Top 10 Thrillers About the Iraq War

Description: Based on the memoir by Anthony Swofford, this film provides a gritty, introspective look at the life of a Marine sniper during the Gulf War, highlighting the boredom, camaraderie, and sudden bursts of action.

Fact: The title "Jarhead" refers to the high and tight haircut Marines get, making their heads look like jars. The film was shot in California and Mexico.

Description: A father investigates the mysterious disappearance of his son, a soldier who returned from Iraq, uncovering dark secrets about the war's impact on young soldiers.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the true story of Richard Davis, whose son was killed in Iraq. Tommy Lee Jones received an Oscar nomination for his role.

Description: This film follows an elite Army bomb squad unit in Iraq, focusing on the psychological effects of war on a sergeant who becomes addicted to the adrenaline rush of defusing bombs. It's a raw, intense look at the daily risks and the mental toll of the Iraq War.

Fact: Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar for this film. The movie was shot in Jordan, standing in for Iraq.

Description: This film uses a variety of found footage styles to tell the story of a squad of American soldiers in Iraq, whose actions lead to a tragic incident. It's a controversial and unflinching look at the war's darker side.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events, particularly the Mahmudiyah killings. It was shot in Jordan and uses a mix of documentary and fictional elements.

Description: Set during the early days of the Iraq War, this thriller follows a U.S. Army officer who discovers that the intelligence used to justify the invasion is fabricated, leading him on a dangerous quest for the truth.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book "Imperial Life in the Emerald City" by Rajiv Chandrasekaran. It was shot in Spain, with sets designed to replicate Baghdad.

Description: After returning from Iraq, a soldier is involuntarily recalled to duty under the stop-loss policy, leading him to go AWOL. This film explores the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers post-deployment.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of soldiers affected by the stop-loss policy. It features a strong performance by Ryan Phillippe.

Description: This biopic chronicles the life of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL sniper with the most confirmed kills in U.S. military history, focusing on his experiences in Iraq and the personal toll of war.

Fact: Bradley Cooper gained 40 pounds for the role and underwent extensive training to portray Kyle accurately. The film was a major box office success.

Description: This film dramatizes the true story of a group of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan who commit war crimes, focusing on the moral and psychological struggles of one soldier who tries to stop them.

Fact: The film is based on the Maywand District murders, where U.S. soldiers killed innocent civilians. It was shot in Spain to replicate the Afghan environment.

Description: This docudrama recounts the events of the Haditha massacre, where U.S. Marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians. It's a sobering examination of the fog of war and the impact on both soldiers and civilians.

Fact: The film was shot in documentary style to give it a raw, realistic feel. It was directed by Nick Broomfield, known for his documentaries.

Description: Two American soldiers are pinned down by an Iraqi sniper, with their only hope for survival resting on their ability to outwit their unseen enemy. It's a tense, minimalistic thriller that captures the essence of modern warfare.

Fact: The film was shot in a single location, a desert in Utah, to replicate the Iraqi landscape. It was directed by Doug Liman, known for his work on "The Bourne Identity."