Top 39 Best Navy Seals Movies Of All Time
The Navy SEALs are one of the most elite and efficient special operations units in the whole wide world.
The individuals who train to become SEALs are some of the bravest and most hardened folks that anyone of us can ever chance upon in the real world.
To be honest, they haven’t got an option to be anything other than strong since their extensive training requires hard work that is beyond the comprehension of the average mind.
‘SEAL’ is derived from “their” capacity to operate at sea, in the Air, and on Land.
Needless to say, the gallant soldiers are more than ready to undertake missions in any of the aforementioned environments.
However, it is their unparalleled ability to work underwater that truly separates them from other military squads in the world.
As you would expect, Hollywood, being as inclusive and expansive as it is, has taken notice and has, therefore, bankrolled numerous titles that promise to depict SEAL teams and their heroics on celluloid.
While the Navy SEALs movies have been able to carve a niche of their own over the years, what perhaps lends some of them a touch of authenticity is that they are bankrolled with Pentagon’s approval and material support.
On the other hand, some are backed simply because they seem to echo an “anti-war” message. Needless to say, such dramas perhaps do their bit to inspire young people across the globe, and rightfully so.
Sure, most of the projects we’re going to be discussing are largely fictitious, but some have, indeed, tried their best to honour the legacy of individuals who have sacrificed a great deal for their beloved nation.
That said, it is imperative to mention that the books and Navy movies that are dedicated specifically to SEALs’ operations are often met with resistance from within the SEAL community.
This is because they do not always believe in “selling” their real-world stories for commercial purposes. Nonetheless, being true to our work, we have prepared a piece mentioning some ineffably exciting projects made on the lives of battle-hardened soldiers.
1. Lone Survivor (2013)
Helmed for the screen by Peter Berg, this biographical war drama film tells the story of Marcus Luttrell and three Navy SEALs, who are sent to locate the dreaded Taliban leader Ahmad Shah in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.
However, things go sideways and the squad soon ends up becoming the target of the enemy. Ever since you start watching the movie, you badly want the characters to succeed; all while staying on the edge of your seats.
It is a story of courage, resilience, and humanity and, coupled with realistic and thrilling fight scenes, it is pretty much everything you asked for and more.
Therefore, we would HIGHLY recommend this motion picture to those who have yet to see it.
Not only does it attempt to capture the relationship between man and war but it does so with remarkable conviction.
So, buckle up and join Mark Wahlberg and his brave unit to catch how Operation Red Wings unfolds. This tightly-packed and incredibly moving full-length feature was chosen by the National Board of Review as one of the top ten movies of 2013.
Recommended:
2. American Sniper (2014)
Legendary actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper introduces us to SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, who, after having returned home from the war in Iraq, finds it tough to let go of the horrors he has experienced during his time there.
Needless to say, his experiences begin to take a toll on his personal life. Based on a true story, this biographical war drama aims to familiarize its viewers with arguably the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history.
American Sniper thrives on Bradley Cooper’s remarkable performance and successfully manages to portray the impact that war can have both on the minds of the men involved and their beloved families.
While it certainly is an incredible story that thrives on its lead performance, it is also that much heartbreaking. The fact that most things displayed in the story presumably happened for real only ends up moving you even more.
Cooper’s transformation for this Clint Eastwood-helmed project truly shows on-screen.
Recommended:
3. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
In Zero Dark Thirty, we get to see a group of CIA operatives, led by analyst Maya, spending over a decade tracking the location of the most wanted terrorist in the world, Osama Bin Laden.
This remarkable on-screen portrayal of the real-world mission is both harrowing and technically sound.
We witness the Navy SEALs tracking down their target in an attempt to capture or kill him.
Most of the critics thought that the depiction of the Navy SEALs preparing for the raid on Bin Laden’s compound was as accurate as it could have cinematically been.
The makers ensure to showcase the story with all its details intact, and that is precisely what makes you want to sit through its runtime. While there are quite a few impressive scenes in this one, watch out for the one where the squad storms the compound in Abbottabad.
Add to that the fact that the actors who portray the SEALs rightfully received expert guidance in capturing the mentality of the “team guy” who’d do anything to ensure the completion of the mission at hand.
Recommended:
4. The Abyss (1989)
Arguably the most distinct motion picture to make it to our list, The Abyss is a science fiction drama that has been written and directed by one of the most admired filmmakers in the world, James Cameron.
The story follows a civilian diving team that is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine. While continuing their examination underwater, they chance upon an alien aquatic species.
Cameron’s lifelong passion for exploring the endless blue and his staggering zeal to capture what lies beneath the skin of the ocean is on full display here.
The tent-pole projects present a claustrophobic atmosphere which makes you feel that you’re pretty much a part of the storytelling. Also, when you see Ed Harris’ character heading way down below, it makes you feel terrified.
Indeed, the aforementioned sequence is scarier than most scenes in horror movies. The impact of such scenes in the story is elevated by downright creepy characters.
Needless to say, The Abyss is a work of technical brilliance with its heart in the right place. It is a labour of love and science fiction that is wrapped in a quilt of humanism.
We say so because the screenplay endeavours to communicate that not everything that we can’t see is hazardous to our existence.
5. Captain Phillips (2013)
Directed by Paul Greengrass and based on the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking, Captain Phillips showcases Somali pirates attacking a container ship, the Maersk Alabama, while it is on its way to Kenya.
We witness how the captain of the ship, Richard Phillips, tries to use his wits to negotiate with the pirates in a bid to save his crew aboard.
This film not only masterfully builds tension by banking on its very humane plot but it also ends up providing an immersive experience to its viewers; one that they wouldn’t be able to forget anytime soon.
Needless to mention, Hollywood’s retelling of the true-to-life harrowing story of an American container vessel delivers big time.
6. Black Hawk Down (2001)
One of the finest motion pictures to make it to our list, Black Hawk Down traces the journey of Captain Mike Steele and his team of nearly 100 US Army Rangers, who are entrusted with the task of travelling to the capital city of Mogadishu with the sole aim of catching the two main lieutenants of a Somali warlord.
However, things go for a toss as the American soldiers find themselves in a bloody conflict with hundreds of well-armed Somalis.
Even though this flick does not refer to the Navy SEALs that joined the raid, we must inform our readers that five of them were present as the devastating events unfurled.
Not only that but quite a few SEALs were also a part of the initial assault force.
7. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
One of Michael Bay’s best credits, 13 Hours is a dramatic war thriller that tells the mind-numbing story of a security team that fights till the very end to defend an American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, against relentless attacks by terrorists.
The makers and actors of this exhilarating motion picture have to be given due credit for paying a fitting tribute to the gallant soldiers who willingly risked their lives.
This biographical action thriller is a heartbreaking and stressful project that does a commendable job of providing the audience with a true and accurate account of what may have transpired that fateful evening.
The stupendous performances, dark tone, and top-notch action sequences in this one will surely stun many.
8. The Hurt Locker (2008)
A fabulous film nominated in numerous Academy Award categories, The Hurt Locker traces the journey of Sergeant William James, who is tasked with training a bomb disposal squad during the Iraq War.
Even though his principles and reckless approach toward the job goes on to put him at loggerheads with his subordinates, they are all left surprised when his real character is unveiled.
Helmed ably by Kathryn Bigelow, this war drama had its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in 2008. Not only did it receive critical acclaim for its direction, editing, and performances but it was also selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2020.
9. The Rock (1996)
Director Michael Bay brings to us a story of a dishonest Brigadier General Frank Hummel, who intimidates the government to launch rockets on the city of San Francisco.
However, a mild-mannered chemist and an ex-convict take the onus on themselves to deter the general and his twisted plans.
Headlined by actors such as Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, and Ed Harris, The Rock opened favourable reviews at the ticket windows.
The top-notch slam-bang action thriller, which was a financial success, was also nominated for Best Sound at the 69th Academy Awards.
10. Jarhead (2005)
Based on U. S. Marine Anthony Swofford’s memoir of the same name, this biographical war drama film has been helmed for the screen by popular filmmaker Sam Mendes.
The story follows a trained US sniper, Anthony Swofford, who can be seen narrating his unimaginable experiences and time spent with his friend Troy during the tough days of ‘Operation Desert Strom’ in the war-waged Kuwait and Iraq.
Aside from tracking Swofford’s life story and his military service in the Persian Gulf War, Jarhead also takes a look at the psychological impact that the mini-war may have had on the man.
The film rides on Jake Gyllenhaal’s sturdy performance which adds a fair bit of intensity to its overall execution.
11. The Rescue (2021)
This thrilling documentary has been helmed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. It endeavours to tell the motivating and equally stirring tale of the rescue of twelve boys from the junior football team and their coach, who are trapped inside a submerged cave in Northern Thailand.
Indeed, their chances of survival look shockingly slim, especially after the Thai Navy SEALs seem to be clueless after having apparently tried their best.
However, things start to look up after a couple of middle-aged Britons show up.
While the documentary does an excellent job of keeping us engaged throughout its runtime, what’s worth noting is the fact that it goes on to say a lot about human resilience in the face of crisis.
12. Navy SEALs: Their Untold Story (2014)
Not a lot of us are aware of the heroic story of the U.S. Navy SEALs who are recognized as renowned warriors across the globe today.
Had it not been for them, a major chunk of world history would have been penned differently; especially in regions such as Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Therefore, we would like to recommend this documentary to anyone who wishes to get an unbiased look at America’s most elite warriors.
Cut out the hype and hoopla and over-the-top action and get familiar with the absolute truth in this Carol L. Fleisher directorial venture.
13. Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe (2011)
Based on the USA Network television series Burn Notice, this Jeffrey Donovan-helmed motion picture introduced potential plot elements for the fifth season of the series.
The story, which is set two years before the first season of Burn Notice, depicts how Sam Axe went from being a well-regarded Naval Commander to a man of many mysteries.
We see the film being narrated by Bruce Campbell’s Sam Axe, a US Navy SEAL Commander, who is being questioned about a mission in Colombia.
The fans of Burn Notice, the show, will certainly enjoy Campbell’s performance in its first official spin-off.
14. Until It Hurts (2014)
This documentary strives to pay a tribute to the 79 fallen SEALs of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Even though it aimed to honour the Naval Special Warfare personnel who have died since Sept. 11, 2001, a lawsuit was filed by a retired Navy SEAL and his wife seeking to stop its distribution.
That being said, it is important to mention that not only does this feature deliver the stories of several great people but it also hopes for the masses to understand the unprecedented repercussions of war.
15. Tears of the Sun (2013)
Headlined by action star Bruce Willis and co-starring the gorgeous Monica Bellucci in a significant role, this Antoine Fuqua directorial venture showcases a fictitious U.S. Navy SEAL team rescue mission amidst the civil war in Nigeria.
The viewers get to see how Lt A K Waters and his unit are tasked to rescue Dr. Lena from the jungles of a conflict-ridden Nigeria.
The catch here is that she refuses to be saved until and unless the lives of her patients are safeguarded as well.
Tears of the Sun thrives on its brilliant cinematography and the star power of Bruce Willis to make an impact. And, sure enough, it does.
16. Act of Valor (2012)
Produced and directed by Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh, Act of Valor is a rare military screen project that is based on real missions with genuine active-duty Navy Seals involved in its production.
The story follows a team of US Navy SEALs that embarks on a secret mission to rescue an abducted CIA operative.
However, their pursuit leads to the discovery of a terrifying global threat; one that has the potential to determine the fate of the entire nation.
While the motion picture features Alex Veadov, Roselyn Sánchez, Nestor Serrano, and Emilio Rivera in pivotal roles, we also get to see active duty U.S. Navy SEALs and U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen playing a part in it.
17. Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
Yet another Clint Eastwood-helmed title to make it to our list is Heartbreak Ridge. The film tells the story of a belligerent gunnery sergeant, Tom Highway, who is known for his brash demeanour and sudden bursts of anger.
However, the plot thickens when he is assigned the task of training an amateur recon platoon. This motion picture will cater to viewers who share an appetite for tough-man-tender-chicken melodrama.
Not only does it contain some truly amazing dialogues but it also shows a firm Clint going up against young punks; something that a lot of us would love to see.
18. Hunter Killer (2018)
Based on the novel Firing Point by Don Keith and George Wallace, this Donovan Marsh directorial venture stars Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman in prominent roles.
The story traces the stirring journey of an American submarine captain and a group of US Navy Seals who take it upon themselves to rescue the Russian president after he is abducted by a rogue general.
Even though Hunter Killer stacks clichés upon clichés and has a not-so-deep plot, one cannot deny the fact that it is a ceaseless entertainer that rides on its satisfying performances, decent visual effects, and excellent pacing to make an impression.
19. Under Siege (1992)
In this Andrew Davis-helmed action thriller, we get to catch a CIA agent and his mercenaries seizing a Marine battleship to obtain nuclear warheads.
However, there is one person aboard who can thwart their advances and save the ship; he is none other than a former Navy SEAL turned cook Casey Ryback.
A critical and commercial success, Under Siege makes the most of its confined setting and comes out as a taut action entertainer.
It thrives on the performances of Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Busey, and Steven Seagal.
20. The Frogmen (1951)
This Lloyd Bacon directorial venture was one of the first movies to have ever depicted the workings of the United States Navy SEALs on celluloid.
The story follows a newly joined commander of a Navy Underwater Demolition Team, “Frogmen”, who has to work twice as hard to earn the respect and trust of his men.
The catch here is that the members of his new squad are currently grieving the death of their former commander, and are, therefore, a tad resentful of the new one.
Although the plot is formulaic, what makes it interesting is that several events shown in the movie are inspired by the real world. Add to that the fact that underwater photography is done well for its time.
The Frogmen, more or less, does a fair job of highlighting the dangerous mission/s the men of the Navy SEALs are always ready to undertake.
21. Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
Directed by John Moore in his directorial debut and starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman in the lead, Behind Enemy Lines tracks the journey of Lieutenant Chris Burnett; an American naval flight officer, who, after having been shot down over Bosnia, uncovers genocide during the Bosnian War.
Meanwhile, the viewers hope against hope that Burnett’s commanding officer somehow manages to get approval to launch a search and rescue mission to save him.
Loosely based on the 1995 Mrkonjić Grad incident that came up during the war, this war film was a box office success that started a franchise of direct-to-video spiritual successors.
22. Sniper (1993)
Get ready to chaperone U.S. Marine sniper Thomas Scott and marksman Richard Miller in the Panamanian forest; a place where they must annihilate a rebel leader using sniper techniques.
The first instalment in the Sniper film series is rather cool to catch. However, it must be pointed out that it fails to explore the themes that are suggested in its storytelling. That is perhaps why it comes off as a project that feels a tad complex in its approach at times.
We recommend that you do not delve deep into its characters and script and just watch it for what it is.
23. S.W.A.T. (2003)
Helmed for the Screen by Clark Johnson, S.W.A.T tells the story of a dangerous drug lord who offers a 100 million dollar reward to anyone who can help him escape from prison.
However, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and a hot-shot cop from the Los Angeles Police Department and his S.W.A.T squad take it upon themselves to do everything in their capacity to stop him from escaping.
Based on the 1975 television series of the same name, the motion picture stars Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, and Michelle Rodriguez in crucial roles.
S.W.A.T. sure is amusing at the very least, but it is yet another routine police thriller that has managed to find a spot on our list.
24. G.I. Jane (1997)
Directed by Ridley Scott and starring the wonderful Demi Moore, Viggo Mortensen, and Anne Bancroft in the lead, G.I. Jane tells the fictional story of a female lieutenant who is allowed to earn her place in Navy SEALs.
To prove herself, she has to stay determined and not allow herself to succumb to the antics of those who are doing everything in their power to see her fail.
G.I. Jane opened to strictly mixed reviews from critics and turned out to be a colossal disappointment at the box office.
While director Scott provides due attention to the training sequences in the movie, it does come across as a trademark fantasy action film with obvious feminist and political undertones.
25. Without Remorse (2021)
Loosely based on Tom Clancy’s novel of the same name, this crime thriller film has been helmed for the screen by Stefano Sollima and stars Michael B. Jordan in the main lead.
The plot follows an elite Navy SEAL, who, while seeking justice for the murder of his pregnant wife, ends up uncovering a covert plot that threatens to push the United States of America and Russia to the brink of an all-out war.
While Jordan’s performance is undoubtedly its biggest asset, Without Remorse is an unabashed, ultra-violent spy thriller that satisfies the ceaseless appetite of ardent fans of the genre.
26. SEAL Team Six: The Raid on Osama bin Laden (2012)
This John Stockwell directorial venture tracks the journey of a group of US Navy SEALs that’s been entrusted with the task of taking down an unknown target on Pakistani soil.
However, the unit soon discovers that the target is none other than the most wanted terrorist in the world, Osama bin Laden.
Despite being a mid-budget flick, SEAL Team Six: The Raid on Osama bin Laden focuses on the SEALs’ training and the work of field agents in Abbottabad.
The motion picture contains enough drama and emotion and is almost as entertaining as a tent-pole blockbuster.
27. Secrets of SEAL Team Six (2011)
This rather lesser-known feature stakes its claims at casting a light on the government operatives of SEAL TEAM VI that had existed under the radar for three decades – until now.
Not only does it familiarize us with the brave men who were entrusted with the task of eliminating Osama Bin Laden but it also features interviews with former operators.
If the aforementioned sentence wasn’t intriguing enough for you, keep your eyes and ears open for the few “potential” secrets revealed.
28. The Delta Force (1986)
Helmed for the screen and co-written by Menahem Golan, The Delta Force stars Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin in pivotal roles.
Based on the real-life U.S. Army Delta Force unit, the film showcases how, after three days of failed negotiations following the hijacking of a plane by terrorists, the Navy and Air Force operators are compelled to take up shooting positions to get the job done.
The first instalment in The Delta Force movie franchise will come off as a thoroughly amusing action entertainer; especially to those who favour using force instead of diplomacy.
29. Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995)
This Geoff Murphy-helmed action thriller stars Steven Seagal as the ex-Navy SEAL. We see his character, Casey Ryback, boarding a train to go on a vacation with his niece.
However, he soon realizes that the train is being used by a terrorist organization to hijack a destructive United States satellite.
While it is more than evident that Under Siege 2 represents a steep comedown from its predecessor, it is also rather clear that it relies heavily on the performances of its villains to make an impact; even though they are forced to utter pedestrian dialogues.
30. Navy Seals (1990)
Helmed for the screen by Lewis Teague, Navy Seals is an entertaining motion picture that tells the story of an elite squad of U.S. Navy commandos that battles Arab terrorists who seem to have destructive nuclear weapons.
To make things exciting for the viewers, the terrorists can also be seen holding a group of American citizens, hostage.
Even though this title was a bit too fantastical in its approach, what the viewers enjoyed back in the day was the fact that Charlie Sheen’s character could be seen going a bit nuts at times when he should have been following orders.
As liberally as Navy Seals might have been filmed, it did manage to showcase a few great ideals that the SEALs practice.
31. All for Love (2016)
In this Lee Friedlander-helmed Hallmark feature, we get to see actor Steve Bacic being perfectly cast as the ex-Navy SEAL.
His character is seen helping a romance novelist research for her book. While All for Love is no doubt far from perfect, and perhaps even uneven, what cannot, however, be denied is that it makes an effort to charm you.
That said, the story is predictable but comprises sequences that may come across as sweet to plenty. The film can be seen once for the affable performance by Bacic.
32. The Pacifier (2005)
You never believed that a family action comedy film can make it to this list as well, did you? Well, here we are with The Pacifier.
Helmed for the screen by Adam Shankman and starring action star Vin Diesel in the main lead, the plot follows a Navy SEAL, Shane Wolfe, who fails to save a government scientist, Howard Plummer, from Serbian rebels.
However, his task doesn’t end there as he is soon assigned to protect Plummer’s children from his enemies. What’s amusing about this otherwise average entertainer is the fact that you can see its main lead shedding his tough guy image to appease the family audience.
Well, for good or for bad, Diesel at least did try something different.
33. Jarhead 2: Field of Fire (2014)
Helmed by Don Michael Paul, Jarhead 2: Field of Fire tells the story of a corporal, who, while on a mission of bringing supplies to a remote outpost near a Taliban-controlled territory, is roped in for a dangerous mission.
He is asked to help an anti-Taliban Afghan woman escape to safety. Even though the action sequences have been filmed well and are engaging, they do come across as preposterous at times.
Also, while the plot is exciting enough to hold your attention, you do feel that it could have had much more to offer.
34. Monsters of Man (2020)
This Mark Toia directorial venture is a science fiction thriller in which a team of young medical students and an ex-Navy SEAL can be seen being hounded by weaponized robots.
Monsters of Man is a curious case of an amateur filmmaker trying to make an impression within the vast motion picture industry.
Even though it suffers from obvious plot holes and an absurdly long run time, what perhaps works for the movie is its setting coupled with decent use of CGI.
35. The Shepherd: Border Patrol (2008)
Let’s just start by stating that we can’t promise you that this Isaac Florentine directorial venture, which has been headlined by Jean-Claude Van Damme, showcases Navy SEALs in the best of light.
We are introduced to a tough New Orleans cop who arrives in New Mexico to take a job with the border patrol.
Soon after his joining, he finds that a few ex-Navy SEALs are trying to traffic drugs from Mexico into the United States of America.
Needless to mention, he takes matters into his own hands and goes hammer and tongs at his foes to save the day.
If you’re planning to watch a low-budget action entertainer with a nice little town feel to it, you could give this Van Damme vehicle a ride.
36. Renegades (2017)
Directed by Steven Quale, Renegades tells the story of a group of renegade Navy SEALs that try to recover a treasure lost at the bottom of a lake in war-torn Sarajevo, Bosnia, under the supervision of Matt Barnes.
The catch here is that they have to go about their mission while evading Serbian forces. This Franco-German action thriller film found it difficult to impress the critics who were a bit too vocal about its far-fetched narrative and lack of memorable action sequences.
However, actor J. K. Simmons did find appreciation for his character play.
37. The Rescue (1988)
This Ferdinand Fairfax directorial venture tells the story of U.S. military personnel, who, while returning from their mission, are taken hostage.
However, things get a bit more complicated when their government denies sending a unit to rescue them.
Desperate and helpless, the children of the kidnapped military personnel take matters into their own hands and set out to save their beloved parents.
There is no denying the fact that watching a group of teenagers infiltrate a North Korean prison to rescue their Navy SEAL fathers promises a fair dose of entertainment.
However, we are under obligation to inform you that The Rescue comprises a far-fetched and often dumb plot that might pander to the needs of a very young audience looking for some unabashed guilty pleasure amusement.
38. Goodbye America (1997)
Helmed by Thierry Notz, Goodbye America was a commendable attempt on the part of its makers to bring Philippine cinema to the international audience.
The story showcases how the plan of the United States Navy to withdraw from a Philippine base in the early 1990s paves the way for relentless violence in the region.
The film documents how the closing of the base at Subic Bay may have affected the Filipinos and the Americans who had served there willfully.
This thinly disguised B-movie was a bit of a mess. We say so because there were a ton of characters that were difficult to relate to.
Needless to say, the end product came off as a bit disorganized.
39. All the Devil’s Men (2018)
This British action thriller film has been written and helmed for the silver screen by Matthew Hope. It stars actors Milo Gibson, Sylvia Hoeks, Gbenga Akinnagbe, and William Fichtner in crucial roles.
We meet Jack Collins, a war junkie and former Navy SEAL turned bounty hunter, who is compelled to go to London on a manhunt for a disavowed CIA operative.
His mission is marked with riddles and it, consequently, leads him into a deadly battle with an ex-military comrade and his ruthless private troop.
All the Devil’s Men is a routine mainstream actioner that has a lot of double and triple-crossing infused into its storytelling.
However, the excess of it makes the narrative come across as incoherent, to say the least.
