Every year we celebrate around five Military-centric holidays. And no matter what we do on those days, it’s  never enough to truly thank the men and women who routinely put their lives on the line for us. And though Hollywood can do very little to repay our military members, what they do really well is make movies that depict the hardship, sacrifice, hard work, loyalty, brotherhood, and love of country that has marked our military for centuries. They tell the stories that matter. It’s a small thing, but we can each take a few hours of our time this Veteran’s Day to not only thank a veteran, but watch a movie or TV show that honors them and what they gave for the Red, White, and Blue and everything it stands for.

10 Veterans Day Movies that Honor Those Willing to Give It All

It’s a tiny and meaningless gesture, but the stories of our armed forces should ring loud and clear in all of our lives. Remember them, learn their stories, and gain a true appreciation for their work and sacrifice with these 10 Veterans Day movies.

Band of Brothers (2001)

Few military  movie lists would be complete without HBO’s Band of Brothers. This multi-part series tells the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army as they work through basic training, drop into D-Day, and take part in major battles and missions that defined World War II. Based on true stories and real people, Band of Brothers truly connects you to the events and instills a deep appreciation for the men who willingly stepped up.

Battle of the Bulge (1965)

This classic movie recounts the events of this iconic battle and the movements that led up to it. Following Lt. Col. Dan Kiley and his discovery Nazi plans, and eventually Germany’s attack of Allied forces near Belgium, Battle of the Bulge shows the bravery and intelligence it took to fight back and win.

The Great Escape (1963)

Prisoners of War are rarely spoken of in war movies, but The Great Escape changes that. Telling the story of imprisoned Allied soldiers who are POWs in a German camp, The Great Escape is a harrowing adventure. The prisoners decide to escape to not only free themselves, but draw German attention and resources away from battle, proving, once again, the heroism and sacrifice of the men involved.

The Green Berets (1968)

Starring John Wayne, The Green Berets is another movie that takes a slightly different view of the war effort. The story follows a reporter who is against the Vietnam War but assigned to go to Vietnam and join a group of Green Berets. Following them through their top secret mission and witnessing first-hand not only the ravages of war, but bravery and efforts of the Americans involved.

Heartbreak Ridge (1986)

Just before retirement, Marine Sgt. Thomas Highway (Clint Eastwood) is assigned one last posting: train new recruits. Both recruits and Sgt. Highway begrudgingly take on this mission and must work through differences to become a united front against enemies seen and unseen – as well as battles on the horizon.

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Following the true story of pacifist Desmond T. Doss, Hacksaw Ridge is truly inspirational. Proving that faith, determination, service, and a whole lot of grit can get you through anything, this story follows Doss as he enlists, despite his pacifism, in the Army during World War II and then travels, unarmed, with his brothers into the Battle of Okinawa.

American Sniper (2014)

One of the most lethal snipers in history, and a fiercely loyal brother in arms, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, is tested during four tours of duty in Iraq, as well as adjusting to home life afterwards. This inspiring true story takes you into the missions and back home to U.S. soil again to faithfully tell the story of real life hero Chris Kyle. 

Glory (1989)

Taking us back to the Civil War and the Battle of Antietam, Glory tells the story of Col. Robert Gould Shaw who is put in command of the all-African-American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Together, they work hard to train and become a disciplined and proud unit. Though initially assigned to small tasks, the unit goes the distance to be included in battles and fight for their freedom and the country they call home. 

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Taking us back to that harrowing day, Pearl Harbor tells the dramatic tale of friends separated by their desire to fight in WWII, and then reunited at this major turning point. Though based only around true events and not real people, this movie quickly became an American classic.

The Longest Day (1962)

The Longest Day follows U.S. soldiers and Allied forces as they invade France for the D-Day advance on German forces. Faced with a seemingly impossible task and surrounded by death and destruction, these men do the impossible and turn the tides of the war for the better.

Remembering Our Veterans

No matter how you choose to remember our veterans, make sure you take the time to say a prayer for them, thank them, and listen to and learn their stories. Without these brave men and women, we would not have the freedoms we do today and the world would, surely, be a much poorer place.