A list of movies and shows that may not be the most popular, but are still great watches for Veterans Day

Below are some films and shows that may not be the first to come to mind when you think about Veterans Day. However, these are all amazing stories that deserve recognition and praise. Add these to your watch list for Veterans Day and beyond.

Midway (2019)

Midway tells the story of a key naval battle during WW2 that was crucial to both the Americans and the Japanese. As the Japanese sought to gain more dominance in the Pacific, American codebreakers were able to give the military information to help stop these plans. Determined Americans refused to allow another attack on Pearl Harbor, and fought a deadly 4 day battle that solidified their bravery and patriotism.

The film blows me away with the view points of dive bombers. Dive bombers fearlessly flew almost straight down to their targets to drop bombs before escaping. This was an insanely vulnerable and dangerous position that changed the course of the battle. The way the film shows these attacks are completely mind blowing, and veterans who survived the battle have praised the film.

Dead Presidents (1995)

One of my all time favorite movies, Dead Presidents hits home in so many ways for me. On the surface, one may assume the movie is just a crime thriller about bank robbers but the story is so much deeper than that. A good portion of the film takes place during the Vietnam War, where we see our protagonist Marine Anthony Curtis try to survive in a war that he volunteered for fresh out of high school.

After the war, we see how the war has left a wound in his life as he struggles to survive back home in America. This film depicts the unique experiences of veterans of color after the Vietnam War, and how they were treated by society and the government upon returning home. No parades and barely any acknowledgements of their service to the country.

**Hollywood Pictures, Caravan Pictures, and Underworld Entertainment**

Free State of Jones (2016)

A Civil War film from the perspective of a Confederate soldier. Matthew McConaughey portrays Newton Knight, a Confederate soldier who deserts the army after learning of the unfair drafting laws. Essentially, owning more than 20 slaves excused white men from having to serve in the war.

Knight became part of a band of Confederate army deserts that fought against the Confederacy, while also establishing a small mixed race community in Mississippi. He also married a black woman and had mixed children. Needless to say, he was quite a controversial figure during his time.

The Outpost (2020)

A severely underrated film. The Outpost is the true story of The Battle of Kamdesh during the War in Afghanistan. In 2006, 53 American soldiers and 2 Lativan Military Advisors were surrounded and attacked by 300 Taliban soldiers.

American soldiers were stationed on a base called Combat Outpost Keating in Northern Afghanistan, which many regarded as a death trap. It was surrounded by mountains and the Taliban regularly attacked the position.

The battle in the film is horrific and terrifying, as the soldiers fight for their life in the surprise attack. Its difficult to understand why the soldiers were placed in this predicament to begin with.

Lioness (TV Show)

Starring Zoe Salanda, this action packed show is fictional but is inspired by real female marines.

The show is a refreshing take with the protagonist being a woman who has to balance her professional life and family life. On one side we see her battles with her husband and daughters, and on the other side we see her being an absolute force to reckon with as leader of a CIA team.

There is a strong focus on other women in the show as well, to create a diverse feminine approach as to what this line of work is like for women in the field.

That’s all from me for now, but please, if you know any other underrated military stories that I should be checking out I would love to know.

Film and TV Shows You Shouldn’t Overlook for Veterans Day