Top 10 Detective Films Featuring Ex-Military Characters

Description: Dr. Richard Kimble, a former military doctor, is on the run after being wrongfully convicted of his wife's murder. His military training helps him evade capture while he searches for the real killer.

Fact: The film was inspired by the 1960s TV series of the same name. Harrison Ford did many of his own stunts, including the famous dam jump.

Description: An ex-IRA operative, Declan Mulqueen, is recruited by the FBI to track down an elusive assassin known as The Jackal. His military background aids in this international manhunt.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the 1973 film "The Day of the Jackal." Bruce Willis underwent extensive training to handle the film's weapons.

Description: A former military officer turned detective, Warrant Officer Paul Brenner, investigates the murder of a female captain at a military base, uncovering a web of secrets and corruption. This film is a perfect blend of military intrigue and detective work.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Nelson DeMille. It was one of the last films to feature James Woods in a major role before he shifted to more supporting roles.

Description: While not exclusively about ex-military, Billy Costigan, an undercover cop, has a military background that aids him in infiltrating a gang. The film's complex plot involves a mole in the police force and a detective's quest to find him, making it a fitting entry for this list.

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 and former DIA operative, uses his skills to help those in need, turning him into a vigilante detective of sorts. His quest for justice often involves solving crimes and confronting criminals.

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 collaborations with Washington.

Description: Arthur Bishop, a former military man turned hitman, uses his skills to solve problems in his own unique way. While not a traditional detective, his methodical approach to his work mirrors detective work.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson film of the same name. Jason Statham performed many of his own stunts.

Description: Bob Lee Swagger, a former Marine sniper, is framed for an assassination attempt and must use his military expertise to clear his name and uncover a conspiracy.

Fact: Mark Wahlberg trained with real snipers for authenticity. The film was based on the novel "Point of Impact" by Stephen Hunter.

Description: Doug MacRay, a former military man turned bank robber, finds himself drawn into a life of crime but uses his military skills to plan heists. His path crosses with an FBI agent, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse game.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, used his hometown of Boston for authenticity. The film's opening heist was filmed in one continuous shot.

Description: Three former Mossad agents, including a character with a military background, reunite to deal with the consequences of a past mission gone wrong, involving the capture of a notorious Nazi war criminal.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 2007 Israeli film "Ha-Hov." Helen Mirren and Jessica Chastain play the same character at different ages.

Description: Peter Devereaux, a former CIA operative, comes out of retirement to protect a witness, leading him into a web of espionage and betrayal where his military skills are crucial.

Fact: The film is based on the novel "There Are No Spies" by Bill Granger. Pierce Brosnan, known for playing James Bond, returns to the spy genre.