Top 10 Iraq War Action Films

Description: This film focuses on the psychological effects of war on a Marine sniper during the Gulf War, which later transitions into the Iraq War, offering a unique perspective on the soldier's experience.

Fact: The title "Jarhead" refers to the high and tight haircut Marines receive, making their heads look like jars. The film was based on Anthony Swofford's memoir.

Description: An FBI team travels to Saudi Arabia to investigate a terrorist attack, leading to a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with the perpetrators, set against the backdrop of the Iraq War.

Fact: The film was shot in Arizona, with sets built to replicate Riyadh. It was one of the first Hollywood films to be allowed to shoot in Saudi Arabia.

Description: This film captures the intense psychological and physical toll on a bomb disposal team in Iraq, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the war's front lines. Its realistic portrayal of the stress and danger faced by soldiers earned it multiple Academy Awards.

Fact: The film was shot in Jordan, not Iraq, due to safety concerns. Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar for this movie.

Description: Using a mix of documentary-style footage and fictional narrative, this film tells the story of a squad of U.S. soldiers in Iraq whose actions lead to a horrific crime.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events but presented in a way that blurs the line between fiction and reality. It was highly controversial upon release.

Description: A gripping political thriller set during the early days of the Iraq War, where a U.S. Army officer uncovers a conspiracy while searching for weapons of mass destruction.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events but took creative liberties for dramatic effect. It was shot in Spain, with sets built to replicate Baghdad.

Description: This film explores the controversial military policy of "stop-loss," where soldiers are involuntarily extended beyond their initial enlistment, focusing on a soldier's struggle with this reality after returning from Iraq.

Fact: The film was shot in Texas and New Mexico, with real veterans consulted for authenticity. It was one of the first films to address this policy.

Description: Based on the autobiography of Chris Kyle, this film delves into the life of the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history, exploring his experiences in Iraq and the personal struggles he faced upon returning home.

Fact: Bradley Cooper gained 40 pounds for the role to accurately portray Kyle's physical transformation. The film was a box office hit, grossing over $547 million worldwide.

Description: A docudrama that reconstructs the events of the Haditha killings, providing a balanced view of the tragedy from the perspectives of U.S. Marines, Iraqi civilians, and insurgents.

Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of former Marines who were present during the incident. It was shot in the UK and Jordan.

Description: A group of U.S. soldiers are tasked with repairing a water system in a small Iraqi town, facing both local resistance and the harsh realities of war.

Fact: The film was shot in Jordan, with some scenes filmed in the actual town of Al-Qa'im, Iraq. It's based on the experiences of screenwriter Chris Roessner.

Description: Two American soldiers are pinned down by an Iraqi sniper, leading to a tense psychological battle for survival in the desolate Iraqi desert.

Fact: The film was shot in a single location, emphasizing the claustrophobic and intense atmosphere. It's based on a script by Dwain Worrell, who also wrote "The Grey."