The 15 Best Marine Movies Of All Time, Including Jarhead & Full Metal Jacket

The United States Marine Corps has been honored in movies since the early days of Hollywood. By definition, the U.S. Marines represent a branch of the American military that covers missions on land and at sea. Nearly every type of film, from thrilling action movies to tender romance stories to compelling courtroom dramas, has been led by fictional and sometimes real-life Marine veterans.

It makes sense that so many stories would want to feature Marines at their core because the military branch is known for valuing honor, strength, duty, and commitment making many of their stories true feats of heroism. With Hollywood celebrating the Marines over the years, it’s worth looking at some of their best depictios on the big screen and why the films do well to honor the Marines’ most treasured values. It’s worth noting that while these films depict the U.S. Marine experience, few of them shy away from touching on the harsh realities of war and its often devastating aftermath.

15

The Forgotten Battalion (2020)

Directed By Mark Smith

The Forgotten Battalion is a documentary whose emotional story will surely touch audiences. The film details a group of Marine veterans who band together to try and help each other with their PTSD. The Marines’ emotional pain and suffering is on full, raw dislay, which creates an intimate viewing experience and shines a light on the struggles facing soldiers coming home from war, especially the Afghanistan War.

The Forgotten Battalion also boasts an evident attention to historical detail, which transports audiences to the harsh realities of battle. Addressing themes of bravery, resilience, and the importance of remembering those who served, The Forgotten Battalion is not just a war story but a tribute to the human spirit. By honoring these forgotten heroes, the film ensures their legacy lives on, making it a compelling documentary experience.

14

Heartbreak Ridge (1986)

Directed By Clint Eastwood

Heartbreak Ridge combines action, drama, and humor while still offering an engrossing story about the Marines. The film showcases Clint Eastwood’s talents as both an actor and director of war movies, as Eastwood plays the film’s lead, Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway. Set against the backdrop of the U.S. Marine Corps, the film follows the seasoned Sergeant Highway as he whips a group of misfit recruits into shape. Eastwood’s portrayal of Highway captures the pressure of leadership while balancing the bonds formed in military life.

The film effectively explores themes of redemption, camaraderie, and the challenges of adapting to change, particularly in the post-Vietnam War era. Highway and his recruits also have a touching relationship that adds depth to the story. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and memorable dialogue, Heartbreak Ridge not only entertains but also offers a poignant reflection on some of the Marines’ values, like duty, sacrifice, and the importance of teamwork.

13

Last Flag Flying (2017)

Directed By Richard Linklater

Last Flag Flying explores the complexities of friendship, grief, and the lasting hardships of war. Directed by prolific filmmaker Richard Linklater, the film follows three Vietnam War veterans who reunite for the funeral of one of their sons, a Marine killed in Iraq. Last Flag Flying features powerful performances from Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne, who bring nuanced depth to their characters’ emotions. Through its thoughtful dialogue and clever storytelling, Last Flag Flying looks at the lasting impact of military service on personal lives while highlighting themes of loss, loyalty, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.

The film balances humor and heartache, as it honors the military experience, especially those of Marines. Last Flag Flying serves as a moving tribute to the bonds formed in combat and the enduring pain of war, making it a deeply emotional film.

12

Man Down (2015)

Directed By Dito Montiel

Man Down offers a fascinating look at the psychological effects Marines felt upon returning home. The film stars Shia LaBeouf in one of his only memorable films of the decade, as Gabriel Drummer, a Marine struggling to adjust to civilian life after completing a tour in Afghanistan. The film effectively portrays the themes of trauma, loss, and the search for redemption.

Utilizing a non-linear story, Man Down cleverly reflects the often sporadic feelings of trauma that many veterans face. Notably, the movie also does a great job depicting the vital role of military families, as Drummer’s family is his biggest source of strength and support. Regardless of the troubles surrounding its main star, Man Down shines a light on veterans’ mental health with such visual detail that it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates raw, emotional storytelling.

11

Megan Leavey (2017)

Directed By Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Megan Leavey is a powerful film depicting the bond between a Marine and her working military dog, Rex. Based on the true story of Marine hero Megan Leavey, the film highlights loyalty, courage, and the emotional challenges veterans face. Leavey is played by Kate Mara, who delivers a heartfelt performance as the title character, showing her journey from a troubled young woman to a dedicated Marine.

The film is unique because it focuses on female Marines and service animals, both of whom, sadly, aren’t seen too often in military films. But aside from its different characters and story, the movie’s authentic portrayal of military life and the touching relationship between Leavey and Rex create an emotional experience that depicts the sacrifices made by humans and animals in war. Megan Leavey is a moving tribute to the strength of companionship when faced with the brutal realities of war.

10

Rules of Engagement (2000)

Directed By William Friedkin

Rules of Engagement shares many similarities with A Few Good Men, as both films are courtroom dramas that focus on military ethics. However, Rules of Engagement shouldn’t be considered a rip-off of Rob Reiner’s ’80s classic. No, the film differentiates itself by focusing on a 30-year Marine veteran, played by Samuel L. Jackson, who appoints a fellow Marine, played by Tommy Lee Jones, to defend him in court after he is after a rescue mission goes terribly wrong. All the while, the audience believes Jackson’s character’s innocence due to the actor’s nuanced and believable performance.

The film examines the relationship between Jackson and Jones’ characters as their bond is tested through the grueling legal process. Rules of Engagement is a compelling legal drama that offers excellent emotional moments while providing an intimate look at the bonds between Marines.

9

Windtalkers (2002)

Directed By John Woo

Windtalkers highlights the critical role of Native American code talkers during World War II, whose contributions are seldom seen in mainstream cinema. Specifically, the film focuses on the Navajo Marines and how they used their native language to create an indestructible code to ultimately win the war. Windtalkers is directed by John Woo, who was also behind action films like Face/Off and The Killer. Despite his reputation as an action director, Woo does an excellent job balancing spectacle and heart throughout the film.

Windtalkers stars Nicolas Cage and Adam Beach, and both actors, along with the rest of the cast, give subtle performances to make the story come to life. The film accurately explores the cultural clashes between Native American soldiers with their white counterparts while still reinforcing the idea that, at the end of the day, they are all proud to support the war effort.

8

Dogfight (1991)

Directed By Nancy Savoca

Starring the late River Phoenix, Dogfight is a different kind of Marine film. First, it takes place just before a group of Marines are set to be deployed to Vietnam. Prior to their departure, the Marines host a “dogfight” party, a cruel gathering which involves all the men bringing the ugliest women they can find to a bar for a party. Along the way, Phoenix’s character, Eddie, falls in love with his date, Rose (Lili Taylor). The film follows their romance and Eddie’s anxiety about being shipped to Vietnam.

The acting is impeccable, as viewers completely fall for the tender romance between Eddie and Rose, with Phoenix and Taylor having chemistry to bun. Dogfight also explores conflicts like duty, personal responsibility, and humility. It’s tragic that Phoenix passed away just two years after Dogfight‘s release at the age of 23, as the film featured one of his best performances.

7

Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)

Directed By Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood also directed Letters from Iwo Jima, which showcases the director’s masterful storytelling talent. The story offers a poignant perspective on the pivotal battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and is told from the viewpoint of Japanese soldiers, which is not often seen in World War II films, thus giving viewers a rare glimpse into their experiences. It’s worth noting that Letters from Iwo Jima is a companion piece to Eastwood’s other Marine-centered film, Flags of Our Fathers.

On its own though, Letters from Iwo Jima brings a multitude of emotional depth that is enhanced by powerful performances, particularly from Ken Watanabe, who plays General Tadamichi Kuribayash. The film perfectly depicts the beauty of Japan, juxtaposed to the harsh realities of war. Since its release, Letters from Iwo Jima has been praised by historians for its truly unique and accurate storytelling. Eastwood’s direction, coupled with the film’s cinematography and believable performances, creates a story that is truly like no other in the military genre.

6

Born On The Fourth Of July (1989)

Directed By Oliver Stone

Born on the Fourth of July is perhaps one of the most controversial films directed by Oliver Stone. However, the film is incredibly powerful as it explores the challenging journey of Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise), a Vietnam War veteran whose life is forever changed by his experiences in combat. Kovic tragically becomes paralyzed from the waist down following his tour in the Vietnam War. By the end of Born On the Fourth of July, Kovic becomes a fierce anti-war protester, which some experts argue is an appropriate reaction to his traumatizing experiences in Vietnam.

Kovic’s transformation from an enthusiastic young recruit to a battle-scarred veteran living with both paralysis and PTSD makes this one of Tom Cruise’s best performances. However, the film’s emotional depth comes not just from Cruise’s performance but its thought-provoking presentation of the harsh realities many veterans have to live with after returning home. Stone never sugarcoats the suffering that Kovic is living with while also creating an intense tone that mirrors the nature of Kovic’s suffering. Born on the Fourth of July is a powerful commentary on veterans’ mental health, which wasn’t often seen on screen when the film was released.

5

Uncommon Valor (1983)

Directed By Ted Kotcheff

Uncommon Valor stars the incomparable Gene Hackman as retired Colonel Nick Alexander, a former Marine trying to rescue his son, who is believed to be alive in a POW camp in Laos. Alexander assembles a group of fellow veterans to complete the mission that has been eating him up for years. Directed by Ted Kotcheff, Uncommon Valor takes viewers on a thrilling ride similar to Apocalypse Now. However, the film adds an interesting spin by exploring the often fruitless pursuit of closure, as Hackman’s character is hell-bent on finding his son, even though there’s a chance he could be gone.

Uncommon Valor captures the turmoil faced by veterans living with haunting memories of war as they try to move forward with their lives and even make a lasting impact. Hackman’s powerful performance and the film’s strong supporting cast flawlessly depict the character’s struggles. Ultimately, Uncommon Valor emphasizes the importance of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, which is a virtue held dear to Marines.

4

Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

Directed By Clint Eastwood

Flags of Our Fathers, yet another war movie directed by Clint Eastwood and the sister film to Letters From Iwo Jima, explores heroism and the burdens of fame. The film dissects the story behind the iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima and tells the battle’s story from an American perspective. Specifically, it focuses on the lives of the soldiers involved and the fallout they experienced in the aftermath of war. Flags of Our Fathers highlights Eastwood’s talent as a director as he masterfully switches between intense action scenes and emotional character moments.

The film also offers great performances by Ryan Phillippe and Adam Beach as they deal with the pain of war and the fallout veterans face upon returning home. Since the Marines are multifaceted individuals rather than mere heroes, this adds relatability to their struggle. Flags of Our Fathers offers perspective on the enduring nature of conflict while exploring the story behind an iconic moment in American history.

3

Jarhead (2005)

Directed By Sam Mendes

Jarhead, directed by the endlessly talented Sam Mendes, is a striking war film that offers an introspective look at the life of Marines during the Gulf War. The Gulf War is sadly seldom explored in cinema, likely because the conflict didn’t last that long compared to WWII and Vietnam. However, Jarhead accurately depicts the war’s grueling effects. Based on Anthony Swofford’s memoir of the same name, the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Swofford, who grapples with a cruel drill instructor before shipping off to the Middle East.

What sets Jarhead apart is its focus on soldiers’ emotional and mental experiences rather than battle heroics. Mendes captures the anxiety that defines a soldier’s existence in the desert, showing the internal struggles that troops face while waiting for combat. The cinematography is striking, with vast desert landscapes contrasting the claustrophobic feelings of confinement and anticipation from the main characters. Gyllenhaal delivers one of his best performances, embodying an intense longing for purpose that many veterans experience. It also produced two direct-to-video sequels, which is a testament to Jarhead’s enduring story.

Directed By Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick’s divisive war film takes place in two distinct parts. The first part of the film follows a group of Marines enduring the trials of basic training under the brutal and unforgettable Gunnery Sergeant L. Hartman, played by real-life Marine turned-actor R. Lee Ermey. The second half of Full Metal Jacket follows those same Marines after they are deployed in Vietnam. Yes, the film is a mixed bag, with many viewers preferring the often darkly comical of the first half and disliking the violent nature of the second.

However, the second half depicts the Vietnam War in Stanley Kubrick’s distinctly visual style while still showcasing some intimate character moments, usually featuring Matthew Modine’s character, Sgt. Joker. Regardless of its reputation, Full Metal Jacket still offers commentary about how many young men were turned into brutal soldiers during wartime.

1

A Few Good Men (1992)

Directed by Rob Reiner

Few films highlight military attorneys, so right off the bat, A Few Good Men is unique. The film, directed by Rob Reiner, follows a group of military attorneys led by Tom Cruise as the cocky Lt. Daniel Kaffee, who is tasked with defending two Marines who are on trial for killing a fellow Marine. Although Lt. Kaffee usually takes the easy way out as an attorney by taking plea deals, he decides to take the case when it’s revealed that the Marines were following orders from their commanding officer.

The film is a realistic courtroom drama that eventually leads to an unforgettable confrontation between Lt. Kaffee and Col. Nathan R. Jessep, played by an unmatched Jack Nicholson, who delivers one of the most iconic lines in cinema history: “You can’t handle the truth!“

Beyond Cruise and Nicholson, A Few Good Men is chock-full of captivating performances from the likes of Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Keifer Sutherland, and others. The film also features a razor-sharp script penned by the acclaimed writer Aaron Sorkin, who creates perfectly paced dialogue and story. A Few Good Men is certainly one of the best Marine movies, as it accurately depicts some of the Marines’ most treasured virtues, such as honor and strength in the face of adversity.