19 Must-Watch Military Documentaries

Military documentaries have been around for decades and provide a window into how wars defined history. They offer an insight into the soldier's life, the struggles, and their experiences. They evoke emotions of pride, sacrifice, patriotism, heroism, and tragedy all at once.

From the depiction of conflicts in far-off lands to the impact these conflicts have had on our society, every documentary has a story that deserves to be told. Here are some of the best military documentaries ever made that are an absolute must-watch.

1. Restrepo (2010)

Restrepo is a gripping, honest, and deeply moving documentary about the soldiers stationed in remote Afghanistan. The documentary follows the soldiers from the beginning of their deployment to their last day on the battlefield. It gives the audience an understanding of the hardships that the soldiers encounter and the sense of brotherhood that develops amongst them.

👉 Watch Restrepo on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Restrepo as DVD on Amazon

2. Standard Operating Procedure (2008)

This documentary offers a gut-wrenching look at the aftermath of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. Standard Operating Procedure provides a glimpse into the soldiers' mindset and their motivations behind the atrocities committed in Iraq. It's uncomfortable to watch at times, but it's an honest account of the dark side of war and its profound impact on the individuals involved.

👉 Watch Standard Operating Procedure on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Standard Operating Procedure as DVD on Amazon

3. Hearts and Minds (1974)

This powerful documentary delves into the moral complexities of the Vietnam War and how America became involved in it. The documentary takes an anti-war stance, showing the horrors of the war and how it ravaged the civilian population. It is an emotional, powerful, and unforgettable account of the conflict and is an important historical document that shouldn't be missed.

👉 Watch Hearts and Minds on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Hearts and Minds as DVD on Amazon

4. TransMilitary (2018)

TransMilitary is another must-watch documentary that highlights the struggles of transgender people serving in the military. It follows the lives of four transgender service members as they fight for their right to serve their country while being true to themselves. Their courage, tenacity, and dedication to serving the country they love are truly inspiring.

👉 Watch TransMilitary on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy TransMilitary as DVD on Amazon

5. Last Days in Vietnam (2014)

This documentary tells the story of how the U.S. rushed to evacuate thousands of South Vietnamese citizens, soldiers, and refugees from Saigon during the final days of the Vietnam War. The film provides a humanizing view of the conflict, highlighting the bravery and compassion of those who risked their lives to save others.

👉 Watch Last Days in Vietnam on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Last Days in Vietnam as DVD on Amazon AU

6. The Fog of War (2003)

The Fog of War is an in-depth interview with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara about his experiences during World War II and the Vietnam War. He discusses the decisions that were made and the consequences that followed. McNamara's candid and frank admissions about his actions during that turbulent era make this a must-watch film.

👉 Watch The Fog of War on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Fog of War as DVD on Amazon

7. Why We Fight (2005)

This compelling documentary explores the reasons for America's involvement in war and how war is promoted as a tool of politics and foreign policy. It provides a fascinating look into the military-industrial complex and the ethical and moral considerations of war.

👉 Watch Why We Fight on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Why We Fight as DVD on Amazon

8. The Battlespace of the Future (2021)

The Battlespace of the Future is a documentary that explores the emerging technologies that are changing modern warfare. It provides an insight into the future of warfare and how technology will continue to transform our armed forces.

The Battlespace of the Future on Top Documentary Films

9. The Invisible War (2012)

The Invisible War is an insightful documentary that explores the disturbing issue of sexual assault within the military. It sheds light on the reality that many soldiers face and the lack of accountability and justice that exists for these survivors.

This documentary is both heartbreaking and informative, and is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the prevalence of sexual assault in the military.

👉 Watch The Invisible War on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Invisible War as DVD on Amazon

10. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

Directed by Michael Moore, this documentary is a critical exploration of the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, including the war in Iraq. It offers a powerful critique of the Bush administration and their response to the terrorist attacks, providing an in-depth and often moving insight into the human cost of war.

👉 Watch Fahrenheit 9/11 on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Fahrenheit 9/11 as DVD on Amazon

11. Inside the Green Berets (2007)

Inside the Green Berets is a documentary that explores the everyday life of a Special Forces soldier. From training to combat situations, viewers get a real look at what it takes to be a Green Beret. The documentary does an excellent job of immersing viewers in the world of these elite soldiers, their training, and their missions.

Inside the Green Berets on IMDb

12. The Tillman Story (2010)

The Tillman Story is a gripping documentary that investigates the death of former NFL player, Pat Tillman, while serving in Afghanistan. The movie explores the various inconsistencies in the military’s official story and the implications this had for Tillman’s family and the military as a whole. It is a moving and thought-provoking documentary that provides both insight and outrage.

👉 Watch The Tillman Story on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Tillman Story as DVD Amazon

13. Hell and Back: Special Ops Ranger (2012)

Hell and Back: Special Ops Ranger is an intense documentary that follows the lives of the legendary Special Operations Rangers. The movie brings viewers through the rigorous training these men undergo, and follows them through multiple tours in the Middle East.

The documentary is a heart-pumping and emotional ride, highlighting the extreme commitment and sacrifices that these soldiers make.

👉 Watch Hell and Back: Special Ops Ranger on Amazon Prime

14. No End in Sight (2007)

Through the eyes of policymakers and generals, Charles Ferguson's riveting documentary captures the untold story of the Iraq War. No End in Sight analyzes the issues surrounding the war and explains why it became such a miserable failure.

The film presents a bleak picture of what went wrong with the war and all the opportunities the United States missed. It's a gripping and captivating film that has received accolades from viewers, critics, and military personnel alike.

👉 Watch No End in Sight on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy No End in Sight as DVD on Amazon

15. Special Forces: Untold Stories (2001)

This documentary is a front-row seat to the entirety of a Special Forces soldier's experiences. It covers everything from their rigorous training to their missions in the field.

The documentary highlights the impact that these individuals have had both personally and as a group on the world’s frontlines. The documentation is fantastic and tells an untold story like no other.

👉 Watch Special Forces: Untold Stories on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Special Forces: Untold Stories as DVD on Amazon

16. Para Platoon (2014)

Para Platoon is a fascinating documentary that follows the story of a platoon in the Parachute Regiment during their toughest moments. It sheds light on all that goes on behind the scenes, as soldiers train and prepare for their roles serving their country.

Over the course of the film, viewers will see firsthand the training and preparation undertaken by para soldiers and just what it takes to become one. The film also brings forward the harsh realities that these soldiers face when they are on the frontlines.

👉 Watch Para Platoon on Amazon Prime

17. Surviving the Cut (2010)

Surviving the Cut is a grueling, behind-the-scenes look at the intense training that soldiers must undergo in order to be part of one of the most elite fighting forces in the world - the United States Special Forces.

This documentary gives viewers a hint of the pressure, determination, and willpower that an individual must possess to make it through the intense training. From underwater submergence to airborne jumps, viewers can understand just what it takes to be part of the US military's most trained forces.

👉 Watch Surviving the Cut on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Surviving the Cut as DVD on Amazon

18. Secrets of the SAS: In Their Own Words (2016)

This documentary is centered on the secretive and elite Special Air Service - an exploration of the working lives of SAS soldiers. The film examines what it takes to become a member of this elite force and includes interviews with former and current SAS personnel.

From covert operations to hostage rescues, the SAS accomplish all sorts of challenging tasks that many of us might never even hear about. Much like the SAS themselves, the documentary is reserved, never giving too much away, yet captivating in every sense of the word.

👉 Watch Secrets of the SAS: In Their Own Words on Amazon Prime UK

👉 Buy Secrets of the SAS: In Their Own Words as DVD on Amazon

19. I am Vanessa Guillen

This documentary directed and produced by Christy Wegener tells the story of Private First Class Vanessa Guillen. I am Vanessa Guillen sheds light on her plight.

In 2020, after suffering from sexual harassment by a superior, Vanessa was murdered by a fellow soldier at Fort Hood army base outside Killeen, Texas. The documentary explores the military's attempts to silence Guillen's family and her family's successful campaign to win justice for their sister and daughter.

I am Vanessa Guillen on Factual America

Conclusion

Military documentaries offer an invaluable insight into the lives of soldiers, their struggles, and the costs of war.

From documentaries like The Invisible War and The Tillman Story, which address the ongoing issues faced by members of the military, to Hell and Back: Special Ops Ranger that offers us a glimpse into the intense lives of elite soldiers, these documentaries allow us to gain a deeper appreciation for the brave men and women of our armed forces. Watching these documentaries is a humbling and sobering experience that sheds light on a world that few civilians ever see.

Interesting Reading from Factual America:

16 Best Country Music Documentaries

24 Best Documentaries about America

15 of The Best UK War Documentaries

Documentaries about the Vietnam War

7 Best Michael Moore Documentaries: Expert Insights and Rankings

21 Best Historical Documentaries

Best Documentaries About Football: Uncovering the Passion and History

Best documentaries about The Cold War

Best Documentaries About Hollywood: Uncovering Tinseltown's Secrets

Best Documentaries About the Middle East: Essential Viewings for Curious Minds

#world war II #cold war #second world war #civil war #film explores war crimes #mass destruction #archival footage #plain sight #us military #interrogation practices