Films about veterans tap into the profound and often tumultuous experiences of soldiers returning from combat, their struggles with reintegration into civilian life, and the lasting impacts of war on their physical and mental health. These films can range from powerful dramas and biopics to documentaries, providing deep insights into the sacrifices, courage, and resilience of those who have served. Below is a list of notable films that explore the lives and stories of veterans, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges and realities they face post-service.
“The Best Years of Our Lives”, 1946
Director: William Wyler
This film is a touching portrayal of three World War II veterans returning home to small-town America and struggling to adjust to civilian life after the war, dealing with issues such as PTSD, disability, and the societal changes during their absence.
Starring: Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Harold Russell, Teresa Wright, Myrna Loy, Cathy O'Donnell, Virginia Mayo, Hoagy Carmichael, Gladys George, Roman Bohnen;
Production year: 1946;
Genre: drama, melodrama, war;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 170 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “The Best Years of Our Lives” on the website imdb.com
“Born on the Fourth of July”, 1989
Director: Oliver Stone
Directed by Oliver Stone and starring Tom Cruise, this biographical film tells the story of Ron Kovic, a patriotic young man who becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after he is paralyzed in the Vietnam War.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Willem Dafoe, Kyra Sedgwick, Raymond J. Barry, Jerry Levine, Frank Whaley, John Getz, Bob Gunton, Mark Moses, Bryan Larkin;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, war, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Born on the Fourth of July” on the website imdb.com
“The Hurt Locker”, 2008
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
This intense war drama focuses on an elite Army bomb squad unit in Iraq and the psychological toll the war takes on its members, particularly its reckless yet skilled bomb disposal expert, Sgt. William James.
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Christian Camargo, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, Sam Spruell, Christopher Sayegh, Evangeline Lilly;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: thriller, drama, war, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“American Sniper”, 2014
Director: Clint Eastwood
Directed by Clint Eastwood and featuring Bradley Cooper as Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, this biographical war drama film chronicles Kyle's four tours in the Iraq War and his struggles with being a husband and father during and after his military service.
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner, Cole Konis, Ben Reed, Elise Robertson, Luke Sunshine, Troy Vincent, Brandon Salgado Telis, Keir O'Donnell;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: action, drama, war, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “American Sniper” on the website imdb.com
“Coming Home”, 1978
Director: Hal Ashby
Starring Jane Fonda and Jon Voight, this film explores the impacts of the Vietnam War on both the soldiers who fought it and the people in their lives, focusing on a love story between a disabled veteran and the wife of a deployed soldier.
Starring: Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Bruce Dern, Penelope Milford, Robert Carradine, Robert Ginty, Mary Gregory, Kathleen Miller, Beeson Carroll, Willie Tyler;
Production year: 1978;
Genre: drama, melodrama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Coming Home” on the website imdb.com
“Thank You for Your Service”, 2017
Director: Jason Hall
This drama focuses on a group of U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq who struggle to integrate back into family and civilian life, while living with the memory of a war that threatens to destroy them long after they've left the battlefield.
Starring: Miles Teller, Beulah Koale, Joe Cole, Scott Haze, Haley Bennett, Amy Beth Schumer, Omar J. Dorsey, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Brad Beyer, Kerry Cahill;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, war, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Thank You for Your Service” on the website imdb.com
“Deer Hunter”, 2018
Director: Justin Doughty
A poignant look at the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small industrial town, focusing on their lives before, during, and after their service, highlighting the psychological devastation of war.
Starring: Adler Roberts;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: short film, thriller, comedy;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
More information about the film “Deer Hunter” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the complex and often heartbreaking world of veterans, shedding light on their bravery, the sacrifices they make, and the ongoing battles they face long after the war ends.
In the pantheon of cinema, films about veterans occupy a uniquely poignant space, weaving together narratives of heroism, sacrifice, and the often fraught journey towards healing and integration. These stories, ranging from the devastatingly raw to the inspiringly resilient, invite audiences into the complex inner lives of those who have served. Through the lens of filmmakers who approach these tales with both reverence and a critical eye, we are offered a window into the multifaceted experiences of veterans—highlighting not only the scars of war but also the indomitable spirit of survival. As such, these films do more than just entertain; they serve as vital cultural artifacts, fostering empathy, understanding, and, ultimately, a deeper appreciation for the profound impacts of military service on individuals and society.
