Films About Ex-Military: A Cinematic Journey

Description: This film examines the lives of three WWII veterans as they return home to a changed America, highlighting their struggles with reintegration.

Fact: It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was one of the first films to address the issues of returning veterans.

Description: This epic drama follows three friends from a small steel town in Pennsylvania whose lives are forever changed by the Vietnam War. It's included for its profound portrayal of the effects of war on ex-military men.

Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its Russian roulette scenes are among the most iconic in cinema.

Description: The story of John Rambo, a Vietnam War veteran, who finds himself at odds with a small-town sheriff. This film is a classic depiction of a veteran's struggle with PTSD and societal rejection.

Fact: Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay and insisted on performing many of his own stunts, including the famous cliff jump.

Description: Based on Anthony Swofford's memoir, this film captures the experiences of a Marine during the Gulf War, focusing on the boredom and psychological effects of waiting for combat.

Fact: The film's title refers to the Marine Corps' nickname for themselves, derived from their high and tight haircuts.

Description: A tense drama about an elite Army bomb squad in Iraq, focusing on the psychological toll on one of its members, Sergeant William James.

Fact: The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win Best Director.

Description: Clint Eastwood stars as Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran whose life changes when he forms an unlikely friendship with his Hmong neighbors.

Fact: Eastwood did his own stunts, including the scene where he jumps over a fence.

Description: This film follows a soldier who, after serving in Iraq, is involuntarily recalled to active duty, highlighting the controversial stop-loss policy.

Fact: Ryan Phillippe, who stars as the lead, also served as a producer for the film.

Description: Based on the memoir of Chris Kyle, this film explores the life of the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history and his struggles after returning home from Iraq.

Fact: Bradley Cooper gained 40 pounds for the role and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Description: A poignant look at two soldiers tasked with informing families of their loved ones' deaths, exploring the emotional toll on the messengers themselves.

Fact: Woody Harrelson received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a group of U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq and their struggles with PTSD and reintegration into civilian life.

Fact: The film was directed by Jason Hall, who also wrote the screenplay for "American Sniper."