War movies are a part of Texas culture. Texans are told to “Remember the Alamo” which has been done with books and movies. Since Texans are told to remember the Alamo, it must be in the top 10 list. Since its foundation, Texas has had a military tradition. It’s soldiers have distinguished themselves in the wars they have been a part of. Those who served against them often dreaded having to face “Texans”. Growing up in such a culture brings with it an enjoyment of war films. This is a Texan’s list of the top 10 war films.

1. The Alamo (1960). John Wayne’s 1960 version contains many of the Texas legends associated with the battle. The movie itself is more of an epic type of film with legendary stars in the roles of key characters.
2. To Hell and Back (1955). This film had Audie Murphy portraying himself in the story of his life and events of World War II. Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier of World War II along with being from Texas. His courage served as an inspiration for the youth of Texas and the United States. His story is statement about what a Texan can do in difficult situations. He was a common man who when called upon performed uncommonly well.
3. Sergeant York (1941). This film stars Gary Cooper as Sergeant Alvin York, the man from Tennessee who was America’s most decorated soldier from World War I. The film coveys how a pacifist was drafted and performed his duty as his nation needed him to. It is timely today as it was when it was filmed. Since the values of Texas and those of Tennessee are similar and they share many of the same heroes, such as Sam Houston and David Crockett, this is a must for the top 10 list.
4. Gettysburg (1993). This Civil War epic shows how the war transformed people. It also conveys the ideals of many Texans who gave their lives in the struggle. The director saw to it that the number or Texas flags paraded on the battlefield matched the number of Texas regiments fighting in the battle. Many of these are visible in the scene where General Longstreet is conversing with Arthur Freemantle of Her Majesty’s Coldstream Guards. Texas fans often cheer when the Texas soldiers are shown in the struggle at Devil’s Den.
5. Braveheart (1995). This is the first of the Mel Gibson movies in the top ten. It conveys the determination often needed in war situations. That determination was especially needed during the time of William Wallace. William Wallace was also the fore bearer of the legendary Texas Ranger “Bigfoot” Wallace. The story line of the common people rising against a military oppressor is a theme that many Texans can relate to.
6. The Patriot (2000). This movie about the American Revolution vividly shows how war impacts and transforms families and individuals. The harsh treatment that the colonists received was accurately portrayed in the film. The war covers the Southern theatre of the conflict where many colonists hailed from who later came to Texas.
7. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949). This is a John Ford Western. Not only is it a John Ford western, it includes John Wayne. I included it in the list of war movies, since the Indian Wars were a big part of Texas life on the frontier. Dealing with the threat of violence and the hope of the cavalry was always important in Texas. The historic reality is that the cavalry units in Texas were those of the buffalo soldiers, who managed to keep the peace on the frontier.
8. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966). This classic, directed by Sergio Leone is set in the west with frequent references to Texas and the war in the southwest. The film does not glorify war, but rather shows the harsh gritty reality and craziness that it brings with it. The film is both a wonderful western and war movie rolled into one.
9. The Alamo (2004). Many critics did not like the move, yet it has many historic accuracies that the 1960 version did not. One of the realities of history is that each generation is going to retell the stories their own way. This is a re-telling of the Alamo story for a new generation. The inclusion of Texan Dennis Quaid in a key role was important. He understood Sam Houston. The movie also contains San Jacinto and Tampico, engagements which the other version did not contain.
10. Midway (1976). This World War II movie includes the prominent role played by Texan Admiral Chester Nimitz in the conflict. Besides having a good portrayal of Nimitz, its battle sequences are memorable.

Honorable mention needs to be made of Pearl Harbor (2001) which contains a portrayal of Texas hero Doris Miller, who bravely manned the guns against the Japanese attackers at Pearl Harbor. Other war films of note are the Wild Bunch (1969) and the Undefeated (1969) which both dealt with unrest along the border with Mexico and make frequent mention of Texas.