Since 2009, NYFA has been proud to enroll 3,000 veteran and military-dependent students, welcoming them to our campuses in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. As many of our degree and non-degree programs at NYFA are approved for the GI Bill, aspiring visual storytellers can seek out educational opportunities in filmmaking, media, and the performing arts.
Our veteran alums have gone on to do everything from host compelling TV series such as The History Channel’s Forged in Fire, working as a military consultant on films like Man Down, writing and producing their own series, booking stunt jobs in the Transformers franchise, and working with top news organizations. In 2019, NYFA Guest Speaker Adam Driver visited campus to discuss the importance of supporting veterans, his experience in the military, and how he became one of the industry’s most in-demand actors. With so many life experiences, there are infinite possibilities for veterans and their dependents in the film, television, and entertainment industries.
NYFA Partners with ArmyIgnitED, Welcoming Soldiers, DOD Civilians, and Cadets
New York Film Academy (NYFA) is proud to welcome soldiers, DOD civilians, and cadets with our new partnership with ArmyIgnitED. Our partnership allows NYFA students to utilize Tuition Assistance (TA) to pay for their education at one of the most renowned film schools in the nation. To utilize TA to pay for your school, prospective students can complete an application to NYFA, and once accepted, register for your classes through NYFA’s application portal before visiting the ArmyIgnitED website and clicking “get started” to create your online profile. Students can learn more by visiting the Veterans section of our website.
The Best Military Films and TV Shows: The Stories of Freedom and Our Armed Forces
From Veterans Day to Memorial Day to Armed Forces Day to Independence Day, as well as all of the birthdays of the branches of the armed forces, there are celebrations year-round to recognize the contributions of the military in the United States. Film is an outstanding medium to recognize and share the unique stories of America’s independence, armed forces, and continued dedication to democracy.
Here are some of the best military films and television series, as well as other mediums that depict stories of the pursuit of freedom and liberty in the United States.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
In All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), director Edward Berger draws viewers into war-stricken Germany in 1914. After enlisting in the army to defend their country, Paul Bäumer, played by Felix Kammerer, and his classmates, are quickly shown the reality of war. Cinematographer and NYFA alum James Friend, who served as the Cinematographer on the film, won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on the film.
The Hurt Locker (2008)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, and starring Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie, the six-time Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker (2008) brings audiences into an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team during the Iraq War. Notably, Bigelow was the first woman to win an Academy Award for the film.
GI Jane (1997)
GI Jane features Demi Moore as Lt. Jordan, an analyst who is brought into an all-male segment of the Navy in an effort to eventually integrate women. Determined to prove herself, Lt. Jordan works under the guidance of her stern superior James Urgayle (played by Viggo Mortensen). The film brought vital representation to women in the military.
Thank You for Your Service (2017)
Thank You for Your Service, starring Miles Teller, Beulah Koale, and Whale Rider’s Keisha Castle-Hughes, brings vital awareness to post-traumatic stress from combat, and struggles that many veterans experience. Directed and co-written by Jason Hall, the film was credited for its realistic portrayal of how PTSD can impact soldiers and their families.
John Adams (2008)
This biographical HBO miniseries tells the story of founding father John Adams and his crucial role in American independence. The series won 13 Primetime Emmys, with Paul Giamatti, who played Adams, credited for his incredible portrayal. Additional cast members included Laura Linney as Abigail Adams, David Morse as George Washington, Fleabag’s Andrew Scott as Colonel William Smith, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as John Quincy Adams.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the iconic film Full Metal Jacket (1987) is about a group of Marines and their experiences from boot camp to the battlefield. The story is centered around Private Joker, played by actor and NYFA board member Matthew Modine, and the impact that the Vietnam War had on him and his recruits.
Brothers (2009)
Brothers follows the Cahills, a military family whose world gets turned upside down when Capt. Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire) is MIA and presumed dead during a tour in Afghanistan. After his death, his brother (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), steps in to provide comfort and solace to his family and wife, Grace (Natalie Portman). Sam returns, changed from battle, transforming the dynamic of the family forever.
National Treasure (2004)
This unrealistic, yet fun film directed by Jon Turteltaub features a treasure hunter (Nicolas Cage) who goes on a quest to uncover a mystery connected to the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence. National Treasure (2004), while highly fictional, does bring an energetic spirit to American history, filmed in the Old City and Center City neighborhoods of Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Army Wives (2007–2013)
The hit TV show Army Wives follows single mom Roxy who marries an Army PFC and moves to an Army base in Charleston, S.C. She shortly becomes friends with the other Army wives on base. The show introduces audiences to a new perspective: one of its Army wives, rather than their husbands. The show stars Catherine Bell, This is Us star Sterling K. Brown, Kim Delaney, and Torrey DeVitto.
Top Gun and Top Gun 2
The beloved ‘80s film Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise, was known for its thrilling fighter jet scenes, intense looks between Maverick (Cruise) and Iceman (Val Kilmer), and the friendship between Mav and his flight partner, Goose (Goose!) Top Gun 2 brought Maverick back to the training center, where he encountered a whole new younger generation of pilots, including Rooster (Miles Teller), Goose’s son.
The Messenger (2009)
In The Messenger (2009), Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) learns the ropes of The Army’s Casualty Notification service. Under the guidance of Officer Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), Will faces moral dilemmas as he connects with the widow of a fallen officer. The film was nominated for two Oscars.
Independence Day (1996)
The Oscar-winning Independence Day (1996) is known as one of the greatest summer blockbusters in film history. Starring Will Smith, and directed by Roland Emmerich, the film follows an alien invasion on July 4th. The film also features Bill Pullman as the President of the United States, Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson, and Vivica A. Fox as Jasmine Dubrow.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, starring Tina Fey, tells the story of a wartime journalist in Afghanistan. Based on a true story, the film shows the challenges of a woman working in a conflict zone, frequently objectified by men and feeling emotionally overwhelmed by the assignment. Directed by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra, the script was written by Robert Carlock.
See more film recommendations on our Letterboxd! Please note that some of the films on this list, and the content mentioned above, may be mature and not suitable for all audiences.
Explore Opportunities in Film Education at NYFA
NYFA’s Division of Veterans Services (DVS) brings unique opportunities to its veteran students while supporting the veteran communities. As our Los Angeles, New York, and Miami campuses all participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides tuition support to eligible veterans and dependents, we welcome a number of veteran alums every year. Ready to learn more about NYFA? Visit our veterans page today.