Saving Private Ryanremains one of the most iconic war movies ever made.

Each character introduced inSaving Private Ryanuses their unique perspectives to further the mission of rescuing this single soldier.

While the movie is known for its memorable ensemble cast, there are several characters that stand out.

The heroes of ‘Saving Private Ryan’ in the streets of a ravaged Ramelle.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

After becoming separated from his own unit,he encounters Miller’s Men, thinking they are his.

Hill is the perfect character to showcase just how profound the impact of war can be on people.

Jackson’s faith is notable inSaving Private Ryanbecause it grounds him as a character.

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Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.

Reiben sets himself apart from other soldiers by insisting on smoking cigars rather than standard cigarettes.

Reiben is an experienced soldier and had several brushes with death before joining the team.

Reiben is important toSaving Private Ryan, because he is the first to express doubt.

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Caparzo is a de facto leader among the group since he has so much experience.

Caparzo is a de facto leader among the group since he has so much experience.

Ryan becomes a myth that hangs over the entire story.

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He provides the inspiration that keeps this team of soldiers going as they work to complete their mission.

Ryan becomes a myth that hangs over the entire story.

Private Ryan is one of the bestSaving Private Ryancharactersbecause he provides the motivation for everyone sent to rescue him.

Paul Giamatti as a soldier, leans against a wall wearing a helmet and holding a weapon in Saving Private Ryan

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

With a background in several languages, he is comfortable waxing philosophical about the broader implications of war.

His fierce determination inspires the rest of the team, even when they are at their lowest.

2Sergent Horvath

Played by Tom Sizemore

Sergent Horvath is Miller’s second-in-command.

Barry Pepper holding a rifle in ‘Saving Private Ryan’.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

He served alongside Miller throughout the war, including in Africa and Italy.

As Miller’s second-in-command, Horvath plays an important role in the mission.

Horvath is someone his team can rely on when they feel that they can’t continue.

Giovanni Ribisi as a solider wears a helmet and holds a cigarette, looking serious in Saving Private Ryan.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

This dependability makes him one ofSaving Private Ryan’s best characters.

Horvath is passionate about the mission, which leads him to take drastic measures to ensure it’s completed.

1Captain Miller

Played by Tom Hanks

Captain Miller is the man who bringsSaving Private Ryantogether.

Edward Burns looking distraught and numb in Saving Private Ryan.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

His passion for this mission is clear, and he will stop at nothing to send Private Ryan home.

Captain Miller represents the best America had to offer in World War II.

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Vin Diesel as a soldier, covered in mud, with an injured person behind him in Saving Private Ryan.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

Private Ryan in a war-torn town, looking back at something off camera in Saving Private Ryan (1998).

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

Jeremy Davies looks worried, walking past military trenches in Saving Private Ryan.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

Adam Goldberg in military clothing in a crowd of soldiers with a weapon on his back in Saving Private Ryan.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

Tom Sizemore in military clothing and a helmet looks serious in Saving Private Ryan.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

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saving private ryan

Steven Spielberg