9 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Platoon

The Deer Hunter, released in 1995, is reminiscent of Platoon for its exploration of the impact of the Vietnam War on individuals' lives. Both movies delve into the psychological and emotional toll that war takes on soldiers and those close to them. While Platoon focuses on the moral decay of American soldiers in Vietnam, The Deer Hunter takes a different approach by examining the lives of several friends in a small steel mill town in Pennsylvania and how the war disrupts their existence. The first hour of The Deer Hunter, often criticized for being too long, serves an important purpose of establishing the characters' immaturity and contrasting it with the devastation they experience later. The outstanding performances by the actors, especially Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken, contribute to the film's power. Though both movies tackle the Vietnam War, they offer distinct perspectives and storytelling styles, making The Deer Hunter a must-watch for those interested in a different take on the aftermath of war.

Apocalypse Now, released in 1981, is a movie that takes us deep into the heart of the Vietnam War. It follows the journey of a U.S. Army officer who is given the daunting task of assassinating a renegade Special Forces Colonel who considers himself a god. Just like Platoon, Apocalypse Now explores the dark side of war and the psychological effects it has on its soldiers. While Platoon focuses on the moral decay within American units, Apocalypse Now delves into the theme of insanity and the blurred line between reality and delusion. Both movies capture the horrors of the Vietnam War, but Apocalypse Now takes it a step further by delving into the depths of the human psyche. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances by Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, and Robert Duvall, Apocalypse Now is a must-watch for anyone who wants to experience the madness and intensity of war.

"Off Limits" takes place in war-time Saigon during the Vietnam conflict, just like "Platoon". While "Platoon" explores the moral decay of American soldiers and the duality of man in conflict, "Off Limits" takes a different approach by focusing on the investigation of serial killings of local prostitutes in Saigon. The similarities between the two movies lie in their setting and backdrop of the Vietnam War, providing a unique perspective for both films. However, "Off Limits" adds a thrilling twist by introducing a high-ranking U.S. Army officer as the prime suspect, putting the lives of the main characters in danger. With its intriguing storyline and the captivating performances of Willem Dafoe and Gregory Hines, "Off Limits" offers a fresh take on the war genre, making it a must-watch for fans of "Platoon".

Dead Presidents is reminiscent of Platoon in its exploration of the aftermath of the Vietnam War. While Platoon delves into the moral decay of soldiers in American units and their inability to fight their Vietnamese enemies, Dead Presidents focuses on a Vietnam veteran named Anthony Curtis who struggles to adjust to life after the war while trying to support his family. Both movies capture the disillusionment and hardships faced by soldiers returning home from Vietnam. However, Dead Presidents takes a different approach by intertwining crime and bloodshed into Anthony's quest for a better life. With gripping performances from Larenz Tate, Keith David, and Chris Tucker, Dead Presidents offers a unique perspective on the impact of war on individuals and the choices they make in order to survive. If you enjoyed Platoon and want to explore the aftermath of the Vietnam War from a different angle, Dead Presidents is a must-watch.

Tour of Duty, a TV series set during the Vietnam War, bears a striking resemblance to the film Platoon. Both delve into the realities of the war and explore the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. While Platoon focuses on the inner conflicts within US forces, Tour of Duty provides a gritty portrayal of the daily grind experienced by a platoon of the 199th Light Infantry. The series fearlessly features Black and Hispanic actors in leading roles, reflecting the integration of the US military during the Vietnam War. Tour of Duty also delves into themes such as combat stress, the attitudes towards the war, and the situation of the Vietnamese people. With its unique perspective, compelling storylines, and diverse cast, Tour of Duty offers a captivating portrayal of the Vietnam War that is worth watching.

China Beach is a TV series that takes place in a Vietnam War field hospital. Although it may seem strange to compare a movie like Platoon with a TV series, there are some notable similarities between the two. Both Platoon and China Beach were made around the same time and shed light on the Vietnam War. However, while Platoon focuses on the moral decay of soldiers in American units, China Beach explores the trials of a weary nurse and her friends in a field hospital. Platoon delves into the brutality of war and the duality of man in conflict, while China Beach shows the exquisite and intense relationships formed in the face of life or death. While Platoon analyzes the inner conflicts within the US forces deployed to Vietnam, China Beach portrays the lives of those in the field hospital during and after the war.

Hair is reminiscent of Platoon because both movies explore the theme of war, albeit in different ways. While Platoon delves into the brutality of the Vietnam War and the moral decay of soldiers, Hair takes a different approach by focusing on the anti-war movement during the same time period. Platoon depicts the horrors and moral conflicts faced by soldiers in the Vietnam War, highlighting the duality of man in conflict. On the other hand, Hair tells the story of Claude, a young man caught between his love for Sheila and his impending draft into the war. Both movies shed light on the complexity of the Vietnam War era, but Platoon leans towards a darker and more introspective tone, while Hair offers a more lighthearted and musical experience. So, if you enjoyed Platoon and want to explore a different perspective on the Vietnam War, Hair is definitely worth watching.

Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder is reminiscent of Platoon in its portrayal of the Vietnam War, but with a unique focus. While Platoon delves into the moral decay and duality of soldiers in American units, Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder takes us on a journey with Brian Anderson, a young Army medic stationed in Saigon. Initially apathetic and self-serving, Brian's heart is won over by the children at a nearby orphanage where he does volunteer work. The film captures the struggles Brian faces as he puts his career and safety on the line to provide the orphans with the food and medical supplies they need. It's a refreshing perspective that highlights the compassion and sacrifices made by individuals amidst the chaos of war. So, if you've seen Platoon and want to explore a different side of the Vietnam War, Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder is definitely worth a watch.

Uncommon Valor is reminiscent of Platoon in its exploration of the Vietnam War, but with a different twist. While Platoon delves into the inner conflicts within US forces, Uncommon Valor takes a more action-packed approach. It follows a retired Marine Colonel who assembles a team of veterans to rescue Americans held in POW camps in Laos. The film combines highly trained mercenaries, precise tactical missions, and lots of explosions, making it an outrageously fun concept executed remarkably well. Gene Hackman delivers one of his best performances as a disgruntled father, and the movie features a wealth of beloved B-actors like Patrick Swayze and Reb Brown. Uncommon Valor may not have the same moral depth as Platoon, but it offers an escapist, outlandish, Swiss-Family-Robinson-style adventure that will keep you entertained from start to finish. So, if you're looking for a thrilling, action-packed take on the Vietnam War, Uncommon Valor is a must-watch.

Birdy, released in 1984, is reminiscent of Platoon in many ways. Both movies fall under the genres of Drama and War, dealing with the aftermath of the Vietnam War. While Platoon delves into the brutality of war and the duality of man in conflict, Birdy takes a different approach by focusing on the mental instability and obsession of one of the friends who returned from the war. Birdy, played by Matthew Modine in a performance that has been sadly overlooked for too long, becomes fixated on becoming a bird. The movie explores the profound friendship between Birdy and Al, played by Nicolas Cage, and how far Al would go for his friend. Directed by Alan Parker, known for his talent in character studies, Birdy offers a dark and disturbing yet somehow uplifting story. Despite not being explicitly about Vietnam, the movie portrays the profound impact the war had on both friends, both physically and mentally.

Missing in Action is reminiscent of Platoon in its portrayal of the Vietnam War. While Platoon delves into the complexities of the conflict, exploring the duality of man and the moral decay of soldiers, Missing in Action takes a more straightforward approach. It follows Colonel Braddock as he launches a mission to free Americans held captive in a POW camp, embodying the classic one-man army trope. Despite their differences, both movies capture the essence of the Vietnam War, with Platoon offering a nuanced examination and Missing in Action providing an entertaining, cheeseball experience. So, if you've already seen Platoon and want to enjoy a fun, action-packed adventure set in the jungles of Vietnam, Missing in Action is the perfect choice.

Gardens of Stone is reminiscent of Platoon in its portrayal of the Vietnam War and the internal conflicts faced by soldiers. While Platoon focuses on the moral decay of American units and the duality of man, Gardens of Stone explores the desires of a sergeant to save the lives of young soldiers being sent to Vietnam. Both movies delve into the blurred morality of war and the struggles faced by soldiers in combat. However, Gardens of Stone takes a different approach by highlighting the sergeant's attempts to educate the soldiers about his experiences, while being continuously denied the chance. The film also touches on the relationship between the sergeant and the son of an old Army buddy, adding a layer of emotional depth. Despite their differences, both movies offer powerful insights into the Vietnam War and the impact it had on those involved. If you enjoyed Platoon, Gardens of Stone provides another perspective on the complexities of war and is definitely worth a watch.

Good Morning, Vietnam. Made at a time when films on the Vietnam war were being produced by America at a healthy rate, Good Morning, Vietnam comes across as the sort that falls into both 'types' that were being produced at the time. Platoon got under the skin of Vietnam, telling the events from an individual's perspective through voiceovers without relying on a lot of causality, rather the everyday tasks and events that occur. Full Metal Jacket was an interesting beast in the sense most of its more intense scenes didn't actually happen in Vietnam but rather at home on the training ground. But both were in a sensible tradition and took attention away from the Reaganism inspired 'action' films that were Rambo: First Blood Part II and the like. Good Morning, Vietnam falls into both these sorts of Vietnam war films.

Hamburger Hill is reminiscent of Platoon because both movies explore the harsh realities and moral complexities of the Vietnam War. While Platoon focuses on the inner conflicts within American forces deployed in Vietnam, Hamburger Hill depicts the intense battle for a muddy and well-occupied hill known as "Hamburger Hill" by the 101 Airborne Division. Both films capture the brutal nature of the war, with Hamburger Hill specifically portraying one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict.
However, there are some differences between the two movies. Platoon delves into the duality of man in conflict, examining the moral decay of soldiers and their inability to fight their Vietnamese enemies. On the other hand, Hamburger Hill emphasizes the importance of survival over heroism, highlighting the fact that no one is trying to be a hero or a villain in the war.
While Platoon is widely recognized as a classic war film, Hamburger Hill offers a very realistic interpretation of a lesser-known battle.

"The Hanoi Hilton" is a film that takes us to the brutal reality of North Vietnam's Hoa Lo Prison, where American P.O.W.s endured unimaginable suffering and torture. While "Platoon" explores the moral decay of soldiers in the Vietnam War, "The Hanoi Hilton" focuses on the resistance and strong bonds formed by the American prisoners during their captivity. Both movies shed light on the harshness of the Vietnam War, but from different perspectives. While "Platoon" delves into the internal conflicts within the US forces, "The Hanoi Hilton" highlights the indomitable spirit of the prisoners in the face of extreme adversity. So, if you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War and appreciate the resilience of the human spirit, "The Hanoi Hilton" is a movie worth watching.

1969 is a movie that takes us back to the 1960s, during the Vietnam War. It tells the story of two friends who run away from their small town to experience freedom during the war, much to the disappointment of one of their fathers. However, upon their return, they come to realize the importance of family unity. While 1969 may not have the same intensity and gritty depiction of war as Platoon, it offers a unique perspective on the Vietnam era. It captures the confusion and desperation of the times, highlighting the parallels between the Vietnam War and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The movie also delves into the aftermath of war, exploring the psychological impact on soldiers and the toll it takes on their mental well-being. With a talented cast including Robert Downey Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland, 1969 gives us a glimpse into a tumultuous period of history and reminds us of the importance of family bonds during trying times.

Bat*21 is reminiscent of Platoon because both movies are set during the Vietnam War and explore the experiences of American soldiers in combat. While Platoon focuses on the inner conflicts and moral decay of soldiers within US forces, Bat*21 tells the story of Colonel Hambleton, whose aircraft is shot down over enemy territory, and the frantic rescue operation that follows. Both films capture the harsh realities of war and the bravery of individuals in difficult situations. However, they differ in their approach and tone. Platoon delves deep into the psychological effects of war and portrays the blurred lines between heroes and villains, while Bat*21 takes a more action-oriented approach, highlighting the valor and camaraderie between soldiers. With its excellent cinematography and compelling performances by Gene Hackman and Danny Glover, Bat*21 offers a different perspective on the Vietnam War and is a must-watch for fans of action war movies.