Hacksaw Ridge is a powerful war drama that tells the incredible true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II. If you enjoyed the intense, emotional, and inspirational aspects of this film, you’ll love these 19 movies that capture similar themes of heroism and the human spirit. Discover more about Hacksaw Ridge here.
1. Saving Private Ryan
query=Saving+Private+Ryan+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Saving+Private+Ryan+trailer
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this war epic follows Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad as they search for Private James Ryan (Matt Damon) during World War II. The film is renowned for its realistic portrayal of combat and the emotional depth of its characters.
2. Fury
query=Fury+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fury+trailer
Fury stars Brad Pitt as a tank commander leading his crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines during the final days of World War II. The film offers a gritty and intense look at the camaraderie and horrors of war.
3. Dunkirk
query=Dunkirk+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dunkirk+trailer
Directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk depicts the harrowing evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, France. The film features an ensemble cast including Fionn Whitehead, Tom Hardy, and Kenneth Branagh, and is praised for its immersive and suspenseful storytelling.
4. 1917
query=1917+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=1917+trailer
1917 follows two young British soldiers, played by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, who are tasked with delivering a crucial message to prevent a deadly attack during World War I. The film is known for its unique continuous-shot style that adds to its intense and immersive experience.
5. Lone Survivor
query=Lone+Survivor+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Lone+Survivor+trailer
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Lone Survivor is based on the true story of a Navy SEAL team on a mission to capture a Taliban leader in Afghanistan. The film highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, offering a gripping and emotional narrative.
6. Black Hawk Down
query=Black+Hawk+Down+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Black+Hawk+Down+trailer
Black Hawk Down recounts the real-life Battle of Mogadishu, where U.S. soldiers faced intense combat in Somalia. The film features an ensemble cast including Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Eric Bana, and is celebrated for its realistic depiction of modern warfare.
7. American Sniper
query=American+Sniper+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=American+Sniper+trailer
Directed by Clint Eastwood, American Sniper stars Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. The film explores Kyle’s life, both on the battlefield and at home, offering a poignant look at the impact of war on soldiers and their families.
8. The Thin Red Line
query=The+Thin+Red+Line+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Thin+Red+Line+trailer
The Thin Red Line is a philosophical war film directed by Terrence Malick, focusing on the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. The film features an ensemble cast including Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, and Nick Nolte, and is known for its contemplative and poetic approach to the subject of war.
9. We Were Soldiers
query=We+Were+Soldiers+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=We+Were+Soldiers+trailer
Starring Mel Gibson, We Were Soldiers tells the story of the first major battle between the United States and North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. The film highlights the bravery and leadership of Lt. Col. Hal Moore and the soldiers under his command.
10. The Hurt Locker
query=The+Hurt+Locker+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Hurt+Locker+trailer
The Hurt Locker is a gripping depiction of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team during the Iraq War. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the film stars Jeremy Renner as a bomb disposal expert who faces the constant threat of death while dealing with the psychological toll of war.
11. Platoon
query=Platoon+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Platoon+trailer
Directed by Oliver Stone, Platoon is a raw and unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War, based on Stone’s own experiences. The film stars Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger, and is celebrated for its realistic depiction of the chaos and moral ambiguity of combat.
12. Glory
query=Glory+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Glory+trailer
Glory tells the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units to fight in the Civil War. Starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman, the film highlights the bravery and struggles of the soldiers as they fight for freedom and equality.
13. Flags of Our Fathers
query=Flags+of+Our+Fathers+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Flags+of+Our+Fathers+trailer
Directed by Clint Eastwood, Flags of Our Fathers focuses on the Battle of Iwo Jima and the iconic photograph of soldiers raising the American flag. The film delves into the lives of the men behind the image, exploring themes of heroism and the impact of war on their lives.
14. Unbroken
query=Unbroken+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Unbroken+trailer
Unbroken is based on the true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who becomes a WWII bombardier and is later captured by the Japanese. Directed by Angelina Jolie, the film stars Jack O’Connell and highlights Zamperini’s resilience and determination to survive.
15. The Pianist
query=The+Pianist+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Pianist+trailer
Directed by Roman Polanski, The Pianist tells the harrowing true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Jewish pianist who survives the Holocaust. Starring Adrien Brody, the film is a poignant and powerful depiction of human endurance and the horrors of war.
16. Enemy at the Gates
query=Enemy+at+the+Gates+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Enemy+at+the+Gates+trailer
Enemy at the Gates is set during the Battle of Stalingrad in WWII and follows the intense sniper duel between Soviet Vasily Zaitsev (Jude Law) and German Major König (Ed Harris). The film captures the brutality of war and the personal battles fought within it.
17. Hacksaw Ridge
query=Hacksaw+Ridge+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Hacksaw+Ridge+trailer
Directed by Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a conscientious objector who served as a medic during WWII and saved 75 men without firing a single shot. The film is an inspiring tale of courage and faith.
18. War Horse
query=War+Horse+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=War+Horse+trailer
War Horse is directed by Steven Spielberg and follows the journey of a horse named Joey and his young owner, Albert, during World War I. The film is a touching story of friendship and perseverance amidst the backdrop of war.
19. The Bridge on the River Kwai
query=The+Bridge+on+the+River+Kwai+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Bridge+on+the+River+Kwai+trailer
Directed by David Lean, The Bridge on the River Kwai is a classic war film that tells the story of British prisoners of war forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors during WWII. Starring Alec Guinness and William Holden, the film explores themes of duty, honor, and the futility of war.
