8 Inspirational Army Movies Every Soldier Should See

Throughout film history, numerous movies have been created that feature the military in some form or another. Whether it’s a war drama, a biopic, or a comedy, these movies often explore the complexities of military life and provide a unique perspective on the human experience. For soldiers and veterans alike, these movies can be especially inspiring and offer insight into the struggles of their fellow service members. Here is a list of 8 inspirational army movies every soldier should see.

Saving Private Ryan

One of the most famous war movies of all time, Saving Private Ryan, follows a troop of U.S. Army Rangers on their mission to locate a missing soldier during the D-Day invasion. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie is celebrated for its intense and genuine depiction of war and its effects on those who fight it. The movie spotlights the courage and selflessness of soldiers in a manner that is both stirring and poignant, making it one of the most affecting war films ever created.

Full Metal Jacket

Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket is a classic Vietnam War movie that follows two recruits through their training and into combat. While Kubrick’s style is typically more cerebral than emotional, this movie still captures the realities of war in a thought-provoking and inspirational way. The movie also explores themes such as courage, loyalty, and brotherhood in an honest and meaningful way, making it essential viewing for any soldier looking for inspiration.

Platoon

Oliver Stone’s Platoon is another classic Vietnam War movie that follows a group of soldiers fighting through the jungles of Vietnam. This movie features powerful performances from Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, and Forest Whitaker, each bringing their unique perspective to the story. Platoon offers an unflinching look at what it takes to survive in combat and an inspiring reminder that sometimes courage comes from unexpected places.

Black Hawk Down

Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down tells the story of the U.S. Army Rangers sent to Somalia on a mission to capture two top lieutenants of a Somali warlord in 1993. This movie is intense and gripping from start to finish as it captures the chaos and horror of modern warfare in vivid detail. Black Hawk Down offers an inspiring reminder that sometimes even when faced with overwhelming odds, courage can triumph over fear in extraordinary ways.

Apocalypse Now

Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now follows Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) on his mission into Cambodia during the Vietnam War to assassinate Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando). This movie paints an unflinching portrait of war and its effects on those involved while exploring themes such as morality, loyalty, and patriotism in an inspiring way. Although this film may be arduous to observe due to its explicit material, it is a crucial warning that even in the midst of blackness, there can still be instants of brightness and expectation surrounded by all the commotion.

Hacksaw Ridge

Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge tells the story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), one of America’s greatest heroes, by becoming one of only three conscientious objectors to receive the Medal Of Honor during World War II. This film offers an inspiring look at how courage can come from unexpected places while still honoring those who fought bravely on both sides during one of history’s darkest conflicts. Hacksaw Ridge also serves as an important reminder that no matter our beliefs, we can all find something to fight for if we are willing to look within ourselves for strength and courage when needed.

Lone Survivor

Based on a true story, Lone Survivor follows four Navy SEALs as they set forth on a hazardous mission against Taliban forces in Afghanistan that concludes disastrously for all but one participant (Mark Wahlberg). Although this film may be hard to watch due to its graphic material at times, it also provides an inspiring look at how courage can succeed over fear, even when confronted with seemingly impassable odds. Lone Survivor additionally serves as an important reminder that no matter how bleak circumstances may appear, there will consistently be expectations if we are willing to have confidence in ourselves and those around us, whatever life hurls our way.

American Sniper

Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper narrates the saga of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), one of the United States’ most lethal snipers, during his four campaigns in Iraq between 2004-2009 before he was brutally murdered at home by another veteran tormented by PTSD in 2013. This movie provides a candid look at what it takes to endure in combat and serves as a refreshing reminder that even when faced with incalculable shadows, there can still be instants where faith flourishes if we are willing to act when necessary. American Sniper serves as an important reminder for soldiers everywhere that no matter how dark things may seem, we must never give up hope if we are willing to push through any obstacle life throws.

Conclusion

These 8 inspirational army movies serve as an important reminder for soldiers everywhere that no matter how dark things may seem, courage can still triumph over fear, and hope can still be found in the darkest of times. Whether it’s Saving Private Ryan, Full Metal Jacket, Platoon, Black Hawk Down, Apocalypse Now, Hacksaw Ridge, Lone Survivor, or American Sniper, these movies offer an unflinching look at what it takes to survive in combat while still providing an inspiring look at how courage can come from unexpected places when needed most.