Military Action backdrop

Military Action movies

Combat missions and tactical operations: assaults, rescues, sieges, and coordinated teamwork under fire.

No Man's Land

1. No Man's Land

Action History War Military Action World War I
7.9
20011h 38min

Overview

Two soldiers from opposite sides get stuck between the front lines in the same trench. The UN is asked to free them and both sides agree on a ceasefire, but will they stick to it?

Themes

Frontline ethics, Neutral aid dilemma, Mutual distrust under pressure, Ceasefire fragility, Deception in wartime, Human cost of siege

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus

2. Godzilla vs. Megaguirus

Action Science Fiction Thriller Horror Alien Invasion Sci-Fi
6.0
20001h 45min

Overview

In an alternate timeline the original Godzilla is never defeated and repeatedly reemerges to feed on Japan's energy sources. A new inter-dimensional weapon called the Dimension Tide is created with the intent of eliminating Godzilla. However, the new weapon might also serve as a gateway to something far more sinister.

Themes

Energy-source dependence, Uncontrolled weapon development, Crisis sparked by experimentation, Technological arms race, Ecosystem disruption and infestation, State power vs public safety

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Patriot

3. The Patriot

Drama History War Action Historical Event
7.2
20002h 45min

Overview

After proving himself on the field of battle in the French and Indian War, Benjamin Martin wants nothing more to do with such things, preferring the simple life of a farmer. But when his son Gabriel enlists in the army to defend their new nation, America, against the British, Benjamin reluctantly returns to his old life to protect his son.

Themes

Patriotism under pressure, Guerrilla warfare ethics, Family resilience under war, Cost of violence, Loyalist rebel conflict, Foreign aid and alliance

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

U-571

4. U-571

War Action Adventure World War II Military Action
6.6
20001h 56min

Overview

In the midst of World War II, the battle under the sea rages and the Nazis have the upper hand as the Allies are unable to crack their war codes. However, after a wrecked U-boat sends out an SOS signal, the Allies realise this is their chance to seize the 'enigma coding machine'.

Themes

Leadership under pressure, Wartime deception, Alliance risk, Clandestine operations, Moral ambiguity of war, Trust under fire, Code secrecy

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Ronin

5. Ronin

Action Thriller Crime Military Action Organized Crime
7.2
19982h 2min

Overview

A briefcase with undisclosed contents – sought by Irish terrorists and the Russian mob – makes its way into criminals' hands. An Irish liaison assembles a squad of mercenaries, or 'ronin', and gives them the thorny task of recovering the case.

Themes

Loyalty vs self-interest, Deception and betrayal, Risk and consequence, Trust under scrutiny, Mercenary ethics under pressure, Power and money dynamics

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Starship Troopers

6. Starship Troopers

Adventure Action Thriller Science Fiction Military Action
7.3
19972h 9min

Overview

Set in the future, the story follows a young soldier named Johnny Rico and his exploits in the Mobile Infantry. Rico's military career progresses from recruit to non-commissioned officer and finally to officer against the backdrop of an interstellar war between mankind and an arachnoid species known as "the Bugs."

Themes

Propaganda and enlistment ethics, Militaristic regime authority, Institutional control and obedience, Citizenship through service, Urban devastation and loss, Sacrifice as strategy

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Independence Day

7. Independence Day

Action Adventure Science Fiction Alien Invasion Sci-Fi Military Action
7.0
19962h 25min

Overview

Strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived. Its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.

Themes

Unity under external threat, Collective resilience under invasion, Scientific problem solving, Patriotic mobilization, Sacrifice and resilience, Leadership under crisis

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Rock

8. The Rock

Action Adventure Thriller Military Action Political Thriller
7.4
19962h 17min

Overview

When vengeful General Francis X. Hummel seizes control of Alcatraz Island and threatens to launch missiles loaded with deadly chemical weapons into San Francisco, only a young FBI chemical weapons expert and notorious Federal prisoner have the skills to penetrate the impregnable island fortress and take him down.

Themes

Duty vs loyalty, Nerve gas threat, Island prison siege, Terrorist threat dynamics, Chemical weapons ethics, Hostage situation pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Hunt for Red October

9. The Hunt for Red October

Action Adventure Thriller Military Action Political Thriller
7.5
19902h 15min

Overview

A new technologically-superior Soviet nuclear sub, the Red October, is heading for the U.S. coast under the command of Captain Marko Ramius. The American government thinks Ramius is planning to attack. Lone CIA analyst Jack Ryan has a different idea: he thinks Ramius is planning to defect, but he has only a few hours to find him and prove it - because the entire Russian naval and air commands are trying to find Ramius, too. The hunt is on!

Themes

Defection under pressure, Nuclear submarine secrecy, Cia analyst burden, Intelligence ambiguity, Cold war paranoia, Submarine loyalty vs duty

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.