U.S. Marines in the Movies and Marine Corps DVDs

Ranked #2,337 in Entertainment, #25,728 overall | Donates to Operation Helmet

Marines in the Movies and Movies About Marines



There's nobody tougher than a United States Marine, and there's no better action film than a movie featuring the few, the proud, the Marines.

There's also nothing like a good Marine movie and we have the best listed here, from classic to current, from John Wayne to Tom Cruise, from directors John Ford to Stanley Kubrick.

Looking for documentaries or movies about real-life Marines? Browse through or skip down to our Real-Life Marines section, including the history of the Marine Corps and DVD's about Marine boot camp and becoming a Marine.

Semper Fi!


Click here to see this John Wayne in "Sands of Iwo Jima" movie poster

Get Inside the Mind of a Marine

With clips from Full Metal Jacket, Windtalkers, Sands of Iwo Jima and more.

This montage was put together by a former Marine using clips from multiple movies featuring Marines. Watch it all the way through.
powered by Youtube

POLL: Are you a Marine? Know a Marine?

We want to know who's looking for Marine movies. Would you take a moment to participate in our poll?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Films Featuring Marines

Movies made with the help of the United States Marine Corps have helped in recruiting efforts for decades.

Let's Go Get 'Em U.S. Marines PosterHistory of Marines in Film

Beginning with The Star Spangled Banner (1918), the Marines discovered the use of motion pictures. In exchange for a favourable portrayal that stimulated recruiting and gave an impressive view to the public and Congress, the Marines provided uniformed extras, locations, equipment, and technical advisers that provided their expertise to the producers. In 1926 MGM's Tell it to the Marines (1926 film) and Fox's What Price Glory? (1926 film) directed by Raoul Walsh nearly led to a court battle to see whether one studio could copyright the Marines to prevent other films from being made. Over the years Camp Pendleton was dressed up to represent Central American nations, China, Pacific islands, New Zealand, and Joseph H. Lewis's Retreat Hell (1952) and Allan Dwan's John Payne film Hold Back The Night (1956) had the California base covered in studio snow with their hills and roads painted white. Camp Pendleton later doubled as Vietnam in Marshall Thompson's To the Shores of Hell (1966). When filming Battle Cry (film) at the base in 1954, Raoul Walsh's Marine technical adviser said that he had joined the Corps after seeing Walsh's What Price Glory? (1926 film). Marine boot camp was also depicted in Jack Webb's The D.I. (1957) and Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket that led to more enlistments to the Corps.

(From this wikipedia article.)

Let's Go Get 'Em U.S. Marines poster available here

Flying Leathernecks, starring John Wayne

Don't overlook this classic 1951 John Wayne World War II movie.

Thrilling aerial footage and a great script make this movie a must-see.

Flying Leathernecks

Amazon Price: $4.65 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

It's World War II. Major Dan Kirby (John Wayne) is hard on his marines. His subordinate Captain Carl Griffin thinks the Major is overdoing it. But Kirby proves that there is a method to his madness after all.

Flags of Our Fathers

Director: Clint Eastwood, 2006

To fully appreciate the story, read the book before you watch the movie.

Flags of Our Fathers (Widescreen Edition)

Amazon Price: $4.28 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

From Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven) comes the World Was II epic Flags of Our Fathers, produced by Eastwood, Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List), and Rob Lorenz (Mystic River), and from a screenplay adapted by William Broyles, Jr. (Cast Away) and Oscar winner Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby, Crash).

February 1945. Even as victory in Europe was finally within reach, the war in the Pacific raged on. One of the most crucial and bloodiest battles of the war was the struggle for the island of Iwo Jima, which culminated with what would become one of the most iconic images in history: five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The inspiring photo capturing that moment became a symbol of victory to a nation that had grown weary of war and made instant heroes of the six American soldiers at the base of the flag, some of whom would die soon after, never knowing that they had been immortalized. But the surviving flag raisers had no interest in being held up as symbols and did not consider themselves heroes; they wanted only to stay on the front with their brothers in arms who were fighting and dying without fanfare or glory.

Flags of Our Fathers is based on the bestselling book by James Bradley with Ron Powers, which chronicled the battle of Iwo Jima and the fates of the flag raisers and some of their brothers in Easy Company. Bradley's father, John "Doc" Bradley, was one of the soldiers pictured raising the flag, although James never knew the full extent of his father's experiences until after the elder Bradley's death in 1994.

Full Metal Jacket

Director: Stanley Kubrick, 1987

Marine Corps boot camp and battle scenes during the Vietnam War era. A favorite of many real-life Marines. Rated R.

Full Metal Jacket

Amazon Price: $4.60 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

The story of an 18-year-old marine recruit named Private Joker - from his carnage-and-machismo boot camp to his climactic involvement in the heavy fighting in Hue during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Based on the novel The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford.

Full Metal Jacket (Deluxe Edition) [Blu-ray] also available.

Jarhead

Director: Sam Mendes, 2005

From the 1990-1991 Gulf War

Jarhead (Widescreen Edition)

Amazon Price: $2.14 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx and Jake Gyllenhaal star in this critically acclaimed, brilliantly unconventional war story from Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes.

Jarhead (the self-imposed moniker of the Marines) follows Swoff (Gyllenhaal) from a sobering stint in boot camp to active duty, where he sports a sniper rifle through Middle East deserts that provide no cover from the heat or Iraqi soldiers. Swoff and his fellow Marines sustain themselves with sardonic humanity and wicked comedy on blazing desert fields in a country they don't understand against an enemy they can't see for a cause they don't fully grasp.

More Marine Corps Movies

Click on any picture for a full description and more information.

What Price Glory?

What Price Glory?

James Cagney and Dan Dailey are soldiers during World more...0 points

To the Shores of Hell

To the Shores of Hell

VHS version.0 points

Battle Cry

Battle Cry

Van Heflin, Aldo Ray and Tab Hunter in Raoul Walsh more...0 points

A Few Good Men (Special Edition)

A Few Good Men (Special Edition)

Neo military lawyer kaffee defends marines accused more...0 points

Battle for Haditha

Battle for Haditha

November 19th 2005 haditha iraq. Iraqi insurgents more...0 points

Born on the Fourth of July [HD DVD]

Born on the Fourth of July [HD DVD]

Universal Born On The Fourth Of July (HD-DVD)Tom Cruise more...0 points

Death Before Dishonor

Death Before Dishonor

Fred dryer is master sgt burns the hard-core leade more...0 points

Major Payne

Major Payne

Bonus features: production notes talent bios film more...0 points

Rules of Engagement

Rules of Engagement

Part war movie part courtroom thriller this grippi more...0 points

Sands of Iwo Jima

Sands of Iwo Jima

John Wayne's old studio home, Republic, made this more...0 points

The Siege of Firebase Gloria

The Siege of Firebase Gloria

Sometimes a B movie can rise above its big-budget more...0 points

Wake Island

Wake Island

Wake Island, a sandbar rising 21 feet out of the S more...0 points

Guadalcanal Diary

Guadalcanal Diary

One of the greatest war movies of all time, combining more...0 points

Gung Ho

Gung Ho

''The treacherous sneak attack on Pearl Harbor was more...0 points

The Boys in Company C

The Boys in Company C

Set in 1967, The Boys in Company C follows the liv more...0 points

Halls of Montezuma

Halls of Montezuma

Richard Widmark leads an all-star cast of leathern more...0 points

Windtalkers

Windtalkers

In the brutal World War II Battle of Saipan, Serge more...0 points

Real-Life Marines

Including the history of the Marine Corps and how to become a Marine.

Making Marines

Boot camp, how it really is.

The toughest 12 weeks of your life. And so worth it.

Making Marines

Amazon Price: $5.70 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

Each and every Marine Corps recruit has to survive 12 weeks of Boot Camp. It is perhaps the toughest 12 weeks anyone can imagine - especially for those whose average age is 19. To become one of the few and the proud, these recruits must first learn just to survive. More than just a showcase of grueling training, these three hours will shed light on the lives and backgrounds of those who make the decision to become United States Marines. Tragically, the events of September 11th take place in the middle of the sixth week of training. But for most recruits, the acts of terrorism only strengthen their resolve to become modern soldiers.

Episode 1. Parris Island- Phase One: Follow young recruits as they prepare for Boot Camp at Parris Island. From all over the eastern U.S., they roll off the bus in the middle of the night and begin their transformation into U.S. Marines.

Episode 2. Parris Island- Phase Two: The recruits at Parris Island learn to cope with the punishing regimen of physical training and mental conditioning. In the confidence course, they are pushed beyond their limits. Nerves become frayed, and attrition takes its toll.

Episode 3. Parris Island- Phase Three: Training becomes more demanding as the recruits enter the 54-hour Crucible. Upon completion of this final test, they march to the mess hall for the Warrior's breakfast.

The Crucible: Making Marines for the 21st Century

Know before you go.

The Crucible: Making Marines for the 21st Century

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

Featuring footage from Parris Island and MCRD San Diego, this DVD highlights aspects of training that all Marine recruits undertake.

Parents, recommended if your son or daughter will be going to Marine boot camp. Take it from a mom whose son has been there and done that, it is ever so helpful to know what they're going through.

The Marines

From 2007, presented by PBS

The Marines

Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

You can't be too prepared for boot camp and becoming entrenched in the Marine Corps culture. More great information for recruits and their families.

More Marines in Real Life

DVDs about the United States Marine Corps and becoming a Marine.

The Story of the Marines

The Story of the Marines

The complete story of the heroic achievements of t more...0 points

U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps

On July 11, 1798, a body of less than 1,000 men wa more...0 points

Uncommon Valor: The Story of the U.S. Marines in WWII

Uncommon Valor: The Story of the U.S. Marines in WWII

The pages of military history are filled to overfl more...0 points

Combat Diary - The Marines of Lima Company

Combat Diary - The Marines of Lima Company

ONE TRAGIC MISSION. SEEN THROUGH THEIR CAMERAS. DE more...0 points

U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps

On July 11, 1798, a body of less than 1,000 men wa more...0 points

U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Ceremony Featuring The Silent Drill Team DVD

U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Ceremony Featuring The Silent Drill Team DVD

The most incredible display of precision rifle han more...0 points

The Evening Parade (Special Bicentennial Edition)

The Evening Parade (Special Bicentennial Edition)

Established in 1801, Marine Barracks, Washington, more...0 points

Honor and Glory - America's Elite Military Honor Guards (History Channel)

Honor and Glory - America's Elite Military Honor Guards (History Channel)

Their elegant drills are as precise as a Swiss clo more...0 points

Semper Fit: The Marine Corps Workout

Semper Fit: The Marine Corps Workout

Can't emphasize enough how important fitness is. G more...0 points

Weapons At War - Marine Corps Aviation (History Channel)

Weapons At War - Marine Corps Aviation (History Channel)

The Marine Corps has long enjoyed a unique place i more...0 points

Such As Regiments - the History of the United States Marine Corps

Honor - Courage - Commitment

powered by Youtube

Actors and Others, Former Marines

"Once a Marine, Always a Marine"

  • Don Adams, best known as Maxwell Smart in TV's Get Smart
  • Bea Arthur, star of the television series Maude and The Golden Girls
  • Bob Bell, TV's Bozo the Clown
  • Hugh Brannum, "Mr. Green Jeans" on Captain Kangaroo
  • Drew Carey, comedian, actor, Host of The Price Is Right
  • Mike Connors, actor
  • Brian Dennehy, actor
  • David Eigenberg, actor, Sex and the City
  • R. Lee Ermey, actor, TV show host
  • Mike Farrell, actor
  • Glenn Ford, actor
  • James Franciscus, actor
  • Christopher George, actor
  • Gene Hackman, actor
  • Don Imus, radio talk show host
  • Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo
  • Brian Keith, actor
  • Jim Lehrer, TV journalist
  • Lee Marvin, actor
  • Ed McMahon, television personality
  • Steve McQueen, actor
  • Oliver North, Iran-Contra involvement; political commentator
  • Hugh O'Brian, actor
  • Sam Peckinpah, director
  • George Peppard, actor
  • Tyrone Power, actor
  • Buddy Rich, jazz musician
  • Pat Robertson, evangelist, social commentator
  • Mark Russell, political satirist
  • George C. Scott, actor
  • Bernard Shaw, CNN News anchor
  • Thomas Sowell, American economist, social commentator, and author
  • Lee Trevino, PGA Tour golfer
  • James Whitmore, actor
  • Montel Williams, TV host
  • Ted Williams, baseball hall of famer
  • Jonathan Winters, actor, comedian
  • Burt Young, actor, "Paulie" in the Rocky movies

See a complete list of famous former Marines on wikipedia.
Drew Carey's picture courtesy CBS.com

Leatherneck, Magazine of the Marines

Published since 1917

Subscribe to "Leatherneck," magazine for Marines of all ranks, focusing on history, traditions, schools, training, personalities, physical fitness, weapons and equipment.
Could not locate item B00006KLT4. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

The Marine Corps Gazette

Professional Journal of U.S. Marines

Contains articles on the research and development of military equipment, new weapons systems, theories and concepts on military operations, foreign military formations, national security issues, current wars of insurgency, terrorism and the history of the Marine Corps.
Could not locate item B00006KMWB. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Comments?

This space is for you.

This lens was featured on The Squid Calendar
November 10, 2009, the birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Semper Fi!



submit

american flag border


Survive USMC Boot Camp
Prepare for Marine Corps Boot Camp
Deal with drill instructors easily
www.prepareforbootcamp.com


american flag border

This Lens Donates to Operation Helmet

A portion of the proceeds from purchases will be automatically sent to Operation Helmet. If you'd like to donate directly, you may do so here.

Operation Helmet is a 100% volunteer, non-partisan, charitable organization that provides helmet upgrade kits free of charge to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to those ordered to deploy in the near future.

Flag divider courtesy MyPhotoShots.net.


Like this lens? Want to make one of your own?
It's easy and it's free. In fact, Squidoo pays you!
Get started here.

by

Susan52

Susan52 enjoys writing, spending time with her family, and consuming therapeutic quantities of dark chocolate. She writes about things that strike her... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Not Marines, but . . 

they're Fighting Seabees

The Fighting Seabees

Amazon Price: $6.96 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

They're Seabees of the Navy and this movie tells their story. A favorite starring John Wayne.