Military movies and TV series are part of the foundation of on screen entertainment. Some of the earliest films ever made revolved around war stories. For longer than we’d like, these stories didn’t include Black actors, even though we know Black men and women were definitely there fighting in these battles. In recent years, we’ve finally seen these heroes’ stories told in movies and TV series. In honor of Veterans Day, we’ve gathered a helpful list of some of these Black military movies and series, as well as where you can stream them at home.
‘Glory’ – MGM+
Looking back on 1989’s “Glory,” it is absolutely astounding to see Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Andre Braugher, Matthew Broderick and Cary Elwes all in one movie. A lot is made of the scene where Broderick’s character whips Denzel’s, but it’s really the quiet, small moments that makes this film unforgettable.
‘SEAL Team’ – Paramount+
The hard-hitting drama is a fascinating blend of emotional weight, action and captivating storytelling. The good news is the show has completed its run, so you can binge the entire thing.
‘Without Remorse’ – Prime Video
Michael B. Jordan is a special forces soldier whose family is killed when he’s betrayed, sending him on a bloody revenge spree that leads to a bigger conspiracy. And when we say bloody, we mean it.
‘The Woman King’ – Hulu, Disney+
You knew we wouldn’t miss a chance to shoutout fierce women warriors. Viola Davis is a badass as General Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie. Yes, this one is violent, but if you need a healthy dose of female empowerment right now, this is the best choice.
‘Dead Presidents’ – MGM+
Starring Larenz Tate, Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine, Chris Tucker and N’Bushe Wright, “Dead Presidents” is both a war movie and a heist thriller. It also highlights the timeless plight of soldiers finding their way when they return home. And the soundtrack still hits hard.
‘The Tuskegee Airmen’ – Max
This 1995 classic stars chronicling the formation, training and deployment of the Tuskegee Airmen is a literal murderer’s row of Black entertainment icons. Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Mekhi Phifer, Malcolm Jamal Warner and Andre Braugher create an unforgettable story.
‘Red Tails’ – Disney+
If you want more stories about the Tuskegee Airmen, and why wouldn’t you, “Red Tails” is a much more dramatic and character focused story than “The Tuskegee Airmen.” Plus, it features another crazy roster of talented actors.
‘The Hurt Locker’ – Paramount+
Anthony Mackie and Jeremy Renner star in this Oscar winning film about the members of a bomb disposal unit. This film has somehow become underrated and we really need more people to appreciate how good it is.
‘Da 5 Bloods’ – Netflix
When you hear Spike Lee is directing a movie about Vietnam veterans, you know it’s not going to be like all the others. This film follows five vets who go back to Vietnam to find the remains of their friend and a mysterious treasure. Honestly, Lee directing Delroy Lindo, Chadwick Boseman, Clarke Peters, Jonathan Majors and Norm Lewis sounds like a dream we didn’t think was possible.
‘Jarhead’ – Netflix
Jamie Foxx and Laz Alonso star alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in this gritty drama following Marines serving in the Persian Gulf War.
‘Rebel Ridge’ -Netflix
Aaron Pierre is Terry Richmond, a Marine veteran who uses all his special operator skills to take down a corrupt small town sheriff. If you like non-stop action revenge stories, this is definitely your jam.
‘The Unit’ – Hulu, Disney+
Dennis Haysbert stars as the leader of a secret unit of special forces soldiers who take on the most dangerous missions around the world. What sets the show apart from similar projects is that it also focuses on the struggles of their wives back home and how they cope with their husbands secretive lives.
‘Gladiator’ – Paramount+
Before you head to the theater to check out Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal in “Gladiator II,” revist Russell Crowe and Djimon Hounsou in the iconic first film. In case you don’t remember Maximus is a general leading Rome’s armies before he becomes a gladiator, so yes it is a military movie.
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