Among the celebrations of the 250th year anniversary of the United States it is our sacred honor and duty to remember how our cherished freedoms have been won and protected. As a nation we can never ignore or forget the sacrifices of our ancestors who fought to keep America as the world’s beacon of hope, truth, and justice. There are many movies that show the dedication, sacrifice, and bravery of American military men and women. I have compiled below what I think are the best patriotic American war films. Anti-American and anti-military movies are not included, nor are war comedies. The films included are realistic, compelling, dramatic, intense, thrilling, and inspiring.
The Best Patriotic War Movies
For more on America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, check out our picks for the 250 Most Influential American Writers and the best books on the American Revolution.
American War Casualties
American Revolution (1775-83) U.S. 33,500, British 58,407
War of 1812 (1812-14) U.S. 19,505, British 20,000
Mexican American War (1846-48) U.S. 18,130, Mexico 35,000
Civil War (1861-65) North 647,000, South 427,000
World War One (1814-18) U.S. 321,468, Allies 11.3 million, Central Powers 16.9 million
World War Two (1939-45) U.S. 1 million, 85 million both sides
Korean War (1950-53) U.S. 36,515, S. Korea 137,891; N. Korea & China 514,212
Vietnam War (1955-1957) U.S. 361,921, U.S. Allies 1.7 million; N. Vietnam 1.7 million
Iraq War (2003-11), U.S. Coalition 145,124, Iraq 110,600
Patton
An endearing action-drama about the iconic and controversial World War Two hero General George S. Patton (1885-1945). George C. Scott is excellent as Patton and won an Oscar for the role. Dynamic story about the complexities, leadership, and patriotism in war. Excellent story-telling, epic battle scenes, and detailed historical accuracy. Highlights of the film go into detail with battles of the U.S. and Allies against Germany and Italy in North Africa 1942-1943 and in Sicily 1943.
Gen. Patton was essential in the U.S. and Allies’ decisive victory of the Battle of the Bulge, December 1944 to January 1945. The battle was the bloodiest of the war with 185,000 casualties. The Allies pushed back the German counteroffensive which led to the German Axis defeat and surrender.
Details: Patton, 1970, U.S., 20th Century Fox. Director Franklin S. Schaffer. Cast: George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Karl Micheal Vogler, Michael Strong, Michael Bates. Ratings: IMDB 7.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, Metacritic 86%. Accolades: 7 Oscars.
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The Patriot
A great war movie with action, drama, patriotism, and sacrifice. The Patriot is a fictional account of a group of American Revolutionary soldiers that captures the raw struggle for freedom. Engaging story-telling, emotional depth, fierce acting, and intense battles. The American Revolution was from 1778 to 1781.
The story is about a war hero from the French American War played by Mel Gibson who is pulled into fighting the British who killed his son. He leads a militia which uses guerilla warfare tactics to fight the British in South Carolina who have captured Charleston. The final battle is the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, which was a decisive victory by American, French, and Spanish troops which forced a British surrender.
Details: The Patriot, 2000, U.S., Sony. Director Rolan Emmerich. Cast: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs, Tom Wilkinson, Chris Cooper, Tchehy Kargo, Rene Auberjonois. Ratings: IMDB 7.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes 61%, Metacritic 63%. Accolades: 3 Oscar nominations.
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Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan is a harrowing war story set during the Battle of Normandy in World War Two. It is about a squad deployed to save a paratrooper so that his mother will not lose all her sons in war. One of Spielberg’s best movies with meticulous attention to historical detail and honoring the sacrifices of soldiers with unflinching honesty. Brutal realistic battle scenes.
The Battle of Normandy, France took place in June to August, 1944. U.S. and Allies with 1,450,000 personnel which sustained 226,386 casualties. The German-Italian force of 640,000 sustained 80,000 casualties.
Details: Saving Private Ryan, 1998, U.S., Paramount. director Steven Spielberg. Cast: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore, Jeremy Davies, Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg. Ratings IMDB 8.6/10, Roger Ebert 4/4, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, Metacritic 91%. Accolades: 5 Oscar with 10 nominations, 2 Golden Globes, 2 BAFTA.
Watch the Saving Private Ryan Trailer Here:
Glory
Glory is based on the true story of the first black regiment in the Civil War, the 5th Massachusetts, that fought in the Battle of Fort Wagner, South Carolin, in 1863. Unforgettable performances of sacrifice, patriotism, courage, and honor in the fight for justice, dignity, and freedom. The black troops have to gain respect by proving their honor and courage under combat. This battle opened the door for more blacks to fight for the Union Army. Denzil Washington’s performance is excellent.
Details: Glory, 1989, U.S., TriStar, director Edward Zwiock. Cast: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Andre Baugher. Ratings: IMDB 7.8/10, Roger Ebert 3/4, Rotten Tomatoes 95%, Metacritic 78%. Accolades: 3 Oscars with 5 nominations, 1 Golden Globe, 1 BAFTA.
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Pearl Harbor
An intense account of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941, told from personal accounts of a few participants. Epic war action packed drama mixed with a complicated three-way love triangle when one man is assumed as dead but then returns alive later on.
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor took place December 7, 1941 which launched the U.S. into fighting in World War Two in both the Pacific and European theaters. The Japanese Navy Combined Fleet attacked the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet at the Pearl Harbor naval base. U.S. damages included 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers, and 347 aircraft.
Details: Pearl Harbor, 2001, U.S., Touchstone, director Michael Bay. Cast: Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Josh Hartnett, Alec Baldwin, Jon Voight, Cuba Godding Jr., William Lee Scott, Jennifer Garner, Tom Sizemore. Ratings: IMDB 6.3, Rotten Tomatoes 4.5/10, Metacritic 5.6/10. Accolades: Oscar, 2 Golden Globes.
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Sergeant York
A heart-warming and compelling story based on the true account of Sergeant Alvin C. York, a humble farmer who became the most decorated U.S. Army soldier in World War One. York was a religious pacifist who decided to fight to save lives. Cary Cooper won an Oscar playing York. An inspiring study of duty, honor, and moral strength. The movie is very popular.
The movies’ leading action scenes are set in the Battle of Meuse-Argonne in 1918, the deadliest battle in U.S. military history. U.S. and French forces of 1.2 million with 192,000 casualties. German force of 450,000 with 126,000 casualties. The U.S. and French pushed back the Germans which led to the surrender of the German-Central Powers.
Details: Sergeant York, 1941, Warner, director Howard Hawks. Cast: Cary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Joan Leslie, George Tobias, Stanley Roger, Ward Bond, June Crawford. Ratings: IMDB 7.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes 87%. Accolades: 2 Oscars with 11 nominations.
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Gettysburg
The best Civil War movie ever, telling the gripping, brutal story of the three-day Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, in 1865, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. A sprawling, gripping epic of brutal conflict and a detailed look at courage, sacrifice, and leadership under pressure. Filmed on the actual Gettysburg battlefield. The film gives a fair look at the perspectives of both sides.
The story about Col. Joshua Chamberlain of the 20th Maine, played by Jeff Daniels, is an excellent and inspiring highlight of the film. Chamberlain was awarded the Medal of Honor for saving the Union Army by defending the Union flank at Little Round Top. His effort led to the defeat of the Confederate Army in the battle.
The Battle of Gettysburg took place July 1-3, 1865. The Confederate Army of 80,000 under Robert E. Lee advanced north into Pennsylvania with a plan to circle and attack Washington DC to gain victory. The North under Gen. Meade with 104,256 troops devastated the Confederate Army. Casualties were North 23,256, South 28,000
Details: Gettysburg, 1993, U.S., Turner/New Line, TV movie, director Ronald F. Maxwell. Cast: Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Jeff Daniels, Maxwell Caulfield, Kevin Conway, C. Thomas Howell, Richard Jordon, James Lancaster, Stephen Lang, Ratings: IMDB 7.6/10, Roger Ebert 3/4, Rotten Tomatoes 77%.
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Flags of Our Fathers
A compelling tribute of the six Marines who raised the American flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. The photo of the event became one of the most iconic images of the 20th Century. Intricate narrative and powerful portrayal of the complexities of war, heroism, and the cost of glory.
The Battle of Iwo Jima of five weeks from February to March was the fiercest and bloodiest fighting in the Pacific War. U.S. Marines with 110,000 invaded the island to capture two airfields to be used for the planned of Japan. The Japanese troops of 20,933 had 18,678 casualties, the U.S. with 28,678 casualties.
Details: Flags of Our Fathers, 2006, U.S., Warner, director Clint Eastwood. Cast: Ryan Phillippe, Barry Pepper, Joseph Cross, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach. Ratings: IMDB 7.1/10, Roger Ebert 4/4, Rotten Tomatoes 76%, Metacritic 71%. Accolades: 3 Oscar nominations, Golden Globe nomination.
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The Longest Day
One of the most epic war movies ever made with a steller ensemble cast of A-list actors. An in-depth account of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France in World War Two in 1944. The film follows multiple detailed individual stories of bravery and sacrifice spoken in their native language with subtitles. Griping and realistic battle scenes.
The Battle of Normandy, France took place in June to August, 1944. U.S. and Allies with 1,450,000 personnel which sustained 226,386 casualties. The German-Italian force of 640,000 that sustained 80,000 casualties.
Details: The Longest Day, 1962. U.S./ British, 20th Century Fox, director. Ensemble cast: Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan, John Wayne, Mel Ferrer, Eddie Albert, Rod Steiger, Red Buttons, Sal Mineo, Sean Connery, Richard Burton, Peter Lawford, Paul Anka, Fabian, Jurt Jergins, many others. Ratings: IMDB 7.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, Metacritic 75%. Accolades: 2 Oscars, Golden Globe.
Watch the The Longest Day Trailer Here:
Midway
A recent film done in an old school style epic war movie with an ensemble cast and with historical accuracy, intense battle scenes, heroism, sacrifice, determination, and grit. The story is about the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet against the Japanese Combined Fleet from Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway six months later. In 1942. Japan was trying to expand its empire and destroy the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. Japan suffered a decisive defeat in the Battle. U.S. losses 1 aircraft carrier, 1 destroyer, and 150 aircraft. Japan losses 4 aircraft carriers, 2 cruisers, 2 destroyers, and 248 aircraft.
Details: Midway, 2019, U.S., Lionsgate, director Ronald Emmerick. Cast: Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Mandy Moore, Luke Evans, Dennis Quad, Aaron Eckhart, Nick Jonas, Etsushi Tokokawa, Tadanobu Asang. Rating: IMDB 6.7/10, Rotten tomatoes 52%, Mertacritic 47%.
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We Were Soldiers
A remarkable and intense war drama of being greatly outnumbered and surrounded in battle. Based on the true account of the Battle of Drang Valley in 1965, the U.S. Army’s first conflict in Vietnam. U.S. 400 troops and North Vietnamese 4,000 troops. Excellent acting, depth of emotion, and nail biting battle scenes with close up fighting. Shows the viewpoint of both sides.
Details: We Were Soldiers, 2002, U.S., Paramount, director Mel Gibson. Cast: Mel Gibson, Sam Elliott, Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear, Barry Pepper, Keri Russell, Don Duong, Chris Kein. Ratings: IMDB 7.2/10, Roger Ebert 3.5/4, Rotten Tomatoes 63%, Metacritic 65%.
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Tora! Tora! Tora!
A spectacular film account of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Realistic historical detail of the plans, preparation, and execution, or lack of, on both sides. Shows the American and Japanese perspectives fairly. Broad ensemble cast.
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor took place December 7, 1941 which launched the U.S. into fighting in World War Two in both the Pacific and European theaters. The Japanese Navy Combined Fleet attacked the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet at the Pearl Harbor naval base. U.S. damages included 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers, and 347 aircraft.
Details: Tora! Tora! Tora!, 1970, U.S., Japan, 20th Century Fox, director Richard Fleischer. Cast: Jason Roibards, Martin Balsam, So Yamamura, E.G. Marshall, Joseph Cotton, James Whitmore, Tatsuya Milashi, Takahior Tamura. Ratings: IMDB 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes 57%, Metacritic 46%. Accolades: 1 Oscar with 5 nominations.
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Black Hawk Down
An intense, gritty action movie about U.S. Ranger and Delta Force troops fighting Somali insurgents in the Battle of Mogodishu, Somalia in 1994. The U.S. joined the United Nation peacekeeping force during the Somali civil war. The story is about the crew of a downed U.S. helicopter under attack and surrounded by insurgents. Excellent ensemble cast.
Details: Black Hawk Down, 2001, U.S., Columbia, director Ridley Scott. Cast: Josh Harnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, Sam Shepard, William Fichtner, Ewan Breman, Joan Gruffudd. Ratings: IMDB 7.7/10, Roger Ebert 4/4, Rotten Tomatoes 76%, Metacritic 74%. Accolades: 2 Oscars, 2 Golden Globe, 3 BAFTA nominations.
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Sands of Iwo Jima
A very popular movie about the bloody battle between U.S. Marines against Japanese troops on the Pacific Island of Iwo Jima in 1945. John Wayne plays a tough Marine sergeant who trains and leads men into battle. Intense battle scenes with high casualties. The movie captured America’s imagination.
The Battle of Iwo Jima of five weeks from February to March was the fiercest and bloodiest fighting in the Pacific War. U.S. Marines with 110,000 invaded the island to capture two airfields to be used for the planned invasion of Japan. The Japanese troops of 20,933 had 18,678 casualties; the U.S. with 28,678 casualties.
Details: Sands of Iwo Jima, 1949, U.S., Republic, director Allan Dwan. Cast: John Wayne, John Agar, Adele Mera, Rosset Tucker, Wally Cassell, James Brown. Rating: IMDB 7/10. Accolades:4 Oscar nominations.
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The Big Red One
Highly acclaimed and popular movie with hard-boiled, gritty action and an ensemble cast. The story follows a squad of soldiers with the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division from North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Hurtgen Forest, Ruhr, Battle of the Bulge, and discovery of German concentration camps. Lee Marvin is excellent as the tough sergeant leading the squad.
Details: The Big Red One, 1980, U.S., United Artists, director Samuel Fuller. Cast: Lee Marvin, Mark Havill, Robert Carradine, Bobby DiCicco, Kelly Ward, Stephanie Audran, Siegfried Rauch. Ratings: IMDB 7.1/10, Roger Ebert 3/4, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, Metacritic 77%. Accolades: won Cannes.
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MacArthur
An excellent bio-pic of the life of General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964), played to perfection by Gregary Peck, in World War Two and the Korean War. McArthur was the Supreme Commander of Allied Powers Against Japan in World War Two and rose to the General of the U.S. Army and commanded in the Korean War. He was relieved of U.S. Army command by President Harry S. Truman during the Korean War over U.S. military policy disagreements.
Details: MacArthur, 1977, U.S., Universal, director Joseph Sargent. Cast: Gregary Peck, Dan O’Herlily, Ed Flander, Ivan Boner, Marj Dusay, Nicholas Coster, Ward Costello, Art Fleming. Rankings: IMDB 6.5/10. Rotten Tomatoes 45%.
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