10 Must-Watch Films About the War in Afghanistan

Description: While not exclusively about the war, this film captures the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent history, including the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban, through the eyes of two childhood friends.

Fact: The film was shot in China due to security concerns in Afghanistan. It was the first major Hollywood film to be shot in Dari, one of Afghanistan's official languages.

Description: This film, based on the true story of Operation Red Wings, follows a Navy SEAL team ambushed by Taliban fighters. It's a gripping tale of survival, brotherhood, and the harsh realities of modern warfare.

Fact: The film was shot in New Mexico, with the crew building a replica of the Afghan village. Mark Wahlberg lost 40 pounds for his role to portray the physical toll on the soldiers.

Description: This film tells the story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11, working with the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Horse Soldiers," reflecting the unique mode of transportation used by the team. It was shot in New Mexico to replicate the Afghan terrain.

Description: While not set in Afghanistan, this film explores the lucrative business of supplying arms to the Afghan conflict, showing how two young men navigate the murky waters of war profiteering.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, who won a $300 million contract to supply ammunition to Afghan security forces.

Description: A documentary that provides a firsthand look at the U.S. military's operations in Afghanistan, capturing both the combat and the personal stories of soldiers and their families.

Fact: The filmmakers, Mike Boettcher and his son Carlos, embedded with U.S. troops for over two years, experiencing combat alongside them.

Description: Based on Kim Barker's memoir, this film follows a journalist's experiences in Afghanistan during the war, offering a comedic yet poignant look at the absurdity of war reporting.

Fact: The film's title is military phonetic alphabet for WTF, reflecting the confusion and chaos Barker encountered. Tina Fey, who plays Barker, also co-wrote the screenplay.

Description: Based on the Battle of Kamdesh, this film recounts the story of U.S. soldiers at Combat Outpost Keating, who faced an overwhelming Taliban attack. It's a testament to bravery under fire.

Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, with the set designed to replicate the actual outpost. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of combat.

Description: Based on true events, this film delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by a group of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, leading to a controversial incident involving civilian casualties.

Fact: The film was inspired by the Maywand District murders, where U.S. soldiers killed innocent Afghan civilians. It was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of the complexities of war.

Description: This film follows a British bomb disposal expert who must navigate through Taliban-controlled territory to reach Kandahar, highlighting the psychological and physical toll of war.

Fact: The film was shot in Iran due to security issues in Afghanistan. It was praised for its realistic depiction of the IED threat.

Description: A documentary that follows a platoon of U.S. soldiers in the Korengal Valley, one of the most dangerous areas in Afghanistan. It provides an unfiltered look at the daily life and combat experiences of soldiers.

Fact: Named after PFC Juan Sebastián Restrepo, who was killed early in the deployment. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.