On any reading or watching list you see books or movies revolving around specifically the military. However, I wanted to offer up some suggestions that offer perspectives on leadership, personal growth, and a host of other issues from non-military movies (and one or two military movies that are not purely about war). Please feel free to leave some feedback!

Good Will Hunting: Starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon, great for anyone looking to look inward on themselves and confront any personal issues which may affect their lives.

The Pianist: While set in WWII, the movie follows a Jewish pianist in Warsaw when the Nazis invade. It offers a unique perspective on hardship and lessons from the characters that we as leaders can draw from.

Forrest Gump: While I’m sure we’ve all seen the classic movie starring Tom Hanks, I challenge everyone to re-watch it with a new lens. Specifically, look for how the characters react to the various conflicts, events, and how societal changes influence the characters. Use this to better understand yourself and how current climates may effect your soldiers.

12 Angry Men (1957 version): An amazing movie regarding justice and how everyone is entitled to a fair and impartial jury. This film as deeper roots regarding morality and how we as leaders shouldn’t be so quick to judge.

To Kill A Mockingbird: similar to 12 Angry Men, this film explores justice through race relations. While we are an apolitical Army, it is important to understand soldiers’ backgrounds and viewpoints. Something this film does a terrific job at portraying.

All Quiet on the Western Front: Banned in Nazi Germany because of its message, this movie portrays the horrors of trench warfare through the eyes of a young German soldier. Comradery, reality, the horrors of war, and personal conflicts are all explored in this epic.

Miracle: Set in the 1980s, this follows the US Olympic hockey team that beat the Soviet Union to accomplish the “miracle on ice.” Perhaps one of the greatest movies on leadership and how to get in touch with those you are leading.

Dead Poets Society: Starring Robin Williams, this movie follows a teacher who challenges his students to look at literature and knowledge in a new light. A truly remarkable movie for any leader that wishes to reflect on the meaning of personal and professional development, or on what it means to truly learn.

Interstellar: Matthew McConaughey leads in this sci-fi film about exploring space for a new Earth. This film taught me the value of looking at the bigger picture, self-sacrifice, and how we are all in this together.

Gran Torino: If you want to get at the meaning of humanity and personal relationships, look no further. Clint Eastwood stars in this.

Pursuit of Happiness: As soldiers, we constantly face adversity and hardship. Will Smith stars in this movie about a man who simply refuses to give up on life or his pursuit. Anyone can gain a new perspective on hardship and the drive to succeed after watching this.

Again, I tried to limit it to one or two war movies in this list. I am a firm believer that military members can learn valuable lessons regarding their careers from movies or books that aren’t militarily related in any way. Personal and professional development are universal characteristics that all humans share, we would do well to learn from these films. If you enjoyed this list and want to know more about my personal reading list I would suggest, feel free to ask!