In the 1960s and 70s, the United States was embroiled in a controversial and devastating war in Vietnam. The impact of this conflict continues to be felt today, not only on a global scale but also within the world of cinema. From critically acclaimed dramas to action-packed thrillers, movies about the Vietnam War have captivated audiences for decades, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who fought and the lasting effects of war.
1. Point Man (2018)
Deep in the heart of war-torn Vietnam, a group of soldiers find themselves abandoned by their own platoon. Fueled by anger and a thirst for revenge, the trio sets out on a journey through treacherous enemy territory.
2. We Were Soldiers (2002)
As the war rages on, both soldiers and their wives are faced with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The first major battle of the American phase of the Vietnam War looms over them, a looming threat that has already claimed countless lives.
3. Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor (2011)
In 1968, fourteen young men and one Corpsman left their homes to become Marines. Little did they know the journey that awaited them – a harrowing 77-day siege at Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War.
4. Ambush (2023)
In an unexpected turn of events, a US Army squad finds themselves ambushed in a small outpost. As their options quickly dwindle, they must make the decision to take the battle underground. It’s a high-stakes mission that will push them to their limits and force them to face a new type of warfare.
5. The Vietnam War (2017)
Take a journey through history unlike any other as you dive into the captivating and thought-provoking tale of The Vietnam War. Ken Burns and Lynn Novick have masterfully crafted a film that sheds new light on this tumultuous period, painting a vivid picture with the voices of nearly 100 witnesses.
6. Heaven & Earth (1993)
The final installment of Oliver Stone’s Vietnam trilogy tells the true story of a young Vietnamese girl who endures unimaginable pain and struggles during and after the devastating war. From a fighter for freedom to a struggling hustler, from a new mother to a part-time prostitute, and finally as the wife of an American marine, this girl’s journey reflects the larger narrative of Vietnam as a woman and the United States as a man.
7. The Last Full Measure (2019)
In the midst of one of the most turbulent times in American history, a young man named William H. Pitsenbarger rose to become a hero. As a USAF Pararescue medic during the Vietnam War, he selflessly saved over sixty men from the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. But it was his final act that solidified his place in history, as he made the ultimate sacrifice in one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
8. Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan (2019)
The rain was relentless, soaking the soldiers to their core as they trudged through the muddy and battered rubber plantation known as Long Tan. Major Harry Smith led his company of 108 young Australian and New Zealand soldiers with determination, despite facing an overwhelming enemy force of 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese fighters. Inexperienced but brave, these men fought for their lives in the late afternoon of August 18, 1966.
9. Before the Fall (2004)
Phnom Penh, once a bustling city full of life and culture, now lies under the shadow of war. As the Vietnam War comes to an end, the town is on the brink of falling into the hands of Khmer Rouge guerrilla forces. The only thing standing in their way is the last remaining US troops.
10. PLATOON (1986)
Chris Taylor, a young soldier thrust into the chaos of war, struggles to find his place among the hardened veterans of his platoon. As he navigates through the harsh realities of combat in Vietnam, he begins to question the very nature of humanity and the duality that exists within each individual.
