Top 10 Best Military Training Movies
Some of the most intense, character-driven, and psychologically demanding military movies don't take place on the battlefield at all. Instead, they focus on the grueling training that turns recruits into soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. These are movies where at least half the story is about boot camp, officer training, or some other military preparation rather than actual combat. For example, We Were Soldiers includes a significant amount of training, but since most of the film takes place in a war zone, it's ultimately more about the battle than the training itself. The movies on this list, however, put the focus squarely on the process of shaping raw recruits into disciplined warriors.Training sequences in these films aren't just about push-ups, drills, and shouting drill instructors. They explore the physical and mental endurance required to serve, the bonds formed under extreme pressure, and the conflicts that arise when individuals are pushed to their limits. Some portray the brutality of boot camp, showing the dehumanizing aspects of military training. Others highlight the camaraderie and personal growth that come from overcoming extreme challenges.
Hands-down the best boot camp scenes of any movie in history, you'll be laughing and crying at the same time in this movie. Not billed as a comedy, the first half (the training portion) was almost entirely unscripted. If it weren't for the lesser-watched second half of the movie (the actual war part), this movie would be in the top spot.
When you have an actual, Vietnam-era, former Marine Corps Drill Instructor playing the part of the Drill Instructor, it does not get any more real than that! Those are at least my father's words who was drafted into the Marine Corps during Vietnam. He was amazed that Hollywood finally got it right.
The most intriguing movie ever. Highly inspiring and motivating, this movie is by far one of the best fictionalized cinematic depictions of the air force.
Homo-eroticism aside, Top Gun single-handedly led to an influx of recruits into the military. It has all the adrenaline you could ask for.
While there still is a double standard between men and women in the military, this movie's choice to portray a strong female lead rebelling against hypocrisy is a welcome message.
Arguably Colin Farrell's best movie, Tigerland is a diamond in the rough when it comes to military training movies. Emotionally charged scenes, philosophy, and plenty of action make this a great all-around choice.
The best military training movie, in my opinion, and one of the best Colin Farrell movies.
While there is combat in this movie, even when the war begins, life is mostly a series of exercises for these soldiers. In the war but not in the fight, life is nothing but wasted time and endless training scenarios for these troops.
Iconic scenes from this movie have been played out in pop culture ever since it was released. A relatively accurate portrayal of life in OCS that the Navy wasn't exactly pleased with.
Sci-fi in nature, this movie based on the best-selling book of the same name, is one of the few military movies with kids in the starring roles. What child or young adult wouldn't want to take part in the zero-G training scenarios these kids engage in?
Very touching movie, a movie on perseverance, faith and bravery. I watched it over four times and still shed tears.
An interesting account of life during boot camp but not always on base, this movie captures the human side of new recruits getting ready to ship off to war.
The Newcomers
A tried and true rendition of an old soldier put out to pasture trying his best to impart the knowledge of years to a batch of unruly new officers. Commanding both respect and fear toward a bygone era (some say), this movie will get you thinking about the past, and future, of war.
Based on a true story, this film is heartbreaking and triumphant at the same time. Showing a side of the military that often goes unnoticed, Men of Honor captures the civil rights struggle of a group required to fight for a freedom they do not enjoy.
