‘Best War Film Ever Made’ Is Now Streaming on Netflix

Clint Eastwood’s 2014 war drama American Sniper tells the extraordinary true story of Chris Kyle—and the personal cost of his service

The film has a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes (Image: Warner Bros)

A war film based on one of the most remarkable military stories in recent US history is now available to stream on Netflix.

Released in 2014, American Sniper is a biographical drama directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, the US Navy SEAL sniper who was credited with 255 kills over four tours of the Iraq War, making him the deadliest marksman in US military history.

From Texas cowboy to Navy SEAL sniper

Sienna Miller plays Kyle’s wife (Image: Warner Bros)

Based on Kyle’s memoir, American Sniper follows his transformation from a Texas ranch hand and rodeo cowboy into a highly skilled military sniper.

But the film goes beyond his record on the battlefield. It also examines the impact of his military service on his life away from combat, particularly his marriage to his wife, Taya, played by Sienna Miller.

The story portrays the difficult balance between Kyle’s commitment to his fellow soldiers and the challenges of returning to family life after serving in the Iraq War.

A major box-office and awards success

American Sniper first opened in a limited release on Christmas Day 2014 before expanding nationwide the following January.

The film went on to earn more than $547 million worldwide, becoming Eastwood’s highest-grossing film as a director. It also ranked as the 13th highest-grossing movie of 2014.

Its commercial success was matched by recognition from the Academy Awards. American Sniper received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Bradley Cooper.

It ultimately won the Academy Award for Best Sound Editing.

Viewers praised its intensity and performances

The film has a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers particularly highlighting its tension, realism and performances.

One reviewer described it as “one of the best military movies ever made” based on the story of Chris Kyle.

Another praised the film’s intensity, describing it as extremely tense and anxiety-inducing while also commending the acting, direction and true story behind it.

Bradley Cooper’s performance has also remained a major talking point among viewers, with one reviewer arguing that he should have won the Oscar for his portrayal of Kyle.

Other reactions have focused on the film’s emotional impact, describing it as sad, intense and realistic while remembering Chris Kyle.

A film that remains controversial

The film stars Bradley Cooper (Image: Warner Bros)

Despite its popularity, American Sniper has also faced criticism.

Its depiction of Chris Kyle and its broader portrayal of the Iraq War generated debate when the film was released. While some viewers praised its realism and depiction of military life, others questioned how the conflict and its characters were presented.

Even so, the film continues to attract viewers who appreciate its more personal portrayal of soldiers and the difficulties they can face during and after military service.

For some audiences, that human element is what makes the film stand out, with one viewer describing it as a movie that humanizes soldiers and the struggles they experience.

American Sniper is currently available to watch on Netflix.