39 Years Later, One of the “Most Visceral and Authentic War Films Ever Made” Returns to Horrify Viewers on Free Streaming

by

A highly acclaimed and disturbing film about the Vietnam War is back in the spotlight after almost 40 years. Directed by Oliver Stone, this 1986 movie was the first of his three films focusing on the conflict. Starring a talented cast including Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen, and Tom Berenger, it was a box office hit. Now, you can stream it for free, and it’s well worth watching if you haven’t seen it yet.

Released in theaters on December 19, 1986, Platoon is widely considered one of the most realistic and impactful war films ever created. Director Oliver Stone’s own combat experience clearly contributed to the film’s powerful and believable depiction of war. The story is mainly shown through the perspective of Chris Taylor, played by Charlie Sheen, and it remains a difficult but emotionally compelling film about the Vietnam War, known for its unflinching honesty. Here’s what the movie is about:

In 1967, Chris Taylor, a college student played by Sheen, joins the army and is sent to fight in Vietnam. The harsh realities of war quickly shatter his initial hopes. Tension within his unit escalates between Staff Sergeant Barnes (Berenger), who suspects villagers of aiding the enemy, and Sergeant Elias (Dafoe), who feels compassion for them. This internal conflict divides the soldiers, creating fighting not only against the Viet Cong, but amongst themselves.

Despite a modest $6 million budget, Oliver Stone’s Platoon became a huge box office success, earning over $137 million. The film received numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director for Stone. It also won Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound, surpassing popular films like Top Gun and Aliens. Today, Platoon is considered a classic and is currently ranked #7 on Tubi’s Top 10 movies, according to Flix Patrol.

‘Platoon’ Is One of Oliver Stone’s Highest Rated Movies


Orion Pictures

With an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Oliver Stone’s Platoon remains one of his most critically acclaimed films. It’s currently his fifth highest-rated movie among critics, following Reversal of Fortune, Ennio, Midnight Express, and Salvador. Viewers generally loved the film even more, giving it a 93% rating and ranking it as Stone’s fourth best movie overall.

Praised as both a realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War and a deeply moving film, Platoon remains as impactful today as when it was first released in 1986. Its raw honesty solidified Oliver Stone’s reputation as a truly masterful director. If you haven’t seen it, it’s available to watch for free on Tubi.

Read More

2025-11-03 20:03