30 Best Sniper Movies You Have To Watch

Okay, movie fans: if you’re a lover of action-packed sniper movies, you’ve come to the right place. Our badass sniper-movie roundup is here to keep you on the edge of your seat for a night of non-stop action.

30 Best Sniper Movies You Have To Watch

Even if you’re not a sniper movie fan, we’re confident that this selection of sniper movies will leave you hungry for more, with a newfound love for all things intense, non-stop, and downright awesome. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive right into a selection of the 30 best sniper movies you HAVE to watch. 

Jack Reacher (2012) 

This 2012 American action thriller has a jam-packed cast, including Tom Cruise, Lee Child, and Rosamund Pike. This film was written and directed by the revered Christopher McQuarrie and based on Lee Child’s popular 2005 novel, one shot. 

Rated PG-13, the Jack Reacher thriller follows the story of a man with a sniper rifle who kills five people from a parking garage, seemingly at random.

However, this film takes MANY twists and turns when the suspected gunman leaves the police a note urging them to “get jack reacher.” Get ready for a night in you won’t regret not going out for. 

The Grand Piano (2013)

Next up, we have The Grand Piano. This 2013 Spanish Thriller raked in an impressive $1.5 million at the box office and boasts a stellar cast, including Elijah Wood as the main character. 

The Grand Piano is a little different from your average war or law-enforcement-based sniper film. The Grand Piano follows the story of a talented pianist who suffers from an unusually severe case of stage fright when he finds himself under the beady eyes of a mystery sniper, who promises to shoot him if he plays one wrong note. Pretty intense, right? 

Although we’d argue that the script sometimes goes a little off-piste, the film continues to be visually stimulated and incredibly well acted throughout, which really makes up for some of the confusion you might feel when following the storyline. 

The American (2010) 

George Clooney takes the lead role in The American, a 2010 action-thriller, with a generous helping of crime drama.

George Clooney plays assassin Jack, who’s seeking an escape from his dangerous lifestyle. When his latest assignment in Sweden goes wrong, he heads off to Italy to lie low… or so he thinks. 

As for the sniper aspect, we’ll be careful not to give away too much… However, we have no doubt that you’ll be impressed by the storyline, the filming, and the acting, which come together to create an unforgettable, bond-esque movie. 

The Big Red One (1980)

Let’s go back in time a little to 1980 and take a look at The Big Red One. This movie features a notable cast, including Robert Carradine, Mark Hamill, Bobby Di Cicco, and Lee Marvin. 

Interestingly, The Big Red One is based on a true story and was written and directed by the esteemed Samuel Fuller. This movie focuses on a sergeant and four members of his infantry. The movie follows their journey through the perils of WW2 and other battles throughout Europe. 

Although this film isn’t exclusively sniper-centered, snipers play a pretty big role here and make for some of the most gut-wrenching, action-packed moments you’ll watch.  

Phone Booth (2002)

This 2002 psychological thriller is brilliantly executed, thoroughly entertaining, and worth every second you’ll spend taking it all in.

With an impressive cast, including Colin Farrell and Forest Whitaker, Phone Booth unsurprisingly saw massive takings at the box office (almost $100 million) and is much loved by sniper-movie fanatics worldwide. 

Phone Booth follows the story of publicist Stuard Shephard, who unsuspectingly finds himself stuck in a phone booth and trapped by an extortionist with one hell of a sniper.

Stuart is unable to leave the phone booth or receive outside help, and if he disconnects the call with his extortionist, he’ll be shot. 

Highly revered, intense, and almost hard to watch, this is one sniper movie you won’t want to miss. 

The Marksman (2021

Any Liam Neeson film is worth its weight in gold, and here, one of our favorite action actors takes the role of an Arizonian rancher who becomes the unlikely protector of a young Mexican boy. 

Neeson must protect the boy from a hoard of cartel assassins who will stop at nothing to pursue him, making for some quality entertainment with extreme shoot-outs, chases, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments. 

Shooter (2007) 

In 2007, Shooter came to our screens with the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Danny Glover, and Michael Pena taking center stage.

The film follows the life of a retired Marine Sniper (yes, you already know this is going to be good!), Bob Lee Swagger, who was called back after retirement to help prevent an assassination attempt on the US President. 

This film takes you through a series of heart-stopping moments with multi-dimensional characters and a brilliant storyline – let’s not forget that all-important sniping, either. 

The Virtuoso (2021)

The Virtuoso is filled with deception, danger, and mystery, as a professional assassin accepts a new assignment from his questionable boss.

This neo-noir thriller is a classic hitman thriller, and our main character must race against the clock to figure out the identity of his target. 

The virtuoso received mixed reviews; however, if you love sniper films, this is definitely one worth watching. 

Run All Night (2015) 

In 2015, Run All Night came to our screens to deliver an unforgettable action thriller. Liam Neeson takes the main role and is assisted by revered actors like Ed Harris and Joel Kinnaman. 

In Run All Night, our hitman mobster Jimmy (aka Liam)  is forced to choose between protecting his son Mike or tieing up loose ends with old best friend and boss Shawn, who wants Jimmy to pay the price for taking the life of his own son. 

Liam is, of course, our main sniper, and he puts on yet another incredible performance in this unforgettable sniper movie that received great reviews at the box office. 

Through the Air (2015) 

Through the Air came out in 2015 and is a French-Belgian drama that centers around an air-rifle champion who finds himself caught up in a life-threatening plot after he takes up a new job offer.

As he takes up the opportunity to make his hobby into a questionable (and dangerous) job, snipers take the main role in this movie, which was received well by its watchers. 

The Accountant (2016) 

2014-2016 were great years for sniper movies, and in 2016, The Accountant was added to the list of the most successfully executed ones.

Featuring an impressive cast, including Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, Jon Bernthal, and J.K Simmons, the accountant is an action-thriller that follows the life of accountant Christian Wolff, the accountant for some of the most dangerous organizations in the world. 

So yes, accountants and snipers can go hand-in-hand, and this film does it with plenty of action and hair-raising moments. 

John Wick (2014) 

John Wick features the likes of Keanu Reeves, Ian Mcshane, and Lance Reddick in this American neo-noir thriller. John Wick is one of four films in a star-studded series, and it follows the life of assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves).

John turned his back on his old life to marry his wife. However, her tragic death leaves him in mourning. A series of threatening events that occur after her death spur John back into action. Expect plenty of mystery, blood, sniping, and revenge.  

Hyena Road (2015)

Hyena Road (2015) 

Hyena Road hit the cinemas in 2015. This Canadian war drama was written and directed by Paul Gross, who also takes the main role in this well-received action movie.

Follow the film as the Canadian sniper, and Afghani freedom fighter walks a fine line and works with two unlikely men to save lives. 

The Gunman (2015)

In 2015, the Gunman was released, giving Hyena Road, amongst others, a run for its money. Featuring Idris Elba, Jasmine Trinca, and Sean Penn, the Gunman follows an assassin who, after emerging from hiding, finds himself the unlikely target of a hit squad.

This is your standard sniper movie, and although there’s nothing particularly standout about it, it still makes for a great watch. 

Vantage Point (2008)

Vantage Point, starring Forest Whitaker, Dennis Quaid, and Sigourney Weaver, is a political action thriller.

As you might have already guessed, vantage point focuses on the attempted assassination of the US President, and recounts of the event are told from different perspectives, making for some mysterious watching.

Try and guess who’s behind the plot, and enjoy some sniper action at the same time! 

Leon: The Professional (1994) 

Although Leon: The Professional was released in 1994, it stood the test of time. The sniper movie market is somewhat oversaturated, but this film set a standard that would be followed for years to come. 

Leon, a professional assassin, takes in a 12-year-old after her family is murdered. 12-year-old Mathilda wants her revenge on the agent who took her family, and as their relationship develops, Leon shows her the ways of his job as a hitman to help her get there.

This film features a great cast, including Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, and Gary Oldman, and it’s one film you won’t want to omit from your sniper bucket list! 

The Wall (2017)

The Wall, released in 2017, follows the story of two American soldiers who find themselves trapped between an unsteady wall by a lethal sniper.

Featuring John Cena, Adam Sandler, and Laith Nakil, our two soldiers must find a way to escape in one piece, and unsurprisingly, it’s no small feat. There are plenty of shoutouts and mysteries in this one! 

The Hurt Locker (2008) 

The Hurt Locker, featuring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty, follows a sergeant who was assigned to a bomb squad and found himself at odds with his squad due to his lone-wold tendencies. 

The Hurt Locker won numerous academy awards and rave reviews, so we won’t give too much away – this is one you need to see for yourself!

Battle For Sevastopol (2015)

In 2015, the Ukrainian biographical war film Battle for Sevastopol was released, telling the story of Lyudmila Pavilchenko, one of the most successful female snipers in the world.

This young Soviet Woman joined the Red Army to tackle the German takeover of the USSR and became one of the deadliest snipers in history. 

If you love refreshing true stories, this is one you won’t want to miss. 

The Bourne Identity (2002)

Since 2002, The Bourne Identity, featuring Matt Damon, Brian Cox, and Chris Owen, has become one of the most popular action films of all time.

This action thriller follows the story of Matt Damon, and he is rescued from a near-death experience in the ocean. Damon has complete amnesia. However, he has extraordinary talents and skills for fighting, self-defense, and language. 

Totally thrilling and utterly engaging; we can’t recommend it enough. 

Sniper: Special Ops (2016)

Sniper: Special Ops was released in 2016. This American war action film follows the story of an expert sniper who’s sent to a village to rescue an American congressman.

Starring Steven Seagal, Tim Abell, and Charlene Amola, this film had some mixed reviews, but it has a great storyline and plenty of action to keep you entertained.  

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Now it’s time for a classic: Saving Private Ryan. Starring the likes of Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Vin Diesel, this film follows a group of U.S soldiers who, after the Normandy landings, must rescue a paratrooper from behind enemy lines. 

Full of action, drama, and plenty of tear-jerking moments, this film hasn’t earned such an incredible status for no good reason. 

Carnage Park (2016) 

Now let’s head back to 2016 for Carnage Park. This action thriller features a splash of crime, thriller, and survival horror.

Written and directed by Mickey Keating, a dangerous sniper starts to terrorize a bank robber and a hostage right in the middle of a remote Californian desert. There’s a little bit of everything in this film, and yes, plenty of sniper action, too! 

Tower Block (2012)

This British thriller film released in 2012 is nothing short of mesmerizing. In a slight deviation from our usual sniper plots, this film follows the story of a group of residents who witness a murder in their apartment block.

However, just one year later, they’re targeted one by one by a mysterious sniper. Engaging and action-packed, we loved this film. 

Wanted (2008)

In 2008, Wanted hit our screens with exceptional casting, including James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, and Chris Pratt.

This action thriller follows the story of a seemingly normal office worker who discovers his dad is actually a professional assassin.

As he discovers he shares his father’s incredible abilities, things get interesting. This film has incredible reviews, a great cast, and plenty of hair-raising moments. 

The Day of the Jackal (1973)

In 1973, The Day of the Jackal came to the movies, recounting the story of a professional assassin who’s hired to kill; however, one determined cop’s attempts to stop him makes for a thrilling watch. This thriller was based on the novel by Frederick Forsyth, and it has become one of the most celebrated movies ever made. This is definitely one for your list. 

Red Dot (2021) 

Red Dot, a Swedish drama released in 2021, focuses on David and Nadja, who attempt to rekindle their romance on a hiking trip. However, things take a nasty turn when they find themselves pursued by a relentless mystery sniper.

Serious, grim, and intense, Red Dot may have received some mixed reviews, but it’s undeniably unique and heart-stopping. 

Sniper: Legacy (2014) 

Sniper: Legacy was released in 2014, and as a lone assassin is on a mission to execute a number of military leaders, he receives the dreaded call that his father is one of his targets.

This film follows his story and how he navigates a seemingly impossible situation against a backdrop of action, thrills, and violence. 

Sniper: The White Raven (2021) 

Sniper: The White Raven is based on a true story detailing the life of a physics teacher whose pregnant wife was brutally murdered by militants.

He later enlists as a sniper in Ukraine, with a promise to seek justice for his wife and his comrades. This is more than just your average thriller; you can expect plenty of tear-jerking moments between the madness. 

Targets (1968)

Last on our list is Targets. This 1968 crime thriller received rave reviews when it was released, and its popularity continues today. A struggling, washed-up writer finds himself caught in the middle of a sniper on a relentless killing spree at a drive-in theatre.

This was released after MLK’s assassination and significantly impacted its audiences at the time. Profound, intense, and full of action – you’ll love this. 

Final Thoughts 

Next time you’re struggling to pick a new action movie for your night on the couch, get stuck into one of these fierce and magnificent movies.

Whether you want war, assassins, or political thrillers, you’ll find your next heart-stopping watch right here.

If you liked this article, you might enjoy our post on ‘15 Best Dirt Bike Movies You Can’t Miss‘.

Max Roberts
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