The History of Pentagon Funding in Hollywood's Film Industry

Here is a list of some of the movies mentioned that have received support from the Pentagon.

1. WHAT PRICE GLORY
2. GRAY LADY DOWN
3. TUGGER
4. FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
5. THE MESSENGER
6. THREE WISHES
7. THE PEREZ FAMILY
8. IRON MAN
9. GUARDING TESS
10. CAMP NOWHERE
11. WILD AMERICA
12. CONTACT
13. TEARS OF THE SUN
14. THE SUM OF ALL FEARS
15. MAJOR MOVIE STAR
16. IN THE ARMY NOW
17. X—15
18. DEJA VU
19. TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN
20. CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER
21. ABOVE THE CLOUDS
22. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
23. THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
24. ACE OF ACES
25. TAKEN BY FORCE
26. ARMAGEDDON
27. ACTION IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC
28. TRANSFORMERS
29. SPHERE
30. AERIAL GUNNER
31. WE WERE SOLDIERS
32. I AM LEGEND
33. GOLDENEYE
34. AIR FORCE ONE
35. TOMORROW NEVER DIES
36. LARGER THAN LIFE
37. THE JACKAL
38. RANDOM HEARTS
39. AIR DEVILS
40. FLY AWAY HOME
41. THE PERFECT STORM
42. AIR FORCE
43. U-BOAT
44. THE VISITING
45. TRUE LIES
46. THE NEXT KARATE KID
47. APOLLO 13
48. RENAISSANCE MAN
49. ANNAPOLIS
50. UNITED 93
51. ANNAPOLIS SALUTE
52. ANZIO
53. AND BEYOND I
54. ROCKETS RED GLARE
55. BACK TO BATAAN
56. BAILOUT AT 43,000 FEET
57. ANNAPOLIS STORY
58. CUTAWAY
59. BIRTH OF A NATION
60. BROTHER RAT
61. CAPTURED
62. AWAY ALL BOATS
63. BATTLE CIRCUS
64. CLASS MATES
65. ABOVE AND BEYOND
66. AIR CADET
67. COCK-EYED WORLD
68. BATTLE STATIONS
69. CONVOY
70. BATTLE ZONE
71. DESTINATION TOKYO
72. DEVIL DOGS OF THE AIR
73. DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND
74. THE BIG LIFT
75. DIVE BOMBER
76. BREAKTHROUGH
77. THE CAINE MUTINY
78. IRON MAN II
79. THE FLEET’S IN
80. COMMAND DECISION
81. THE FIGHTING SEABEES
82. FLIRTATION WALK
83. FLYING MISSILE
84. FLYING TIGERS
85. FOLLOW THE FLEET
86. THE DEVIL'S BRIGADE
87. FLIGHT
88. FRANCIS
89. DON'T GO NEAR THE WATER
90. THE ENEMY BELOW
91. GOD IS MY CO-PILOT
92. BILOXI BLUES
93. GUADALCANAL DIARY
94. GUNG HO
95. HEAVEN KNOWS, MR. ALLISON
96. FIGHTER SQUADRON
97. THE HANOI HILTON
98. HELL DIVERS
99. INVADERS FROM MARS
100. HELL TO ETERNITY
101. FLIGHT NURSE
102. FLYING LEATHERNECKS
103. THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
104. MACARTHUR
105. HOLD BACK THE NIGHT
106. RED DAWN
107. THREE DAY PASS
108. I AIM AT THE STARS
109. THE LONGEST DAY
110. THE GALLANT HOURS
111. IN HARM'S WAY
112. STRIPES
113. THE LONG GRAY LINE
114. THE LAST PLANE OUT
115. TWISTER
116. THE TRUEST SPORT
117. MEN OF THE FIGHTING LADY
118. MERRILL'S MARAUDERS
119. THE MIDSHIPMAN
120. THE SHEPHERD
121. MISTER ROBERTS
122. THE YOUNG
123. NAVY BLUE AND GOLD
124. ROBOJOX
125. OPERATION PACIFIC
126. PET CEMETARY
127. ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS
128. PORK CHOP HILL
129. PRISONER OF WAR
130. PT-109
131. RED BALL EXPRESS
132. THE KILLING FIELDS
133. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
134. SAHARA
135. LICENSE TO KILL
136. IN COUNTRY
137. SHIPMATES
138. SOUTH PACIFIC
139. STAR SPANGLED BANNER
140. STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND
141. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
142. SUBMARINE D-I
143. HEARTS IN ATLANTIS
144. TAKE THE HIGH GROUND
145. TARGET UNKNOWN
146. THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO
147. TORPEDO RUN
148. FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER
149. TWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH
150. THE HAUNTING OF SARAH HARDY
151. A WALK IN THE SUN
152. INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
153. JURASSIC PARK III
154. SOLDIERS
155. PATRIOT GAMES
156. FIREFOX
157. LIFE FLIGHT
158. THE GREEN BERETS
159. BUFFALO SOLDIERS
160. MATINEE
161. BATTLESHIP
162. BATTLE LOS ANGELES
163. THE LUCKY ONE

The History of Pentagon Funding in Hollywood's Film Industry
The Pentagon has played a significant role in Hollywood's film industry for many years, financing and supporting over 800 movies. This relationship between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Hollywood is rooted in mutual benefits, where filmmakers gain access to military resources, and the Pentagon gains a platform to promote favorable images of the military. Here's a comprehensive look at how this collaboration has evolved over time:

Early Beginnings
The collaboration between Hollywood and the Pentagon began as early as World War I, but it was during World War II that it became more pronounced. During this time, the U.S. government recognized the power of film as a tool for propaganda and morale-boosting. Movies like "Why We Fight," a series of films created by the Office of War Information and directed by Frank Capra, were instrumental in rallying public support for the war effort.

Post-War Era and Cold War
In the post-war era, the relationship between Hollywood and the Pentagon continued to grow. The Cold War era saw a significant increase in films that depicted the U.S. military in a positive light, often as a means to counter Soviet propaganda. Movies such as "The Longest Day" (1962) and "Patton" (1970) were produced with extensive support from the military, including the provision of equipment, personnel, and technical advice.

The Rise of Blockbusters
The 1980s marked a pivotal decade for Pentagon-Hollywood collaboration with the rise of blockbuster films. One of the most notable examples is "Top Gun" (1986), which received substantial support from the Navy. The film not only boosted recruitment numbers but also portrayed the military in a glamorous and heroic light. This period solidified the formula of using Hollywood movies as a recruitment and public relations tool for the military.

The Modern Era
From the 1990s onwards, the collaboration has only intensified. Films like "Black Hawk Down" (2001), "Transformers" series, and "Iron Man" (2008) benefitted from Pentagon support. The Department of Defense's Entertainment Media Unit oversees these collaborations, ensuring that the military is depicted accurately and favorably. This unit reviews scripts, provides logistical support, and even participates in the production process to varying degrees.

The Scope of Influence
The Pentagon's involvement is not limited to action and war films. It extends to various genres, including science fiction and dramas, whenever the storyline involves military elements. This broad influence helps shape public perception of the military across different audiences and demographics.

Recent Developments
In recent years, there has been growing scrutiny and debate over the extent of Pentagon influence in Hollywood. Critics argue that this collaboration can lead to biased portrayals of the military and suppress critical viewpoints. Documentaries and investigative reports have highlighted instances where scripts were altered or productions were modified to align with military interests.

Impact and Criticism
The impact of Pentagon funding on Hollywood is multifaceted. On one hand, it provides filmmakers with the resources needed to create realistic and high-quality productions. On the other hand, it raises ethical concerns about artistic freedom and the potential for propaganda. As the media landscape evolves, this relationship continues to be a topic of discussion and analysis.

Conclusion
The Pentagon's funding and support of Hollywood's film industry have shaped countless movies over the decades, fostering a complex relationship that intertwines national security interests with entertainment. This collaboration has not only influenced how the military is portrayed on screen but also how the public perceives it, making it a powerful tool for both the Pentagon and Hollywood.

By understanding this history, viewers can better appreciate the nuances of military-themed films and the broader implications of this unique partnership.