While most war movies take viewers into the heart of battle, it’s less common to get a glimpse into recruits’ experiences training in boot camp before they enter conflict zones. This formative time in a soldier’s military life equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to fight on the front lines and, in some circumstances, can be just as traumatic as actual warfare. While some great post-war movies have explored veterans’ experiences adapting to life after wartime, other fantastic films address their training in boot camp.
- Azam Khan Height How Tall is Azam Khan?
- Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale Episode 1 Ending Explained, Release Date, Cast, Plot, Summary, Review, Where to Watch and More
- Rita Ora Height How Tall is Rita Ora?
- Genshin Impact Lyney’s Story Quest: Explore All The Four Lyney’s Story Quest
- CAKE Set 2024 Tour Dates, How to Get Presale Code Tickets?
From historically accurate World War II movies to harrowing portrayals of lesser-known conflicts, boot camp has played a part in some of the greatest war movies ever made. Famed directors like Ridley Scott, Clint Eastwood, and even Stanley Kubrick have used boot camps as a platform to depict the horrors of war and the young soldiers who give their lives in the name of violence. For recruits, boot camp represents the first step toward battle, and plenty of great war movies have explored this early stage of the military experience.
You are watching: 10 Best War Movies That Focus On Boot Camp
10
G.I. Jane (1997)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
G.I. Jane
R
DramaAction
G.I. Jane follows the grueling experience of Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil, played by Demi Moore, the first woman to undergo training in the U.S. Navy SEAL program. Facing extreme physical and mental challenges, the film highlights her fight against institutional sexism and personal limits.
Release Date
August 22, 1997
Runtime
125 minutes
Main Genre
Action
Cast
Demi Moore
, Viggo Mortensen
, Anne Bancroft
, Jason Beghe
, Morris Chestnut
, Josh Hopkins
, Jim Caviezel
, Boyd Kestner
, Kevin Gage
, David Warshofsky
Director
Ridley Scott
Writers
David Twohy
, Danielle Alexandra
Budget
$50 million
Studio(s)
Largo Entertainment
, Scott Free Productions
, Caravan Pictures
Distributor(s)
Buena Vista Pictures
Expand
Director Ridley Scott has been exploring the topic of war since his very first movie, The Duellists, and it was in G.I. Jane he presented his take on the feminine military experience as a female solider attempted to showcase her abilities in a space so prominently dominated by men. As Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil (Demi Moore) overcame gender discrimination by participating in a grueling military training program, G.I. Jane highlighted the harsh circumstances of boot camp, where the weak are weeded out from the strong.
As the fictional story about the first woman to enter the elite US Navy SEALs training program, G.I. Jane delivered a powerful feminist message for all those who underestimated women. While G.I. Jane had its issues and suffered from clunky dialogue and an often absurd plot, the importance of its messaging more than made up for its faults as it deconstructed sexism in the military. With an incredible performance from Moore, G.I. Jane, along with other movies like Alien and Thelma & Louise, added to Scott’s impressive oeuvre of films dealing with strong and capable women.
9
Private Benjamin (1980)
Directed by Howard Zieff
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Private Benjamin
R
ComedyWar
Private Benjamin stars Goldie Hawn as a pampered socialite who joins the U.S. Army on a whim, expecting an easy life. The comedy unfolds as she confronts the reality of military discipline as she learns more about herself in the process.
Release Date
October 10, 1980
Runtime
109 minutes
Main Genre
Comedy
Cast
Goldie Hawn
, Eileen Brennan
, Armand Assante
, Robert Webber
, Sam Wanamaker
, Barbara Barrie
, Mary Kay Place
, Harry Dean Stanton
, Albert Brooks
Director
Howard Zieff
Writers
Nancy Meyers
, Charles Shyer
, Harvey Miller
Budget
$15 Million
Studio(s)
Warner Bros.
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros.
Expand
Private Benjamin told the story of a female soldier who, against all societal expectations, enrolled in the army and was forced to adapt to the hardships of military life. With Goldie Hawn as Judith Benjamin, this high-society woman gave up her lavish lifestyle to take on the grueling challenges of boot camp and astonished all her male counterparts in the process. While Benjamin’s decision was influenced by needing a vacation, once she got to basic training, she quickly realized this would be far from the spa holiday the recruiter described.
However, Private Benjamin showcased a woman who found purpose in her newfound situation, and although it took some adjustment, she managed to lead her team to victory during their war game exercises. The feminist message in Private Benjamin struck a chord with viewers, and the film was one of the biggest box office hits of 1980, taking in $69.8 million against its budget of $9.2 million (via AFI.) By highlighting a woman’s right to join the army during a time when this was still taboo, Private Benjamin was a trailblazing film.
8
Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
10/10
Heartbreak Ridge
R
WarDrama
Heartbreak Ridge, directed by Clint Eastwood, follows a tough Marine gunnery sergeant who deals with conflict with his superiors and his ex-wife while leading an undisciplined recon platoon. Released in 1986, it portrays the challenges of instilling discipline and unity within a diverse group of soldiers.
Release Date
December 5, 1986
Runtime
130 Minutes
Main Genre
War
Cast
Clint Eastwood
, Marsha Mason
, Everett McGill
, Moses Gunn
, Mario Van Peebles
, Eileen Heckart
, Bo Svenson
, Boyd Gaines
Character(s)
Gunnery Sgt. Tom Highway
, Aggie
, Major Malcolm A. Powers
, Staff Sergeant Webster
, Corporal Stitch Jones
, Little Mary Jackson
, Roy Jennings
, Lieutenant M.R. Ring
Director
Clint Eastwood
Writers
Joseph Stinson
, Dennis Hackin
, James Carabatsos
Expand
Clint Eastwood conjured all of the tough charisma he had amassed playing Western antiheroes and roles like Dirty Harry to deliver his own take on the no-nonsense military sergeant archetype. Heartbreak Ridge starred Eastwood as Clint Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway, the man tasked with getting a haphazard platoon of marines in shape before they take part in the American invasion of Grenada in 1983. With Eastwood himself on directing duties, this sharp and clever film was one of his most underrated releases.
Heartbreak Ridge saw Eastwood deliver witty one-liners with the aggression of a sergeant nearing retirement who has seen it all and has no time for the undisciplined practices of his final group of trainees. With a fun-filled, laid-back energy, this 1980s release featured one of Eastwood’s greatest performances in that decade. As a film primarily set at boot camp, real marines who see the film can thank themselves lucky if they managed to avoid a sergeant as uncompromising and rigid as Highway.
7
Stripes (1981)
Directed by Ivan Reitman
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Stripes
R
ComedyActionWar
Stripes centers on John Winger, a 30-something who enlists in the U.S. Army after a streak of personal failures. Released in 1981, this film follows Winger’s comedic journey through basic training, as he navigates military life with a group of misfit recruits.
Release Date
June 25, 1981
Runtime
106 minutes
Main Genre
Comedy
Cast
Bill Murray
, Harold Ramis
, Warren Oates
, P.J. Soles
, Sean Young
, John Candy
Character(s)
John Winger
, Russell Ziskey
, Sgt. Hulka
, Stella Hansen
, Louise Cooper
, Dewey ‘Ox’ Oxberger
, Capt. Stillman
, Stillman’s Aid
, Cruiser
, Col. Glass
, Anita
, Francis “Psycho” Soyer
, Elmo
, Hector
, Leon
, Recruiter
, Dowager in Cab
, Border Guard
, Soldier
, Wrestler
, Extra at Graduation Ceremony
, Soldier with Mortar
, M.C.
, Cheerleader
Director
Ivan Reitman
Writers
Len Blum
, Daniel Goldberg
, Harold Ramis
Expand
One film that gave a glimpse into the more comedic side of the boot camp experience was Stripes, starring Bill Murray. This classic comedy saw Murray play the cab driver John Winger, who, after losing his job, apartment, car, and girlfriend, decides to join the army with his best friend. What followed was a rude awakening to the realities of boot camp as John was confronted with the difficult training of Sergeant Hulka.
Stripes was an early comedy hit for Murray that saw the beginning of his transition from Saturday Night Live performer into a full-fledged movie star. With an impressive cast of talented comedians, the hardships of boot camp were played for laughs as these hapless trainee soldiers struggled to reach their full potential. As a celebration of undisplaced slackers, Stripes was a lot of fun.
6
The Boys in Company C (1978)
Directed by Sidney J. Furie
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Boys in Company C (1978)
R
DramaWar
The Boys in Company C: This 1978 war drama follows a group of young American Marines as they navigate the challenges of combat during the Vietnam War. Facing corruption and incompetence, they contemplate a plan to escape frontline duty by participating in an unusual scheme involving a soccer match.
Release Date
1967-00-00
Runtime
125 minutes
Cast
Andrew Stevens
, Stan Shaw
, James Canning
, Michael Lembeck
, Craig Wasson
, Scott Hylands
, James Whitmore Jr.
, Helen McNeely
, Noble Willingham
, R. Lee Ermey
, Santos Morales
, Henry Strzalkowski
, Rick Natkin
Character(s)
Pvt. Billy Ray Pike
, Pfc / Sgt. Tyrone Washington
, Pvt. Alvin Foster / Narrator
, Pvt. Vinnie Fazio
, Pvt. Dave Bisbee
, Capt. Collins
, Lt. Archer
, Head Nurse
, Sergeant Curry
, Sergeant Loyce
, Sergeant Aquilla
, Bit Part (uncredited)
, Soldier at Long Khe
Director
Sidney J. Furie
Producers
André E. Morgan
Writers
Rick Natkin
Expand
While many will recognize R. Lee Ermey as the intense drill sergeant in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, he actually made his film debut in The Boys in Company C. As a genuine former U.S. Marine drill instructor, Ermey’s forceful training techniques were not a put-on, and he added a layer of authenticity to this story of recruits training before being shipped out to Vietnam. The Boys in Company C was a thrilling war story that followed soldiers’ journeys from boot camp into the war and onto some of their untimely deaths.
As one of the first Vietnam War movies to be made following the conclusion of the conflict, The Boys in Company C reflected on the legacy of the war that had become so unpopular among the American population. As the first of a trilogy of Vietnam War movies from Sidney J. Furie, it was followed by Under Heavy Fire in 2001 and The Veteran in 2006. While the grueling challenges of boot camp were depicted on screen, The Boys in Company C also highlighted the loss of life that occurs on the battlefield.
5
Biloxi Blues (1988)
Directed by Mike Nichols
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Biloxi Blues
PG-13
ComedyDramaWar
Biloxi Blues (1988) is a comedy-drama directed by Mike Nichols, starring Matthew Broderick as Eugene Morris Jerome. The film follows Eugene’s experiences during basic training at a boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi, set against the backdrop of World War II. The narrative, based on Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical play, explores themes of camaraderie, personal growth, and the trials of military life.
Release Date
March 25, 1988
Runtime
106 Minutes
Main Genre
Comedy
Cast
Matthew Broderick
, Christopher Walken
, Matt Mulhern
, Corey Parker
, Markus Flanagan
Director
Mike Nichols
Writers
Neil Simon
Budget
20000000.0
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
, Rastar Productions
IMDb ID
tt0094746
TMDB User Rating
6
.3
Expand
Based on the semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues was a military comedy by director Mike Nichols starring Matthew Broderick just two years after his major success with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Set during the Second World War, Private Eugene Jerome (Broderick) has to deal with the grueling challenges of boot camp under the guidance of the harsh drill sergeant Merwin J. Toomey (Christopher Walken.) While Jerome understands the seriousness of his situation, there are three things he values above all else: losing his virginity, surviving the war, and becoming a writer.
Nichols conjured the same kind of coming-of-age appeal that made his films like The Graduate so resonant in Biloxi Blues. With enough comedy to provide big laughs, the film’s humor never overshadows the difficult realities underpinning Jerome’s situation. Despite its appeal, Biloxi Blues never quite managed to endure in the public consciousness in the way some other war films have, and it’s a great underrated release for movie buffs to check out.
4
Tigerland (2000)
Directed by Joel Schumacher
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
See more : Shakira Height How Tall is Shakira?
Tigerland
R
DramaWar
Tigerland is a war drama directed by Joel Schumacher, set in 1971 during the final days of the Vietnam War. The film follows a rebellious soldier, played by Colin Farrell, who is undergoing training at a Louisiana boot camp known as Tigerland before being deployed to Vietnam. As he clashes with authority, the soldier’s defiance impacts his fellow trainees, challenging their beliefs and transforming their experience.
Release Date
October 6, 2000
Main Genre
War
Cast
Colin Farrell
, Matthew Davis
, Clifton Collins Jr.
, Tom Guiry
, Shea Whigham
, Russell Richardson
, Nick Searcy
, Afemo Omilami
, James MacDonald
, Keith Ewell
, Matt Gerald
, Stephen Fulton
, Tyler Cravens
, Michael Edmiston
, Arian Ash
, Haven Gaston
Character(s)
Pvt. Roland Bozz
, Pvt. Jim Paxton
, Pvt. Miter
, Pvt. Cantwell
, Pvt. Wilson
, Pvt. Johnson
, Capt. Saunders
, SFC Ezra Landers
, Staff Sgt. Thomas
, Sgt. Oakes
, Sgt. Eveland
, Sgt. Drake
, M.P. Sergeant
, Hit the Brakes! Driver
, Sheri
, Claudia
Director
Joel Schumacher
Writers
Ross Klavan
, Michael McGruther
Expand
The experiences of a group of American soldiers preparing to fight in Vietnam were depicted in Joel Schumacher’s excellent war movie Tigerland. With Colin Farrell as Private Roland Bozz, a draftee who opposed the war, Tigerland was set in 1971 as the public support for the United States participation in the conflict was faltering. As anti-establishment political beliefs pervaded the soldiers’ boot camp training, Tigerland offered a fascinating glimpse into army recruits who were being sent to war against thier will.
Despite boasting a strong story, a talented cast, and an emotional, weighty narrative, Tigerland bombed at the box office and made just over $148,000 against its $10 million budget (via Box Office Mojo.) Although the film failed commercially, it was a creative triumph from Schumacher, who was famously ridiculed for his work on the divisive superhero movie Batman & Robin. Looking back, Tigerland was a great boot camp war movie that deserves far more attention.
3
Jarhead (2005)
Directed by Sam Mendes
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
7/10
Jarhead
R
WarBiographyDrama
Jarhead is a war drama directed by Sam Mendes, based on Anthony Swofford’s memoir about his experiences as a Marine sniper during the Gulf War. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Swofford, the film explores the psychological challenges faced by soldiers amidst the monotony and anticipation of combat. The movie also features performances by Peter Sarsgaard and Jamie Foxx, capturing the often-overlooked emotional turmoil of military life in a desert war.
Release Date
November 4, 2005
Runtime
125 Minutes
Main Genre
War
Cast
Jake Gyllenhaal
, Jamie Foxx
, Lucas Black
, Scott MacDonald
, Peter Sarsgaard
, Mingo Lo
, Kevin Foster
, Brian Geraghty
Director
Sam Mendes
Writers
William Broyles Jr.
, Anthony Swofford
Expand
Director Sam Mendes chronicles the military service of Corporal Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Persian Gulf War. While much of the film takes place in active warfare, the early part of Jarhead depicted the grueling process of boot camp from which Swofford emerged as a sniper. As a powerful depiction of the boredom, isolation, and terror of those embroiled in conflict zones, part of the appeal of Jarhead was that it did not sugarcoat military life and embraced brutal realism.
Jarhead was only a modest success at the box office and grossed a disappointing $97 million against its $72 million budget, although its psychologically rich narrative and emotionally complex characters have meant it has grown in stature over the past two decades. With several direct-to-video sequels, Jarhead has continued as an unlikely franchise. Although it may not have reached a massive audience at the time, Jarhead still remains one of Gyllenhaal’s best and most underrated performances.
2
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Directed by Mel Gibson
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
9.2/10
Hacksaw Ridge
R
DramaBiographyDocumentaryHistoryWar
Hacksaw Ridge is a historical war film based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a soldier in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, who saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. He was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon, as he believed that while the war was justified, killing was nevertheless wrong due to his upbringing.
Release Date
November 4, 2016
Runtime
139minutes
Cast
Sam Worthington
, Rachel Griffiths
, Richard Roxburgh
, Andrew Garfield
, Teresa Palmer
, Matt Nable
, Vince Vaughn
, Luke Bracey
, Nathaniel Buzolic
, Hugo Weaving
, Ryan Corr
Director
Mel Gibson
Writers
Robert Schenkkan
, Andrew Knight
Budget
$40 million
Studio(s)
Lionsgate
Distributor(s)
Lionsgate
, Summit Entertainment
Expand
Hacksaw Ridge was an emotionally devastating war movie from director Mel Gibson starring Andrew Garfield. As a depiction of World War II from the perspective of Desmond Doss, an American pacifist combat medic who refused to carry a weapon as a conscientious objector to bloodshed, this anti-war film featured some of the most brutal and bloody battles ever captured onscreen. Prior to showcasing Doss’s experience helping the injured on the battlefield, Hacksaw Ridge explored his time training in boot camp.
An early indication of Doss’s non-violent beliefs came during his basic training with the 77th Infantry Division when he refused to carry a rifle or train on Saturdays. Doss was a real soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the battle of Okinawa, and Hacksaw Ridge did an excellent job of honoring his legacy and brave, selfless acts. As a devastating war film that will stick with audiences well after the credits have rolled, Hacksaw Ridge took viewers on a journey from boot camp right to the heart of battle.
1
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
See more : Why were Erica Mena and Bambi Arrested? Know Here!
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
9.8/10
Full Metal Jacket
R
WarDrama
Full Metal Jacket is a war movie directed by Stanley Kubrick where a group of young soldiers endure the brutal training regimen of U.S. Marine Corps drill sergeant Hartman (Lee Ermey) and fight in the Vietnam War. The film was highly acclaimed for its crude portrayal of the dehumanizing effects of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers.
Release Date
July 10, 1987
Runtime
116 minutes
Cast
Matthew Modine
, Arliss Howard
, Adam Baldwin
, R. Lee Ermey
, Vincent D’Onofrio
Director
Stanley Kubrick
Writers
Michael Herr
, Stanley Kubrick
, Gustav Hasford
Budget
$30 million
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
, Columbia Pictures
Expand
Stanley Kubrick’s classic anti-war movie Full Metal Jacket was separated into two halves, the first depicting trainees’ experiences in boot camp and the second highlighting their graduate’s time in the Vietnam War. While both halves made for compelling viewing, most will agree that the first portion, set in boot camp, was the film’s most memorable and compelling aspect. Featuring astounding performances from Vincent D’Onofrio as the bullied Private Gomer Pyle and the real-life drill sergeant R. Lee Ermey as his ruthless instructor, the film explored the cold-hearted expectations placed on recruits.
The experiences of Private Pyle were what ensured that Full Metal Jacket would be remembered as one of Kubrick’s greatest releases, as D’Onofrio’s harrowing mental breakdown showcased that boot camp can be just as traumatic as actual warfare. As a darkly comic and intense story, the boot camp section of Full Metal Jacket was the film at its most urgent as Ermey utilized his real drill sergeant experience to portray the foul-mouthed and uncompromising instructor Gunnery Sergeant L. Hartman. While there have been plenty of war movies featuring boot camps, none were as iconic as Full Metal Jacket.
Sources: AFI, Box Office Mojo
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment