Top 10 Detective Films Featuring Ex-Soldiers

Description: An ex-IRA operative teams up with an FBI agent to track down an assassin known as The Jackal, employing detective work and military tactics.

Fact: The film was loosely based on the 1973 French thriller "The Day of the Jackal." Bruce Willis underwent extensive training to portray the assassin.

Description: While not exclusively about ex-soldiers, it features characters with military backgrounds using their skills in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse within the Boston police department.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. It's a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: Robert McCall, a retired Marine, uses his skills to help those in need, turning into a vigilante detective. His past as a soldier informs his approach to solving crimes.

Fact: Denzel Washington's character was inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name. The film's director, Antoine Fuqua, is known for his work on action films with strong character development.

Description: Arthur Bishop, a former soldier turned hitman, must solve the mystery behind his mentor's death, using his military training to navigate the underworld.

Fact: Jason Statham's character was originally played by Charles Bronson in the 1972 version. The film features intense action sequences choreographed by a former stuntman.

Description: Bob Lee Swagger, a former Marine sniper, is framed for an assassination attempt and must use his skills to uncover the truth, blending military precision with detective work.

Fact: Mark Wahlberg trained with real-life snipers for authenticity. The film is based on Stephen Hunter's novel "Point of Impact."

Description: Doug MacRay, a former soldier turned bank robber, finds himself entangled in a detective-like pursuit after a heist goes wrong, using his military skills to evade capture.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who also directed, drew inspiration from the novel "Prince of Thieves." The film was shot on location in Boston, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: While not strictly a detective film, it features a bomb disposal team in Iraq, where the lead character uses his military expertise to solve life-or-death puzzles.

Fact: The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Jeremy Renner's performance as Staff Sergeant William James was critically acclaimed.

Description: A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, who was once a soldier, uncovers a web of political intrigue and must solve the mystery.

Fact: Directed by Roman Polanski, the film was shot in Germany and the UK. Ewan McGregor's character uses his investigative skills to unravel the truth.

Description: Jack, a retired assassin with a military background, finds himself in Italy, where he must solve the puzzle of who is after him, blending detective work with survival skills.

Fact: George Clooney learned Italian for the role. The film's quiet, contemplative pace contrasts with its action-packed predecessors.

Description: Robert Miller, a former British soldier, returns home to find his life in chaos. He uses his military skills to uncover a conspiracy, blending detective work with high-stakes action.

Fact: The film was shot in London, showcasing real-life locations that add to the gritty atmosphere. Toby Kebbell, who plays Miller, underwent extensive military training for his role.