In recent years, people have become more and more fascinated by movies about counterterrorism and the war on terror. These films offer a glimpse into the dark world of international espionage and intrigue. One of the most successful and action-filled films in this genre is “Zero Dark Thirty.”
The film is about the story of the hunt for Osama bin Laden. From director Kathryn Bigelow, the film offers a unique and insider perspective on searching for the world’s most wanted terrorist.
If you’re looking for more movies like “Zero Dark Thirty,” here are our 13 recommendations that are sure to keep you mired in suspense:
The Kingdom (2007)
“The Kingdom” is a 2007 action thriller film by director Peter Berg and starring Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, and Jennifer Garner. The story is set in Saudi Arabia and follows a team of FBI agents. These Agents were sent to investigate a terrorist attack at an American oil compound.
The scenes in the film are taut, and the film does a great job of exploring the complicated relationships between America and the Arab world.
The film is notable for its intense action sequences and gritty realism. If you are a fan of films like “Zero Dark Thirty,” you will enjoy “The Kingdom.”
Green Zone (2010)
“Green Zone” is a 2010 action thriller film by director Paul Greengrass and starring Matt Damon. The film shows the early days of the Iraq War. It follows an American military unit with the task of finding Weapons of Mass Destruction in Baghdad. It is worth watching if you are interested in films about the war on terror.
The film follows the same formula as “Zero Dark Thirty” in a tense, action-packed thriller. However, it also offers a more critical view of the Iraq War and American imperialism. The film was met with mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success.
The film is noteworthy for its fierce action sequences and its unflinching look at the realities of war. If you like “Zero Dark Thirty,” you can not miss the “Green Zone” film.
Syriana (2005)
“Syriana” is a 2005 political thriller film directed by Stephen Gaghan and starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, and William Hurt. The film is loosely based on the war on terror and follows several different characters who are all affected by it in different ways.
The film is an excellent example of how complex and nuanced the war on terror can be. It offers several different perspectives on the conflict and does a great job of showing how it affects people from all walks of life.
The acting is superb, and the film is sure to leave you with a lot to think about. If you are interested in films like “Zero Dark Thirty,” you should check out “Syriana.”
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi (2016)
“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” is a 2016 Hollywood biographical war film directed by Michael Bay and written by Chuck Hogan.
The film is based on the non-fiction book “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Happened in Benghazi” by Mitchell Zuckoff. The film’s title was taken from the chapter of the same name.
It stars James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini, Toby Stephens, and Pablo Schreiber.
Suppose you are a fan of films like “Zero Dark Thirty” and are interested in real-life accounts of American military heroism. In that case, you should definitely check out “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi”.
The film tells the story of the 2012 Benghazi attack, which occurred when militants attacked the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. The film follows six members of the Annex Security Team who fought to defend the compound.
Body Of Lies (2008)
“Body of Lies” is a 2008 American-British action spy thriller film by director Ridley Scott and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, and Ken Watanabe. The film is loosely based on Anthony Zinni’s novel: A Life in War and Peace by George Tenet and written by William Monahan.
It follows a CIA operative who goes undercover to investigate why Arab terrorists are so interested in him after he’s reassigned to the Middle East. The film explores the complex relationship between the U.S. government, terrorists, and the Middle East.
“Body of Lies” is notable for its intense action sequences, great acting performances, and exploration of international relations within the Middle East.
Argo(2012)
Director Ben Affleck did an excellent job in creating this action film. “Argo” is a 2012 American historical drama film written by Chris Terrio based on the 2007 book “The Master of Disguise: My Secret Life in the CIA” by Tony Mendez. Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman.
The film tells the story of the Iran hostage crisis and the rescue of six American diplomats from Tehran, Iran, in 1980. It is based on the true story of Tony Mendez, a CIA operative who came up with a plan to rescue the diplomats by posing them as a Canadian film crew.
While it’s not as action-packed as some of the other movies on this list, “Argo” is a well-done historical drama that is definitely worth watching. It’s one of the best films about the Iran hostage crisis.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
“Black Hawk Down” is a 2001 American war film directed by Ridley Scott and based on the 1999 non-fiction book of the same name by Mark Bowden. The film tells the story of a group of U.S. soldiers ambushed and surrounded by Somali militiamen during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu.
The film is notable for its intense battlefield sequences and its depiction of the heroism and bravery of the soldiers involved in the battle. Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, and Sam Shepard.
“Black Hawk Down” is an excellent war film that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. If you’re a fan of films like “Zero Dark Thirty,” you should check out this movie. It’s one of the best films about the American military and is sure to inspire you.
Lone Survivor (2013)
Director Peter Berg’s “Lone Survivor,” tells the true story of Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL involved in a failed mission in Afghanistan.
The film starred Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, and Eric Bana and was released in 2013.
“Lone Survivor” is an excellent war film that you can watch to understand better what life is like for American soldiers serving in Afghanistan. It tells the story of real-life heroes and is sure to inspire you. If you’re a fan of films like “Zero Dark Thirty,” you can not afford to miss this one.
It’s Peter Berg’s one of the best works, in my opinion, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of war movies or wants to see a great film.
The Hurt Locker(2008)
Another incredible movie on this list is “The Hurt Locker,” Director Kathryn Bigelow’s Oscar-winning film about the Iraq War.
The cast includes Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty, released in 2009 and well with critics.
“The Hurt Locker” is an intense and harrowing look at the Iraq War. It tells the story of a group of American soldiers tasked with diffusing bombs in Baghdad. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of war and excellent acting performances.
If you’re looking for an excellent war film that will leave you breathless, then “The Hurt Locker” is definitely worth watching. Kathryn Bigelow’s masterpiece is one of the best films about the Iraq War and is sure to leave you a changed person.
Munich (2005)
“Munich” came into theatres in 2005. Based on a historic event, the film is directed by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of the aftermath of the Munich Massacre, in which 11 Israeli athletes get killed during the 1972 Summer Olympics.
The film starred Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Geoffrey Rush, and Ciarán Hinds and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
“Munich” is an excellent film that deals with a very dark period in history. It’s a well-done thriller that will not only entertain you but will also make you think about the events that took place. For example, if you’re a fan of films like “Zero Dark Thirty,” you should check out “Munich.” It’s one of the best films about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is sure to leave you with a lot to think about.
Bridge of Spies (2015)
“Bridge of Spies” is a 2015 American drama film by director Steven Spielberg and writer Matt Charman, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen. Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, Sebastian Koch, and Alan Alda.
“Bridge of Spies,” tells the story of James Donovan, an insurance lawyer drafted into the Cold War to negotiate the release of a captured American pilot.
The film is notable for its excellent performances and realistic portrayal of the Cold War. If you’re a fan of films like “Zero Dark Thirty,” then you should check out “Bridge of Spies.” It’s one of the best films about the Cold War.
Tears of the Sun (2003)
“Tears of the Sun” is a 2003 American action film by director Antoine Fuqua. The film stars Bruce Willis, Monica Bellucci, and Cole Hauser.
The film tells the story of a Navy SEAL whose duty is to rescue a group of missionaries in Nigeria. The Navy SEAL team soon finds themselves fighting against the Nigerian army.
“Tears of the Sun” is an excellent action film for fans of “Zero Dark Thiry.” It’s well done and features some great performances from its cast. If you’re looking for an exciting war film, then “Tears of the Sun” is definitely worth watching.
12 Strong (2018)
The final recommendation in this list is “12 Strong” by director Nicolai Fuglsig. It’s a 2018 American war film based on the exploits of the U.S. military unit. The name of the Unit is Task Force Dagger. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, and Michael Pena.
“12 Strong,” tells the story of the first Special Forces team sent to Afghanistan after 9/11. The team receives the task of overthrowing the Taliban regime.
This is an excellent war film that is sure to entertain you. It’s well-made and features some great performances from its cast. If you’re looking for an exciting war film, then “12 Strong” is definitely worth watching.
If you’re looking for films that are about wars, then these movies should serve as a starting point. All of them tell very different stories but have one thing in common. They’ll leave you with something to think about and give you insight into how people behave during wartime.
If you enjoyed “Zero Dark Thirty,” then any of these films will be right up your alley!
I highly recommend checking out any of these films! They’re all well done.
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