In Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986), Charlie Sheen stars as Private Chris Taylor, with Tom Berenger as Sergeant Barnes and Willem Dafoe as Sergeant Elias, depicting the moral chaos of the Vietnam War.
Main cast
- Chris TaylorCharlie SheenMain
- Sergeant BarnesTom BerengerMain
- Sergeant EliasWillem DafoeMain
Supporting cast
- KingKeith DavidSupp
- Big HaroldForest WhitakerSupp
- BunnyKevin DillonSupp
- Sergeant O’NeillJohn C. McGinleySupp
- SalRichard EdsonSupp
- RhahFrancesco QuinnSupp
- Lieutenant WolfeMark MosesSupp
- JuniorChris PedersenSupp
- DocRobert GalottiSupp
Guest & voice
- LernerJohnny DeppGuest
- WarrenTony ToddGuest
- TexDavid NeidorfGuest
No matches — try another name.
About this cast
Platoon is a 1986 war film written and directed by Oliver Stone, based on his own experiences in Vietnam. It follows young volunteer Chris Taylor as he is torn between two sergeants representing opposing forces of good and evil within his platoon.
FAQs
Who plays Chris Taylor in Platoon?
Chris Taylor is played by Charlie Sheen.
Is Platoon based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on writer-director Oliver Stone’s own experiences as a soldier in Vietnam.
Who plays Sergeant Barnes?
Sergeant Barnes is played by Tom Berenger.
Who plays Sergeant Elias?
Sergeant Elias is played by Willem Dafoe.
What awards did Platoon win?
It won four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026