The Best Military Movies on TCM
Finding a good Military movie to watch can be hard, so we've ranked the best ones and included where to watch them. Check out our list of the best Military movies of all time streaming on TCM.
1. Stagecoach
100%
What it's about: A group of people traveling on a stagecoach find their journey complicated by the threat of Geronimo, and learn something about each other in the process.
Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi), stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX, The Criterion Channel, Kanopy & 1 other), stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 3 services (iTunes, Prime Video & Vudu).
2. Fort Apache
100%What it's about: In John Ford's sombre exploration the mythology of American heroes, he slowly reveals the character of Owen Thursday, who sees his new posting to the desolate Fort Apache as a chance to claim the military honour which he believes is rightfully his. Arrogant, obsessed with military form and ultimately self-destructive, Thursday attempts to destroy the Apache chief Cochise after luring him across the border from Mexico, against the advice of his subordinates.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).
3. On the Town
93%What it's about: Three sailors - Gabey, Chip and Ozzie - let loose on a 24-hour pass in New York and the Big Apple will never be the same! Gabey falls head over heels for "Miss Turnstiles of the Month" (he thinks she's a high society deb when she's really a 'cooch dancer at Coney Island); innocent Chip gets highjacked (literally) by a lady cab driver; and Ozzie becomes the object of interest of a gorgeous anthropologist who thinks he's the perfect example of a "prehistoric man". Wonderful music and terrific shots of New York at its best.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
4. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
95%What it's about: After Custer and the 7th Cavalry are wiped out by Indians, everyone expects the worst. Capt. Nathan Brittles is ordered out on patrol but he's also required to take along Abby Allshard, wife of the Fort's commanding officer, and her niece, the pretty Olivia Dandridge, who are being evacuated for their own safety. Brittles is only a few days away from retirement and Olivia has caught the eye of two of the young officers in the Company, Lt. Flint Cohill and 2nd Lt. Ross Pennell. She's taken to wearing a yellow ribbon in her hair, a sign that she has a beau in the Cavalry, but refuses to say for whom she is wearing it.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
5. The Major and the Minor
100%What it's about: Susan Applegate, tired of New York after one year and twenty-five jobs, decides to return to her home town. Discovering she hasn't enough money for the train fare, Susan disguises herself as a twelve-year-old and travels for half the price. Caught out by the conductors, she hides in the compartment of Major Philip Kirby, a military school instructor who takes the "child" under his wing.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM).
6. The Clock
100%What it's about: A G.I. en route to Europe falls in love during a whirlwind two-day leave in New York City.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).
7. 3 Godfathers
82%What it's about: Three outlaws on the run discover a dying woman and her baby. They swear to bring the infant to safety across the desert, even at the risk of their own lives.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
8. The Charge of the Light Brigade
71%What it's about: Major Vickers is an Officer in the 27th Lancers in India in 1856. Whilst the regiment is out on manoeuvres, the barracks are attacked by Surat Khan and his soldiers who massacre British women and children. This leaves an inextinguishable memory and Vickers promises to avenge the dead.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).
9. Reflections in a Golden Eye
55%What it's about: Bizarre tale of sex, betrayal, and perversion at a military post.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
10. No Time for Sergeants
N/AWhat it's about: Georgia farm boy Will Stockdale is about to bust with pride. He’s been drafted. Will’s ready. But is Uncle Sam ready for Will? In No Time for Sergeants, Andy Griffith is certifiably funny in the role that clinched his stardom. Wearing a friendly, wide grin, he ambles into the U.S. Air Force – and lots of folks’ll never be the same.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TCM) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).