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When it comes to Memorial Day, it’s important to remember that this isn’t just an excuse for a long weekend.
In 1971, it was officially designated as a national holiday that would place on the last Monday in May. The holiday is about honoring our fallen soldiers and remembering their heroic actions that allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have. In addition to participating in appropriate Memorial Day activities, watching war movies and military-themed films can be a somber reminder of the true meaning of the day.
While there aren’t many specific Memorial Day movies to watch, there are plenty of films that depict the stories and sacrifices of members serving in the U.S. military. From newer movies like Warfare and The Six Triple Eight to classics like Top Gun, these films all touch on themes that include romance, friendship and, of course, American life.
We rounded up the best Memorial Day movies for every kind of audience, including family-friendly movies that can help teach your kids about Memorial Day. No matter the case, you’re bound to find something inspiring that will leave you feeling more thankful than ever for our soldiers and our freedoms.
Warfare (2025)
Based on the real-life 2006 Battle of Ramadi, the movie follows Navy SEAL platoon Alpha One as they experience a harrowing encounter during the Iraq War. In a unique twist on moviemaking, the story is told as if the viewer is seeing it in real-time. And with an ensemble cast featuring Will Poulter, Kit Connor, Cosmo Jarvis and more, the performances feel every bit as real.
RELATED: 40 Must-Watch Historical Movies
A24
Tiger Cruise (2004)
This Disney movie that premiered two decades ago follows a young teenager (played by Hayden Panettiere) who is tired of following her Navy SEAL dad all over the world. When the duo decide to embark on a weeklong cruise for families of sailors, her world is changed forever by the events of September 11th.
Disney
Annapolis (2006)
James Franco and Tyrese Gibson star in a movie revolving around a young man named Jake Huard. A young adult who finds himself on the wrong side of the tracks, he is accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. While it seems like he may not necessarily make it through boot camp, it’s up to him to prove everyone wrong and become the man he hopes to be someday.
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
The Six Triple Eight (2024)
Directed by Tyler Perry and starring Kerry Washington, this biographical drama follows an all-female Black Army Corps unit in World War II. The group (called the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion) was sent overseas to help deliver correspondence to soldiers from their loved ones… but it came with challenges no one ever saw coming.
RELATED: Why Tyler Perry Was “Moved to Tears” by Kerry Washington
Netflix
12 Strong (2018)
Chris Hemsworth stars as Captain Mitch Nelson, a member of a small U.S. Special Forces team who gets deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11. As his unit is tasked with taking down a Taliban stronghold, the team has to overcome differences in cultures and build trust in order to make sure they accomplish their mission.
Warner Bros.
The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022)
Based on a memoir of the same name, Zac Efron plays John “Chickie” Donahue, a young veteran living during the time of the Vietnam War. As a way to lift his friends’ spirits while they’re still overseas, he decides to do something no one ever thought to do before. He sneaks into Vietnam in order to give his loved ones some beer.
Apple
Thank You For Your Service (2017)
Based on a book by Washington Post reporter David Finkel, Miles Teller plays one of a few young veterans struggling to adapt to civilian life after the Iraq War. As each storyline feels more harrowing than the next, the film has been praised for its portrayal of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Universal
The Last Full Measure (2019)
Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson and Sebastian Stan star in this war drama based on Vietnam War hero William H. Pitsenbarger, a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman who saved 60 men during a rescue mission in 1966. The movie follows fictional Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman (Sebastian Stan) who is tasked with investigating a posthumous Medal of Honor request 32 years after the event and ends up discovering a decades-long, high-level conspiracy cover-up related to William’s death.
Courtesy of IMDb
Taking Chance (2009)
In this historical TV movie based on a true story, Kevin Bacon stars as U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl. The film follows his experience as he accompanies the remains of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps after he’s fatally wounded in Baghdad during the Iraq war.
Courtesy of IMDb
Midway (2019)
Featuring a star-studded cast, including Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart and Dennis Quaid, Midway shares the stories of multiple military men and sailors who fought in the Battle of Midway, which is said to have been a major turning point for the Allies in World War II.
Courtesy of IMDb
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Academy Award winner Spike Lee directed this war film that follows four Black Vietnam War veterans who return to the country where their dear friend and squad leader died, in order to uncover gold they buried there years ago.
Netflix
Zero Dark Thirty (2013)
This deeply moving historical thriller shares the story of the hunt for terrorist al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks. Starring Jessica Chastain, the 2013 Best Picture winner follows the aftermath of the terrorist attacks and the journey to Osama’s death at the hands of Navy SEAL Team 6 in May 2011.
Courtesy IMDb
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
This 1942 biographical musical looks back on the life of George M. Cohan (James Cagney), a Broadway legend who wrote iconic patriotic songs like “Over There,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “The Yankee Doodle Boy” that are still well known today.
RELATED: 40 Memorial Day Songs to Add to Your Patriotic Playlist
IMDb
Act of Valor (2012)
This 2012 drama, which originally started out as a promo video to encourage folks to join the U.S. Navy, follows a team of Navy SEALs (Alex Veadov, Nestor Serrano and Emilio Rivera) as they travel to Manila to rescue a CIA Officer (Roselyn Sánchez) who has been kidnapped by a drug smuggler.
IMDb
Rescue Dawn (2006)
Christian Bale stars as U.S. fighter pilot Dieter Dengler, a German-American pilot who was shot down in Laos while on a mission during the Vietnam War in 1966. The movie is based on director Werner Herzog‘s 1997 documentary Little Dieter Needs to Fly, which shares a more in-depth look at the inspiring story.
IMDb
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Inspired by the 2004 documentary The Conscientious Objector, Andrew Garfield portrays Desmond Doss. Though he is involved in World War II, the combat medic stays true to his beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian and refuses to carry or use any kind of fire weapon. But this doesn’t take away from his bravery or strength.
IMDB
Top Gun (1986)
If you feel the need for speed, Top Gun is your best bet to stream on Memorial Day. Meet gutsy fighter pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise), who encounters both an epic romance and bromance. Who doesn’t love Goose (Anthony Edwards)?
RELATED: Will There Be a ‘Top Gun 3’ Film? Here’s Everything We Know So Far
IMDB
American Sniper (2014)
Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, American Sniper follows the life of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. Regarded as the most lethal sniper in military history, his story is one of triumph, anguish and love. It’s also a tribute to the late veteran, who was tragically murdered about two years before the film’s release.
IMDB
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
U.S. Navy Captain Pete Mitchell, known by his call sign Maverick (Tom Cruise), returns in this much-anticipated sequel where he’s faced with the task of training the most elite graduates of Top Gun while encountering those from his past, including old flames (Jennifer Connelly), friends (Val Kilmer) and the son of his late flying partner (Miles Teller).
IMDb
The Messenger (2009)
Starring Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, Samantha Morton, Steve Buscemi and Jena Malone, this film follows U.S. Army staff sergeant Will Montgomery, on leave from the Iraq War due to injury, as he struggles with being relocated to the branch’s Casualty Notification service.
IMDb
Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
We’ve all seen the iconic photo of the six men who raised the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima, but now we can watch the story come to life on screen. From Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg, Flags of Our Fathers showcases how these U.S. troops won a crucial World War II battle.
IMDB
Crimson Tide (1995)
Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) is forced to rebel against U.S. submarine Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) when a potential missile crisis leads the captain to make dangerous decisions Ron believes have the potential to start WWIII. The 1995 movie, set following the Cold War, is actually loosely based on an incident that occurred during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
IMDb
Greyhound (2020)
This 2020 movie is based on the 1955 novel The Good Shepherd. It tells the story of U.S. Navy Commander Ernest Krause (Tom Hanks), who, on his very first wartime mission, finds himself involved in the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest and biggest naval battle in history.
IMDb
Tigerland (2000)
Tigerland, named after a military fort built in Louisiana to mimic the heated, muggy jungles of Vietnam, shows what happens when a man who morally opposes war (Colin Farrell) has to adapt when he is drafted.
IMDb
Memorial Day (2012)
WWII veteran Bud (James Cromwell) shares stories from the war with his grandson Kyle (Jonathan Bennett), who discovers his footlocker. Bud has never spoken about his experiences in combat, yet he allows Kyle to choose any three souvenirs, and he explains the stories behind each one.
IMDB
M*A*S*H (1970)
A mix between a war movie and dark comedy, M*A*S*H follows a team of medical personnel (Donald Sutherland, Tom Skerritt, Elliott Gould, Sally Kellerman, Jo Ann Pflug and Robert Duvall) stationed at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War.
IMDb
1917 (2019)
This stunning Sam Mendes film sheds light on the journey of two courageous British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) during World War I. The duo are given a mission to cross enemy territory and deliver a message to stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers including Blake’s own brother.
Universal
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
Owen Wilson shows a side of himself audiences rarely see in this 2001 drama. After his plane is shot down in Bosnia during wartime, Lieutenant Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) discovers the government has been committing genocide during the Bosnian War. Although it’s not a biographical story, the movie was loosely inspired by U.S. Air Force Captain Scott O’Grady’s experiences when he was shot down in Bosnia in June 1955 and had to survive in enemy territory for six days before being rescued.
IMDb
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Steven Spielberg‘s Saving Private Ryan tells the story of U.S. Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his crew’s search for Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon). After surviving an attack, he’s the only paratrooper left alive. But even when he’s found, he doesn’t accept help easily.
IMDB
Lone Survivor (2013)
Based on U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell’s book of the same title, the biographical movie spotlights the real-life mission Operation Red Wings. Set during the War in Afghanistan, the team is tasked with tracking down a Taliban leader — but unforeseen obstacles get in their way.
IMDB
We Were Soldiers (2002)
A decade after the Vietnam biography book We Were Soldiers Once…and Young was first released, Mel Gibson stepped into the shoes of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, who has his 400 soldiers go up against 4,000. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t up for the challenge.
IMDB
Dunkirk (2017)
Christopher Nolan spotlighted the real-life Dunkirk evacuation during World War II. Viewers will immediately notice that the movie features limited dialogue, with an emphasis on music and cinematography. Dunkirk shares different perspectives from land, sea and air.
IMDB
Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
Clint Eastwood produced, directed and starred in perhaps the more modern version of Sands of Iwo Jima. In Heartbreak Ridge, the prolific Hollywood actor plays Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Highway, who hasn’t come to terms with retirement. Instead, he passes on his knowledge to a group of young men.
IMDB
Apocalypse Now (1979)
This classic film from Francis Ford Coppola follows U.S. Army Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) who sets out on a dangerous mission to kill U.S. Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlo Brando). The drama led to eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
IMDB
Megan Leavey (2017)
If the only thing you love more than action and adventure is dogs, then stream Megan Leavey on Memorial Day. The film is based on the true story of a marine corporal, played by Kate Mara, and her combat dog.
IMDB
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Bringing light to a long-forgotten mission in Somalia, this film follows U.S. forces attempting to kidnap two lieutenants working under a Somali warlord. It won two Oscars and received nods for Best Director and Best Cinematography.
IMDB
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Ron Kovic learned so much from being paralyzed on his second tour during the Vietnam War, mainly about the importance of peace. In this film inspired by his book, Tom Cruise portrays Ron navigating his feelings about patriotism.
IMDB
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
When Fred, Al and Homer return from World War II, adjusting to civilian life isn’t as seamless as they had anticipated. This classic film took home seven Oscars, including Best Picture.
IMDB
The Hurt Locker (2008)
You’ll need to catch your breath while watching this critically acclaimed film starring Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie. Professional bomb defusers have an important, extremely dangerous job, and no one was surprised to see the movie take home the Oscar for Best Picture.
RELATED: The Oscar Best Picture Winners Through the Years
IMDB
The Longest Day (1962)
For the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944, D-Day truly was the longest day. In the nearly six decades since its premiere, The Longest Day is considered one of the best World War II films of all time.
IMDB
Glory (1989)
Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman star in this Oscar-winning film about the first unit of Black soldiers who fought in the Civil War. Based on the true story of Robert Gould Shaw, there’s conflict and camaraderie in this powerful film.
IMDB
They Were Expendable (1945)
John Wayne stars as Lieutenant “Rusty” Ryan, a Navy commander fighting to show the efficacy of PT boats in World War II. Along with his pal Lieutenant Brickley (Robert Montgomery), they demonstrate how unstoppable they can be — though they may not be able to overcome their biggest challenge in the Philippines.
IMDB
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
John Krasinski plays as a former soldier working as part of a security team in Benghazi. When the U.S. ambassador’s compound is attacked, the team does all they can to protect their fellow Americans.
IMDB
Lincoln (2012)
Memorial Day was initially commemorated because of the Civil War, which took place during Abraham Lincoln‘s presidency. This film captures Daniel Day-Lewis portraying one of the most well-known U.S. presidents in history, as well as what happens on the battlefield.
IMDB
Darkest Hour (2017)
Gary Oldman gives a riveting performance as legendary British parliament leader Winston Churchill. The actor transforms himself into the Prime Minister and captures his tenacity during WWII as Hitler’s forces storm through European borders and endanger the lives of citizens Churchill vowed to protect.
IMDB
Fury (2014)
Brad Pitt‘s Fury dives into a deadly WWII mission to reach the center of Nazi Germany. Incredibly outnumbered, Don “Wardaddy” Collier leads a five-man crew in a Sherman tank to defeat the enemy.
IMDB
Pearl Harbor (2001)
Michael Bay‘s film uses a romantic triangle involving a beautiful Navy nurse, an Army fighter pilot and his childhood best friend to set the stage for the historic Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in this story of love, loss and freedom.
IMDB
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