Top 10 Real Military Operations Depicted in Film

“Jarhead” (2005)

Based on Anthony Swofford’s memoir, this film captures the anticipation of Gulf War combat. When a United States Marine sniper arrives in the Arabian peninsula, he’s ready for action and all the inevitable violence that surely awaits him. As the days pass, though, Swofford’s Desert Shield experience isn’t quite like the non-stop action war movies usually depict. Character dialogue – mostly improvised – highlights this day-to-day grind. Most of all, though, “Jarhead” locks into the psychological aspects of the mission, showing how soldiers interact before the storm hits and how some individuals can become their own worst enemy.

“Bravo Two Zero” (1999)

In 1991, an 8-man British Special Air Service squad was assigned to locate and destroy Iraqi Missile scud launchers. While the source material of “Bravo Two Zero” has been scrutinized over the years, the film adaptation nevertheless depicts the fundamental chaos of the mission. Sean Bean stars as Andy McNab, who wrote the original book. The character’s narration provides an insider account of the experience, as he chronicles the ups and downs while pushing forward in “scud alley.” “”Bravo Two Zero” works as an action film, but it also sheds light on the real-life SAS operation and combat techniques.

“6 Days” (2017)
On April 30, 1980, six gunmen took control of London’s Iranian Embassy. With 26 hostages in custody and the world watching, British Army’s Special Air Service ultimately sets in motion Operation Nimrod, live on TV. As a whole, “6 Days” successfully communicates the shifting strategy on both sides of the incident. The film fuses international politics, mass media and military planning, with the technical advising of a real-life SAS operative making it even more intriguing. It also pays special attention to the timeline of events, which creates an effective balance of military ops and big screen drama.

“Lone Survivor” (2013)
During the War in Afghanistan, the United States planned a joint military operation against local militia forces. “Lone Survivor” tells the story of four Navy Seals who were dropped in the mountains for a recon mission, only to be ambushed, with nowhere to escape. Based partially on the lone survivor’s account, this film starring Mark Wahlberg depicts the horror of being geographically trapped during war, along with the bravery of the soldiers. “Lone Survivor” does have its melodramatic moments, yet it’s the circumstances and tactical efforts that capture the spirit of the mission and the men involved.

“A Bridge Too Far” (1977)
For this World War II mission, the United States’ First Allied Airborne Army teamed up with British ground troops, the XXX Corps. The goal: secure various bridges in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. “A Bridge Too Far” might have indeed have its share of dated character types, but it has a star-studded cast, including Sean Connery and the great Dirk Bogarde, and it’s hailed for accurately depicting a failed mission over the course of its nearly three hours. The late critic Roger Ebert once asked, “Why make a movie about total defeat and stupidity?” Well, this film proves that ALL World War II stories are worth telling - not just the glamorous ones.

“Letters From Iwo Jima” (2006)
With this film, director Clint Eastwood strips away Hollywood clichés to examine the Japanese perspective during World War II. More specifically, he focuses on the defense of Iwo Jima, and the culture of its military. It’s a moving companion film to “Flags of Our Fathers,” and it deconstructs Japanese stereotypes for an honest representation of loyalty, honor and commitment during the Pacific War. Ten thousand Japanese soldiers are still buried at Iwo Jima, and the film manages to bring out the humanity of the fallen soldiers rather than depicting them solely as America's enemies.

“Black Hawk Down” (2001)
Before this film’s release, many people had read about the United States presence in Somalia, or even seen shocking news clips. Yet, they perhaps didn’t fully understand what actually transpired in October 1993. Ridley Scott’s “Black Hawk Down” cleared that up by showing the conflict of the initial landing, and the 17-hour firefight that ensued. Once the American soldiers are pinned down, the street sequences heighten the shock factor for viewers, largely because it’s a historically accurate representation, rather than just an action flick with emerging stars. As a result, the humanity, and the heroism, feels entirely realistic, because it’s exactly that.

“Dunkirk” (2017)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film, shot mostly with 70-millimeter IMAX film, depicts the pivotal World War II evacuation of British soldiers from advancing Nazi armies in France. While many combat productions rely on heavy dialogue, “Dunkirk” takes a different approach by focusing on the strategy from different perspectives. It’s the attention to detail that’s so captivating, along with the brilliant pacing. “Dunkirk” opens up the soldiers’ world for viewers, whether it’s on the sea, on land or during an aerial dogfight. As a result, there’s a poetic quality to the visuals, as the director hoped to ease up on pure tension to provide an intimate look at the historic evacuation.

“Zero Dark Thirty” (2012)
For years after 9/11, Osama Bin Laden evaded American troops. This Kathryn Bigelow film takes viewers behind the scenes, as the CIA tracks down the terrorist to his Pakistan compound in 2011. When Operation Neptune Spear commences, it’s everything you might expect, and yet also so much more. There’s the chaos of the initial helicopter crash, and then the chaotic unknown, with the soldiers navigating the darkness via cutting-edge night goggles. When Seal Team 6 takes over the compound, their confusion, and eventual success, offers viewers a small bit of ground-level insight into the real-life operation.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Hostage rescue
“Captain Phillips” (2013)

Benghazi attacks
“13 Hours” (2016)

Vietnam battle
“Hamburger Hill” (1987)

“Saving Private Ryan” (1998)
In the opening sequence of this massively successful film, director Steven Spielberg re-creates the United States’ Normandy invasion during World War II, one of the most famous and infamous days in military history. It is bloody, violent and shockingly realistic. The movie stars Tom Hanks, Matt Damon and a brilliant extended cast, and helped viewers understand, if only a little bit, what soldiers endured on June 6, 1944. There is grace under pressure depicted with great impact, and certainly fear under pressure, too. “Saving Private Ryan” immerses us in the conflict of trying to survive while experiencing hell on earth.