Movies Like Red Dawn If You’re a Fan of War and Action Thrillers

Are you a fan of the cult classic Red Dawn, where teenagers turn into guerrilla fighters to save their hometown from a Soviet invasion? Then buckle up, because we’ve got a list of movies that will keep your adrenaline pumping and your patriotic heart swelling! 

These films aren’t just about battles and explosions; they’re about ordinary people becoming extraordinary heroes in the face of adversity. 

1. Invasion U.S.A. (1952 & 1985)

1952 Version: Invasion U.S.A. is a Cold War-era drama that parallels Red Dawn with its theme of the U.S. facing an invasion. However, unlike Red Dawn, it focuses more on the civilian struggle, offering a dramatic perspective on how everyday people cope with war.

1985 Version: Chuck Norris takes the lead in this action-packed version. While critics weren’t too kind, it’s a guilty pleasure for fans who love over-the-top action in the vein of Red Dawn.

2. The Day After (1983)

This direct-to-television movie paints a pretty chilling picture of a nuclear Cold War turning hot, showing how it would turn out had there been an exchange of weapons. The Day After is a gripping tale of survival, showcasing the heroism of both soldiers and civilians, much like Red Dawn.

3. White House Down (2013)

Roland Emmerich‘s thriller, starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx, is similar to Red Dawn’s theme of civilians defending their country. Tatum’s character, an army veteran, finds himself fighting mercenaries in a besieged White House. If you still haven’t seen it, don’t worry, we haven’t given away any spoilers! 

4. Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

Similar to White House Down, Olympus Has Fallen features an attack on the White House, this time by North Korean forces. Gerard Butler, best known for his role as Leonidas in 300, stars as the secret service agent who steps up to the challenge. This is reminiscent of the brave Wolverines in Red Dawn.

5. Air Force One (1997)

Harrison Ford plays a U.S. President fighting against hijackers on his plane, returning from a mission in Russia. Ford is pushed to the edge to survive while military analysts work together to save him. The film shares the theme of fighting back against direct attacks on American soil, with a focus on resourcefulness over sheer firepower. 

6. Red Dawn (2012)

Okay, we admit, we might be cheating a little. But this modern remake of Red Dawn adapts the original story for a new audience, replacing the Soviet invaders with North Koreans. It’s a fresh take on the same thrilling concept. So it’s still worth a shot to give it a watch if you’ve seen the original. 

7. Escape from New York (1981)

Set in a dystopian future, this cult classic features a rebellion against an oppressive U.S. government, diverging from Red Dawn by making the domestic regime the enemy. It takes place after a Third World War breaks out between China and the Soviet Union against the United States. 

The twist though, is that the real enemies aren’t the people on the other side, but the US government itself. Escape from New York is a pretty incredible film to watch if you haven’t already. 

8. Vantage Point (2008)

This mystery thriller revolves around an assassination attempt on the President. It echoes Red Dawn’s theme of ordinary people playing crucial roles in national security, however, may not necessarily fit the ‘Red Scare’ criteria. Vantage Point involves several individuals in the crowd filming the attempt, who end up potentially helping the CIA locate those involved. 

9. WarGames(1983)

In the WarGames, a young hacker, played by the brilliant Matthew Broderick, accidentally triggers a potential war. He mistakenly taps into the American AI which is primarily used to respond to nuclear war threats. Seems like an innocent mistake at first, but there’s just one small problem. 

The AI was never taught to differentiate between a real war threat and a mere simulation. Let’s just say things get messy. This classic blends teenage protagonists and anti-communist sentiment similar to Red Dawn, making it a must-watch for anyone who’s a fan of war and action thrillers.

There You Have it! 

And there you have it! Top nine movies like Red Dawn to watch next. So, whether you’re into the drama of survival, the thrill of action, or the tension of political intrigue, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for war and action thrillers. 

So grab some popcorn, rally your fellow Wolverines, and get on a movie marathon that celebrates the spirit of resistance and heroism!