11 Movies Like Apocalypse Now – A Must-Watch List!

Missing in Action reminds me of Apocalypse Now in its setting and plot. Both movies take place in the jungles of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. However, that's where the similarities end. While Apocalypse Now is a gripping drama that explores the psychological effects of war and the darkness of human nature, Missing in Action is a cheesy action film that focuses on one man's mission to rescue American POWs. Despite its flaws, Missing in Action is a fun and entertaining movie, especially for those who enjoy lazy afternoon cheeseball films. So if you're looking for some mindless action and a good dose of Chuck Norris, give Missing in Action a shot. Just don't expect it to be as deep and thought-provoking as Apocalypse Now.

Uncommon Valor, released in 1983, is reminiscent of Apocalypse Now. While the former lacks the surreal and psychological depth of the latter, it compensates with its outrageously fun concept. Uncommon Valor follows a group of Vietnam veterans led by the disgruntled father of an MIA soldier, as they embark on an unsanctioned mission to rescue Americans held in P.O.W. camps in Laos. Gene Hackman gives an exceptional performance, possibly his best, portraying the determined father. The film is filled with lots of explosions, highly trained mercenaries, and an elaborate training-ground sequence that adds to its escapist and outlandish charm. Uncommon Valor may lack the critical acclaim and artistic depth of Apocalypse Now, but it makes up for it with its entertaining premise and a star-studded cast that includes Patrick Swayze and Robert Stack.

Gardens of Stone is reminiscent of Apocalypse Now in its portrayal of the Vietnam War. While the latter focuses on the insanity and secret mission of a U.S. Army officer tasked with assassinating a renegade Special Forces Colonel, the former explores the struggles of a Sergeant who desires to save young soldiers being sent to Vietnam. Both films delve into the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in wartime. However, Gardens of Stone takes a different approach by highlighting the Sergeant's efforts to share his experiences with the soldiers, albeit continuously denied. The film also touches upon themes of friendship, family, and the generational impact of war. Although Gardens of Stone may not have received the same critical acclaim as Apocalypse Now, it provides a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and is worth watching for its captivating performances and thought-provoking narrative.

Hamburger Hill is reminiscent of Apocalypse Now, as both movies are set during the Vietnam War. While Apocalypse Now focuses on an Army officer's mission to assassinate a renegade Special Forces Colonel, Hamburger Hill provides a very realistic interpretation of one of the bloodiest battles of the war. The films differ in terms of runtime, with Apocalypse Now being longer at 8820 seconds compared to Hamburger Hill's 6600 seconds. Additionally, Apocalypse Now has a higher people vote average of 8.4 compared to Hamburger Hill's 6.7. Despite these differences, if you enjoyed the intense and thought-provoking nature of Apocalypse Now, you should definitely watch Hamburger Hill for its raw portrayal of the war and the emotional journey of the soldiers involved.

The Hanoi Hilton, released in 1987, shares a striking resemblance to Apocalypse Now. Both movies explore the Vietnam War and the harrowing experiences of American soldiers. While Apocalypse Now delves into the darkness of the war and the descent into madness, The Hanoi Hilton focuses on the suffering, torture, and brutal treatment endured by American POWs in the Hoa Lo Prison. It highlights the prisoners' resilience and the strong bonds formed during their captivity. While Apocalypse Now showcases the insanity of war, The Hanoi Hilton sheds light on the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. So, if you enjoyed Apocalypse Now and want to witness the untold stories of American prisoners of war, The Hanoi Hilton is a must-watch.

1969: Two friends living in a small town during the 1960s, run away to enjoy their freedom during the Vietnam War, thus disappointing the father of one of them. When they return to town, they realize the importance of family unity. While "1969" may not have the same epic scale as "Apocalypse Now," it captures the essence of the Vietnam War era in a more intimate way. Both movies explore the impact of the war on individuals, but while "Apocalypse Now" delves into the darkness and insanity of the conflict, "1969" focuses on the personal journey of two friends and the importance of family. With its nostalgic setting and heartfelt message, "1969" serves as a reminder of the turbulent times and the enduring bonds that were formed during the Vietnam War era.

Bat*21: During the Vietnam War, Colonel Hambleton's aircraft is shot down over enemy territory and a frantic rescue operation ensues. Never saw this film when it was released originally in 1988. Not knowing what to expect, we decided to take a chance watching it on cable when it was shown the other night; it was a complete surprise. Director Peter Markle, working with a magnificent cast, headed by Gene Hackman and Danny Glover, does wonders to recreate this story of valor under the worst possible circumstances. The cinematography is excellent. The film relies on visual effects, that are not to be confused with the incredible special effects that we have seen in other movies. Yes, of course, we all know that they are special, but the movie relies in the interplay between the missing Col. Hambleton on the ground and Capt.

Off Limits, also known as Saigon in the UK, is a film set in war-time Saigon during the Vietnam conflict. While watching it, I couldn't help but be reminded of Apocalypse Now. Both movies explore the dark and gritty side of the Vietnam War, but in different ways. Apocalypse Now focuses on the psychological effects of war, showcasing the descent into madness of a Special Forces Colonel. On the other hand, Off Limits takes a thrilling cop thriller approach, as two plain clothes U.S. military policemen investigate the serial killings of local prostitutes, with a high-ranking U.S. Army officer as their prime suspect. The setting of Saigon adds a unique backdrop to the film, making it stand out from your average cop film. I particularly enjoyed the twist of the protagonist not getting the girl, which added an unexpected touch of realism. Overall, if you loved Apocalypse Now and want to delve into another Vietnam War film with a different perspective, make sure to check out Off Limits.

Casualties of War: During the Vietnam War, a soldier finds himself the outsider of his own squad when they unnecessarily kidnap a female villager. Based on a true story, this film separates itself from other Vietnam War movies by focusing on the incident at hand, including the build-up and aftermath. Its uniqueness is augmented by Brian De Palma's slightly off-kilter style. The picture balances the beauty of the location and the artistry of Brian De Palma's filmmaking with the horror and ugliness of war & rape. It's also realistic and compelling while simultaneously being mundane, which is why some viewers might find it boring. In other words, this is more of a gut-wrenching war drama with some action than a typical war flick with explosions and action thrills galore. It fairly closely follows the real story.

Night Wars, released in 1988, is reminiscent of Apocalypse Now, a 1981 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Both movies share the key topic of the Vietnam War, and they explore the psychological effects it had on soldiers. In Apocalypse Now, an Army officer is assigned to assassinate a renegade Special Forces Colonel who has gone insane. Similarly, in Night Wars, two Vietnam veterans have realistic nightmares about the war, which start to physically harm them. Motivated by these nightmares, they buy weapons and attempt to rescue a friend who died in a POW camp. However, Night Wars takes a different genre approach, blending horror, mystery, sci-fi, and war. While Apocalypse Now is known for its intense drama, Night Wars offers a unique mix of genres, providing a thrilling and suspenseful experience. So, if you enjoyed the psychological exploration of the Vietnam War in Apocalypse Now, Night Wars delivers a fresh and intriguing take on the subject matter.

Good Morning, Vietnam is reminiscent of Apocalypse Now in many ways. Both movies are set during the Vietnam War and explore the impact of the war on the individuals involved. While Apocalypse Now focuses on the psychological toll of the war and the descent into madness, Good Morning, Vietnam takes a lighter approach, blending comedy with drama to tell a captivating story. The protagonist in both films, played by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now and Robin Williams in Good Morning, Vietnam, are outsiders who challenge the status quo and bring a unique perspective to the war. However, while Apocalypse Now is a dark and intense journey through the heart of darkness, Good Morning, Vietnam manages to tackle serious issues while keeping the audience entertained with Williams' energetic and charismatic performance. The film cleverly shifts between comedy and drama, reminding us of the war zone while still providing genuinely entertaining disc jockey rants.

"Little Dieter Needs to Fly" is a captivating documentary that takes us into the world of German-American Dieter Dengler, a former U.S. naval pilot during the Vietnam War. Directed by Werner Herzog, the film combines Dieter's personal account with reenactments of his experiences, creating a unique blend of reality and storytelling. Much like "Apocalypse Now," "Little Dieter Needs to Fly" explores the theme of war and the human psyche, delving into the traumas and triumphs of the individuals involved. While "Apocalypse Now" immerses us in the surreal and nightmarish world of Vietnam, "Little Dieter Needs to Fly" takes a more grounded approach, intertwining Dieter's past and present to shed light on the lasting impact of his war experiences.