Celebrating the prowess of the world’s most elite military operatives, the War genre shines a spotlight on special forces, encompassing a diverse array of highly skilled soldiers, from sharp-eyed snipers to expert bomb disposal technicians. Films depicting the dramatic endeavors of infamous units such as Delta Force, the Special Operations Executive (SOE), and the Navy SEALs often draw inspiration from extraordinary true stories, illustrating everything from covert operations behind enemy lines to intense standoffs against overwhelming forces.
More than just staples of the genre, many celebrated special forces films have ascended to the ranks of the best war movies of all time. These cinematic works not only showcase the incredible tactical skills and physical abilities of the men and women who serve in these units but also evoke the incredible resilience and courage these soldiers must embody in the heat of battle. This combination of action and emotional depth makes the best special forces war movies truly memorable experiences.
10 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
Directed by Michael Bay
Inspired by the real-life siege of the U.S. diplomatic compound during a period of turmoil in Benghazi, Libya, Michael Bay’s 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi pays homage to a group of private military contractors, including former Navy SEALs, who defied the odds to protect their colleagues. While some artistic liberties are taken with the historical account, the film manages to deliver a gripping portrayal of special forces in action.
Despite facing criticism for its script and directorial decisions, 13 Hours excels in bringing the chaos of the battle to the screen with thrilling intensity. The film’s battle sequences and the strong performances from the ensemble cast effectively elevate its overall impact, making it a compelling entry in the genre.
9 The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
Directed by Guy Ritchie
With a loose connection to historical events, Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare reflects the director’s talent for captivating storytelling in this modern addition to war cinema. The film fictionalizes the exploits of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), detailing their clandestine missions during WWII, including the audacious Operation Postmaster.
Featuring exceptional dialogue and dynamic action scenes, this film pays tribute to the real-life heroes of the SOE. Although it did not achieve box office success, the film garnered positive reviews, establishing it as one of Ritchie’s more underrated works.
8 Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (2023)
Directed by Guy Ritchie
In addition to his 2024 film, Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant has demonstrated his skill in creating high-quality war films. Featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim in lead roles, this film tells the poignant story of U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sergeant John Kinley and his local interpreter, Ahmed Abdullah, who saves him while fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.
With an impressive 83% Rotten Tomatoes score, The Covenant captures the struggles faced by Afghan locals and comments on the broader American involvement in the conflict while also showcasing Ritchie’s ability to tackle serious themes with dramatic nuance.
7 The Guns of Navarone (1961)
Directed by J. Lee Thompson
Adapted from Alistair Maclean’s bestselling novel, 1961’s The Guns of Navarone chronicles a high-stakes mission where British commandos aim to destroy enemy artillery threatening an Allied convoy. This film is considered one of the quintessential war movies of its era, featuring a stellar cast including Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn.
| Academy Award Nominations | Result |
|---|---|
| Best Special Effects | Won |
| Best Picture | Nominated |
| Best Director | Nominated |
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Nominated |
| Best Film Editing | Nominated |
| Best Original Score | Nominated |
| Best Sound | Nominated |
The film remains a classic, thanks to its gripping performances and suspenseful narrative. Notably, it received seven Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Special Effects.
6 Where Eagles Dare (1968)
Directed by Brian G. Hutton
Starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood, Where Eagles Dare follows a team of commandos on a covert mission to infiltrate a German fortress during WWII. This film is a masterful blend of suspense, action, and unforeseen plot twists that establishes it as a timeless classic in war cinema.
Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg has even cited it as his all-time favorite war film. While the movie might not strictly adhere to realism, it captivates audiences with its thrilling escapades and exceptional cinematographic achievements, making it an enduring favorite.
5 Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Delving into the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the complex and often brutal journey that culminated in the Navy SEAL raid on his compound. Though it primarily focuses on intelligence operations rather than special forces, the film’s depiction of the military’s critical role makes it an essential cinematic experience in this genre.
| Academy Award Nominations | Result |
|---|---|
| Best Sound Editing | Won |
| Best Picture | Nominated |
| Best Actress | Nominated |
| Best Original Screenplay | Nominated |
| Best Film Editing | Nominated |
Despite some controversies, the film was met with critical acclaim and garnered multiple Oscar nominations, taking home the award for Best Sound Editing. By highlighting the operations of SEAL Team Six, Zero Dark Thirty remains a pivotal film in the special forces canon.
4 Lone Survivor (2013)
Directed by Peter Berg
Few war films achieve the visceral intensity of Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor, which narrates the harrowing tale of Operation Red Wings, a tragic mission that resulted in the deaths of 11 Navy SEALs and eight support personnel. The film’s lead, Mark Wahlberg, portrays Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor of a four-man reconnaissance team, as he navigates the dire circumstances of his team’s ambush by the Taliban.
Utilizing real stunts without CGI, the film captures the brutal reality of combat, contributing to its raw and authentic feel, making it resonate with its audience. Even amid criticisms regarding its historical accuracy, Lone Survivor stands out as a tribute to the courage of its characters and the realities of modern warfare, making it a must-watch.
3 Black Hawk Down (2001)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Based on true events during the Battle of Mogadishu, Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down tells the gripping story of Delta Force and the 75th Ranger Regiment amid a chaotic urban warfare scenario. This landmark film features a star-studded cast and outstanding action sequences that bring the heart-pounding conflict to life.
Although it has its flaws, this film is widely considered one of the definitive portrayals of special forces engagements in contemporary warfare, especially highlighting the bravery of the soldiers caught in the fray.
2 American Sniper (2014)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
With a standout performance by Bradley Cooper, American Sniper effectively captures the emotional and psychological toll of war through its portrayal of U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, who recorded over 150 kills during his service. Clint Eastwood’s film portrays Kyle’s tumultuous journey, showcasing both his commendable skills and the personal struggles he faced in transitioning back to civilian life.
This thought-provoking war film received six Academy Award nominations and successfully immerses viewers in the intense realities of Kyle’s experiences, solidifying its reputation as one of the most impactful cinematic representations of special forces.
1 The Hurt Locker (2008)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
The Hurt Locker showcases the adrenaline-charged life of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team during the Iraq War, establishing itself as one of the most influential war films ever. Kathryn Bigelow made history by becoming the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director, highlighting the film’s significant impact within the industry. Jeremy Renner’s explosive performance as the bomb-defusing Sgt. William James remains an iconic portrayal, often hailed as one of the best in the genre.
Although it faced scrutiny from veterans regarding its military accuracy, the film’s exceptional storytelling and visceral portrayal of the EOD experience resonate undeniably with audiences. The Hurt Locker is not only the pinnacle of special forces war movies but also a celebrated masterpiece within the broader war film genre.
Source: The LA Times