Veterans Day is almost here! It’s a day of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection on the sacrifices made by those who have dedicated themselves to protecting the country. For sure, this is the best time to re-watch some iconic war classics. Many will want to revisit some of the best depictions of war in cinema.
Here are nine impactful movies including Mark Wahlberg’s Lone Survivor that offer insight into the lives of those who have served and are a fitting choice to watch in honor of Veterans Day.
Lone Survivor (2013)
Directed by Pete Berg Lone Survivor is a harrowing and suspenseful film that pays tribute to the sacrifices of our military personnel.
Based on the true story of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor follows Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg) and his team as they embark on a dangerous mission in Afghanistan.
Lone Survivor is streaming on HBO Max.
American Sniper (2014)
Directed by Clint Eastwood, this film recounts the life of Chris Kyle, a highly skilled sniper who served as a Navy SEAL. Bradley Cooper stars as Kyle, and it follows his life from his childhood to his deployments in Iraq.
This film is a fitting choice for Veterans Day as it prompts viewers to reflect on the experiences of soldiers, their courage, and the difficulties they encounter during and after their service.
Watch American Sniper on Prime Video.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Steven Spielberg’s 1998 epic war film Saving Private Ryan is a must-watch on Veterans Day. The story follows Captain John Miller, played by Tom Hanks, as he leads a squad of soldiers behind enemy lines on a mission to locate and bring home Private James Francis Ryan, played by Matt Damon.
This film won five Oscars, including Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
Stream Saving Private Ryan on Prime Video.
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Directed by Oliver Stone and released in 1989, this is a film adaptation of Ron Kovic’s autobiography of the same name. It is the true story of Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise), a young American who enlists in the Marine Corps with patriotic fervor and returns home from the Vietnam War as a paraplegic and a vocal critic of the war.
The film won two Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Film Editing.
Stream Born on the Fourth of July on Prime Video.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Ridley Scott’s 2001 epic war film Black Hawk Down is another must-watch on Veterans Day. It is a powerful and realistic depiction of the Battle of Mogadishu, which took place in Somalia in 1993.
The film tells the story of a group of U.S. soldiers who were tasked with capturing two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord, but who found themselves in a desperate battle for survival when their helicopters were shot down.
Watch Black Hawk Down on Netflix.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Directed by Mel Gibson and released in 2016, the film is based on the remarkable true story of Desmond Doss, a World War II combat medic who served without carrying a weapon.
The crux of the film focuses on the Battle of Okinawa, particularly the assault on the Maeda Escarpment, known as Hacksaw Ridge.
Watch Hacksaw Ridge on Netflix.
The Hurt Locker (2009)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow this film offers a gripping portrayal of the intense and hazardous reality faced by soldiers in the Iraq War.
It is a powerful and unflinching depiction of the daily horrors faced by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams in the Iraq War. The film stars Jeremy Renner as Staff Sergeant William James, the leader of the EOD team.
This film won six Academy Awards, including for best picture and direction.
Watch The Hurt Locker on Netflix.
Platoon (1986)
Directed by Oliver Stone, this film stands as a seminal film in the war movie genre. It is a powerful and moving depiction of the Vietnam War, told from the perspective of a young soldier named Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen).
Platoon is a realistic and unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War, and it is a must-watch movie on Veterans Day.
Stream Platoon on Prime Video.
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
Behind Enemy Lines, directed by John Moore, tells about a US Navy pilot who is shot down behind enemy lines during the Bosnian War.
The plot revolves around Lieutenant Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson), a U.S. Navy pilot played by Owen Wilson. When his reconnaissance aircraft is shot down over war-torn Bosnia, Burnett finds himself stranded in hostile territory.
Watch Behind Enemy Lines on Apple TV.
