---
title: "War Dogs"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/war-dogs-2016"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 308266
imdb_id: "tt2005151"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 114
community_rating: 6.9
vote_count: 5546
content_rating: "R"
---

# War Dogs (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/war-dogs-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

War Dogs is a 2016 film based on a true story involving two young men named David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli. The plot follows the pair as they navigate the international arms trade. The central narrative focuses on their efforts to secure a significant business agreement with the United States government. Specifically, the two men successfully win a 300 million dollar contract from the Pentagon. Their objective under this contract is to provide weaponry and supplies to support American allies located in Afghanistan. The film explores the complexities and consequences of their involvement in this high-stakes military procurement process. By detailing their progression from small-time operators to major government contractors, the story examines the risks and moral ambiguities inherent in their chosen field. The production highlights the real-world implications of their actions as they attempt to fulfill the requirements of their massive deal while operating within the volatile environment of international arms dealing. The film remains a dramatized account of the actual events surrounding these two individuals and their significant contract.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Two young men land a massive Pentagon contract to arm Afghan allies."

### Why Watch
- Strong performances from Hill and Teller
- Based on a shocking true story
- Sharp satire of war profiteering

### Caveats & Content Note
- Some tonal shifts feel abrupt
- Plot can feel convoluted at times
- Tone & Suitability: Suitable for mature audiences due to crime and war themes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dark-comedy, crime, dramatic, satirical, intense

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Netflix Standard with Ads, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, HBO Max | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Todd Phillips
- **Networks / Studios**: The Mark Gordon Company, Joint Effort, RatPac Entertainment

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Miles Teller** as *David Packouz*
- **Jonah Hill** as *Efraim Diveroli*
- **Ana de Armas** as *Iz*
- **Bradley Cooper** as *Henry Girard*
- **Kevin Pollak** as *Ralph Slutzky*
- **Patrick St. Esprit** as *Captain Phillip Santos*
- **Shaun Toub** as *Marlboro*
- **JB Blanc** as *Bashkim*
- **Gabriel Spahiu** as *Enver*
- **Julian Sergi** as *Rosen*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is War Dogs based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on the 2011 Rolling Stone article 'Arms and the Dudes' by Guy Lawson.

### Q: Who stars in War Dogs?
The film stars Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas, and Bradley Cooper.

### Q: Who directed War Dogs?
It was directed by Todd Phillips.

### Q: What is the movie about?
It follows two young men who secure a large Pentagon contract to supply weapons to Afghan forces.

### Q: Did Bradley Cooper produce the film?
Yes, Bradley Cooper is also a producer on the film.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*