6 Great Films Depicting Inspiring Real Life American Military Leaders
From the Civil War through Vietnam, these movies depict some of history's greatest. Also check out these 6 books to learn more.
Nothing is more inspiring than selfless-service, those who offer their all in the service of others—out of virtue. Movies are not reality. They are most inspiring, not when we are served up superheroes like Shazam (2023) who best CGI characters on the screen, but when films deliver performances that most closely portray real-life heroes who reflect the best that any of us could ever hope to be.
So here is a list of truly inspiring military heroics from cinema that are based on true life service and sacrifice.
6. Patton (1970)
In real life, the real General George S. Patton looked and talked nothing like the actor George C. Scott’s portrayal of the World War II hero in the film. Here is a clip of an actual speech by Patton:
Still, there is no question that this Oscar-winning film captured the spirit, complexity, and courage of one of World War II’s greatest generals.
If you are interested in learning more about the real general, read Carlo D’este’s Patton: a Genius for War (1996).
5. Lincoln (2012)
There wouldn’t be an America today if it weren’t for Abraham Lincoln’s wartime leadership and his vision of how to bridge the gap between civilian and military leaders, moving from disaster to victory. Daniel Day-Lewis does as good a job as any actor could in capturing the leadership of Lincoln.
If you want to read more about the remarkable relationship between Lincoln and his generals go to Eliot Cohen, Supreme Command: Soldiers, Statesmen, and Leadership in Wartime (2003).
4. A Bridge Too Far (1977)
In the middle of one the biggest disasters of World War II occurred one of the most extraordinary acts of military leadership. Robert Redford portrays Major Julian Cook who led a river crossing assault into the teeth of enemy fire because the Americans just had to get to the other side no matter what the cost.
Redford was reportedly paid two million dollars, a fair amount more that Cook got paid to do it for real—still Redford’s acting is a moving tribute to an incredible act of courage.
Read the book by Cornelius Ryan (1995).
3. We Were Soldiers (2001)
Mel Gibson is Harold G. Moore leading American troops into their first big battle during the Vietnam War.
The film is a faithful account of the real battle described in Moore’s memoir We Were Soldiers Once...and Young: Ia Drang - The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam (2004).
2. Gettysburg (1993)
There are two unforgettable performances in this film, Sam Elliott as General John Bufford and Jeff Daniels as Colonel Joshua Chamberlain. The actions of both leaders were crucial to the Union victory in perhaps the most important battle of the Civil War.
The film as adapted from the book Killer Angels (1987).
1. To Hell and Back (1955)
There was no more courageous hero in World War II than Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier of the conflict. In the film, he is portrayed by, wait for it, Audie Murphy. True. After the war, Murphy went on to careers as a movie star and country western singer.
See The Price of Valor: The Life of Audie Murphy, America's Most Decorated Hero of World War II by David Smith (2015).
