With this carefully crafted list of the “Best Vietnam War Movies on Netflix,” you may examine the turbulent period of the Vietnam War through the prism of engrossing film. As these films powerfully depict the intricacies of one of the defining periods of the 20th century, allow yourself to be fully submerged in the visceral experiences of conflict, sacrifice, and resilience. These choices, which range from the well-known “The Deer Hunter” to the compelling “Da 5 Bloods,” present a variety of viewpoints that each add to the patchwork of conflict stories. Come along on a time-traveling cinematic trip with us as we reveal the human stories that took place in the Vietnam War’s jungles and battlefields—now accessible on Netflix.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” vividly captures the echoes of the Vietnam War. The movie centres on a group of African-American veterans who go back to Vietnam decades later in search of lost wealth and the body of their slain squad leader. Exploring themes of pain, brotherhood, and the long-term effects of conflict, the film skillfully handles historical and modern challenges. Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, and the ensemble cast deliver strong performances in “Da 5 Bloods,” which deftly combines the eerie remnants of the past with the problems of the present. The video explores the lasting effects of the Vietnam War on people’s memories and self-perception through an engrossing story and moving images. Here is where you may view the film.
F.T.A. (1972)
The Vietnam War takes front stage in Francine Parker’s documentary “F.T.A.” as it portrays the anti-establishment ethos of the Free Theatre Alliance tour, which was headed by Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland. The film presents a distinctive viewpoint by fusing moving protest performances with real interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. “F.T.A.” stands for “Free The Army” or “F**k The Army,” as the title suggests, encapsulating the countercultural attitudes of the time. This documentary tells a powerful story of action and resistance while presenting an unvarnished, honest look at the dissension that rippled through the military during the Vietnam War. You can watch it online here.
First They Killed My Father (2017)
Immerse yourself in the moving story of “First They Killed My Father,” a film directed by Angelina Jolie and set against the backdrop of the genocide in Cambodia. The film recounts the author’s terrifying experiences as a youngster growing up during the Khmer Rouge rule, and is based on the memoir by Loung Ung. The film, which is set in Cambodia in the 1970s, powerfully captures both the cruelty of war and the human spirit’s resiliency. Though not a straight Vietnam War film, it deftly interweaves itself into the larger regional struggle, demonstrating the war’s profound effects on surrounding nations. Watch the movie right here.
Sir! No Sir! (2005)
In “Sir! No Sir!”, take an engrossing trip through the forgotten tales of anti-Vietnam War protest. This documentary, which was directed by David Zeiger, highlights the mostly unnoticed anti-war movement within the U.S. military and plays out like a rebellious anthem. Utilising a combination of interviews, historical material, and a dramatic score, the movie vividly depicts the passion of troops who, defiantly, opposed the military apparatus. By highlighting the bravery and rebellion of these hidden heroes, “Sir! No Sir!” paints a vivid picture that subverts conventional narratives. The documentary breathes life into the history of internal resistance throughout the turbulent Vietnam era, a history that has often been subdued. This is because to its audacious storytelling. You can watch it online here.
The Deer Hunter (1978)
The Michael Cimino-directed film “The Deer Hunter” is a classic of cinema that emphasises the psychological damage caused by the Vietnam War. With a cast that includes Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken, and Robert De Niro, the movie was released in 1978. It centres on the lives of three working-class friends—Michael, Steven, and Nick—whose paths cross in the Vietnam War’s hellhole and are set in a tiny industrial town. The film’s genius is in how it depicts the psychological toll that the war has on the characters as they deal with love, friendship, and the lingering affects of fighting. With strong performances and an engrossing story, Cimino’s direction has cemented “The Deer Hunter” as a timeless and influential examination of the human cost of the Vietnam War. Here is where you may view the film.
