11 Most Romantic Military-Themed Movies

I thought I'd share a list of my favorite romantic military-themed movies (in no real particular order.) Of course, romance in military marriage isn't everyone's cup of tea, which is why each movie on the list contains a little something for everyone: romance, drama and heart-pounding action! Some of these you've likely seen before, but are worth another watch. While others you may have never seen! Thanks to advanced viewing technology, all of these movies are available to rent/watch on Netflix, Amazon, or iTunes! So load up your movie queue, pop your popcorn, get your blankets and tissues ready (and maybe your sweetheart, too!) and snuggle up with one of these favorites. And let me know if I missed any. What else would YOU add to this list? 11. Dr. Zhivago (1965) - Watch it here! Omar Sharif and Julie Christie Let's start this list out right with one of Hollywood's most beloved movies, Dr. Zhivago. Dr. Zhivago is set in Russia during World War I and tells the tale of a KGB Lieutentant searching for the daughter of his half brother, Dr. Zhivago (Sharif) and a woman named Larissa (Christie). What follows is a remarkable twist of events, a dreamy plot, and thrilling action. If you haven't seen this flick yet, be sure to rent it. There is a reason it is the eighth highest grossing movie of all time. 10. South Pacific (1958) - Watch it here! Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor The 1958 romantic military-themed music version of South Pacific is a film adaption of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical of the same name. The film centers on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II who falls in love with a French ex-patriot. Another romance, between a US Marine Lieutenant and a young islander, also features heavily in the movie. South Pacific explores two main themes: race and love in the time of war, but does so with in upbeat, (sometimes comedic) and candid manner. If you haven't seen the movie or the musical, be prepared to recognize some of the score. In its original Broadway run, South Pacific won ten Tony Awards and is still considered one of the greatest musicals to hit the stage. With a satisfying ending and beautiful scenery, South Pacific is a definite must for snuggling up on the couch with your sweetheart (and kids!) 9. Atonement (2007) - Watch it here! James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan Atonement, a 2007 movie, is adapted from the 2001 Ian McEwan novel of the same name. Tissue alert! This film is a heart-wrencher that will pull you in and hold on to you until the final scenes. The book follows three British characters, the young Briony and lovers Cecilia and Robbie from the early 1930s and on through the course of their lives. While a fictional story, the movie follows real military and historical events and reveals their influence and impact on the individual characters lives. The cinematography is nothing short of spectacular and the plot is riveting. The recipient of numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Best Motion Picture Drama, Atonement will keep you glued to your seat and clutching your sweetheart. 8. Pearl Harbor (2001) - Watch it here! Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsdale and Josh Hartnett This fictional account of very real events follows the lives of two young pilots and a nurse, as well as a top-notch cast of supporting characters during World War II. The movie centers not only upon Pearl Harbor, but also touches upon theatre in Europe and in the Pacific. The cinematography is beautiful and the eye-candy ain't too shabby! I, for one, am always a fan of putting a personal story to historical events to make them more relatable. This is a classic 'Big Blockbuster' hit that is guaranteed to deliver! 7. Dear John (2010) - Watch it here! Amanda Seyfried and Channing Tatum Oh, Nicholas Sparks, why do you do this to me so? You know what you're getting into with a Nicholas Sparks flick: crazy romance, an east coast beach, a love triangle, and a snobby/violent villain. In this case, the crazy romance occurs between a college student and an Army Staff Sergeant, the beach is in Charleston, South Carolina, the love triangle involves a neighbor, and the violent villain is the war in Afghanistan. Despite mixed reviews, the movie was a box office success. Sparks delivers as he always does so this movie certainly deserves a spot in a romantic military-themed movie marathon. 6. From Here To Eternity (1953) - Watch it here! Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Frank Sinatra, Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed You may not be familiar with the movie, but you're very likely familiar with the famous scene in which Debroah Kerr and Burt Lancaster rush to the beach and passionately makeout. I mean, how many times have you wanted to recreate that? From Here to Eternity centers around three soldiers stationed in Hawaii in the months leading up to the attacks on Pearl Harbor. This classic film has enough drama, comedy, romance and military action to captivate even the pickiest viewer. There's a reason why it's not only listed as a top military-themed romance movie, but one of the top movies ever made. 5. A Very Long Engagement (2004) - Watch it here! Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, Marion Cottilard A Very Long Engagement is a French romantic war movie with an absolutely spectacular script and cast. The movie follows the plight of a young French woman as she desperately searches for her fiance who may or may not have been killed in the Battle of the Somme during World War I. Filmed entirely in France, A Very Long Engagement delivers romance, military history, drama and sweeping fight-for-it-against-all-odds romance. It is told from multiple voices and features thrilling and heart-wrenching battlefield scenes. The film was nominated for a number of Academy Awards. This is not one of those movie you just put in and haphazardly watch, it will grip you and it won't let go. 4. Top Gun (1986) - Watch it here! Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis Fighter jets, flight suits, heart-pounding aviation action, an energetic soundtrack and sweet romance all rolled up into one film? Where do I sign up? Top Gun was THE hot movie of the 80's and no matter how many times you've seen it, your knuckles will be white with every viewing! Top Gun has something for everyone. Have you lost that lovin' feeling? If so, this movie will bring it back. I've always been partial to Goose, myself. ;) 3. Cold Mountain (2003) - Watch it here! Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger Cold Mountain is an American Civil War romance based on the book of the same name by novelist Charles Frazier. The movie largely depicts the story of a wounded Confederate deserter (Law) toward the end of the Civil War as he tries to return home to the love of his life. The movie unravels a gorgeous love story told through letters and through the perspectives of both the soldier and the friendship of the two leading actresses. The cinematography is spectacular, the script is wonderfully executed and the soundtrack is widely regarded to accurately represent the music and song from the particular region and time period. Cold Mountain was nominated for over 70 awards, including 7 Academy Award nominations. Renee Zellweger won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. 2. An Officer And A Gentleman (1982) - Watch it here! Richard Gere, Debra Winger, Louis Gossett Jr Classic, classic, classic. If you haven't seen this movie yet, it's a must-watch. An Officer and a Gentleman follows a hubba hubba Richard Gere as a Naval Aviation Officer Candidate. Debra Winger (who is in, my opinion, one of the best actresses of our time) plays a townie who works in a factory and develops a delicate, real and occasionally heart-breaking with a young Gere. Featuring scenes that will make you laugh, cry and bawl your eyes out, this is the perfect romantic military-themed movie . Louis Gossett Jr. won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The final scene is one of my favorites of all time. And the number one most romantic military-themed movie is...... 1. Casablanca (1942) - Watch it here! Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid The apex of classic love stories, Casablanca remains one of Hollywood's most celebrated films and has cemented itself as the gold standard of which all other romantic movies are measured against. Set during World War II, Casablanca tells the story of one man, Bogart, torn between great love, Bergman, and war. If you haven't seen it, I won't ruin it with further explanation. If you have, no explanation is necessary. Check out these other romantic military-themed movies ! Connect with us on Facebook! Photo credit: Flickr, Matthew, MHLS; This article has some links from our awesome partners: we may from time to time be compensated, in order to keep super content coming your way...and keep our lights on.

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11 Most Romantic Military-Themed Movies

1. Casablanca (1942) – Watch it here!

Check out these other romantic military-themed movies!

Photo credit: Flickr, Matthew, MHLS; This article has some links from our awesome partners: we may from time to time be compensated, in order to keep super content coming your way…and keep our lights on.

We Don’t Want Children and That’s Perfectly Okay

35 Things Military Spouses NEVER Say

35 Things Military Spouses NEVER Say

Follow Us