15 Must-Watch Veterans Day Movies

Veterans Day honors those who have served and those who are currently serving in the military, whether on active duty, in the Guard, or in the Reserve. Veterans Day is a day to remember and be grateful, but it's also a day to rejoice.

In the world of cinema, there exists a special genre that serves as a powerful tribute to the brave men and women who have answered the call of duty and defended their nations.

Veterans Day movies, a distinct category within the realm of Patriotic Movies filmmaking, offer a poignant window into the lives, experiences, and sacrifices of those who've served in the military.

As Veterans Day approaches, we find it fitting to dive deep into this cinematic realm, where stories of valor, camaraderie, and resilience take center stage.

In this blog post, we will embark on a cinematic journey, exploring the profound impact of Veterans Day movies on both audiences and the veterans themselves.

From the gripping battle scenes that immerse us in the crucible of combat to the heartwarming narratives that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit, we'll uncover the significance of these films in preserving the memory and honoring the heroes who have served their nations.

Join us as we pay homage to the men and women who have donned the uniform and learn how the silver screen has become a canvas for their stories, reminding us all to never forget their sacrifices and courage.

In this post:

What to expect when watching Veterans Day movies

When you watch Veterans Day movies, you can expect films that focus on themes related to the military, veterans, and the sacrifices made by those who have served their countries. Here are some common elements you might encounter.

1. Stories of Service: Veterans Day movies often tell stories of military service, whether set in wartime or peacetime.

2. Veterans' Experiences: These films may depict the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of veterans, offering insight into their lives both during and after their service.

3. Patriotism: You can expect themes of patriotism, pride, and honor for those who have served in the armed forces.

4. Camaraderie: Many Veterans Day movies emphasize the bonds formed between service members and the sense of unity within the military.

5. Family and Homefront: Some films explore the impact of military service on families and loved ones, highlighting the sacrifices made by those on the homefront.

6. Post-traumatic Stress: These movies may address the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life.

7. Heroism and Sacrifice: Heroic acts and the sacrifices made by military personnel are often central to the storyline.

8. Historical and Contemporary Settings: Veterans Day movies can be set in various time periods, from World War I to modern conflicts.

9. Realism and Emotional Depth: These films often strive to portray the emotional and psychological aspects of military service and its impact on individuals.

10. Gratitude and Recognition: Veterans Day movies frequently encourage gratitude and recognition for the contributions of veterans.

Keep in mind that the specific focus and tone of these movies can vary widely, ranging from dramatic and thought-provoking to heartwarming and inspirational, depending on the individual film.

Veteran Day Movies

Hacksaw Ridge

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Andrew Garfield, Richard Pyros, Jacob Warner (Actors)

1. Hacksaw Ridge

Andrew Garfield stars as pacifistic WWII hero Desmond T. Doss, who saved 75 men at the Battle of Okinawa without ever firing a weapon.

Dear John

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Richard Jenkins (Actors)

2. Dear John

From the author of “The Notebook” comes DEAR JOHN a story of destiny that pushes young soldier, John Tyree and idealistic college student, Savannah Curtis together. When war tears them apart, will their endless stream of love letters be enough to keep them united?

Lone Survivor

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch (Actors)

3. “Lone Survivor” (2013)

Mark Wahlberg stars in the incredible true story of four heroic Navy SEALs ambushed on a covert mission in Afghanistan. Rolling Stone calls it “A Powerful Film.”

12 Strong

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña (Actors)

4. 12 Strong (2018)

Weeks after 9/11, U.S. Special Forces go to Afghanistan and ordered to take the city of Mazar Sharif. To survive, the U.S. must adopt the rudimentary tactics of the Afghan horse soldiers.

The Thin Red Line

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, Jim Caviezel (Actors)

5. The Thin Red Line (1998)

An all-star cast propels this ambitious, critically acclaimed film about the US military operation at Guadalcanal during World War II. With John Cusack, George Clooney, Jared Leto, Woody Harrelson, and more.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreiber (Actors)

6. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2021)

American soldiers fight to protect the survivors of a deadly terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi.

Dunkirk

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden (Actors)

7. Dunkirk

Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea, British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces facing a fierce battle in World War II.

The Mauritanian (2021)

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Zachary Levi (Actors)

8. The Mauritanian (2021)

The true story of three lawyers uncovering a far-reaching conspiracy while investigating the case of a suspected 9/11 terrorist imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay without charge for 14 years.

A Midnight Clear

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Ethan Hawke, Frank Whaley, Gary Sinise (Actors)

9. A Midnight Clear

In the midst of WW2, US GIs hold an isolated cabin in the Ardennes against a handful of Germans cut off from their main force. Combat-weary and short of rations, both sides are determined to survive.

Stripes (Extended Cut)

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates (Actors)

10. Stripes

Bill Murray and Harold Ramis as Bootcamp flatfoots who join the Army to meet girls and actually succeed. Mud wrestling will never be the same.

The Last Full Measure

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt (Actors)

11. The Last Full Measure

The incredible true story of a Vietnam War hero who personally saved over sixty men, and the Pentagon staffer who – decades later – uncovers a high-level conspiracy against him.

Above the Best

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Daniel Flores, Anthony Tata, William D. Vile (Actors)

12. Above the Best

Army Aviators say they fly “Above the Best”, this film shows the lengths these aviator heroes will go to, to protect the soldiers on the ground, and each other during intense combat in the most dangerous places on Earth.

Patton

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young (Actors)

13. Patton

Multiple Oscar-winning depictions of the controversial World War II U.S. Army commander – was he a visionary strategist or an ego-driven hot head? Awarded Best Picture and Best Actor (George C. Scott).

American Sniper

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Jake McDorman (Actors)

14. American Sniper

U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield.

Saving Private Ryan

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Matt Damon (Actors)

15. Saving Private Ryan

Shortly after the invasion of Normandy in 1944, a squad of fearless American soldiers set out behind enemy lines to bring home Private Ryan, the sole remaining survivor of four brothers – three of whom were killed in action.

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Anne is a recent college grad who majored in Business Administration and Marketing Management. She is a hopeless romantic who makes sure our content stays up-to-date.