Three action films to enjoy on Memorial Day.
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Memorial Day is not just an occasion to fire up the grill; it's also a day dedicated to honoring those who have been lost in combat, marking a significant aspect of America's wartime history.
In this spirit, we have curated a selection of three action films that highlight the experiences of soldiers in various ways. While some are more serious than others, each film is sure to resonate with viewers during this extended weekend.
We also provide guides for the best films on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Regarded as one of the finest war movies in the last 25 years, Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down depicts a U.S. platoon under attack by local insurgents in Somalia in the early 1990s. As the soldiers confront unrelenting fire and fight for survival, the film illustrates the misguided belief of U.S. forces that they could impose peace globally.
Black Hawk Down features a cast of young actors who later became famous, yet its success lies in the relentless pace of the narrative rather than any individual performance.
You can stream Black Hawk Down on Netflix.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
An insightful exploration of the Vietnam War and its consequences, Da 5 Bloods follows a group of Black veterans who return to Vietnam years later to recover treasure they buried during the conflict.
While they debate the current state of America and reflect on their mistreatment by the nation, they also find themselves in a struggle to secure their right to leave with the gold. With a standout performance from Delroy Lindo, Da 5 Bloods ranks among Spike Lee’s most impressive works in recent years.
You can watch Da 5 Bloods on Netflix.
The Great Escape (1963)
The Great Escape is an action film that skillfully balances humor and drama. Set in a Nazi POW camp, it follows a group of soldiers who feel compelled to escape. As they methodically dig a tunnel, one among them attempts more reckless escape methods.
Although it may downplay some of the grim realities of life in a Nazi camp, The Great Escape effectively portrays the resilience of soldiers in the face of capture.
You can stream The Great Escape on Amazon Prime Video.
Joe Allen is a freelance writer at Digital Trends, where he covers movies and television, frequently focusing on streaming.
3 great action movies on Tubi you need to watch right now
Tubi has evolved beyond being merely "the free streaming service with ads." It boasts a well-stocked collection of both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. For instance, Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films are available on Tubi. Watching Kill Bill without paying is almost too good to be true, but it's entirely free on Tubi. Other notable selections include Drive, Se7en, Platoon, and Apocalypto.
One of Tubi’s standout genres is action, featuring stars like Sylvester Stallone, whose guilty pleasure from 1987 is one of our recommendations. The other two films include a visually stunning sci-fi epic and one of Tom Cruise's noteworthy movies from the last 15 years.
We also have guides for the best films available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.
Over the Top (1987)
Over the Top is aptly named for its exaggerated premise and absurd plot, which is meant as a compliment. Sylvester Stallone stars as Lincoln Hawk, a truck driver who earns extra money through arm wrestling. When his estranged wife, Christina (Susan Blakely), falls ill, Lincoln must pick up his 12-year-old son, Michael (David Mendenhall), and take him on a road trip.
3 underrated movies you need to watch in February 2025
January tends to be a slow month for new theatrical releases, earning the nickname "Dumpuary" for films that studios release with little expectation for critical or box office success. Flight Risk is the latest entry in this category.
However, "Dumpuary" doesn’t always imply "bad." Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is a solid heist film, and Steven Soderbergh delivered an intriguing ghost story with Presence. Looking ahead to February, Captain America: Brave New World leads the new releases. Additionally, February promises a number of underrated films, including an A24 coming-of-age story, a Mubi thriller, and an apocalyptic romance.
Parthenope (February 7 in theaters)
Parthenope, directed by Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, is his first film since 2021's The Hand of God, which was nominated for an Oscar in the Best International Feature Film category. This film revolves around a young woman's pursuit of love and happiness in Naples.
Named after the city, Parthenope (Celeste Dalla Porta) garners attention from various people
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Three action films to enjoy on Memorial Day.
These three action films serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by soldiers when they head off to war. Discover how to stream them below.