Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle in "American Sniper" (Warner Bros).

These 11 films give us a glimpse into the lives of the men and women who protect our country in times of peace or war.

“American Sniper”

Based on a true story, Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) saves countless lives with his sniper skills during his four tours in Iraq. Like many soldiers, Kyle cannot leave the horrors of war behind, struggling to be a loving father and husband while battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“Saving Private Ryan”

This Steven Spielberg adventure is a true classic. Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) leads his men on a desperate search behind enemy lines. While trying to find Private James Ryan, whose three bothers died in combat, each man takes his own personal journey. 

“Zero Dark Thirty”

Osama Bin-Laden was once the most wanted man in the world after 9/11. "Zero Dark Thirty" follows an operative (Jessica Chastain) and her team on the manhunt that ultimately led to Bin-Laden's demise in a compound in Pakistan. 

“Black Hawk Down”

In 1993, the government sent special forces into Somolia to aid the humanitarian effort. Unfortunately, an unexpected ambush by Somalian forces left two helicopters down and several soldiers fighting for their lives. 

“The Hurt Locker”

This heart-pounding film follows a bomb-disposal unit in the heart of Baghdad. The team faces a series of dangerous situations, coming face-to-face with death.

“Inglorious Basterds”

Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) and his squad of Jewish soldiers brutally kill and scalp Nazis during Germany’s occupation of France. The men hatch a plot with a German actress in order to kill the leaders of the Third Reich.

“Platoon”

This classic highlights the story of a young soldier (Charlie Sheen) during the Vietnam War. He witnesses American soldiers commit horrendous acts, which challenge his sense of morality.

“Dear John”

True love is tested in this film adapted from a Nicholas Sparks novel. Soldier John Tyree (Channing Tatum) and his girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) are separated by war. The couple communicate through love letters, hoping their love will withstand the distance.

“Lone Survivor”

In Afghanistan, four Navy SEALs are tasked with taking out a Taliban Leader. However, goat herders spot the men high on the mountain and report their findings to the Taliban. Terribly outnumbered, the men must fight for their lives to escape. 

“Top Gun”

Fighter pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) attends the Top Gun Navel Fighter Weapons School to enhance his piloting skills. But his too-cool-for-school attitude does not sit will with other members of the prestigious academy. Maverick isn’t just bickering with Iceman (Val Kilmer), but fighting for the heart of his flight instructor.

“The Imitation Game”

A more unconventional war movie, “The Imitation Game” takes its audience behind the scenes where a Cambridge math alumni Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) desperately tries to crack Nazi codes.

Reach Staff Reporter Casey Tamkin here.