8 awesome war movie moments we can’t stop watching

Tim Kirkpatrick
Apr 22, 2018 9:08 PM PDT
1 minute read
Army photo

SUMMARY

Sometimes war movies give us such stunning visual imagery, outstanding acting performances, or laugh-out-loud knee slappers that audiences can’t wait to rewatch. They either jump back in line at their local theater to grab another movie…

Sometimes war movies give us such stunning visual imagery, outstanding acting performances, or laugh-out-loud knee slappers that audiences can't wait to rewatch.


They either jump back in line at their local theater to grab another movie ticket or buy their own copy as soon as it's released.

In the military community, we have high expectations from films that portray war, troops, or veterans — it's not easy for filmmakers to get it right.

Related: 5 heroic movie acts a military officer would never do

So check out these awesome (and maybe even surprising) movie moments that make us want to rewind over and over:

1. The sniper duel (Saving Private Ryan)

Steven Spielberg knows how to tell an effective story, and he did just that directing 1998's critically-acclaimed war epic.

After showing the world how American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, Spielberg successfully captured the moment Pvt. Jackson (played by Barry Pepper) takes out a German sniper with a perfectly aimed round right through his scope.

A perfect shot. (Image via Giphy)We could have used every movie clip this film has to offer (it's that good), but that wouldn't be fair.

2. The nose breaker (Dead Presidents)

This 1996 drama doesn't necessarily fit under the war genre category, but the main character Anthony Curtis (Larenz Tate) goes through a few tours in Vietnam with the Recon Marines, and we got to see his journey.

Bam! (Image via Giphy)

3. Meet Gunny Hartman (Full Metal Jacket)

This opening scene from Stanley Kubrick's Vietnam War film left audiences afraid to sign up for the Marines Corps. But iconic character introduction of Gunny Hartman had many pressing the rewind button (or the back chapter button) to rewatch the intense and perfectly executed scene over and over again.

(FrostForUs, YouTube)Damn, the first act was totally badass.

4. "You can't handle the truth" (A Few Good Men)

Audiences love courtroom dramas and that's why Hollywood continues to produce them.

In Rob Reiner's 1992 hit "A Few Good Men," Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) and Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson) go toe-to-toe in the climactic third act to discover the truth of who ordered the "code red."

(The Dude Abides, YouTube)Seriously, Jack killed this monologue.

5. Forrest saves the day (Forrest Gump)

In this fictional biopic, our slow but lovable Forrest Gump saves his squad in a highly visual war sequence and had viewers questioning how director Robert Zemeckis managed to pull it off.

Hint: it's called special effects.

You know you teared up when Forrest and Bubba share that moment together — you can admit it.

6. War! It's fantastic! (Hot Shot: Part Deux)

This is a hilarious comedy and not a war movie, but give us a pass because this clip is one of the funniest moments ever.

(Chuck Robertson, YouTube)

7. Meet Gunny Highway

The 1986 movie "Heartbreak Ridge" took the Marine Corps community and audiences by storm when it showcased Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Highway's rough and tumble personality.

In Gunny's own words, "Be advised that I'm mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm and I can put a round through a flea's ass at 200 meters." You tell them, Gunny. (images via Giphy)That is all.

8. The Bear Jew

Quentin Tarantino helped these war-hungry Jews score a little payback against their Nazi counter parts. No one saw this mighty swing coming, but once we witnessed its crushing strength — it was freaking awesome!

(Movieclips, YouTube)What war movie moments did you rewatch? Comment below.

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