If you were captivated by the gripping historical drama and intense real-life stakes of Desert One (2019), this list is for you. We’ve curated 10 movies and shows that share its themes of military operations, political tension, and human resilience. Whether you're a history buff or love edge-of-your-seat storytelling, these picks will keep you engaged.

The Siege (1998)
Description: A provocative thriller exploring the consequences of martial law in response to terrorist attacks, blending action with political commentary on civil liberties and security.
Fact: The film was criticized for its portrayal of Muslim characters but was also seen as prescient given later real-world events. It features an early score by composer Graeme Revell.


Syriana (2005)
Description: A complex, multi-narrative film that explores the interconnected worlds of oil politics, espionage, and corporate greed, offering a bleak but insightful look at global power structures.
Fact: The film's title refers to a hypothetical realignment of the Middle East. It won George Clooney an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.


The Kingdom (2007)
Description: A gritty action-thriller about an FBI team investigating a terrorist attack in the Middle East, blending explosive set pieces with cultural and political tensions.
Fact: The film's opening sequence uses real news footage to set the stage. It was partially shot in Arizona, standing in for the Middle East.


Body of Lies (2008)
Description: A spy thriller that delves into the murky world of counterterrorism, focusing on the relationship between field operatives and their handlers, with a strong emphasis on betrayal and trust.
Fact: The film was shot in multiple countries, including Morocco and the U.S., to capture its global scope. It features intense action sequences choreographed by military consultants.


Green Zone (2010)
Description: A fast-paced action-drama set during the Iraq War, centering on the search for weapons of mass destruction and the political machinations behind intelligence failures.
Fact: The film's handheld cinematography was inspired by documentary styles to enhance realism. It was based on the book 'Imperial Life in the Emerald City.'


Argo (2012)
Description: A gripping political thriller based on true events, focusing on a covert operation to rescue hostages in a hostile environment. The film blends tension, real-world stakes, and meticulous attention to historical detail.
Fact: The film's climax was shot in the actual locations where the events took place, adding to its authenticity. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture.


Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Description: A tense and detailed portrayal of the decade-long hunt for a notorious terrorist leader, emphasizing intelligence work, military precision, and moral dilemmas in the pursuit of justice.
Fact: The film's screenplay was based on first-hand accounts from CIA operatives. The raid sequence was shot in near-total darkness to replicate real conditions.


Eye in the Sky (2015)
Description: A high-stakes military thriller that examines the ethical and tactical dilemmas of drone warfare, with a focus on real-time decision-making and collateral damage.
Fact: The film features one of the last performances by Alan Rickman. It was praised for its realistic depiction of modern warfare technology.


The Mauritanian (2021)
Description: A legal drama centered around the detainment and trial of a man held without charge, exploring themes of justice, human rights, and the complexities of the war on terror.
Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who spent 14 years in Guantanamo Bay without trial. Key scenes were filmed in South Africa to replicate the prison's environment.


The Report (2019)
Description: A hard-hitting political drama that delves into the investigation of controversial interrogation techniques, highlighting bureaucratic resistance and the fight for transparency.
Fact: The film uses actual documents and testimonies to reconstruct events. It was shot in just 28 days to maintain a sense of urgency.
