The 5 Best War Movies to Add to Your Labor Day Watch List

Are you looking for the best war movies to add to your Labor Day watch list? Whether you’re a fan of action-packed battles or heart-wrenching tales of heroism, war movies draw you in. They showcase bravery, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Take a moment to appreciate the soldiers who embody these qualities this Labor Day by watching some of Hollywood’s finest war films.

The 5 Best War Movies You Need to Watch

1. Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (2023)

Guy Ritchie’s “The Covenant” takes the director’s signature style and adds a heavy emotional weight. It’s not just about flashy action sequences but also about the bond between soldiers. In the heart of the War in Afghanistan, we see Master Sgt. John Kinley, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, depended on his Afghan interpreter Ahmed (Dar Salim). After an ambush, Ahmed risks his life to save Kinley, sparking a deep friendship.

In the U.S., Kinley learns that Ahmed’s family faces grave danger. In an act of loyalty, Kinley returns to Afghanistan to rescue his friend. The gripping story highlights the sacrifices made by those who put their lives on the line, even when the war has ended for some.

Dan Girolamo | MSN | In Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, Ahmed risks his life to save Kinley, sparking a deep friendship.

2. The Patriot (2000)

In “The Patriot,” Mel Gibson portrays Benjamin Martin, a reluctant soldier drawn into the Revolutionary War after the British captured his son. It’s a story about a man who wants to protect his family but becomes a symbol of resistance. His guerilla warfare tactics ignite hope among the American forces, yet they also make him a prime target for the British.

While the film takes some liberties with historical accuracy, its sweeping battle scenes and emotional core make it a standout. It reminds us that wars aren’t fought solely by professional soldiers—sometimes, ordinary people rise to extraordinary challenges.

3. Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 (2024)

Kevin Costner’s passion for Westerns is well known, and his new project, “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1,” doesn’t disappoint. Set during the Civil War, the film explores the untamed frontier, capturing the Old West’s vast and often brutal landscape. Chapter 1 introduces Horizon, a town born from the struggles and conflicts of its time.

Although heavy on exposition, Costner’s careful direction and sweeping cinematography ensure that the film leaves a lasting impression. For fans of historical epics, this film offers a captivating look at how America was shaped in its early days.

4. The Outpost (2019)

“The Outpost” brings attention to a harrowing battle that many may not have heard about but certainly should. Set during the War in Afghanistan, the movie follows a small group of U.S. soldiers stationed at PRT Kamdesh, an outpost surrounded by mountains and vulnerable to attacks. The film builds up to the intense Battle of Kamdesh, where these soldiers face overwhelming odds in a fight for survival.

With standout performances from Scott Eastwood and Caleb Landry Jones, “The Outpost” proves that you don’t need a massive budget to tell an incredibly powerful story. The movie is a tribute to the courage and resilience of the men who fought in one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Digital Trends | MSN | The Outpost (2019) follows a small group of U.S. soldiers stationed at PRT Kamdesh, an outpost surrounded by mountains and vulnerable to attacks.

5. Crimson Tide (1995)

The stakes don’t get much higher than in “Crimson Tide,” where a nuclear submarine crew must make a critical decision that could ignite a world war. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington deliver powerhouse performances as Captain Frank Ramsey and Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter, respectively. The two officers clash over whether to launch a nuclear strike based on incomplete orders, leading to a tense standoff.

Director Tony Scott crafts an intense thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. The film’s suspense is only amplified by Hans Zimmer’s powerful score, making “Crimson Tide” a must-watch for any fan of war dramas.