11 Best War Thriller Movies Like Zero Dark Thirty

Movies Like Zero Dark Thirty

The movie tells the story of the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden after the September 11 attacks. It follows the work of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Navy SEALs in tracking and eventually killing bin Laden. The film stars Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Mark Strong, Chris Pratt, and James Gandolfini.

The movie was released to critical acclaim and was a box office success. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

If you’re looking for movies like Zero Dark Thirty, here are some suggestions:

1. 12 Strong (2018)

In the aftermath of 9/11, Major Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth) is chosen to lead a U.S. Special Forces team into Afghanistan to track down the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

Once they arrive, the team discovers that the situation is far worse than they ever could have imagined, with Nelson and his men finding themselves in the middle of a bloody war.

12 Strong is an intense and action-packed movie that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

2. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)

Based on a true story, 13 Hours follows a team of six CIA contractors who were hired to protect the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

When the consulate is attacked by terrorists, the team finds themselves in a desperate battle to defend the ambassador and his staff.

13 Hours is another intense movie that will have you on the edge of your seat, and it’s also a very emotional film.

3. American Sniper (2014)

Based on the book “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History” by Chris Kyle, this Clint Eastwood-directed movie tells the story of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle (played by Bradley Cooper).

Like “Zero Dark Thirty,” “American Sniper” focuses on the hunt for Laden following the September 11th attacks.

It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and took home the Oscar for Best Sound Editing.

4. The Hurt Locker (2008)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (who also directed “Zero Dark Thirty”), “The Hurt Locker” follows a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team during the Iraq War.

The movie, which was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won six (including Best Picture), is considered one of the best war movies ever made.

5. Captain Phillips (2014)

The movie Captain Phillips is a true story about the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. The film stars Tom Hanks as Richard Phillips, the captain of the ship, and Barkhad Abdi as Muse, the leader of the pirates.

The movie was directed by Paul Greengrass, and it is based on the book A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and My Fight for Survival by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty.

Captain Phillips is a thrilling ride from start to finish. It is edge-of-your-seat entertainment that will have you on the edge of your seat. The acting is top-notch, and the direction is superb.

6. The Act of Valor (2012)

The Act of Valor is an American war film directed by Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh. It stars real-life active duty Navy SEALs, who play themselves. The film is produced by Randall Wallace and executive produced by Waugh, McCoy, and Moritz Borman. It was distributed by Relativity Media.

The film was shot in various locations, including San Diego, California; Coronado, California; and Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California. It was released on February 24, 2012.

The Act of Valor received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 50%

7. 6 Days (2017)

In London, an SAS squad storms the Iranian embassy and takes everyone inside hostage. The six-day siege ensues, with Special Forces fighting to free the hostages and the terrorists trying to hold on to their prize. This is a dramatization of the events, but it’s still an edge-of-your-seat thriller.

The movie starts out with the SAS team getting into position. They’re calm and collected, but you can see the tension in their faces. They know what’s at stake and they’re ready to do whatever it takes.

8. The Outpost (2020)

The Outpost is a 2020 American war film directed by Rod Lurie. It stars Scott Eastwood, Orlando Bloom, and Caleb Landry Jones.

The film is based on the book The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor by Jake Tapper, which tells the true story of the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan.

The Outpost was released in the United States on July three, 2020, and received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 55%

9. Mosul (2019)

The film is set during the liberation of Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in 2017. It follows the story of a young girl, Waris, as she tries to find her way home.

The film was shot in Mosul, Iraq over a period of four months. It is the first feature film to be shot entirely in the city since the ISIL occupation began in 2014.

The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 11, 2019. It won the Orizzonti Prize for Best Film.

10. The Siege of Jadotville (2016)

The Siege of Jadotville is a film about an Irish peacekeeping mission in the Congo.

The Siege of Jadotville is a film that is based on a true story. The film tells the story of the Irish troops who were sent to help maintain order in the Congo in 1961.

When faced with a mutiny from their Belgian commander and threatened by hostile forces, they refused to leave and held out for five days. The Irish troops, outnumbered and outgunned, managed to hold the rebels at bay.

When reinforcements finally arrived, they found that the Irish had not only held their ground, but had taken prisoners. The film is a great story of courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. If you are looking for a good war film, then I would highly recommend The Siege of Jadotville.

11. Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan (2019)

Danger Close is a 2019 Australian war film. The Battle of Long Tan, which was one of the most significant battles in Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, is recreated on-screen with an all-Australian cast and crew.

The film follows two brothers who are sent to fight in the battle and how they must work together to survive.

Read More:

Scroll to Top