20 Military movies that captured the brotherhood of soldiers perfectly 

Soldiers in the military devote their lives to us. They leave the comfort and warmth of their family and home and dedicate their lives to safeguarding the civilians from every threat possible. When you are constantly dealing with such life-and-death situations every day, your co-soldiers become not only your friends but also your brothers. The storyline of some films has actually succeeded in portraying that spirit of fraternity. Here is a list of 20 movies showcase the bond that forms between soldiers who rely on each other.

20) The Outpost

The Outpost is a movie about the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh during the Afghanistan War. It is about a group of soldiers who got stuck in a valley surrounded by steep mountains, which hosted the enemy group. The movie shows how the soldiers stuck by each other during this tension-filled event. With themes of sacrifice and loyalty, this movie is a homage to not only the bond between soldiers on a mission but also the hardships they endure as a part of their duty to the nation.

19) Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

It is a popular South Korean film about two brothers who had to be enlisted in the South Korean army against their will. The movie shows the bond of brotherhood between the two brothers, firstly as family members and then as comrades fighting together. The movie even brings forward the corruption and dehumanization that takes place during wartime. This also shows how a soldier's willingness to sacrifice everything is in stark contrast to the selfishness of those sitting in higher positions.

18) Three Kings

Three Kings, starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, and Spike Jonze, is about a group of soldiers on a mission to recover a stolen treasure in Kuwait. But what was supposed to be a simple retrieval turns out to be a fight for the lives of a lot of civilians. The movie showcases the main theme of unity that arises between these personnel as they undergo similar challenges. The movie also shows how above everything, a soldier's main duty is to watch over the civilians.

17) Flags of Our Fathers

The 2006 war film, Flags of Our Fathers, directed by Clint Eastwood, is a story of six people on a mission in World War II. The movie follows their life, not only during the events of the war but also their post-war experiences and the trauma it brings to them for the rest of their life. The movie shows how the bonds developed on the battlefield last for a lifetime and the reality of survivor's guilt. The movie also shows the physical, emotional, and psychological cost of war and how heroism is nothing but propaganda.

16) Legends of the Fall

The 1994 film Legends of the Fall has a number of well-known actors. The main cast of the film includes Henry Thomas, Aidan Quinn, Brad Pitt, and Anthony Hopkins, among others. The movie is about three brothers living with their father, who is a colonel. The movie follows the lives of the three brothers as they enlist to fight in World War I and how they discover the reality and the true cost of war together as one of their brothers dies.

15) All Quiet on the Western Front

The movie—All Quiet on The Western Front—is a harrowing adaptation of a novel by Erich Maria Remarque about the German involvement in World War I. The movie follows the life of a young German soldier, who has enlisted himself to fight in the war after being inspired by the tales of the war heroes, but soon his illusion is shattered by the brutal reality of warfare. The movie focuses on the close bond he develops with his fellow comrades and the trauma he incurs after their tragic death.

14) Lone Survivor

The movie, Lone Survivor, is a memoir authored by Marcus Luttrell. The movie follows his life when he was on a mission working as a Navy SEAL in Afghanistan in 2005. One of the incidents involves the Taliban capturing this four-man team. The movie accurately portrays the themes of brotherhood and sacrifice. It shows how working together has created an unbreakable bond between these soldiers and how they were completely prepared to sacrifice their lives to save the other person.

13) Fury

This 2014 movie starring Brad Pitt, Shia LeBeouf, Jon Bernthal, and Logan Lerman is about a group operating a tank during Nazi Germany. The movie is about the bond that develops between these crew members because of their shared suffering. All of them come from different backgrounds, but it is the need for survival that brings them together. The movie highlights the true brutality of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers.

12) Platoon

Platoon is a 1986 film directed by Oliver Stone. The movie has won 4 Academy Awards and is considered a classic film. The movie is about a young college dropout who volunteers to fight in the Vietnam War. But soon his idealistic illusion of war is replaced by the brutality it brings. The movie follows his platoon and how it is the unity between these comrades in a platoon that makes a side strong. The loyalty and trust between the soldiers is the driving force of the Army.

11) Black Hawk Down

Black Hawk Down is a 2001 military film. The movie is about a group of soldiers on a mission to capture a Somali warlord's senior lieutenants. The film follows this group of elite soldiers as they undergo a 15-hour battle to survive. The film shows the connections that develop between the soldiers when they are fighting for their survival amidst chaos. It shows the importance of mutual dependence during these times and highlights the virtue of selflessness among the soldiers.

10) Hacksaw Ridge

Hacksaw Ridge is a film based on true events, directed by none other than Mel Gibson. The movie is about Desmond Doss, who serves as a combat medic during World War II. The film follows his life through his enlistment in the army and the events that unfold when his unit is sent to the battle of Okinawa. The movie shows the faith and conviction the soldiers harbor when fighting for survival. It also draws upon themes of brotherhood and respect between the soldiers.

9) The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker is about an explosive ordnance disposal team during the Iraq War. This film picked up 6 Academy Awards, including those of Best Picture, Best Director, and also Best Original Screenplay. The movie shows how these officers operate during pressured situations when diffusing a bomb during moments of high risk. It also works on focusing on the theme of brotherhood that develops between soldiers when they are living in isolation away from their friends and family and only have each other.

8) American Sniper

Starring Bradley Cooper, the movie American Sniper is an autobiography of the US Navy SEAL sniper—Chris Kyle. The movie follows Chris Kyle's experience during the Iraq War and the impact it had on his life since then. It explores the connection that developed between Kyle and his fellow soldiers and the loyalty that filled their hearts as they served together in the army. The movie also shows how the soldiers viewed each other as brothers and often put their own safety on the line for each other.

7) 1917

1917 is a film set during World War I. It is about two British soldiers and their dangerous journey on a mission to save a battalion from a trap. The movie shows the brutality of war and the futility that follows. The movie also focused on the brotherhood and sacrifice that develops between soldiers on a mission together. It shows the loyalty that arises and how it is a comrade’s honor to sacrifice their life for the greater good of their companions.

6) Dunkirk

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk is a film about the evacuation of British Allied Troops from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II. Through three different narratives, this movie is a result of unique cinematography, filled with plot twists. It is a film about survival and heroism and how small moments can be a matter of life and death during war. The movie also shows the power of collective action, and how a shared purpose between strangers makes them brothers for life.

5) Apocalypse Now

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 film based on a novel called Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. The film is based on the Vietnam War and follows the life of US Army Captain Benjamin Willard. This movie is considered one of the most influential war films, as it truly captures the essence of madness during wartime. Besides the theme of corruption, violence, and self-discovery, the movie also concentrates on themes of fragile brotherhood that arise during these challenging times.

4) Inglourious Basterds

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 Quentin Tarantino film that is mostly fiction but also takes inspiration from the real-life events happening during World War II. Through the use of multiple storylines, the film is about a group of Jewish American soldiers on the mission to kill a Nazi officer. This movie is about revenge and justice and how a shared purpose gives rise to loyalty. The movie is a clever take on the fraternity that develops between groups of soldiers because of their common desire to seek vengeance.

3) Top Gun

The movie, Top Gun, gives a creative insight into the brotherhood between soldiers. Starring Tom Cruise, the movie is about a group of US Navy fighter pilots who have studied together in the prestigious Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapon School. In the movie we get to see the common themes of competition, camaraderie, personal growth, loyalty, and selflessness that arise between this group of soldiers. With its mind-blowing soundtrack, this film remains a fan favorite to this day.

2) The Covenant

The 2023 film, The Covenant, directed by Guy Ritchie, is an action drama about the US military's involvement in Afghanistan. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, this film is about a unit ambushed by the Taliban, who risk their lives to carry an injured fellow soldier with them to safety. The film has some great action-filled sequences and also moments of great emotional depth. It shows how people from different cultural, religious and national backgrounds can work together as brothers on the border.

1) Saving Private Ryan

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan is considered one of the best military films. The movie is about Captain John H. Miller, who is given the mission to bring home safely Private Ryan from France which is under attack by German Forces. The film is a great take on sacrifice and duty and the value of every civilian life to soldiers. This film is a very realistic portrayal of the unspoken brotherhood and camaraderie between soldiers and then the personal cost of that brotherhood.