12 Must-See Movies On Snipers: The Long-Shot Thrillers Of 2024 And 2025

The cinematic world of the military sniper remains one of the most compelling sub-genres in action and war films, capturing the intense psychological drama and technical precision of the long-range shot. As of December 2025, the genre is seeing a resurgence with major theatrical and streaming releases that blend high-stakes action with intricate tactical realism, moving far beyond the simple portrayal of a lone gunman.

From the latest installment in a legendary franchise to critically acclaimed biographical dramas, the best movies on snipers offer a deep dive into the lives of elite marksmen. These films explore the extreme pressure, the meticulous calculations of ballistics and windage, and the moral complexities that come with being a ghost on the battlefield. This list compiles the freshest, most highly-rated, and essential viewing for any fan of the tactical thriller genre.

The Newest Long-Range Thrills: Sniper Movies of 2024 & 2025

The past two years have delivered a fresh wave of films featuring elite marksmen, proving the enduring popularity of the sniper narrative. These new entries have raised the bar for action and technical detail, making them essential viewing for fans of modern military cinema.

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• Sniper: The Last Stand (2025): The latest chapter in the long-running Sniper film series, this 2025 release continues the saga of the Beckett family. The film, which premiered on Digital in January 2025 and hit Netflix in May 2025, follows Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Beckett's son, Brandon Beckett (played by Chad Michael Collins), as he faces a deadly arms dealer. The franchise is known for its action-packed plots and showcasing various sniper rifle platforms.
• Warfare (2025): This war drama is a major addition to the genre, set in 2006 during the Iraq War's Battle of Ramadi. The plot centers on a Navy SEAL team, the Bushmasters, who are ordered to take up a critical sniper position to observe and engage enemy forces. Based on the real-life experiences of a U.S. Navy SEAL, the film is expected to offer a gritty, realistic look at the psychological and tactical demands of a sniper unit.
• The Accountant 2 (2025): While not a pure sniper film, the sequel to the highly successful action-thriller heavily features long-range engagement. The protagonist, Christian Wolff, is a master of various disciplines, including precision shooting. The film includes intense scenes involving a master sniper named Cobb and showcases the use of specialized, takedown .308 rifles, emphasizing the covert and highly accurate nature of the profession within a non-military context.
• Civil War (2024): Director Alex Garland’s dystopian thriller features several intense and memorable scenes centered around sniper ambushes. The film uses the presence of snipers, including a chilling shootout amidst Christmas decorations, to highlight the brutal, unpredictable nature of modern urban warfare. The visual of a sniper's nest on the Statue of Liberty is a powerful cinematic image that underscores the breakdown of order.

True Stories of Legendary Marksmen and Historical Accuracy

Some of the most impactful sniper films draw directly from historical events or the biographies of real-life military heroes. These movies often provide a deeper exploration of the moral toll and the historical significance of the marksman’s role.

The line between fact and fiction is often blurred in Hollywood, but these films are grounded in the lives of legendary figures, adding a layer of authenticity to the tension.

• American Sniper (2014): Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, this biographical war drama is based on the memoir of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who became the most lethal marksman in American military history. The film is famous for depicting his 2,100-yard shot, though it takes dramatic liberties, such as inventing the character of the enemy Iraqi sniper, Mustafa, for narrative tension. It remains a benchmark for modern military sniper films.
• Enemy at the Gates (2001): This film is a classic of the genre, chronicling the intense duel between Soviet sniper Vasili Zaitsev and his German counterpart, Major Erwin König, during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. The movie highlights the psychological warfare and the crucial role of the spotter in long-range engagements. Zaitsev's primary weapon, the Soviet-era Mosin-Nagant rifle, is a key entity in the film.
• Battle for Sevastopol (2015): A powerful, lesser-known biographical film that focuses on the life of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a Soviet Red Army sniper who is credited with 309 confirmed kills during World War II. Her story is a testament to the fact that elite marksmen come from all backgrounds, and the film provides a unique perspective on the Eastern Front.
• The Wall (2017): A highly intense, minimalist thriller that focuses on two American soldiers, a sniper and his spotter, pinned down by an unseen Iraqi marksman. The film is a masterclass in psychological tension, demonstrating the importance of communication, camouflage (like the ghillie suit), and patience in a long-range standoff.

Technical Entities and the Art of the Long Shot

To achieve true topical authority, an article on sniper movies must acknowledge the technical entities and jargon that define the craft. The best films delve into the science of the shot, making the rifle itself a central character.

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The precision required for a long-range shot is immense, involving complex calculations of environmental factors. Movie snipers are often seen adjusting for bullet drop, barometric pressure, and the Coriolis effect, even if Hollywood often simplifies or exaggerates the process.

• Shooter (2007): Starring Mark Wahlberg, this action-thriller is often praised for its attention to technical detail regarding long-range shooting. The film features various high-powered rifles and showcases the meticulous planning and preparation required to execute a high-profile shot, including the necessity of a clear sight picture and understanding trajectory.
• Rifle Entity Deep Dive: The choice of weapon is paramount in these films. The Sniper franchise frequently features the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM), a rifle famed for its accuracy at extreme distances. Conversely, the more classic war films like Enemy at the Gates highlight the historical significance of rifles like the SVD Dragunov, a Russian designated marksman rifle. The portrayal of a marksman being counter-sniped through the scope, while a common trope, is often cited by military experts as a dramatic exaggeration of a rare occurrence.
• The Spotter's Role: The sniper’s job is often a two-person operation. The spotter is a critical entity, responsible for calculating the necessary adjustments for the shot—including windage and elevation—and observing the target’s reaction. Films like The Wall and Enemy at the Gates effectively highlight this symbiotic relationship, where the spotter's calculations are just as crucial as the shooter's trigger pull.

Whether you are drawn to the pulse-pounding action of the new 2025 releases like Warfare and Sniper: The Last Stand, or prefer the historical depth of true stories like American Sniper and Battle for Sevastopol, the world of movies on snipers offers a unique blend of technical expertise, human drama, and high-stakes combat. Grab your popcorn and prepare for some of the most intense long-range engagements ever put to film.