A Comprehensive List of the Best Vietnam War Films, Television Shows, Documentaries & Video Games
I have had a keen interest in the Vietnam War, particularly the American involvement (1964/65-75), for as long as I remember. This is largely due to the David vs. Goliath scenario, the lush Vietnam habitat with its primordial allure, the socio-political backdrop, the sixties music scene, the iconic UH-1 Huey Gunship, the harsh but ingenious guerrilla warfare employed by the North Vietnamese, and because it provides a great insight into the nature of humanity with its immense tragedy.
All of this has been extensively captured in some of the best films, television, books, and music ever produced. The freedom journalists had during the war was unprecedented and something we may never see again. This material is of great importance historically if we are to ever learn the lessons of the past and avoid unwarranted future conflicts.
The extreme violence of the war inspired films such as 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (1974). Its imperialistic nature was an underlying theme in the original Star Wars trilogy with the final battle involving the Ewoks having many similarities. The xenophobia of that cold war era gave birth to films such as 'Aliens' (1986) and 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' (1956/1978). There are so many films that feature short scenes that are set during the Vietnam War or where the story involves disgruntled Vietnam veterans returning home that I have had to make a decision as to what to include in this list based on how relevant it is.
Regardless of this, I have searched relentlessly for all the films on the Vietnam War that are worth watching. There are a few obscure titles that I have recently acquired and may add to the list soon. Some television programs are unobtainable but I have included them due to positive reviews by critics. Also, 'Line of Sight: Vietnam' is missing from the video games as it is not yet listed on IMDB. Therefore, the list is a work in progress. I do, however, believe it to be the most comprehensive list currently on IMDB that separates the good from the bad.
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind." - Major Michael Davis O'Donell, 1 January 1970, Dak To, Vietnam
Memorial website: www.virtualwall.org
All of this has been extensively captured in some of the best films, television, books, and music ever produced. The freedom journalists had during the war was unprecedented and something we may never see again. This material is of great importance historically if we are to ever learn the lessons of the past and avoid unwarranted future conflicts.
The extreme violence of the war inspired films such as 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (1974). Its imperialistic nature was an underlying theme in the original Star Wars trilogy with the final battle involving the Ewoks having many similarities. The xenophobia of that cold war era gave birth to films such as 'Aliens' (1986) and 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' (1956/1978). There are so many films that feature short scenes that are set during the Vietnam War or where the story involves disgruntled Vietnam veterans returning home that I have had to make a decision as to what to include in this list based on how relevant it is.
Regardless of this, I have searched relentlessly for all the films on the Vietnam War that are worth watching. There are a few obscure titles that I have recently acquired and may add to the list soon. Some television programs are unobtainable but I have included them due to positive reviews by critics. Also, 'Line of Sight: Vietnam' is missing from the video games as it is not yet listed on IMDB. Therefore, the list is a work in progress. I do, however, believe it to be the most comprehensive list currently on IMDB that separates the good from the bad.
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind." - Major Michael Davis O'Donell, 1 January 1970, Dak To, Vietnam
Memorial website: www.virtualwall.org
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