6. Inglourious Basterds
Quentin Tarantino at his finest…that is “violence for violence sake.” But it’s brilliantly done and such a unique film. You’ll be crying, laughing, and cringing all the way through. Another film set in WWII, only this time in Nazi-occupied France. The Jewish-American guerrillas, or “Basterds,” execute a plan to assassinate Nazi leaders. Plus, Brad Pitt. And so much more…
Tissue scale: 1
Favorite Quote:
“I’ve done my share of bootlegging. Up ‘ere, if you engage in what the federal government calls ‘illegal activity,’ but what we call ‘just a man tryin’ to make a livin’ for his family sellin’ moonshine liquor,’ it behooves oneself to keep his wits. Long story short, we hear a story too good to be true…it ain’t.”
7. American Sniper
Oh my goodness, talk about heart-wrenching. This is based on the real life story of patriot Chris Kyle, Navy SEAL sniper. It parallels his incredible efficiency in war with his struggling family at home. His wife and kids are fighting for him, but he just can’t shake what he has experienced. So many of us can understand that feeling, making this movie so relatable to our military lives. I know I left the theatre unable to speak for a good hour, just letting this incredible story sink in.
Tissue scale: 10
Favorite Quote:
“I was just protecting my guys, they were trying to kill…our soldiers and I… I’m willing to meet my Creator and answer for every shot that I took…The thing that…haunts me are all the guys that I couldn’t save.”
8. Top Gun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN8ze3S0Uj8
The music. The jokes. Tom Cruise. Oh, what a classic. We all know Top Gun. What better day to watch it again than Veterans Day! Follow these daring pilots on an adventure of a lifetime. Oh, Maverick… <3
Tissue scale: 2
Favorite Quote:
“Maverick, you just did an incredibly brave thing. (Pause) What you should have done was land your plane! You don’t own that plane! The taxpayers do! Son, your ego is writing checks your body can’t cash!”
9. A Few Good Men
Tom Cruise, again?! What can we say. The ’80s and ’90s were so good to him. This movie is a little bit different; the action takes place in the courtroom rather than on the battlefield. Marines against the world. Drama, intrigue, thrill. This is such a good one…
Tissue scale: 1
Favorite Quote:
“I strenuously object?” Is that how it works? Hm? “Objection.” “Overruled.” “Oh, no, no, no. No, I STRENUOUSLY object.” “Oh. Well, if you strenuously object then I should take some time to reconsider.”
10. An Officer and a Gentleman
Young love. Oh, we’ve all been there. Zach signs up for the Navy Aviation Officer Candidate School, but he has to decide what he really wants out of life. With the help of his new love Paula. This movie is *not* for kids. But it’s definitely an epic military tale of genuine love and patriotism.
Tissue scale: 5
Favorite Quote:
“Oklahoma? Only TWO THINGS come outta Oklahoma, steers and queers. Which one are you boy? I don’t see any horns!”
11. Unbroken
This is an incredible true story directed by Angelina Jolie. It’s a story of courage. One young man, Louis Zamperini, learns he has strength within him that is rare among men. After becoming an Olympic champion, he serves his country and nearly dies in a plane crash. Through his trials in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, we see his strength beaten, bruised, and burned, but never broken.
Tissue scale: 9
Favorite Quote:
“You hit this one, drinks are on me.” “I ain’t going to a bar with you, handsome. You confuse all the broads.”
I could only pick 11, but there are SO many more. What military movie means the most to you? Share in the comments!
