VIETNAM WAR

The 15 Best Vietnam War Movies

Some of our finest filmmakers have dramatized the war in a number of ways, from epic battles to deeply human portraits of violence and even the occasional comedy.

Tom Cruise in 'Born on the Fourth of July'

12 Facts You Probably Don’t Know About ‘Born on the Fourth of July’

Tom Cruise earned his first Best Actor Oscar nomination for Oliver Stone’s star-spangled Vietnam War flick., but the role of Ron Kovic was supposed to be Al Pacino’s.

Jane Fonda (left) and Nguyễn Thị Bình (right).

7 Women Who Played Key Roles in the Vietnam War

From Vietcong diplomats to American anti-war activists, these women made their mark on one of the 20th century’s most controversial conflicts.

An American Huey helicopter sprays Agent Orange over Vietnam.

Agent Orange: Its Toxic History in the Vietnam War

In a mission code-named Operation Ranch Hand, the U.S. military unleashed millions of gallons of the toxic defoliant during the Vietnam War—and some descendants of Vietnam veterans say they’re still paying the price.

'The Things They Carried' by Tim O'Brien.

12 Facts About ‘The Things They Carried’

This widely read novel about the Vietnam War is more fact than fiction.

Helicopters on a resupply mission during the Vietnam War.

6 Ways Aircraft Changed the Course of the Vietnam War

Aviation played a huge role in how the Vietnam War rolled out—after all, there’s a reason the conflict is also known as “The Helicopter War.”

U.S. Marines preparing to evacuate American and Vietnamese civilians during the fall of Saigon.

9 Key Moments From the Vietnam War

From the Gulf of Tonkin Incident to the Tet Offensive to the Fall of Saigon, we go over some of the most significant battles of the Vietnam War.

During the filming of Oliver Stone's ‘Platoon’ (1986).

12 Intense Facts About ‘Platoon’

Starring a young Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen, and Johnny Depp, ‘Platoon’ was a landmark achievement in war cinema.

The Delicious History of Phở in 10 Facts

Phở is a delicious dish, but it also tells us a lot about the history of Vietnam, the Vietnam War, and how cultures collide.

8 Gripping Facts About the Vietnam War Draft

Dive into the history of the draft during the Vietnam War, including its origins, how long it lasted, and how some young Boomers successfully managed to dodge it.

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

We have the military to thank.

Many of the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War were Baby Boomers.

6 Ways the Vietnam War Affected Baby Boomers

The Vietnam War changed an entire generation’s relationship to power, patriotism, and possibility.

15 Memorable Slang Terms From the Vietnam War

Military slang grew by leaps and bounds during the Vietnam War. Here are some terms worth knowing.

10 Questions About the Vietnam War, Answered

The Vietnam War was a highly controversial conflict. We break down some of the most common questions about the war, from why the U.S. entered the conflict to who ultimately won.

Martin Sheen stars in ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979).

17 Surprising Facts About ‘Apocalypse Now’

Francis Ford Coppola’s acclaimed (loose) adaptation of Joseph Conrad's ‘Heart of Darkness’ was supposed to be directed by George Lucas.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors those who lost their lives in the Vietnam war.

Written in Stone: 14 Facts About the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The towering granite tribute to fallen soldiers of a controversial war was the result of a design contest won by a 21-year-old college student.

Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, and Marvin Gaye all wrote songs about the Vietnam War.

17 Songs About the Vietnam War

From a now-regretted counter-counterculture anthem to an oft-misunderstood ’80s hit to the song that allegedly got its singer followed by the CIA.