August 31, 2025
Locked N Loaded Weekend: Top 10 War Movies - Part 1
Hey there, welcome back to the Locked N Loaded Weekend. It's Labor Day, which means most of us are kicking back, maybe firing up the grill, and thinking about the long weekend ahead.
And for me, it got me thinking - what better way to honor all the hard work out there than with some of my all-time favorite war movies? Yep, today I'm sharing my top 10, and I promise it's going to be fun. So grab a cold drink, get comfortable, and let's dive in.
Starting off at number 10 is "Black Hawk Down." This one's intense, and man, it had me on the edge of my seat the first time I watched it. The story of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu is chaotic and gripping, and the realism of the combat scenes is just unreal. Ridley Scott did a phenomenal job here, and it's one of those films that makes you appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers.
At number 9, I've got "Glory." If you haven't seen this one, do yourself a favor. It's about the first all-African-American regiment in the Civil War. The acting is incredible - Denzel Washington earned an Oscar for his role, and Morgan Freeman is just, well, Morgan Freeman. It's powerful, emotional, and honestly, it'll hit you right in the feels.
Coming in at number 8 is "Hacksaw Ridge." I love this one because it's a story about courage without firing a single shot. Desmond Doss was a medic in World War II who saved dozens of soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa. Mel Gibson's direction makes you feel every moment, and Andrew Garfield delivers a performance that's hard to forget.
Number 7 is "Saving Private Ryan." Classic. Spielberg's masterpiece is often hailed as the pinnacle of World War II films, and for good reason. That opening D-Day scene? Jaw-dropping. Heart-wrenching. If you haven't seen it, you owe it to yourself to watch. It's brutal, it's real, and it's unforgettable.
And finally, rounding out the first half of my list at number 6 is "Platoon." Oliver Stone directed this, and you can tell he knows what he's talking about - he was a Vietnam War veteran himself. The raw emotion, the grittiness, and the moral ambiguity of war are all captured perfectly here. It's not an easy watch, but it's essential if you're serious about war films.
Alright, that's Part 1 of my top 10. Five more to go, and let me tell you, the next batch has some real heavy-hitters. Stick around for Part 2, where I'll cover the top five, including some classics that absolutely belong on your watch list this weekend.
Until next time, stay locked and loaded.
- Randy, Locked N Loaded