Apocalypse Now (1979)

Drama War
→ Influenced 11 films ← Inspired by 3 films

At the height of the Vietnam war, Captain Benjamin Willard is sent on a dangerous mission that, officially, "does not exist, nor will it ever exist." His goal is to locate - and eliminate - a mysterious Green Beret Colonel named Walter Kurtz, who has been leading his personal army on illegal guerrilla missions into enemy territory.

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Connections

← Inspired By

Patton
Patton (1970)1
 The Deer Hunter
The Deer Hunter (1978)2

→ Influenced

TÁR
TÁR (2022)3
 Full Metal Jacket
Full Metal Jacket (1987)4
 Tropic Thunder
Tropic Thunder (2008)5
 Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 (2013)6
Spec Ops: The Line (2012)7
 Apocalypse Oz
Apocalypse Oz (2006)8
 Da 5 Bloods
Da 5 Bloods (2020)9
 Dune
Dune (2021)10
 Dune: Part Two
Dune: Part Two (2024)11
 Zero Dark Thirty
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)12
 The Hurt Locker
The Hurt Locker (2008)13

Sources

Influenced By

  1. Patton (1970)
    "Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film explores the psychological impacts of war. Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay for *Patton*, was influenced by his earlier work when creating *Apocalypse Now*." Apocalypse Now Wikipedia
  2. The Deer Hunter (1978)
    "Francis Ford Coppola's epic war film, released shortly after "The Deer Hunter," also explores the horrors of the Vietnam War. While both films were developed independently, their close release dates and similar themes led to comparisons, with "Apocalypse Now" further cementing the intense and surreal portrayal of the war initiated by "The Deer Hunter."" Dotcomstories source

Influenced

  1. TÁR (2022)
    "The film's themes of power and madness are subtly referenced in *TÁR*, particularly in a scene where Lydia Tár travels to the Philippines, echoing elements from Coppola's classic." Far Out Magazine source
  2. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
    "Francis Ford Coppola's surreal depiction of the Vietnam War influenced Kubrick's approach to the subject, particularly in portraying the psychological impact of combat." Visual Memory source
  3. Tropic Thunder (2008)
    "The film's depiction of a troubled Vietnam War production mirrors the chaotic shoot of "Apocalypse Now."" 10 Best Movie References In Tropic Thunder Ben Sherlock ScreenRant
  4. Iron Man 3 (2013)
    "The portrayal of the Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley, was modeled after Colonel Kurtz from "Apocalypse Now." The character's depiction, including high-contrast lighting and shadowed appearances, directly mirrors Marlon Brando's portrayal of Kurtz." 10 Most Surprising Movies The MCU Was Inspired By Richard Craig ScreenRant
  5. Spec Ops: The Line (2012)
    "While not a movie, this video game is heavily inspired by "Apocalypse Now." The game's antagonist, Colonel John Konrad, mirrors Colonel Kurtz, and the narrative explores the psychological horrors of war, akin to the film's themes." 5 Game Characters Inspired by Apocalypse Now John Alexander Hitchcock GameRant
  6. Apocalypse Oz (2006)
    "This short film is a direct hybrid of "Apocalypse Now" and "The Wizard of Oz," blending dialogue and themes from both films to create a unique narrative." Apocalypse Oz Wikipedia
  7. Da 5 Bloods (2020)
    "Lee pays homage to Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam War epic through direct references, such as the use of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" during a river journey and a scene set in a real Ho Chi Minh City nightclub named "Apocalypse Now."" Bfi source
  8. Dune (2021)
    "Francis Ford Coppola's war film influenced Villeneuve's portrayal of Baron Harkonnen. The director confirmed that Marlon Brando's character, Colonel Kurtz, inspired his depiction of the Baron, especially in visual elements like the Baron's emergence from a mud bath." 10 Movies That Inspired Denis Villeneuve's Dune Sam Zucca ScreenRant
  9. Dune: Part Two (2024)
    "Francis Ford Coppola's war epic influenced Villeneuve's portrayal of Baron Harkonnen, with Marlon Brando's character serving as a reference point for the Baron's depiction." 10 Movies That Inspired Denis Villeneuve's Dune Sam Zucca ScreenRant
  10. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
    "Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam War epic examines the darkness of human nature and the blurred lines in warfare. "Zero Dark Thirty" reflects on similar themes, particularly the ethical ambiguities in the pursuit of justice." Lincoln, Zero Dark Thirty, and the challenges of capturing history on film AV Club
  11. The Hurt Locker (2008)
    "Screenwriter Mark Boal noted that the episodic structure of "The Hurt Locker" was influenced by "Apocalypse Now," aiming to capture a similar sensibility about war." Hurt Locker Screenwriter Mark Boal on How His Script Was Inspired by a ‘News Black Hole’ Bilge Ebiri Vulture