Movies have long been a popular medium of entertainment, with a genre for seemingly every interest.  Moreover, motion pictures have served as a potent message system, contributing to the public’s collective vision of the Marine Corps.  Movies can be a powerful tool for shaping public opinion about war and war-fighters.  Indeed, some of our most popular mental images of war may be fictional products of the cinema. Marines have been featured frequently on the silver screen in films that reflect much about the cultural sentiments of the society and the times in which they were produced. 

The Museum's temporary exhibit, "Hollywood Leathernecks: Movie Posters Inspired by Marines," provides a glimpse into how Marines have been portrayed in American movies from the 1920s to today. From 1918's "The Unbeliever" to "Guadalcanal Diary" to "Heartbreak Ridge" and "A Few Good Men," visitors will trace Hollywood's version of Marine Corps history through this colorful and fun show featuring more than 30 posters.

Appropriately, this show is adjacent to our giant screen Medal of Honor Theater, which plays "We the Marines," a destination film depicting Marines in their most authentic settings.

General Kessler's Top Hollywood Leathernecks Movie List

After reviewing the over 30 films compiled from the Museum's Hollywood Leathernecks temporary exhibit, our President & CEO has selected his top 10 list for you. This was no easy task to narrow it down. In no particular order, below is the General's list of favorite movies and one television mini-series that was too good to leave out. Click on the movie posters below to find streaming options.

With the Marines at Tarawa
1944

In 1945, the Marine Corps received an Academy Award for this documentary, filmed by WWII Marine Corps cinematographers attached to the 2d Battalion, 8th Marines, 2d Marine Division.  The film, which depicts the first waves of the attack on Tarawa in November 1943, was selected as Best Short Documentary.  The Oscar is exhibited in the Museum’s WWII gallery.

Flying Leathernecks
1951

Photography for this film took place at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California. The movie details the exploits and personal battles of United States Marine Corps aviators during World War II.

Full Metal Jacket
1987

A pragmatic U.S. Marine observes the dehumanizing effects the Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue.
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A Few Good Men
1992

The movie was based on a play by the same name by screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. The movie title is, in part, based on the Marine Corps recruiting campaign slogan “We Are Looking for a Few Good Men.” 

Flag of Our Fathers
​2006

The life stories of the six men who raised the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima, a turning point in World War II.

Sand of Iwo Jima
1949

One of the top three most popular films of 1949, this movie features one of the most prized possessions of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Museum—the second flag raised on Mt. Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima during WWII. The original flag was used in the scene where three of the actual flag-raisers present actor John Wayne with the folded flag. 

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The D.I. 
1957

​Gunnery Sergeant Jim Moore is one of the toughest Drill Instructors on Parris Island. But he's got a thorn in his side: Pvt. Owens, who always seems to foul up when the pressure's on.

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Heartbreak Ridge
1986

The Marine Corps’ 1st Marine Division Band is featured in the final scene in this film, celebrating the return of GySgt Highway’s (Clint Eastwood’s) unit from Grenada.

Taking Chance
2009
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Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming.

The Pacific (mini-series)
2010

The Pacific Theatre of World War II, as seen through the eyes of several young Marines.

About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
Dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of Marine Corps history, culture and traditions, and the education of all American of its virtues, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways not possible through government funds. The Foundation provides grants and scholarships for research and the renovation, restoration, and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. Having secured the necessary funding for the complete construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center, located in Triangle, Virginia, the Foundation’s current primary mission is to vigorously seek financial support to expand programs at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and beyond its walls. For more information, visit marineheritage.org.