Must Watch Movies To Catch Up On During Deployment

Soldiers are away more than ever, and long deployments come with stretches of silence, and the nights when the mission’s done, the day’s over, and you finally have a few hours to yourself. For many service members, movies aren’t just a way to pass the time; they’re a reminder of home, purpose, and perseverance.

And while streaming services have made it easier than ever to download favorites (complete with discounts), before heading out, the best deployment movies don’t just entertain but inspire. From modern military classics like Hacksaw Ridge to old-school epics like Patton, these stories capture the grit, humor, heartbreak, and heroism that define the military experience.

So whether you’re watching on your rack after a long shift or streaming back home with your family, here are the must-view military movies to queue up during deployment — a collection of films that honor the reality of service while keeping the human spirit front and center.

1. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Available on: Netflix

Let’s start with the film that inspired this list. Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a World War II medic who saved 75 men in Okinawa — without ever carrying a weapon. It’s brutal, unflinching, and deeply human, showing that courage isn’t always about pulling the trigger but standing firm in your convictions.

For deployed service members, it’s a powerful reminder that strength takes many forms — and that bravery often comes down to protecting the person beside you.

2. The Amateur (2025)

Available on: Disney+, Hulu

Laurence Fishburne and Bohemian Rhapsody actor Rami Malek star in this tense spy thriller about a CIA cryptographer forced into the field after tragedy strikes. The Amateur dives deep into themes of duty, revenge, and moral clarity — things anyone in uniform can relate to.

With sharp writing and a grounded portrayal of sacrifice, it’s one of 2025’s most talked-about films, and a must-watch for anyone missing the thrill of purpose while away from home.

3. 1917 (2019)

Available on: Netflix

Director Sam Mendes crafts an immersive World War I story told in what appears to be one continuous shot. The film follows two young soldiers tasked with delivering a message to save hundreds of lives.

It’s a cinematic masterpiece that perfectly captures the exhaustion, camaraderie, and chaos of the front lines — and it’s one of the most visually stunning films ever made about combat.

4. Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Available on: Netflix

Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods follows four Vietnam veterans who return decades later to recover the remains of their fallen squad leader and a buried fortune. It’s a meditation on brotherhood, trauma, and the cost of service that resonates long after the credits roll.

It’s also a rare film that gives voice to veterans as they reckon with history and memory, making it a standout choice for those reflecting on their own experiences.

5. Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Available on: Netflix

A harrowing but beautifully acted film about child soldiers in an unnamed African conflict, Beasts of No Nation explores how war shapes innocence — and how hope can survive amid horror. Idris Elba’s performance as a ruthless commander is unforgettable.

It’s not an easy watch, but it’s an important one that underscores the global reality of conflict and the human cost that soldiers witness firsthand.

6. The Hurt Locker (2008)

Available on: Netflix, Starz

Kathryn Bigelow’s Oscar-winning thriller puts you in the boots of a bomb disposal expert navigating the chaos of Iraq. It’s a study in adrenaline and addiction — what happens when danger becomes your normal.

Many service members have called it one of the most authentic portrayals of combat stress ever made, and watching it during deployment can feel like both therapy and validation.

7. The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022)

Available on: Apple TV+

Based on an unbelievable true story, Zac Efron stars as a Marine-turned-merchant seaman who sneaks into Vietnam to deliver beer to his buddies. It’s equal parts absurd, funny, and heartfelt — a story about loyalty and friendship that hits home for anyone who’s ever gone the extra mile for their unit.

8. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Available on: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video

No list of deployment must-watches is complete without Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan. The D-Day opening alone remains one of the most realistic depictions of combat ever filmed.

At its heart, though, this isn’t a movie about war — it’s about sacrifice, leadership, and the men who shoulder the impossible. Watching it overseas feels different. It reminds you why integrity, loyalty, and courage still matter.

9. A Few Good Men (1992)

Available on: YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video

“You can’t handle the truth!” might be one of the most quoted lines in movie history, but A Few Good Men holds up as one of the most compelling courtroom dramas about honor and chain of command.

It’s a rare film that captures both the moral gray areas and the personal convictions that shape military justice — and it’s endlessly rewatchable.

10. Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Available on: MGM+, Apple TV+

Stanley Kubrick’s classic Vietnam film is divided into two unforgettable halves: the dehumanizing brutality of boot camp and the chaos of combat. R. Lee Ermey’s drill instructor performance remains unmatched — terrifying and iconic.

It’s a dark, satirical look at military culture, but one that resonates with anyone who’s ever been yelled at by a superior and lived to laugh about it later.

11. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Available on: Apple TV

Francis Ford Coppola’s surreal Vietnam masterpiece remains a haunting journey into the madness of war. With stunning cinematography and unforgettable performances from Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando, it’s both epic and deeply psychological.

It’s the kind of film that stays with you — a cautionary tale about leadership, loyalty, and the thin line between order and chaos.

12. American Sniper (2014)

Available on: Apple TV+

Clint Eastwood’s biopic of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle captures both the intensity of combat and the emotional toll of coming home. Bradley Cooper’s performance is empathetic and restrained, showing the inner battles many veterans face after service.

It’s a must-watch for anyone trying to make sense of the shift between mission and normal life.

13. Patton (1970)

Available on: Apple TV+

George C. Scott’s portrayal of General George S. Patton remains the definitive military biopic. Bold, complicated, and brilliant, Patton embodies both the pride and paradox of leadership in wartime.

For those who’ve worn rank, it’s a fascinating look at what happens when ego, duty, and destiny collide.

14. Forrest Gump (1994)

Available on: Apple TV+

Yes, Forrest Gump belongs here. It’s not a war movie per se, but its portrayal of service, survival, and resilience — along with Gary Sinise’s unforgettable Lt. Dan — makes it one of the most unexpectedly powerful military films ever made.

It’s also the perfect morale boost: hopeful, funny, and deeply American.

15. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

Available on: Apple TV+

Peter Jackson’s restoration of World War I footage is nothing short of extraordinary. The film colorizes and brings to life 100-year-old battle footage, creating a visceral, human connection to history.

It’s a tribute to those who served before us — and a reminder that their stories still echo through every generation of soldiers.

Bonus Picks for History Buffs and Old-School Fans

• Glory (1989): The powerful story of the first African American regiment in the Civil War.
• The Dirty Dozen (1967): Classic, irreverent, and full of character-driven grit.
• Dunkirk (2017): A masterclass in tension and survival, told through land, sea, and air.
• The Deer Hunter (1978): Haunting, poetic, and emotionally raw — a masterpiece about the scars of war.
• Born on the Fourth of July (1989): Tom Cruise’s best dramatic role, bar none, exploring the aftermath of Vietnam.

Final Thoughts

There’s something grounding about watching movies like Hacksaw Ridge or Saving Private Ryan while you’re deployed. They don’t glamorize war — they humanize it. They remind us of the people behind the uniforms, the sacrifices made, and the courage it takes just to keep moving forward.

So next time you’re loading up your tablet or portable drive, queue up one of these classics. Whether you’re looking for a morale boost, a reminder of home, or just a few hours to escape, these stories will meet you where you are — with heart, grit, and a little hope.