250 Years of America: The U.S. Military in Pop Culture

For 250 years, America has depended on the courage of its armed forces to keep the promise of freedom alive. From the Revolutionary War to post‑9/11 conflicts, America’s military members have played a significant role in shaping our nation’s history. 

Pop culture has provided us with a lens into this military history, and it extends beyond interpretation and dramatization. It allows Americans to understand and reflect on what service, sacrifice, and patriotism look like. These stories also illustrate how the image of the military has evolved alongside the nation itself.   

As we celebrate 250 years of America, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) honors the service members and veterans who have influenced our history and culture and made our freedom possible.

Here’s a look at some popular movies, music, books, and television shows inspired by the U.S. military.

Movies 

Movies have a way of shaping how we see the world, and many can probably think of a film that has influenced their view of the military – past, present, or future. Here are some popular movies that capture the spirit and sometimes humor of military service and its role throughout our nation’s history.

Revolutionary War 

• The Patriot (2000): Starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger, The Patriot tells the story of a farmer, Benjamin Martin, who gets pulled into the Revolutionary War after the murder of his son. Though Benjamin initially wanted no part of the war, he felt pulled to serve after threats of losing his farm and concern for his other son, who had immediately decided to join the fight against the British.

• 1776 (1972): A unique way of telling the story of the Revolutionary War, 1776 is a musical, based on a Broadway show, that fictionally recounts the days leading up to July 4, 1776, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  

Civil War 

• Glory (1989): Starring Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Matthew Broderick, Glory is a powerful portrayal of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, an African American Union Army unit. Washington went on to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in the film.  

• Gettysburg (1993): This war drama, starring Tom Berenger and Martin Sheen, tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg, a three-day battle between Union and Confederate soldiers. The conflict, won by the Union, is considered a major turning point in the war.

World War II 

• Patton (1970): Starring George C. Scott as the title character, this film chronicles the life and military career of Gen. George S. Patton. The film explores his brilliance as a commander, his clashes with superiors, and the complexities of his character. Scott won a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Patton, and the film won seven Oscars in total, including Best Picture.

• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, this acclaimed war drama follows a group of U.S. soldiers sent behind enemy lines to find and bring home Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), whose brothers have all been killed in combat. Known for its intense depiction of the D-Day invasion, the film explores themes of sacrifice, duty, and the human cost of war

• Hacksaw Ridge (2016): Directed by Mel Gibson, this biographical war film tells the story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a U.S. Army medic who served during the Battle of Okinawa. Refusing to carry a weapon, Doss saved 75 men under heavy fire, earning the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery.

Vietnam

• Apocalypse Now (1979): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film follows Capt.  Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) on a secret mission in the Cambodian jungle. It explores the madness and moral ambiguity of war. The film was adapted from the 1899 book "Heart of Darkness," but set during the Vietnam War.

• Platoon (1986): Based on Director Oliver Stone’s own experience as an infantryman, this film follows young recruit, Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheenas ), as he faces the brutal realities of combat and the conflicting leadership styles within his platoon.

• Born on the Fourth of July (1989): Also directed by Oliver Stone, this biographical drama tells the story of Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise), a Marine who becomes paralyzed during the Vietnam War and later becomes an outspoken anti-war activist. It examines patriotism and the challenges veterans face returning home.

Post-9/11 Conflicts 

• Megan Leavey (2007): Based on a true story, this drama follows Marine Megan Leavey (played by Kate Mara) and her bond with Rex, a military working dog trained to detect explosives. After serving together on dangerous missions in Iraq, Megan fights to adopt Rex when he is retired.

• The Hurt Locker (2008): Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this film follows an Army explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team in Iraq, and the physical and mental toll of their work. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Kathryn Bigelow made history as the first woman to receive the Oscar for Best Director.

• American Sniper (2014): Directed by Clint Eastwood, this biographical war drama tells the true story of U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle (played by Bradley Cooper). The film explores his experiences during four tours in Iraq, his struggles with the psychological toll of combat, and the challenges of adjusting to life back home.

Other Popular Movies with a Military Theme

• Private Benjamin (1980): Goldie Hawn stars as Judy Benjamin, a sheltered woman who enlists in the Army after a personal tragedy. Expecting a glamorous life of travel and intrigue, she instead faces the harsh realities of military training, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments of self-discovery.

• Top Gun (1986): A great recruiting tool for the U.S. Navy, this action film follows U.S. Navy fighter pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) as he attends the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. The film explores themes of competition, camaraderie, and personal growth, along with a memorable soundtrack.

• A Few Good Men (1992): Directed by Rob Reiner with a star-studded cast, this military courtroom drama follows Navy lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) as he takes on the defense of two young Marines accused of killing a fellow service member. An investigation reveals the orders for a “Code Red” came from as high up as Gitmo’s commander, Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson), who believes Kaffee and others like him just “Can’t handle the truth!”

• Independence Day (1996): This sci-fi action blockbuster depicts how hard the U.S. armed forces (and its patriotic civilians) will fight to defend the country despite overwhelming obstacles. U.S. Marine Capt. Steven Hiller (Will Smith) joins tech genius David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) to save America – and the world – from annihilation by aliens.

• Black Hawk Down (2001): This movie details the true story of military conflict in Somalia in 1993. What was intended to be a quick operation for a group of Army Rangers and Delta Force soldiers spirals into an 18-hour firefight after three Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, two in enemy territory. The story highlights the chaos of urban warfare, as well as the courage and camaraderie of soldiers under fire.

Music 

From the stirring anthems of the Revolution to the soulful ballads born from modern conflicts, patriotic songs have united generations, lifted spirits, and given voice to hope and resilience. Here are some iconic tunes that have inspired people through times of war and peace.

18th–19th Century 

• The Star-Spangled Banner (Francis Scott Key): How could we not include the theme for America itself? Written during the War of 1812, The Star-Spangled Banner was inspired by Key’s view of the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after a night of heavy British bombardment. Originally a poem titled Defence of Fort M’Henry, it was later set to music and adopted as the U.S. national anthem in 1931.

• Yankee Doodle (traditional folk song): Originally sung during the American Revolution, this patriotic tune was used to mock colonial soldiers but later became a symbol of American pride. It was also the inspiration for the 1942 musical Yankee Doodle Dandy.

• When Johnny Comes Marching Home (Patrick Gilmore): Written in 1863, this Civil War song expressed hope and anticipation for soldiers returning home from battle.

World Wars 

• Over There (George M. Cohan): A World War I rallying song encouraging young Americans to join the fight overseas. Its upbeat tone made it a powerful tool for boosting morale and recruitment.

• God Bless America (Irving Berlin): A patriotic song that expresses gratitude and hope for the United States. Originally intended as a prayer for peace, it evolved into an anthem of unity and resilience, particularly during World War II.

• USO swing and big band music (various artists): Popular during World War II, these lively tunes were performed at USO shows to entertain troops and lift spirits during wartime.

Vietnam Era 

• Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival): A protest song criticizing class inequality and the draft system, highlighting how the wealthy often avoided combat while working-class men were sent to war.

• Ballad of the Green Berets (Barry Sadler): A song co-written and performed by Army SSgt. Sadler, this song pays tribute to the service of the Army’s Green Berets during the Vietnam War.

• Give Peace a Chance (John Lennon): This anthem became a rallying cry for the anti-war movement, promoting peace through its simple, repetitive chorus.

Post-9/11 

• Still a Soldier (Trace Adkins): The longtime WWP supporter often honors military service through his songs. Still a Soldier tells the story of a father, husband, and soldier who always feels a sense of duty and willingness to serve even after returning from war. The song honors a service member’s commitment to defend their country.

• God Bless the U.S.A. (Lee Greenwood): Though originally released in 1984 as Proud to be an American, this song thanks those who served. It regained popularity after 9/11.

• Wrong Side of Heaven (Five Finger Death Punch): The veteran-supportive band used the song’s music video to highlight the challenges veterans face after service, including homelessness and suicide.

Other Popular Military-Inspired Songs 

• Born in the U.S.A. (Bruce Springsteen): This iconic rock anthem contrasts the struggles of Vietnam War veterans returning home to economic hardship and disillusionment. The song critiques the treatment of working-class Americans and the lingering effects of war.

• Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning (Alan Jackson): The Wounded Warrior Project supporter wrote this country ballad in response to the 9/11 attacks. The song reflects on the emotions and questions that arose in the aftermath of the tragedy.

• One (Metallica): This song details the lasting physical and mental impact on combat veterans. Inspired by Dalton Trumbo’s novel Johnny Got His Gun, the song tells the story of a soldier who is gravely wounded in combat yet remains fully conscious and trapped in his own body and emotional turmoil

Books 

Military-themed literature preserves history, shares experiences, and reveals the human side of war. These books go beyond recounting battles to capture the emotion, sacrifices, and dilemmas faced by those who served and those at home. Here’s a look at some influential books that have shaped our understanding of military life and its impact on society.

Foundational & Historical 

• Common Sense (Thomas Paine): A revolutionary pamphlet advocating American independence from Britain, emphasizing liberty and self-governance.
• Civil War letters and memoirs: Firsthand accounts from soldiers and civilians that reveal the personal experiences and hardships of the Civil War.

20th Century Classics 

• Catch-22 (Joseph Heller): A satirical World War II novel about military bureaucracy and the paradox of survival in war.
• The Things They Carried (Tim O’Brien): A collection of interconnected stories depicting the emotional and physical burdens of soldiers in the Vietnam War.

Modern Conflicts 

• Matterhorn (Karl Marlantes): A gritty, realistic novel about a young Marine officer and his platoon facing brutal combat and moral dilemmas in Vietnam.
• Tribe (Sebastian Junger): A nonfiction work examining how modern society isolates veterans and the importance of community and belonging after war.

TV 

Television has helped bring military stories into our living rooms for decades. From gripping dramas to light-hearted comedies, these shows explore the challenges, camaraderie, and courage of service members. Here’s a look at some popular TV series that captured life in and out of the uniform.  

• M*A*S*H* (1972-1983): A groundbreaking dramedy set during the Korean War, following the staff of a mobile Army surgical hospital. It blends humor with poignant commentary on the absurdities and tragedies of war, becoming one of the most acclaimed series in television history.

• Band of Brothers (2001): A critically acclaimed miniseries based on Stephen E. Ambrose’s book, chronicling Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment from D-Day through the end of World War II. Praised for its historical accuracy and emotional depth.

• NCIS (2003-present): This long-running series follows a team of agents from the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. It was a spinoff of JAG, another military legal TV drama that followed a fictional team of lawyers in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General's office.

More Pop Culture: Comics, Games, and Cultural Symbols 

• Comics: Captain America, Captain Marvel, The Punisher, Beetle Bailey   
• Fictional Cultural icons: G.I. Joe, Uncle Sam, Rosie the Riveter
• Video games: Call of Duty, Medal of Honor, Battlefield, Modern Warfare 

What Pop Culture Reveals About America 

Cultural portrayals that shape our understanding of military life, as well as concepts like patriotism, service, and sacrifice, have evolved over the past 250 years.

Just as these portrayals have evolved, so too have Wounded Warrior Project’s efforts to honor and empower service members, veterans, and their families.

For 250 years, the courage and resilience of those who served have helped build our nation’s freedom. WWP honors that legacy by meeting veterans’ evolving needs and ensuring they can thrive, today and always.

*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Find out more about how WWP is commemorating 250 years of America.

Contact: Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910

About Wounded Warrior Project 

Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.