Have you ever stopped to consider the stories behind the faces of military personnel you see in your daily lives? In the grocery, at a coffee shop nearby, in the hospital, or at the airport — no matter where they are, there’s one word that all of us can’t help but think of: sacrifice. The sacrifice these uniformed men and women have made is immeasurable, and it’s just right to honor them. This year’s Veteran’s Day is just around the corner, and one of the best and the easiest way to do so is by watching films that pay tribute to their service.
We’ve spent many days looking for the best movies we can recommend this upcoming Veterans’ Day, and we’re excited to finally share them with you. Most of them can be watched on most streaming platforms. All you need is a fast internet service provider and a capable streaming device — that’s it! So, without further ado, here are the 10 best movies to watch this upcoming Veterans’ Day 2024.
10. Pearl Harbor (2001)
Pearl Harbor is a 2001 historical war movie about the Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, which actually brought the US into World War II. The entire film is about two childhood friends, Rafe and Danny, who joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. Actually, it is a combination of war and romance, as they go through the devastating attack and the aftermath of this tragedy.
9. Dunkirk (2017)
If you like WWII movies, you cannot miss watching Dunkirk. It’s about the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, hence the movie title. The entire film circles around civilians, pilots, and a group of soldiers who are all trying to survive and escape from the enemies. The attention to detail and visuals are definitely a treat for the eyes. This movie will surely make you appreciate the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War II.
Since this became very popular during its release and even after that, you can actually watch this on on-demand streaming services and live TV, such as Netflix, DISH Latino, HBO Max, DIRECTV, Spectrum, and many more.
8. American Sniper (2014)
American Sniper is a movie about a Navy SEAL sniper named Chris Kyle who fought in Iraq. It gives us the experience of what it’s like to be a soldier in a war zone. You’ll see the dangers he faced and the tough decisions he had to make. There’s no doubt that the film is thrilling on its own, but what we truly appreciate in this film is that it makes you think about all the hard things soldiers go through on a daily basis.
7. Rescue Dawn (2006)
Rescue Dawn is a true story about a U.S. pilot named Dieter Dengler who was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War. He was captured and held prisoner for years, which is a terrifying experience to even think of. He was tortured and mistreated, but he never gave up hope. During his captivity, he met with other prisoners, including a group of fellow Americans. With abuse and malnutrition, they faced many challenges, which led them to plot an escape.
6. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
The first time we watched this movie on Netflix really hit the spot. It’s based on a Mitchell Zuckoff book, a true story of a group of American securty contractors who were stationed in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012 and the events of the attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound. What we really like this movie is the way it humanizes the characters. They’re not simply soldiers who’s fighting for the country – they’re husbands, fathers, friends, and real people who are facing a lot of challenges.
If you’re planning to stream this film, make sure to have high-speed internet so you can really enjoy it. If not, you’ll experience lags and delays. So if your current connection isn’t giving you the right speeds or stability, it’s worth checking out better plans like Metronet deals and the like for better streaming.
5. Black Hawk Down (2001)
If you like true story films, here’s another unforgettable war film that will stick with you for days. It’s based on the true story of a failed U.S. military mission of a group of elite soldiers in Somalia in 1993. The best part about the film in general is the way it highlighted the human cost of conflict. Aside from the struggles and sacrifices of the soldiers, we’ll also see the suffering of the civilians caught in the crossfire. It’s not just the soldiers on the front lines who are affected, it’s everyone.
4. The Great Raid (2005)
The Great Raid is a beautiful film about a daring rescue mission during World War II. American soldiers fought to free prisoners of war from a Japanese camp in the Philippines. We really liked this movie because of the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, and how teamwork and cooperation can make a big difference. The soldiers had to work together to succeed, which makes this an inspiring film that teaches a lot of life lessons.
3. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Hacksaw Ridge is a war film based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic in the U.S. Army during World War II. Despite refusing to carry a weapon, Doss displayed incredible bravery and courage on the battlefield, rescuing wounded soldiers under heavy fire. You will be completely blown away with his heroism, guaranteed.
2. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Saving Private Ryan is one of the most difficult war movies to watch, but it’s a must-see. It’s about a group of American soldiers who goes on a dangerous mission during WWII to save Private James Ryan after his three brothers died in action. It really shows the harsh reality of war, which will make you think about the sacrifices people made by soldiers. You’ll lose a brother, a friend, and you might even lose yourself in the process.
1. 1917 (2019)
1917 is a war film that takes place during World War I about two young British soldiers who were sent on a dangerous mission to deliver an important message across No Man’s Land. It might seem boring at first, well, in our experience, but the next thing you know is that you’re rooting for these soldiers to succeed. The long, unbroken shots create a sense of tension that’s hard to find in other war films.
Final Thoughts
Veterans’ Day is fast approaching, and even with our busy schedules, we shouldn’t forget to pay tribute to all the veterans and military personnel who are serving and have served our country and keep us safe. We can show our gratitude in many ways, but the most important thing is to remember their sacrifices. We hope you enjoy these movies as much as we did!
