Observed each year on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day pays tribute to the soldiers who fought and died for the USA during their military service. The federal holiday is also a time for Americans to reflect on who those soldiers were, what they did for the civilians at home, and why.
Numerouswarmovies and TV shows have focused on these soldiers' sacrifices, including several great ones that you can currently watch onNetflix. These movies and shows span numerous wars and highlight various soldiers, showcasing their bravery and struggles in the face of battle, as well as the weight of the loss felt when they didn’t return.
Here are the best war movies and tv shows to watch on Netflix over Memorial Day Weekend.
10'1917' (2019)
Directed by Sam Mendes and partially based on stories from his grandfather,1917takes place during WWI and follows two British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), as they attempt to save over 1000 soldiers from being ambushed. Largely focused on the men’s friendship, the movie takes viewers through No Man’s Land, where danger is at its peak. While trying to save their fellow soldiers,the characters' heroismis put to the test as Schofield and Blake’s own lives come under threat.
A Timeless Watch
1917isa cinematic masterpiece, giving the illusion that it was filmed in a single shot. Whilesome parts were exaggeratedor added for entertainment, the overall story is based on truth. More importantly, it provided viewers with a war experience that was as difficult to watch as it was difficult to look away from.1917is a powerful and timeless film, making it a good addition to your Memorial Day watch list.
9’All Quiet on the Western Front' (2022)
All Quiet on the Western Front
Paul Bäumer is a German soldier serving in WWI. Initially excited to join and become a hero, he quickly learns that the war is nothing like he expected. As Bäumer experiences loss after loss,the realities of warbecome undeniable, and rather than see WWI as a chance to prove himself, each battle becomes a constant challenge just to survive.
The Worldwide Perils of War
Perhaps one of the best ways to honor the US soldiers who gave their lives in battle is by trying to speak out against future war andprevent further losses. AlthoughAll Quiet on the Western Frontfocuses on German soldiers, its anti-war message is universal, and it’s worth watching this Memorial Day to remember war’s larger scale of loss.
8’American Sniper' (2014)
American Sniper
The biographical war filmAmerican Sniperfollows marksman Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) across four tours during the Iraq War. After the Department of Defense confirms that he’s made 160 kills, he becomes known as the deadliest sniper in American history. Sadly, these kills cause Kyle to develop PTSD, and as he tries to connect with his family, he finds himself growing ever more distant.
Controversial and Tragic
Based on Chris Kyle’s real life,American Sniperwent on to attract controversy, largely due to its portrayal of the Iraq War. However, the movie is first and foremost a character study and an attempt to show how war can and does affect individual soldiers. While Kyle’s story doesn’t have a happy ending, said ending highlights how war changes people, and how, sometimes, war’s losses don’t occur just on the battlefield.
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7’Black Hawk Down' (2002)
Black Hawk Down
Black Hawk Down’siconic castincludes Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Jason Isaacs, and Tom Hardy,just to name a few actors, as well as smaller roles filled by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Orlando Bloom. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie is based on journalist Mark Bowden’s book about two Black Hawk helicopter crews, which were shot down during the Somali Civil War. The soldiers soon find themselves surrounded by heavily armed Somali fighters. The movie then follows a separate group of soldiers as they attempt to locate and rescue their fellow Americans on the ground.
Additional Viewing Material
Released in 2001,Black Hawk Downis a more recentaddition to Netflix. Although the movie facedsome issues with representationand had several moments that could be viewed as propaganda, it’s alsolargely based in factand includes some standout performances. Fans ofBlack Hawk Downcan also check outthe documentary series,Surviving Black Hawk Down.
6’The Monuments Men' (2014)
The Monuments Men
Directed by George Clooney and based on a true story,The Monuments Menstars a slew of big-name actors, including Matt Damon, John Goodman, Bill Murray, and Cate Blanchett. Taking place during WWII, the movie follows the “Monuments Men,” a group assigned to protect and recover important pieces of art from the Nazis. However, Allied officers are reluctant to put their soldiers at risk for this mission, and as the war rages on, precious lives and irreplaceable artwork are both at stake.
Unique, but Doesn’t Always Land
The Monuments Menis filled with several funny scenes, as well as heavy, tragic moments that linger, but it doesn’t always strike the right balance. So, whileThe Monuments Menisn’t for everyone, it’s worth a watch for its stellar cast, unique premise, and poignant takes on art, war, and what truly matters.
5’Sand Castle' (2017)
Sand Castle
Sand Castlestars Nicholas Hoult as Private Matt Ocre, a soldier in the Iraq War tasked with restoring a village’s water supply. The movie begins with Ocre attempting to injure himself in order to avoid deployment. The attempt fails, and he’s introduced toCaptain Syverson (Henry Cavill), who tasks him with traveling to a pump station, which is in need of repairs. This simple instruction soon leads to a dangerous mission that puts Ocre in harm’s way while exposing the complexities of war.
An Intimate Approach
9/11 and the Iraq War are complicated topics for many viewers, andSand Castledoes a good job of reflecting those complications. It also offers a fairly realistic portrayal of writer Chris Roessner’s experience during the Iraq War, even if some of the details vary. Unlike some of the other entries on this list, the movie focuses primarily on one character and his unique story, inviting viewers to consider what they might have done in his situation and how war influences those who fight it.
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4’Medal of Honor' (2018)
Medal of Honor
The documentary anthology seriesMedal of Honorfollows real Medal of Honor recipients, including those who were awarded the medal posthumously. The series takes viewers through multiple wars, including the Korean War, War in Afghanistan, and Vietnam War, with each episode focusing on a different soldier. Using a combination of interviews and scene recreations,Medal of Honortells each soldier’s story with authenticity and respect.
Accurate and Emotional
Medal of Honoris perhaps one of the most accurate and realistic entries on this list, as many of the stories come firsthand from the soldiers who were part of them. Additionally, these stories aren’t just about intense battles or feats of valor, but also the human cost of war.
3’The Liberator' (2020)
The Liberator
The Liberatoris an animated miniseries that takes place during WWII and follows the 157th Infantry Regiment. Led by Felix “Shotgun” Sparks (Bradley James), the regiment is composed of a diverse range of men who faced deadly battles over the course of 500 days. Although the 157th Infantry Regiment became one of the most decorated battalions in American history, many of its soldiers would not survive the war, and those who did were left with deep emotional and physical scars.
Potential Spin-offs
The Liberatoris unique on this list for its animated style, and in tone and focus, many have compared it favorably toBand of Brothers.Others have expressed interest ina potential live-action versionthat would explore even more of Sparks' story. Whether or not the series winds up getting additional material in the future, the current show is an easy pick to watch this Memorial Day.
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2’The Pacific' (2010)
The Pacific
A spiritual successor toBand of Brothers, the miniseriesThe Pacificfollows three Marines in the 1st Marine Division through various battles in the Pacific, such as the Battle of Iwo Jima. Starring James Badge Dale, Jon Seda, and Joseph Mazzello inthe three main roles,The Pacific’scharacters are all inspired by real-life soldiers, just like the characters ofBand of Brothers,and the general story isbased on the memoirs of two ex-marines.However, in comparison to the first series,The Pacificis far darker, featuring more violence and arguably grayer (and thus, more realistic) characters.
An Important Companion Piece
If you’re planning to watchBand of Brothersthis Memorial Day, consider making some time forThe Pacificas well. Together, the two series tell an important story about the consequences of war while reminding viewers of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice so that they could safely be at home, watching these Netflix movies and shows.
1’Band of Brothers' (2001)
Band of Brothers
The 2001 miniseriesBand of Brotherswas created and produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Set during WWII, the show is based on the real-life soldiers of “Easy Company,” and each episode features interviews from some of the veterans who survived the war. From training to landing in Normandy and liberating a concentration camp,the show dramatizes eventsthat the soldiers actually went through. Many have called itthe greatest TV series about war, and for good reason.
A Memorial Day Classic
Given how many other entries on this list were inspired by or compared toBand of Brothers,it’s unsurprising that it tops our list. Althoughthe series wasn’t 100% accurate,Band of Brothersreached audiences on an emotional level, showing viewers the horrors of war and the courage of those soldiers during battle. Plus, it has some amazing actors who helped bring the experience of war to life. In short,Band of Brothersis a must-watch on Memorial Day, serving as an important reminder of the real-life people behind the story.
