Today, we are bringing out the big guns as we show you what we deem to be the best sniper movies that you can add to your movie marathon!
If you like guns and a good film, these films might be able to tickle your fancy. Well, enough chit-chat. Let us get on with the show and get to know the 14 best sniper movies!
1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
2h 49m English IMDb
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore
Sniper movies? Well, let us start this list with a bang then!
Our first movie is Saving Private Ryan, which undoubtedly is one of the best films ever made. No, we are not only talking about it being one of the best sniper films out there. It is one of the best films there are in general.
Saving Private Ryan is a war film that centers on the vivid flashback of a war veteran. It was under the direction of one of the greatest directors – Steven Spielberg.
Additionally, it had an all-star cast, of which the multi-awardee Tom Hanks is one. Besides these, there are many more good points about this movie. However, with these alone, it should not be surprising why this movie has etched its name in Hollywood history.
2. American Sniper (2014)
English 2h 13m IMDb
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner
Our next film is American Sniper. American Sniper is another renowned war film. Based on a true story, this film centers on the life of Chris Kyle on and off the war zone.
If you want to know more about Chris Kyle, or if you have read his memoir, you will most likely want to see this movie.
Kyle was killed on February 2, 2013, almost a year before the film was released. While we have all lost the chance to get to know the soldier better, the film is one way for us to glimpse into all the highs and lows this good man had to go through.
3. Jack Reacher (2012)
English 2h 10m IMDb
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Stars: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins
Are you looking for something that you can watch with the kids? Jack Reacher might be something you want to consider then.
Jack Reacher is an action film that is rated PG-13. Still not the best for your 5-year-olds, but something you can consider if your little guy (or gal) is into guns and all that.
Jack Reacher is a film that centers on the titular character and the puzzling case of James Barr. It has the action, the thrill, and of course, the guns.
Additionally, it stars the multi-awardee Tom Cruise as the title character; and it is no secret that he has done an outstanding performance (as he usually does) in this film.
It should not surprise anyone then that this film has garnered awards and recognition enough to still be known as one of the best films today.
4. Lone Survivor (2013)
English 2h 1m IMDb
Director: Peter Berg
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch
Next up, let us talk about Lone Survivor. Unlike the others, you might not have heard of this film yet. However, if you are into war films, true stories, and of course, movies with guns, Lone Survivor is something you want to consider.
Lone Survivor talks about Operation Red Wings (sometimes also known as Battle of Abbas Ghar). While not as widely popular in some parts of the world, we believe this film was able to do justice in portraying the mission events.
That is why we were not shocked to know that the NBR has named it one of the best films of 2013. Not just one of the best films at that. It is one of NBR’s top 10!
5. Jarhead (2005)
English 2h 5m IMDb
Director: Sam Mendes
Stars: Jake GyllenhaalJamie FoxxLucas Black
Over here, we have Jarhead, which stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Anthony “Swoff” Swofford. The actor has recently made rounds for his past association with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.
However, there is so much more to this star, of course. He is also a good actor, for one, and his performance in this movie might be able to convince you.
This movie is about Anthony Swofford and his military journey. It is not your usual war movie as the film has many light scenes compared to your regular war films.
Still, it does not mean you should count this film out if you are looking for some action. There is action and fighting in this film.
However, it does not only take place on the battlefield but also on the minds of our men. If you want a break from the usual war films, give Jarhead a try.
6. Phone Booth (2002)
English 1h 21m IMDb
Director: Joel Schumacher
Stars: Colin Farrell, Kiefer Sutherland, Forest Whitaker
War films are one of the best genres out there. You often get some action and drama. Additionally, you get a glimpse into our brave men’s struggles.
However, sometimes, you want to take a break from them. Well, worry not! We might have the film for you. Let us talk about Phone Booth.
Phone Booth centers on Stuart Shepard and his heart-pounding struggle inside, as you might have guessed, a phone booth. In this film, Stuart is against an unknown sniper in a battle he seems destined to lose.
However, our protagonist is not the most kindhearted man either. It seems his misdeeds led him to his possible demise in the first place.
We do not give out spoilers here, though! So, if you want to know more about Stuart and the sniper, add this movie to your watchlist now!
7. The Bourne Identity (2002)
English 1h 59m IMDb
Director: Doug Liman
Stars: Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper
If you want to take a break from the war films but our last movie is not to your liking, you do not have to worry.
We have another action-filled movie that features some big guns but does not take place on the battlefield. Let us talk about The Bourne Identity next.
The Bourne Identity is an action film and is the first installment of the widely known Bourne series. The film revolves around our protagonist and his messy action-filled journey to remembering his identity.
This movie, along with the other installments, is one of the best action films ever made. You might not have even needed our introduction as you might have heard the premise of this movie before. If you have not watched this movie yet, it might be time to do so!
8. Shooter (2007)
English 2h 4m IMDb
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Michael Peña, Rhona Mitra
Next, let us talk about Shooter. From the name alone, do you not agree this film belongs on a best sniper movies list? If the name is not enough to convince you, let us show you why you will likely want to add this movie to your watchlist.
Shooter is an action film that focuses on Bob Lee Swagger and the setup against this sniper. Ultimately, you could say this movie talks about why you do not want to mess with a sniper.
It came out in 2007 and had a great cast, including the great Mark Wahlberg. If you can recall, Wahlberg was also part of Lone Survivor, one of the movies above! If you like snipers, action, and Mark Wahlberg, Shooter is a movie you want to give a try.
9. Wanted (2008)
English 1h 50m IMDb
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Stars: Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman
Do you think only men can make firing a gun look cool? Our next movie and Angelina Jolie will show you that women can also fire guns and make it look cool, if not more! Let us talk about Wanted.
Wanted is about the messy but action-filled life of Wesley Gibson. It is another film that you might want to check out if you would like to take a break from war films. Despite not being a war film, you can expect Wanted to have some action, fighting, and shooting.
This film came out in 2008 and had a star-studded cast, including James McAvoy, Chris Pratt, Morgan Freeman, and of course, we cannot forget, the beautiful Angelina Jolie.
With the screenplay, the cast, and their performance? It should not surprise anyone that this film was a blockbuster hit!
10. The Wall (2017)
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, John Cena, Laith Nakli(voice)Being trapped by a sniper is undoubtedly a terrifying experience. Not only will one be faced with an almost invisible enemy, but it seems to hide will be one’s best chance of survival.
Well, we believe no one wants to be in this situation. However, if you are interested in a glimpse of the experience, you might want to check out our next film.
The Wall is a 2017 war film. It did not have much cast, but Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena delivered a performance enough for a star-studded ensemble!
We do not want to give out any spoilers, and usually, we are not tempted to. However, this one came so close! It offers a twist that will likely surprise its viewers, and if you are all for plot twists, you will probably want to see this one.
11. Casualties of War (1989)
English 1h 53m IMDb
Director: Brian De Palma
Stars: Michael J. Fox, Sean Penn, Don Harvey
Some of the films we have mentioned above came out decades ago. However, many would attest that they have aged like fine wine. Well, we have another oldie but goodie here. Let us talk about Casualties of War next.
This movie is a flashback of our protagonist, a Vietnam veteran. If you want to take a break from all the action, you might want to consider this film. Being a war film, it still has some action, of course.
However, the film does not only revolve around all the fighting and such. The title is a pretty good indication of where this movie focuses. If you want to add some variety to your movie marathon, consider adding this one to the list.
12. The Virtuoso (2021)
English 1h 50m IMDb
Director: Nick Stagliano
Stars: Anson Mount, Abbie Cornish, Anthony Hopkins
We have a lot of old but gold films on this list. However, that does not mean we do not have something hot and fresh. If you are looking for something newer, this next film might be for you. Let us talk about The Virtuoso next!
The Virtuoso is a thriller film that came out last year. It centers around an assassin and his heart-pounding new assignment.
As you can see, it is not a war film. It is another movie you might want to consider adding to the list if you are looking for some variety.
However, as you might have already heard, this movie is not everybody’s cup of tea. Still, you might want to give The Virtuoso a try if you are a reader and enjoy movies that unfold like a book!
13. Black Hawk Down (2001)
English 2h 24m IMDb
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Ewan Mc, GregorTom Sizemore
Next up, we have Black Hawk Down.
If the title sounds familiar, you might be recalling a book by Mark Bowden. That would not be unusual as the movie was based on the book! If you have read this non-fiction, you would probably already have an idea of the premise of this movie.
This film is about the 1993 raid in Mogadishu. It came out in 2001, not even a decade after the said event.
The film received some criticism but was received positively by critics and the audience. Additionally, it garnered several awards, including two Academy Awards.
It is a war film, but it was able to set itself apart from all the other ones. If you have one more spot for a war film on your list, you might want to give this film a shot.
14. Sniper (1993)
English 1h 38m IMDb
Director: Luis Llosa
Stars: Tom Berenger, Billy Zane, J.T. Walsh
The last film, but not the least of the movies here, is Sniper. A fitting movie to end a best sniper movies list. Do you not agree?
Sniper is about Thomas Beckett, his partner Richard Miller, and their jungle mission. The film came out in 1993, but do not count it out just yet if you are not a big fan of old movies.
Sniper is an oldie but goodie. Give it a try, and you might find yourself glued to your seat! If you want more action from Beckett, you might be happy to know that this is not a standalone film!
Final Words
That is our list of the 14 best sniper movies, and we hope we were able to help you find a movie or two to add to your movie marathon. However, if that was not enough, you might want to check out our other discussions.
Whether you are looking for some action, romance, or something a little more specific, if it is a film you are after, we might be able to help you!
