10 Movies & Shows Like Heaven’s Gate

Description: A powerful anti-war film that critiques the futility and injustice of military leadership, focusing on the moral courage of individuals in the face of systemic corruption.

Fact: The film was banned in France for nearly 20 years due to its negative portrayal of the French military. The trench scenes were shot in Germany, using real World War I trenches.

Description: A harrowing exploration of the psychological and emotional toll of war, focusing on the bonds between soldiers and the impact of conflict on their lives.

Fact: The Russian roulette scenes were so intense that some cast members reportedly needed therapy after filming. The movie was shot in reverse order to accommodate Robert De Niro's beard growth.

Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War, focusing on the internal conflicts within a platoon and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers.

Fact: Oliver Stone drew from his own experiences as a Vietnam veteran to write the script. The film's boot camp was so intense that some actors considered quitting.

Description: A stark and brutal examination of the dehumanizing effects of military training and combat, split into two distinct acts that highlight the psychological transformation of soldiers.

Fact: R. Lee Ermey, who played the drill instructor, was a real-life Marine drill sergeant and improvised much of his dialogue. The boot camp scenes were shot in a disused gasworks in London.

Description: A visceral and emotionally charged portrayal of the horrors of war, with a strong focus on the bonds between soldiers and the sacrifices they make.

Fact: The D-Day landing scene took 25 days to shoot and cost $12 million. Many veterans of the actual D-Day invasion found the scene so realistic that they had to leave the theater.

Description: A poetic and philosophical meditation on war, nature, and the human condition, with a focus on the inner lives of soldiers amidst the chaos of battle.

Fact: The film was shot in Queensland, Australia, and the cast lived in primitive conditions to stay in character. Terrence Malick edited over a million feet of footage.

Description: A relentless and immersive depiction of modern warfare, emphasizing the chaos, camaraderie, and sheer brutality of combat.

Fact: The film used real U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force operatives as technical advisors. Many of the actors underwent intense military training to prepare for their roles.

Description: A darkly humorous and introspective take on the monotony and psychological strain of military life, particularly during the Gulf War.

Fact: The film's title comes from the slang term for Marines, referring to their high-and-tight haircuts. Many scenes were inspired by real events described in Anthony Swofford's memoir.

Description: A tense and intimate look at the psychological pressures faced by bomb disposal technicians in Iraq, highlighting the addiction to adrenaline and the cost of war.

Fact: The film was shot in Jordan, near the Iraqi border, to capture the authentic desert environment. Much of the dialogue was improvised to enhance realism.

Description: A surreal and visually stunning depiction of the madness and moral ambiguity of war, with a strong emphasis on the psychological descent of its characters.

Fact: The production was plagued by extreme weather, Martin Sheen's heart attack, and Marlon Brando's unpreparedness. The famous 'Ride of the Valkyries' scene was inspired by real-life psychological warfare tactics.