100+ Movies like American Sniper
Stop-Loss
Both "Stop-Loss" and "American Sniper" are war films that follow the experiences of U.S. soldiers during the Iraq War. The central characters are soldiers who face intense combat situations, witness the deaths of fellow soldiers, and struggle with the psychological impacts of war upon returning home. Key plot points include ambushes and firefights with insurgents, soldiers being killed or severely wounded, and the main characters grappling with PTSD and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life. The films explore themes of duty, sacrifice, the human cost of war, and the challenges faced by veterans. The protagonists are decorated but haunted by their wartime experiences, straining their relationships with loved ones. Ultimately, both films depict the soldiers being sent back to Iraq against their wishes due to military policies, highlighting the toll of repeated deployments.
Home of the Brave
Both "American Sniper" and "Home of the Brave" follow the experiences of American soldiers during and after their tours in the Iraq War. The movies depict the harrowing combat situations the soldiers face, including ambushes, explosions, and the loss of comrades. They also explore the psychological toll of war, showing the characters struggling with PTSD, emotional detachment, and difficulty reintegrating into civilian life after returning home. Key parallels include soldiers being haunted by their inability to save fallen comrades, strained family relationships due to the trauma of war, and the challenges of transitioning back to normal life while grappling with the lasting effects of their experiences. The movies highlight the sacrifices made by soldiers and the heavy burdens they carry long after leaving the battlefield.
Act of Valor
Both "American Sniper" and "Act of Valor" are war films that follow the stories of elite U.S. Navy SEALs engaged in dangerous missions against terrorist threats. The protagonists are highly skilled snipers who face moral dilemmas and personal struggles while serving their country. The films depict the SEALs' intense training, deployment to hostile environments, and confrontations with ruthless enemies. Themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the toll of war on families are central to both narratives. Tragically, key characters are killed in action, highlighting the grave risks they face. The movies aim to honor the service and valor of real-life Navy SEALs through fictionalized yet realistic portrayals of their operations.
Jarhead
Both "Jarhead" and "American Sniper" follow the experiences of U.S. Marines deployed in the Gulf War and Iraq War, respectively. The protagonists, Anthony Swofford in "Jarhead" and Chris Kyle in "American Sniper", are skilled snipers who struggle with the psychological toll of war, including boredom, guilt over kills, and difficulty reintegrating into civilian life after their tours. The movies depict the harsh realities of modern warfare, the camaraderie among Marines, and the challenges they face both on the battlefield and at home with their families. Key parallels include the protagonists' sniper training, their desire for combat experience, their encounters with enemy snipers, their emotional distress from the horrors of war, and their difficulties readjusting to normal life after returning home.
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk
Both "American Sniper" and "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk" are war films that follow the experiences of American soldiers who served in the Iraq War. The central characters, Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" and Billy Lynn in "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk", are young men from Texas who enlist in the military after witnessing events related to the war. They both face intense combat situations and witness the deaths of fellow soldiers, which deeply impacts their mental state. The films explore the difficulties of returning home and reintegrating into civilian life after traumatic wartime experiences, as well as the effects of PTSD. Both protagonists struggle with feelings of guilt and disconnection from their families upon returning home. The movies also touch on the public perception and glorification of soldiers' actions during wartime.
Harsh Times
Both "American Sniper" and "Harsh Times" explore the struggles of war veterans suffering from PTSD after returning home from combat. The protagonists, Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" and Jim Davis in "Harsh Times", are former soldiers who face difficulties adjusting to civilian life and grapple with the psychological trauma of their experiences. They exhibit violent tendencies and struggle to maintain relationships with their loved ones due to their volatile mental states. The movies depict the characters' descent into darker paths, with Chris becoming increasingly distant from his family and Jim resorting to criminal activities. Ultimately, both films highlight the devastating impact of PTSD on veterans and the challenges they face in reintegrating into society after witnessing the horrors of war.
Brothers
Both "American Sniper" and "Brothers" explore the psychological toll of war on soldiers and their families. The protagonists, Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" and Sam Cahill in "Brothers", are deployed to war zones and face traumatic experiences that leave them struggling with PTSD upon returning home. Their relationships with their wives and children become strained as they grapple with the aftermath of combat. The movies depict the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life and the emotional distance that develops between the soldiers and their loved ones due to the horrors they witnessed. Ultimately, both films underscore the sacrifices made by military personnel and the lasting impact of war on their mental health and personal lives.
Man Down
Both "Man Down" and "American Sniper" follow the stories of U.S. Marines who experience traumatic events during their tours in Afghanistan/Iraq that deeply impact their mental health and ability to reintegrate into civilian life after returning home. The protagonists, Gabriel Drummer and Chris Kyle, struggle with PTSD and survivor's guilt from losing close friends in combat. Their marriages suffer as they become emotionally distant from their wives and children. The films depict the characters' descent into paranoia and delusions, blurring the lines between reality and their traumatic memories. Ultimately, the movies explore the heavy psychological toll of war and the challenges veterans face in coping with their experiences.
Max
Both "American Sniper" and "Max" revolve around military service and the challenges faced by soldiers and their families. The central characters are soldiers who experience traumatic events during combat, leading to difficulties adjusting to civilian life after returning home. The movies explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the psychological toll of war, particularly PTSD. In "American Sniper", Chris Kyle is a Navy SEAL sniper who struggles with the emotional impact of his kills and the separation from his family during multiple tours in Iraq. Similarly, in "Max", the military dog Max suffers trauma after his handler Kyle is killed in action, mirroring Chris Kyle's experiences. Both movies depict the protagonists' efforts to reintegrate into society and find purpose after their harrowing wartime experiences. The movies also share narrative elements, such as the protagonists investigating suspicious activities involving former comrades, leading to dangerous confrontations with criminal elements. Ultimately, both Chris Kyle and Max face life-threatening situations that test their resilience and survival instincts, underscoring the enduring effects of their military service.
Redacted
Both "American Sniper" and "Redacted" depict the experiences of American soldiers serving in the Iraq War, exploring the psychological toll of combat and the moral dilemmas they face. The movies portray acts of violence against civilians, including the killing of a pregnant woman and a child in "American Sniper" and the rape and murder of an Iraqi family in "Redacted". They also highlight the struggles of soldiers to readjust to civilian life after witnessing traumatic events during their tours of duty. The movies examine themes of guilt, revenge, and the dehumanizing effects of war on both sides of the conflict.
Shooter
Both "American Sniper" and "Shooter" revolve around elite military snipers who are highly skilled at their craft. The protagonists, Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" and Bob Lee Swagger in "Shooter", are forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the moral dilemmas that come with taking lives. They struggle with the psychological toll of their experiences and the impact it has on their personal lives and relationships. The movies explore the themes of patriotism, duty, and the sacrifices made by soldiers in service to their country. Both films depict the protagonists being drawn back into conflict, even after leaving the military, due to a sense of obligation or a desire for justice. They face off against formidable adversaries, with Kyle hunting the elusive al-Qaeda leader al-Zarqawi and Swagger uncovering a conspiracy involving corrupt government officials and private military contractors. The plots follow a similar structure, with the snipers being recruited for high-stakes missions, facing betrayal and setups, and ultimately seeking redemption and closure. The movies also highlight the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life after experiencing the trauma of war, and the toll it takes on their families and loved ones.
The Contractor
Both "American Sniper" and "The Contractor" follow the story of highly skilled military snipers who face challenges reintegrating into civilian life after being discharged. The protagonists, Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" and James Harper in "The Contractor", are decorated veterans who struggle with PTSD and financial difficulties upon returning home. They are drawn into private military operations, with Kyle hunting a notorious insurgent leader and Harper tasked with retrieving sensitive data. Both films depict the moral dilemmas faced by the snipers as they carry out missions that test their ethics. The movies explore the psychological toll of war, the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, and the complexities of transitioning back to normal life after combat. Ultimately, the snipers' skills are put to the ultimate test in intense, high-stakes confrontations that culminate in tragic consequences.
Stir of Echoes: The Homecoming
Both "American Sniper" and "Stir of Echoes: The Homecoming" center around military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic experiences during the Iraq War. The protagonists, Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" and Ted Cogan in "Stir of Echoes," are haunted by guilt and visions stemming from their actions that resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians. They face difficulties readjusting to civilian life and strain on their family relationships due to their PTSD. The movies explore the psychological toll of war and the challenges veterans face in coming to terms with their experiences and seeking help. Both films also depict the tragic consequences when the protagonists' PTSD goes untreated, leading to further violence and loss of life.
Thank You for Your Service
Both "American Sniper" and "Thank You for Your Service" are films that explore the psychological toll of war on soldiers returning home from combat tours in Iraq. The central characters in both movies, Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" and Adam Schumann in "Thank You for Your Service", struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from their experiences in the war zone. They face challenges reintegrating into civilian life and maintaining relationships with their wives and families due to the trauma they endured. The movies parallel each other in depicting the harrowing combat experiences that trigger PTSD in the protagonists, such as witnessing the deaths of fellow soldiers and being involved in intense firefights. Both films also highlight the difficulties veterans face in accessing adequate mental health support and treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, the movies explore the camaraderie and support networks formed between soldiers who served together, as seen in the friendships between Adam, Solo, and Billy in "Thank You for Your Service" and Chris's interactions with other Navy SEALs in "American Sniper".
Sniper 3
Both "Sniper 3" and "American Sniper" center around skilled military snipers who struggle with the moral and psychological toll of their missions. The protagonists, Chris Kyle in American Sniper and Thomas Beckett in Sniper 3, are highly proficient snipers tasked with eliminating dangerous targets. They face personal conflicts as they grapple with the consequences of their actions and the impact on their families. The movies explore themes of duty, sacrifice, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life after traumatic combat experiences. Both snipers are drawn into missions with personal stakes, as Chris hunts the elusive al-Qaeda leader al-Zarqawi, while Beckett is tasked with killing his former friend and mentor, Paul Finnegan. The plots culminate in intense sniper duels against formidable adversaries, Mustafa in American Sniper and Finnegan in Sniper 3. Ultimately, the movies depict the snipers' struggles to find purpose and healing after their harrowing experiences.
The Messenger
Both "American Sniper" and "The Messenger" explore the psychological toll of war on soldiers and their struggles to reintegrate into civilian life after traumatic combat experiences. The central characters in both films, Chris Kyle and Will Montgomery, face difficulties reconnecting with loved ones and grappling with the haunting memories of war. They portray the challenges of transitioning from the battlefield to the home front, including PTSD, emotional detachment, and survivor's guilt. The films also depict the somber duty of notifying families about the deaths of their loved ones in service, highlighting the human cost of war. Ultimately, both movies underscore the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families while examining the complexities of life after combat.
Guy Ritchie's The Covenant
Both "Guy Ritchie's The Covenant" and "American Sniper" depict the experiences of American soldiers in the War on Terror, highlighting the physical and psychological toll of combat. The protagonists, Chris Kyle in American Sniper and John Kinley in The Covenant, are highly skilled soldiers who form a bond with an interpreter (Ahmed Abdullah in The Covenant) while deployed in a hostile region. They face intense battles against insurgents, with the interpreters playing a crucial role in their survival. The movies explore the themes of duty, sacrifice, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life after traumatic wartime experiences. Both protagonists struggle with the emotional impact of their actions and the loss of comrades. Ultimately, the movies honor the service and bravery of American soldiers while portraying the complexities of modern warfare.
Walking Tall
Both "American Sniper" and "Walking Tall" follow the story of a former military man who returns home and finds their town plagued by criminal elements. They take it upon themselves to confront and eliminate these threats, often through violent means. The protagonists, Chris Kyle and Chris Vaughn, are portrayed as skilled and determined individuals who use their combat experience to fight against the villains controlling their hometowns through drugs, violence, and corruption. Despite facing opposition from local authorities initially, they eventually gain the support of the community and take down the criminal organizations, restoring order and peace. The movies depict the protagonists' struggles to readjust to civilian life after their military service and the toll their missions take on their personal relationships and mental well-being.
The Lucky One
Both "The Lucky One" and "American Sniper" center around former U.S. Marines who served in Iraq and struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after returning home. They find purpose and healing by forming connections with women and their families. The protagonists are haunted by their wartime experiences, particularly the loss of comrades, but find redemption in protecting and helping others. The movies explore themes of survivor's guilt, the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life after combat, and the importance of family and community support for veterans. The romantic relationships serve as catalysts for the protagonists' personal growth and recovery from trauma.
The Hunted
Both "American Sniper" and "The Hunted" center around highly skilled military snipers who struggle with the psychological trauma of their combat experiences. The protagonists, Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" and Aaron Hallam in "The Hunted", are elite soldiers who become haunted by the atrocities they witnessed and the lives they took during their tours of duty. They suffer from PTSD and have difficulty reintegrating into civilian life after returning home. The movies explore the toll of war on the human psyche and the challenges faced by veterans in coping with their experiences. Both films also depict the protagonists' mentors or former instructors, who are brought in to track them down when they go rogue due to their mental instability. The climactic confrontations between the protagonists and their mentors serve as a metaphor for their internal struggles to overcome their inner demons.