Skip to content
MovieCove
Hamburger Hill

Hamburger Hill

War at its worst fought by young men at their best

1987110 minRMidcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films
Director
John Irvin
Starring
Dylan McDermott, Steven Weber, Tim Quill, Michael Boatman

The men of Bravo Company are facing a battle that's all uphill… up Hamburger Hill. Fourteen war-weary soldiers are battling for a mud-covered mound of earth so named because it chews up soldiers like chopped meat. They are fighting for their country, their fellow soldiers and their lives. War is hell, but this is worse. Hamburger Hill tells it the way it was, the way it really was. It's a raw, gritty and totally unrelenting dramatic depiction of one of the fiercest battles of America's bloodiest war. This happened. Hamburger Hill - war at its worst, men at their best.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Hamburger Hill?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Hamburger Hill streaming on Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Subscription

Free

Rent / Buy

Rent · $3.99

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Hamburger Hill?

Hamburger Hill earns 6 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Seriously scary.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Hamburger Hill worth watching?

Hamburger Hill's Midcredits score is the 73rd percentile of all films, from 48K ratings across 6 sources. 63% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

73rd percentile

Better received than 73% of films

85th percentile among Action75th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)74th
Approval (how many liked it)70th

68 /100

74th percentile of all films

86th percentile among Action77th percentile among 1980s

Critics 64 · Audience 69

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

63% liked it

70th percentile of all films

80th percentile among Action71st percentile among 1980s
63% rated it 7–1037% rated it 1–6

Critics 100% · Audience 73%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

90th percentile

48K ratings across platforms

82nd percentile among Action89th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 30% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$3.4M
Domestic gross$14M
Worldwide gross$14M

63rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps see the film as a gritty, realistic depiction of a brutal, pointless battle that prioritizes combat authenticity over conventional narrative.

Fans praised

  • Brutal combat realism and unglamorized chaos of the assault
  • Authentic grunt camaraderie, banter and period detail
  • Strong ensemble cast delivering believable performances

Detractors panned

  • Shallow character development makes the soldiers interchangeable and deaths unaffecting
  • Clichéd, preachy dialogue that scapegoats anti-war protesters and the media
  • Low-budget production values: cheap special effects, repetitive editing, and underused score

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive75

Mud, rain, and confusion create immersive war zone

ActingDivisive70

Believable but uneven; early roles for future stars

CinematographyDivisive70

Gritty location shooting in Philippines, documentary-like feel

Emotional impactDivisive60

Powerful for some veterans; others find it numbing

PacingDivisive50

Slow first half; repetitive battle sequences

Plot and storyDivisive45

Simplistic, repetitive assault structure

CharactersDivisive40

Thinly drawn and hard to distinguish

DialogueDivisive40

Cliched and preachy; only occasionally rings true

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 10 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Hamburger Hill like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you devastated. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholicTriumphant
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents the Vietnam war with unflinching realism, never glamorizing or undercutting the horror, maintaining a grim, heavy sincerity throughout.
The rideThe film sustains a pervasive tension and dread through the repeated assaults, with brief respites that are immediately undercut by loss.
StructureConventional linear narrative following the platoon from preparations through multiple assaults on the hill.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Devastated.

The answer rests on this: Devastating · 3% of filmsHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's relentless brutality and the ultimate pyrrhic victory leave the viewer emotionally drained and deeply affected, with the images of loss lingering.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows a platoon through repeated, costly assaults on a heavily defended hill, culminating in a pyrrhic victory that underscores the futility and horror of war.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfWarSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% (this title) · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

War · 1% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film focuses on the brutal, dehumanizing experience of combat and the bonds forged between soldiers who endure it together.
StanceThe film does not glorify or condemn war outright; it presents the soldiers' experience with a realistic, unsentimental eye.

The world

Mid 20th centuryRuralWildernessInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Philip Glass
SettingThe Ashau Valley, Vietnam, during the 1969 battle for Hill 937
MusicPhilip Glass's minimalist score underscores the relentless, mechanical nature of the battle.

Content guide

Is Hamburger Hill okay for kids?

R

Hamburger Hill is rated R. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (86/100), sexual content at moderate (47/100), language at severe (83/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (55/100) and frightening material at severe (90/100). Overall it is heavier than 89% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 10 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • Ireland18
  • JapanR18+
  • Brazil18
  • Belgium18
  • Greece15
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway18
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 93% of all filmsHeavier than 89% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 76%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 48%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 78%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 69%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 94%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material, violence, and language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Hamburger Hill have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Hamburger Hill?

Cast

7 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Dylan McDermott
as Sgt. Adam Frantz
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Steven Weber
as Sfc. Dennis Worcester
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tim Quill
as Pvt. Joe Beletsky
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Boatman
as Pvt. Ray Motown
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Anthony Barrile
as Pvt. Vincent 'Alphabet' Languilli
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Don Cheadle
as Pvt. Johnny Washburn
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Courtney B. Vance
as Spc. Abraham 'Doc' Johnson
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tommy Swerdlow
as Pvt. Martin Bienstock
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tegan West
as Lt. Terry Eden
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Daniel O'Shea
as Pvt. Frank Gaigin
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Hamburger Hill?

Movies like Hamburger Hill include The Unknown Soldier (2017), Blizzard of Souls (2019) and Platoon (1986). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set during the Vietnam War, and most are stories about soldiers.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its world: war epic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Hamburger Hill?

813 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: war epic. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.