Hollywood has given viewers many influential war-themed movies that have created equally iconic heroes. The world of military and war is uncertain, and even the best require discipline, empathy, virtues, and tact. Over the years, there have been many legendary movie characters that have shown their skill and smartness as military personnel. It has thus been proven that they would make trusted friends and partners on a battlefield. Here’s a list of 17 such exemplary military heroes.
**Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's perspective.**
1. Chief Petty Officer Casey Ryback from Under Siege
Portrayed by Steven Seagal, Casey Ryback is a former Navy SEAL who currently serves as the culinary specialist aboard the battleship USS Missouri. When a band of mercenaries, led by a rogue CIA operative, takes over the command of the ship, Ryback must go back into his SEAL mode and stop their deadly plans. Ryback is a tactical and smart military man who knows how to access and thwart danger. Seagal’s performance was also lauded.
2. Sergeant Elias from Platoon
Willem Dafoe plays Elias, who is the commander of a platoon during the Vietnam War. Elias differs from his arrogant colleagues who feel that young soldiers are beneath them. Instead, Elias holds out compassion towards his younger soldiers and uses his bravery to lead his team. He even stands up against his domineering Staff Sergeant. Elias molds the protagonist, Christ Taylor (Charlie Sheen), into an able army man, before tragically passing away in the movie.
3. Staff Sergeant William James from The Hurt Locker
Portrayed by Jeremy Renner, William James is a brave military man who replaces the former staff sergeant upon his death during the Iraq War. As the leader of the US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal, James believes in following his own ways, which causes skirmishes with his colleagues. But nonetheless, James knows how to tackle danger when it is needed since he is a natural leader. Renner was appreciated for his performance, and the movie is a renowned war movie.
4. Captain Steven Hiller from Independence Day
One of the most iconic characters from an equally iconic movie, Will Smith portrays Steven “Steve” Hiller. When an alien race attacks Earth, the US government decides to launch a counterattack on July 4. Steve’s mission is to accompany David (Jeff Goldblum), who has created a virus, and the two must infect the alien ship with it. Smith’s performance was lauded as he plays a smart military man who knows when to joke and when to get serious.
5. Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter from Crimson Tide
Denzel Washington always brings his A-game. He plays Ron Hunter in this action thriller that revolves around the clash between a US nuclear missile submarine commanding officer (Gene Hackman) and the executive officer, Hunter. The film is based on a real incident, and Washington brings realism and depth of character to the role. Hunter’s astuteness and clarity make his role engaging. The dynamic between the two characters keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the movie.
6. Captain Karen Walden from Courage Under Fire
This is one of the few movies where women are shown taking on courageous military roles. Meg Ryan does a compelling job of playing Karen Walden, whose bravery is questioned posthumously when a lieutenant colonel (Denzel Washington) is assigned to determine if she deserves to win a Medal of Honor. The movie has political intrigue, and Walden’s efforts show that she is a brave soldier who protects her team and can even sacrifice herself.
7. Ensign Zack Mayo from An Officer and a Gentleman
Richard Gere plays Zack Mayo, who trains at the US Navy Aviation Officer Candidate School. The movie is about how he falls in love and clashes with a hardened Marine Corps gunnery sergeant, who he trains under. Yet, Mayo rises above his struggles and the stain of having a drunkard father to become a disciplined and virtuous military man and even softens the heart of his sergeant. Mayo stands for his friends and is a loyal character.
8. Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump
Played by the talented Gary Sinise, Dan Taylor is a hardened soldier who leads a platoon during the Vietnam War. Taylor comes from a family of army men and therefore stands by his virtues. Even though he has a strict attitude, he cares for his team and even protects Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks). Unfortunately, when his legs get amputated, his sense of honor makes him feel shameful. Yet, he remains a true leader and friend to Forrest.
9. Lieutenant Pete Mitchell from Top Gun
Also known as Maverick, Pete Mitchell is played by Tom Cruise in one of the most famous movies of the 1980s. Maverick is a genius naval aviator who trains under the elite US Navy’s Fighter Weapons School. Yet, he gets into trouble for his attitude that does not believe in going by the books. When Maverick’s close friend dies in an aerial combat, he feels guilt and begins to reform himself. His character is loved for his relatability and amazing talent.
10. Private Trip from Glory
Denzel Washington plays Private Trip, who is a brave soldier from the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. As the first African-American army unit during the American Civil War, Trip is an ambitious member of the group who wants to prove himself. He also fights for his co army men and realizes that war and ranks mean nothing. The movie also highlights the brave sacrifices made by the 54th infantrymen during the siege of Fort Wagner.
11. Major Scott McCoy from The Delta Force
Essayed by Chuck Norris, Scott McCoy is the leader of an expert team of Special Operations Forces units. McCoy is a virtuous military man who believes in helping his unit, even if it goes against orders. He also detests political interference in the military. After he resigns, he is called back to help avert the crisis of a hijacking. McCoy displays skill and competence in a tense situation and shows leadership by working together with his team.
12. Colonel Dax from Paths of Glory
The classic Hollywood movie is a commentary on the way foot soldiers were treated by their superiors and the horrors of trench warfare. Kirk Douglas plays Colonel Dax, who goes against his colleagues to support his men and even stands for them when three of his men are accused of cowardice. He bravely points out the inability of field commanders, who blame soldiers for their faults. Even though he could not save his team, he stood by his principles.
13. Captain Jack Aubrey from Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe plays Jack Aubrey, who is a commander of the HMS Surprise. After the frigate is ambushed by a French privateer, Aubrey is told to return, but he goes against orders and tells his crew to repair their ship and launch a counterattack on the French ship. The movie explores the psychological effects of the crewmen from staying for long periods at sea and was critically acclaimed. Aubrey’s relentlessness and skills make him a brave seaman.
14. Captain John Miller from Saving Private Ryan
Set during World War II, John Miller is the captain of a group of soldiers who must save Private James Francis Ryan. Portrayed by Tom Hanks, Miller is shown as an apt leader who is concerned about the welfare of his team. He also keeps his soldiers together during moments of crucial significance. The movie was critically acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of battle scenes, and Miller is the ideal military leader to have.
15. Lieutenant A.K. Waters from Tears of the Sun
Played by Bruce Willis, A.K. Waters is a commander who leads a team of US Navy SEALS, while they are on a mission to rescue an American doctor from being ambushed by a rebel army. Waters is an admirable character who recognizes that there are serious patients under the care of the doctor and must also be protected. He hatches a clever plan to take out the enemies and shows his courage and empathy in the movie.
16. Don Collier from Fury
Also known as Wardaddy, Brad Pitt plays Don Collier, who is a hardened tank operator during World War II. He is ruthless against his enemies and does not hesitate to kill them. But he also has sympathy for his team and thinks about their well-being. As a man devoted to his principles, he decides to die honorably while fighting rather than avoiding the war. His character is an example of how war makes men aggressive.
17. John Rambo from Rambo: First Blood
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One of the most celebrated film franchises with one of the most iconic characters, Sylvester Stallone embodies the role of John Rambo. Rambo is a Vietnam war veteran, who is misunderstood by others and is hated by a corrupt sheriff. After a manhunt is issued to find him, he uses his skills and tactics, to fight for his survival. The movie brought Stallone into the limelight and Rambo’s character embodies strength, fortitude, and justice.
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