Are You an Enthusiast of Action-Packed Films Like “Lone Survivor?” If that is the case, we have something special in store! This article will explore 15 movies with similar levels of thrills, suspense, and adrenaline as the famous war film, “Lone Survivor.”
These 15 films offer distinct perspectives on heroism, survival, and the human spirit despite extreme circumstances – so buckle up and prepare yourself for an exciting cinematic journey!
Brief Overview of “Lone Survivor”
Before diving into our movie list, let’s quickly review “Lone Survivor.” Released in 2013 and directed by Peter Berg, “Lone Survivor” tells the tale of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell’s experience during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan.
The film depicts their battle to capture or kill a high-ranking Taliban leader while outnumbered and facing impossible odds – ultimately showing us courage, sacrifice, and the bonds of brotherhood as their mission unfolds.
Criteria for Selecting Similar Movies
As we compiled our list of movies similar to “Lone Survivor,” we considered several key factors. These included military action, survival, bravery, depiction of real-life events, and the intensity, emotional impact, and critical acclaim of each film in question. Let’s get onto our list that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats!
Movie | Release Date | Duration | Cast | Budget | Box Office |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black Hawk Down | December 28, 2001 (limited); January 18, 2002 (wide) | 2 hours, 24 minutes | Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, William Fichtner, Sam Shepard, Jeremy Piven, Tom Hardy, Orlando Bloom | $92 million | $172 million |
American Sniper | December 25, 2014 | 2 hours, 40 minutes | Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner, Luke Grimes, Sam Jaeger, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Kevin Lacz, Ben Foster, Navid Negahban | $58 million | $547 million |
Zero Dark Thirty | December 19, 2012 | 2 hours, 59 minutes | Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Édgar Ramírez, Mark Duplass | $50 million | $533 million |
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi | January 15, 2016 | 2 hours, 21 minutes | John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreiber, Max Martini, Toby Stephens, Dominic Fumusa, David Denman, Alexia Fast, Sean Spicer | $50 million | $69 million |
Captain Phillips | October 11, 2013 | 2 hours, 14 minutes | Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Catherine Keener, Max Martini, Paul Greengrass | $55 million | $218 million |
Behind Enemy Lines | October 19, 2001 | 1 hour, 55 minutes | Owen Wilson, Gene Hackman, Gabriel Byrne, David Suchet, Eric Bana | $60 million | $183 million |
Act of Valor | February 10, 2012 | 1 hour, 40 minutes | Active duty U.S. Navy SEALs | $25 million | $82 million |
We Were Soldiers | December 24, 2002 | 2 hours, 23 minutes | Mel Gibson, Madeleine Stowe, Sam Elliott, Barry Pepper, Chris Klein, Greg Kinnear, Ryan Phillippe, Robert Bagley, Dylan Bruno, Josh Charles | $75 million | $116 million |
The Hurt Locker | June 26, 2008 | 2 hours, 10 minutes | Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce, David Morse | $15 million | $158 million |
Saving Private Ryan | July 24, 1998 | 2 hours, 49 minutes | Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Adam Goldberg, Matt Damon | $70 million | $481 million |
Memphis Belle | April 20, 1990 | 2 hours, 10 minutes | Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, David Strathairn, Ed Harris, Sean Astin, Adam Baldwin, Harry Connick Jr., D.B. Sweeney, John Lithgow | $25 million | $37 million |
Kajaki | September 25, 2014 | 1 hour, 45 minutes | Mark Strong, Richard Madden, Dar Salim, Saïd Taghmaoui, Mark Gatiss, Tom Hardy | $10 million | $22 million |
71: Into the Fire | September 16, 2010 | 1 hour, 43 minutes | Jack O’Connell, Sam Claflin, Paul Anderson, Toby Jones, Richard Madden, Sean Harris | $6 million | $13 million |
The Outpost | July 2, 2019 | 2 hours, 3 minutes | Scott Eastwood, Caleb Landry Jones, Orlando Bloom, Milo Gibson, Catherine Keener, Jack Kesy, Taylor John Smith, Jacob Scipio, Nicholas Hoult | $40 million | $10 million |
Fury | October 14, 2014 | 2 hours, 14 minutes | Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, Jon Bernthal, Jason Isaacs, Jim Parrack, Xavier Samuel, Anthoney Mackie | $68 million | $215 |
You can also check out All Captain America Movies List In Chronological Order or scroll through other Movies and Web Series.
“Black Hawk Down” (2001)
The story chronicles an unsuccessful U.S. military mission to capture two lieutenants of a Somali warlord; when this plan fails miserably, an elite U.S. team becomes trapped in hostile terrain while facing intense gunfire and struggling to survive against overwhelming odds.
“American Sniper” (2014)
“American Sniper” (2014) by Clint Eastwood tells the tale of Chris Kyle, an elite Navy SEAL sniper.
Drawing upon his autobiography with that name as its source material, “American Sniper” explores Kyle’s experiences during four tours of duty in Iraq while exploring moral complexities such as combat toll on soldiers and sacrifices made in their service – featuring an outstanding performance by Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle himself – making this film essential viewing for fans of “Lone Survivor.”
“Zero Dark Thirty” (2012)
“Zero Dark Thirty,” directed by Kathryn Bigelow & released on DVD & Blu-Ray on August 31, 2012, is an action-packed drama that depicts Osama bin Laden’s decade-long hunt by following Maya as she gathers intelligence for and leads missions against one of the world’s most wanted terrorists – Maya herself!
Gritty realism meets meticulous attention to detail with powerful performances, making “Zero Dark Thirty” an engaging viewing experience that keeps audiences riveted until its conclusion on August 31, 2012.
“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” (2016)
“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” (2016) is an award-winning documentary film by director William Forstchen and stars Ben Kingsley and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as secret soldiers from Benghazi.
Directed by Michael Bay, is an action thriller based on the accurate account of an attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012.
It centers around six ex-military security contractors who risk their lives to defend the compound against waves of militants armed with assault rifles and explosive devices.
With its thrilling action scenes, moving storyline, and strong performances by actors like Morgan Freeman and Alec Baldwin, “13 Hours” portrays their bravery and resilience as unsung heroes who deserve recognition as unsung heroes.
“Captain Phillips” (2013)
Paul Greengrass’ “Captain Phillips” (2013) is an intense biographical thriller based on the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates in 2009.
The film chronicles Captain Richard Phillips as he negotiates through an intense standoff with Somali pirates to save his crew – featuring powerful performances by Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. A must-watch for anyone passionate about real-life tales!
“Behind Enemy Lines” (2001)
“Behind Enemy Lines,” directed by John Moore, is an action film featuring Lieutenant Chris Burnett of the U.S. Navy as he finds himself trapped in war-torn Bosnia after his plane is shot down.
As he dodges hostile forces and struggles for survival, Burnett becomes an enemy target who hunts him relentlessly – providing an exhilarating cinematic experience!
With its action-packed chase sequences and heart-pounding suspense elements, “Behind Enemy Lines” truly delivers on its promise – with thrilling chase sequences and heart-pounding suspense, it offers cinematic bliss!
“Act of Valor” (2012)
The plot follows their mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative and foil an imminent terrorist attack – shot with military hardware and tactics for an authentic experience celebrating these real-life heroes.
“We Were Soldiers” (2002)
The movie centers on Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore and his troops engaging a heavily-armed enemy force in an intense and bloody confrontation. With its realistic depiction of warfare and emotional depth, and powerful performances by Mel Gibson and Sam Elliott as soldiers who participated, “We Were Soldiers” stands as an emotional yet moving tribute to soldiers who served during this arduous conflict.
“The Hurt Locker” (2008)
This film provides a gripping depiction of their dangerous work and their psychological toll and high-stakes nature – and boasts immersive storytelling, authentic atmosphere, and outstanding performances by Jeremy Renner that provide viewers with a thrilling yet thought-provoking cinematic experience.
“Saving Private Ryan” (1998)
Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed war movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” depicts World War II.
It follows an ensemble cast of U.S. soldiers on an extraordinary and dangerous mission to find and bring back Private James Francis Ryan after three of his brothers have been killed in action.
Acclaimed for its powerful and realistic depiction of combat, “Saving Private Ryan” is widely recognized as one of the greatest war films ever created.
“Memphis Belle” (1990)
“Memphis Belle,” directed by Michael Caton-Jones and set during World War II, follows the crew of a B-17 bomber named Memphis Belle as they embark on their final mission before fulfilling their required 25 missions and heading home.
As they face overwhelming odds and aerial combat, the crew must depend on skills, courage, and camaraderie to survive; “Memphis Belle” is a tribute to all those brave soldiers who served with U.S. Army Air Forces during this conflict.
“Kajaki” (2014)
“Kajaki,” directed by Paul Katis, is an emotional British war drama depicting actual events involving British Army troops stationed at Kajaki Dam in Afghanistan.
As tension builds and lives hang in the balance, soldiers must navigate treacherous terrain while working together to survive this problematic mission – an impressive display of war’s actual cost.
“71: Into the Fire” (2010)
“71: Into the Fire” is a South Korean war film set during the Korean War directed by John H. Lee and tells the tale of 71 student soldiers bravely defending their school against an invasion by North Korean troops with limited weapons and ammunition – they must use ingenuity, courage, and determination to maintain their stand amidst such overwhelming odds—a powerful yet emotional portrayal of everyday sacrifice in extraordinary circumstances.
“The Outpost” (2019)
The film depicts a small unit of U.S. soldiers stationed at Combat Outpost Keating – a remote outpost facing constant attacks from Taliban fighters – as they find a way to defend their positions despite overwhelming odds.
Rod Lurie offers an honest depiction of these heroic soldiers’ courage and resilience through this compelling war drama.
“Fury” (2014)
“Fury,” directed by David Ayer, is a World War II film that follows a U.S. Army tank crew led by Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier through their final days in German territory during World War II.
To survive overwhelming enemy forces and the horrors of battle, their camaraderie must rely on the power of their tank – named Fury – and trust in themselves to survive – it delivers intense action sequences while exploring how warfare impacts individual souls.
Conclusion
If you enjoyed “Lone Survivor,” these 15 films will provide plenty of action and emotional intensity to match it. Each offers its perspective on heroism, sacrifice, and the calm spirit of those facing hardship head-on.
From thrilling war dramas to true-life tales, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat while giving you a profound appreciation of real-life heroes’ courage and resilience.
Are these movies based on true stories?
Yes, numerous movies on this list are inspired by true-life events or accounts from military personnel themselves.
Can I watch these movies with my family?
While these films contain intense or graphic scenes, others feature less severe acts of violence; therefore it’s always wise to check each film’s rating and content advisory before watching with anyone in your household.
Are these movies available on streaming platforms?
Many of these films are available to stream via popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu; however availability may differ depending on your location and subscription services you subscribe to.
Are there any other movies similar to “Lone Survivor” that didn’t make the list?
Yes! This list is by no means comprehensive; there are numerous films with similar themes out there that capture bravery, survival and action that have not made our list. Feel free to explore further and discover even more movies that embody them!