If you were captivated by the intense action, heart-wrenching drama, and themes of brotherhood and sacrifice in the 2023 film The Covenant, you’re probably craving more movies that deliver a similar powerful punch. War films have a unique way of immersing us in the harrowing realities faced by soldiers on and off the battlefield, and when done right, they leave a lasting impact that lingers long after the credits roll.
To help you find your next adrenaline-fueled watch, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best movies like The Covenant. From modern classics to underrated gems, these films will take you on an unforgettable journey through the triumphs and tragedies of war. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride.
1. American Sniper (2014)
Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, American Sniper tells the true story of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. The film follows Kyle through his four tours of duty in Iraq, showcasing not only his incredible skill and bravery but also the psychological toll that war takes on soldiers and their families.
What sets American Sniper apart is its unflinching portrayal of the moral complexities of war. Cooper delivers a tour-de-force performance as Kyle, capturing both his unwavering dedication to his country and his struggle to readjust to civilian life. With pulse-pounding action sequences and a deeply emotional core, this film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed The Covenant.
2. The Hurt Locker (2008)
Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Hurt Locker is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the film follows a team of elite bomb disposal experts during the Iraq War, focusing on the maverick Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner) and his unconventional approach to the job.
What makes The Hurt Locker so compelling is its raw, visceral depiction of the dangers faced by these soldiers every day. The film’s tension is palpable, with each scene crackling with an undercurrent of unease. Renner’s electrifying performance anchors the story, making you feel every moment of James’ adrenaline-fueled existence. If you’re looking for a war movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it.
3. Lone Survivor (2013)
Based on the true story of Operation Red Wings, Lone Survivor is a heart-wrenching tale of courage and sacrifice. Directed by Peter Berg and starring Mark Wahlberg, the film follows four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level Taliban operative in the mountains of Afghanistan.
What begins as a routine mission quickly turns into a fight for survival as the team is ambushed by enemy forces. The film’s intense action sequences are balanced by quieter moments that highlight the unbreakable bond between these soldiers. Lone Survivor is a powerful tribute to the bravery of our armed forces and a sobering reminder of the sacrifices they make.
4. Jarhead (2005)
Directed by Sam Mendes and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jarhead is a unique war film that focuses more on the psychological impact of combat than the action itself. Based on the memoir by Anthony Swofford, the movie follows a group of Marines during the Gulf War as they struggle with boredom, isolation, and the ever-present threat of danger.
What sets Jarhead apart is its unflinching look at the less glamorous aspects of military life. Gyllenhaal delivers a nuanced performance as Swofford, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and growing disillusionment with the war. The film’s striking visuals and haunting score create an atmosphere of unease that lingers long after the final credits. If you’re in the mood for a more introspective war movie, Jarhead is a must-see.
5. Flyboys (2006)
Set during World War I, Flyboys tells the story of the Lafayette Escadrille, a group of young American volunteers who became the first U.S. fighter pilots. Directed by Tony Bill and starring James Franco, the film is a thrilling blend of aerial action and personal drama.
What makes Flyboys so engaging is its focus on the human stories behind the heroics. The film takes time to develop its characters, making you care about their fates as they take to the skies. The aerial sequences are breathtaking, immersing you in the heart-pounding excitement of early dogfights. If you’re a fan of historical dramas with a dash of romance and plenty of action, Flyboys is the perfect choice.
6. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Directed by Ridley Scott, Black Hawk Down is a gripping account of the Battle of Mogadishu, a U.S. military operation that went tragically wrong. The film boasts an all-star cast, including Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Eric Bana, and is known for its intense, realistic depiction of urban warfare.
What sets Black Hawk Down apart is its unflinching portrayal of the chaos and confusion of battle. The film drops you right into the middle of the action, making you feel every moment of the soldiers’ fear and desperation. Scott’s masterful direction and the film’s stunning cinematography create a visceral experience that will leave you breathless. If you’re looking for a war movie that pulls no punches, this is it.
7. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
A modern classic of the genre, Saving Private Ryan is a must-watch for any fan of war films. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, the movie follows a group of U.S. soldiers during World War II as they embark on a mission to rescue a paratrooper whose brothers have all been killed in action.
What makes Saving Private Ryan so powerful is its unflinching portrayal of the brutality of war. The film’s opening sequence, depicting the D-Day landings at Normandy, is a masterclass in immersive filmmaking, putting you right in the middle of the bloody chaos. But the movie is more than just its action scenes; it’s a deeply moving exploration of the bonds between soldiers and the sacrifices they make for each other. If you haven’t seen this film yet, do yourself a favor and watch it now.
8. Platoon (1986)
Directed by Oliver Stone and starring Charlie Sheen, Platoon is a gritty, realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War. The film follows a young soldier named Chris Taylor as he faces the horrors of combat and the moral dilemmas that come with it.
What sets Platoon apart is its unflinching honesty. Stone, a Vietnam veteran himself, doesn’t shy away from depicting the war’s uglier aspects, from the dehumanizing effects of combat to the atrocities committed by both sides. Sheen delivers a powerful performance as Taylor, capturing the character’s transformation from naive recruit to battle-hardened soldier. If you’re looking for a war movie that doesn’t pull its punches, Platoon is a must-watch.
9. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, Full Metal Jacket is a haunting exploration of the psychological impact of war. The film follows a platoon of U.S. Marines through basic training and their deployment to Vietnam, focusing on the relationship between Private Joker (Matthew Modine) and his fellow soldiers.
What makes Full Metal Jacket so compelling is its two-part structure. The first half, set in basic training, is a darkly comedic look at the dehumanizing process of turning young men into killing machines. The second half, set in Vietnam, is a harrowing descent into the madness of war. Kubrick’s meticulous direction and the film’s iconic performances create an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
10. Apocalypse Now (1979)
A surreal, hallucinatory journey into the heart of darkness, Apocalypse Now is a war movie unlike any other. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Martin Sheen, the film follows a U.S. Army captain on a mission to assassinate a renegade colonel who has set himself up as a god among a local Vietnamese tribe.
What sets Apocalypse Now apart is its dreamlike, almost mythical quality. The film uses the Vietnam War as a backdrop for a deeper exploration of the human psyche, delving into themes of madness, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. Sheen’s haunted performance anchors the story, and the film’s stunning visuals and iconic soundtrack create an immersive experience that will leave you reeling. If you’re in the mood for a war movie that challenges your perceptions, Apocalypse Now is a must-see.
11. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Directed by Clint Eastwood, Letters from Iwo Jima is a unique war film that tells the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers who defended the island. The movie is a companion piece to Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers, which depicts the same battle from the American point of view.
What makes Letters from Iwo Jima so powerful is its humanizing portrayal of the Japanese soldiers. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutality of war, but it also takes time to explore the individual stories and motivations of the men fighting on the front lines. With stunning cinematography and a haunting score, this film is a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
12. We Were Soldiers (2002)
Based on the true story of the Battle of Ia Drang, We Were Soldiers is a gripping account of the first major engagement between U.S. and North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. Directed by Randall Wallace and starring Mel Gibson, the film follows a battalion of U.S. soldiers as they face overwhelming odds in a desperate fight for survival.
What sets We Were Soldiers apart is its focus on the human cost of war. The film takes time to develop its characters, making you care about their fates as they head into battle. Gibson delivers a powerful performance as Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, capturing the character’s unwavering dedication to his men. With intense action sequences and a deeply emotional core, this film is a must-watch for any fan of war movies.
13. Fury (2014)
Set during the final months of World War II, Fury follows a battle-hardened tank crew as they embark on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Directed by David Ayer and starring Brad Pitt, the film is a gritty, unflinching look at the realities of armored warfare.
What makes Fury so compelling is its claustrophobic, immersive atmosphere. The film puts you right inside the tank with its crew, making you feel every moment of their fear, frustration, and camaraderie. Pitt delivers a commanding performance as Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier, and the film’s intense action sequences will leave you breathless. If you’re looking for a war movie that doesn’t pull its punches, Fury is a must-see.
14. Dunkirk (2017)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk is a masterful telling of the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II. The film weaves together three distinct storylines—land, sea, and air—to create a pulse-pounding, immersive experience that puts you right in the middle of the action.
What sets Dunkirk apart is its unconventional structure and minimalist approach to storytelling. Nolan eschews traditional character development in favor of a more experiential narrative, using stunning visuals and a haunting score to convey the terror and desperation of the soldiers on the beach. With a cast that includes Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, and Kenneth Branagh, this film is a must-watch for any fan of war movies.
15. 1917 (2019)
Set during World War I, 1917 follows two young British soldiers on a seemingly impossible mission to deliver a message that could save the lives of 1,600 of their fellow troops. Directed by Sam Mendes and filmed to appear as one continuous shot, the movie is a technical marvel that immerses you in the trenches and battlefields of the Western Front.
What makes 1917 so powerful is its intimate, personal approach to storytelling. By focusing on the journey of these two soldiers, the film puts a human face on the horrors of war, making you feel every moment of their fear, determination, and sacrifice. With stunning cinematography and powerful performances from George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, this film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed The Covenant.
If you loved The Covenant and are craving more intense, emotionally charged war films, these 15 movies are sure to satisfy. From modern classics like Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down to lesser-known gems like Flyboys and Letters from Iwo Jima, each of these films offers a unique perspective on the human cost of war. So grab some tissues, settle in, and prepare to be moved, thrilled, and inspired by these unforgettable stories of courage, sacrifice, and brotherhood.
