Rebels and Patriots, written by Michael Leck and Daniel Mersey, has captured many of your imaginations and seen you take to the tabletop to refight the battles that helped to forge the United States of America. There are countless tales of great battles that we've read about in history books, seen on television shows and documentaries, and, of course, watched on the big screen!

We’ve taken a look at some of the films that could inspire you in your games of Rebels and Patriots, turning to our resident film-buff Phil Smith for his expert advice!

Major Dundee (1965)

Directed by Sam Peckinpah, Major Dundee follows the story of a Union cavalry officer (played by Charlton Heston) leading a troop of Army regulars, Confederate prisoners, and Indian scouts on an expedition into Mexico to destroy a band of Apaches during the American Civil War.

Phil’s Take: Just looking at the cast you are already onto a winner. Charlton Heston, Richard Harris, James Coburn. What’s not to love? The film’s got Union cavalry, with artillery support, some Confederate POWs, and civilian volunteers going to Mexico in pursuit of Apache rebels and encountering French forces. It’s already a Rebels and Patriots game – just field the units you fancy painting!

 

The Alamo (2004)

A massive box office bomb, The Alamo depicts the infamous Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution. 

Phil’s Take: I know it has its flaws and takes some hefty liberties, but it’s enjoyable and looks great. Bonus points for the ending with the Battle of San Jacinto. An extra fun fact for you – before donating it all to Texas, Phil Collins owned one of the largest collections of Alamo artefacts and memorabilia.

 

The Patriot (2000)

Directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Mel Gibson, Chris Cooper, Heath Ledger, and Jason Isaacs, the film follows the story of an American Colonist who is swept into the American Revolutionary War when his family is threatened.

Phil’s Take: Nonsense, but the battles are well shot, and it has a great villain in Jason Isaacs’ Colonel Tavington.

 

Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Based on James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757 and the subsequent film adaptation, The Last of the Mohicans brings the French and Indian War to the silver screen, starring Daniel Day Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, and Wes Studi.

Phil’s Take: Endlessly and effortlessly entertaining. Plus, one of the best soundtracks of all time.

 

The Buccaneer (1958)

Starring Yul Brynner and Charles Boyer, with Charlton Heston playing a supporting role, The Buccaneer tells a heavily-fictionalized version of how the privateer Lafitte helped in the Battle of New Orleans.

Phil’s take: Somehow, I’d never seen it – never even heard of it until Chris Cook (our Games Assistant) suggested it for this list. I have now watched the climactic Battle of New Orleans and want to watch the rest of it.

 

Gettysburg (1993)

An epic war film with an impressive cast, Gettysburg tells the story of one of the most famous battles in history, with Union and Confederate forces clashing in a battle that is seen by many as the turning point of the American Civil War.

Phil’s take: It’s beyond the scope of Rebels and Patriots, but I defy you to not want to wargame the ACW after watching it!

Order your copy of Rebels and Patriots today and bring these battles to your tabletop!