Are you looking for the best Vietnam War movies? Look no further! Here are the ten best films that show the horrors of the war yet portray it realistically and honestly:
10. Casualties of War (1989)
With outstanding performances from Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn, the movie is a gripping examination of heavily caught up in the moral dilemma of the Vietnam War.
9. We Were Soldiers (2002)
Although a little bit cliché, this movie succeeded in exploring both sides of the war, from both the perspectives of the Americans and the Vietcong, creating an intense and constantly chaotic situation.
8. Rescue Dawn (2006)
Rescue Dawn is a compelling tale that follows Christian Bale in this true-to-life story of Deiter Dengler, a Navy pilot that was shut down during a classified mission and was tortured for six months before his rescue. Unlike traditional films, it follows the pacing and irony of real life, making it an unpredictable and intense movie.
7. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Good Morning Vietnam is a well-calibrated comedy-drama set amidst the Vietnam War, starring Robin Williams.
Although the film emphasizes the comedy aspect throughout the movie, it adds drama to reflect the backdrop of the war. This is indeed a clever film that captivates William’s performance and is one of his best roles.
6. Forest Gump (1994)
Although technically a Vietnam War film with merely twenty minutes set during the controversial proxy war, this movie exemplifies so many meanings during the iconic scene and portrays it realistically.
5. Born on The Fourth of July (1989)
This underrated war film stars Tom Cruise in his unforgettable Oscar-nominated performance. The second film of this Vietnam trilogy, Born of the Fourth of July, is a dramatic, ambitious film that vividly portrays the iconic war.
4. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
In 1987, film director Kubrick turned his attention to the Vietnam War with Full Metal Jacket, a tightly constructed, claustrophobic film.
The movie is like two separate films. The first part tells the rigors of the boot camp off Parris Island. The second part is a story about a marine who gets his wish to fight in the Battle of Hue.
3. Platoon (1986)
This is an influential classic brilliantly portrayed with entertaining action scenes and fine performances from Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger.
It follows the story of a college student, Chris Taylor, who leaves his studies and enlists instead for combat duty. However, his idealistic hopes soon get trumped as he faces inhumanity and suffering.
2. The Deer Hunter (1978)
This movie has a powerful take on the Vietnam War, with some fantastic performances from Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep. Despite the long running time, this movie is a dramatic, harrowing examination of the Vietnam War.
1. Apocalypse Now (1979)
This captures the horrors of the war in a visually stunning fashion, supported by beautiful cinematography and first-class performances. The movie delivered a brilliant masterwork, bursting with mystical, hallucinatory images.
Indeed, an epic spectacle of a movie and a masterpiece not to be forgotten.