Top 10 Historically Accurate Military Movies
#10: “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016)
Mel Gibson’s biopic about Desmond Doss seems so outrageous that it can’t be true. However, viewers should know that it’s much closer to fact than fiction. From basic training to the battlefield, “Hacksaw Ridge” takes audiences on a journey through Doss’ experiences. His refusal to hold a gun put him at odds with his own unit, prompting serious action from his superiors and fellow soldiers. This kind of treatment is accurate for Doss’ life and for many other recruits who had a hard time acclimating to the military. Once in the Pacific, the Medal of Honor recipient showed extraordinary bravery whilst saving numerous people during authentic battle sequences. His heroic actions are a cornerstone of the movie, showcasing the unprecedented sacrifices made during WWII.
#9: “Jarhead” (2005)
Other war films try to capture the fury of the battlefield, but “Jarhead” is not your average military plot. It instead tries to paint a picture of the psychological turmoil that soldiers go through. Set during the Gulf War, the project showcases the lives of Marines who don’t have much to do. This leads to excessive boredom and even mental instability among the servicemen. Seeking to show the unspoken part of warfare, the movie explores the quieter and more complex moments of Marine life. Anthony Swofford’s book provides a template for a realistic experience, with the former veteran himself approving of the adaptation.
#8: “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” (2003)
While it isn’t always listed among other war films, “Master and Commander” deserves mention for its period details. Set during the early 19th century, the bulk of the adventure takes place on a British ship. The movie goes to great lengths to ensure everything looks and functions as accurately as possible. Director Peter Weir populates the naval vessel with believable costumes and weaponry, not to mention a crew of densely-layered shipmates. Their loyalty and insubordination provide the plot with a rich interior that delves into the hardships of naval service. There’s also the worry about mutiny, combat, and even wounds that require realistic surgery. Even though it’s based on a novel, the project captures many nuances of the time.
#7: “Full Metal Jacket” (1987)
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Whether or not it's accurate all the way through, “Full Metal Jacket” has arguably the most famous depiction of basic training on film. The first section of the movie takes place at Parris Island as Marines endure the wrath of a drill instructor. R. Lee Ermey plays the role with absolute precision, drawing from his own experiences in real life. Inspired by Ermey’s improvisations, director Stanley Kubrick worked these actual insults into the script. This makes the training sequences all the more visceral, making viewers come to understand the mental and physical tests that recruits endure. While the second part of the film might be less authentic, the beginning attempts to recreate the experience of entering the Marine Corps.
#6: “Stalingrad” (1993)
Taking on the German perspective at the strategic WWII battle, “Stalingrad” makes an effort to show some of the more brutal elements of warfare. It’s a disturbing look at the Eastern Front, showing the desperation of the conflict and the struggle to maintain sanity. This includes dealing with sub-zero temperatures in the harsh conditions of Russian winter. Not only must the soldiers fight the elements, but they also deal with dwindling supplies, a lack of morale, and the concept of cowardice. The actors were inspired by letters written by the soldiers of the time, reading that participants were either blindly loyal to their cause or hopeless in their situation. With that in mind, the cast plays the characters as imperfect people trying to stay alive.
#5: “Das Boot” (1981)
Top 10 Historically Accurate Movies
Many films try to recreate the claustrophobia of submarine warfare, but few do it as well as “Das Boot.” Critics and historians often call this movie the ultimate submarine movie for a reason. It’s based on the novel of the same name, which itself stems from real experiences on a German U-boat during WWII. This includes accurate depictions of naval drills, operations, and general routines of the crew. Cameras even capture long takes through the vehicle, showing the close-quarters nature of life underwater. The movie also takes a controversial look into the tensions between officers, government officials, and ordinary seamen.
#4: “1917” (2019)
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In a one-of-a-kind experience, “1917” captures WWI through some immersive filmmaking. Director Sam Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins devised a way to make the entire movie look like one, unbroken take. This gives every scene a more engaging feel. Loosely based on a story from Mendes’ grandfather, a two-man messenger team is sent to call off an impending attack. The journey through no-man’s land, booby-trapped fortifications, and rat-infested trenches makes ample use of exceptional production design. There’s an attention to detail here in creating a first-person perspective of the sometimes-chaotic and seemingly hopeless nature of the Great War. It also showcases the conflicted nature of modern warfare, putting characters in dangerous situations that they must physically and mentally overcome.
#3: “Glory” (1989)
Set during the American Civil War, “Glory” details the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. It’s both an important tribute to the lives lost in that conflict and the Black soldiers who played a key part in it. Based partly on the writings of regiment leader Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the movie takes a hard look at the 19th-century conditions and racism of the era. This also includes the groundbreaking efforts to prepare these forces for battle. While most of the infantry characters aren’t real, the presence of Shaw gives this story authenticity in terms of being a commanding officer during the time. The performances of Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick help to sell the emotional climax and the sacrifices of the real 54th.
#2: “Platoon” (1986)
Showing the harsh realities of Vietnam, “Platoon” won several Oscars for its unflinching examination of the conflict. The film follows an Army grunt named Chris Taylor as he struggles to adjust to military routine. Drawing from his own personal experience, director Oliver Stone brings viewers along as he details the day-to-day worries of patrolling the jungle. Stone collaborated with fellow veteran Dale Dye to train the actors. In a then-revolutionary concept, the main cast was forced to live in the jungle, go on watch, and do real drills. This helps to create a lived-in quality to their acting that embraces the fear, violence, and uncertainty of it all. The filmmaker’s insistence on a more grounded exploration of the war helped make it a classic.
#1: “Saving Private Ryan” (1998)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Saving Private Ryan” is one of the most famous WWII films of its kind. The opening sequence depicts the landing on Omaha Beach and takes great pains to show the harrowing nature of combat. While it might be commended for its battle scenes, the movie also attempts to showcase the gritty and unglamorous actions of American soldiers during the Allied invasion. Many veterans who saw the film felt that it was so effective it even caused some to experience symptoms of PTSD. With added research from the filmmakers, the script attempts to showcase the importance of camaraderie within a squad. The production also put the actors through boot camp in order to bring a more authentic performance to the screen.
