academy Award for his sensitive portrayal of a Philadelphia lawyer who fights the system after he’s fired from his firm because of his having AIDS. Denzel Washington is the initially homophobic lawyer who takes up his case. A harrowing and unforgettable depiction of the struggle for human dignity. Bravo, 9pm
July 19
An American in Paris (1951)
An American in Paris has its share of flaws in terms of plot and casting, but Gene Kelly’s abundant charm and incredible footwork carry it to make it one of the great American dance films of its era. TCM, 8pm
July 20
Office Space (1999)
One of the great pressure-valve films of all time. If you’ve ever worked in a cubicle farm, chances are you’ve seen one, two or more of the types of people sent up in this movie. Gary Cole is absolutely classic as the boss who hovers around just lying in wait to ruin his employees’ weekends. Might even be funnier in today’s struggling economy. IFC, 8pm
July 21
Night at the Museum (2006)
Ben Stiller stars as a guy new to his gig as the night watchman at the Museum of Natural History — where, when the halls close and the doors lock, history really does come alive. Expect a lot of surprising turns, not least of which are Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney in their roles as dastardly villains. Don’t believe the hype — it’s really much better than you might have heard. FX, 7:30pm
And one for those with HD:
July 23
Legend (1985)
No, a young Tom Cruise in a loincloth is the not the reason to see this film and the acting is overall Razzie-worthy. However, the score by Tangerine Dream is incredible, the fantasy world is pure magic and Tim Curry as the Darklord adds the perfect touch of evil to this family-friendly film. HDNet Movies, 8pm