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The 15 Best War Movies to Watch Right Now

Want action and explosions? These movies fit the bill

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People enjoy watching war movies to relive a bit of history, learn more about veterans' experiences, and enjoy an action-packed movie. You can find almost every major war movie online; these are the best military movies you can stream right now.

Saving Private Ryan (1998): Best Investigative War Movie

1998 Paramount Pictures/IMDB

• IMDB rating : 8.6/10
• Genre : Drama/War
• Starring : Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore
• Director : Steven Spielberg
• Motion Picture Rating : R
• Running time : 169 min

This epic film tells the story of John Miller (Tom Hanks) who, after surviving the horrors of the Omaha Beach landing, has to recruit several men to embark on a dangerous mission. The mission? To sneak across the battlefields of France and locate a needle in a haystack; a single private whose brothers have all died in the war effort.

The search for Private Ryan takes the group of men through a German machine gun position, into the crosshairs of a German sniper, and finally to the bridge where they must assist with a last stand in order to complete their mission. The film won the Golden Globes award for the Best Picture and Director. It also won the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound and Sound Effects Editing.

Hacksaw Ridge (2016): Best Inspirational Story

Cross Creek Pictures\IMDB

• IMDB rating : 8.1/10
• Genre : Biography, Drama, History
• Starring : Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey
• Director : Mel Gibson
• Running time : 139 min

This may be one of the only military movies you'll ever watch that features a hero who refuses to kill people. In this riveting film, you'll meet Christian pacifist Desmond Doss, who wants to join the war effort, but doesn't want to kill anyone. Desmond becomes an Army Medic, but faces scorn and ridicule from the men who train alongside him.

In one of the most inspirational films in the genre, Desmond goes on to save countless lives and receives the Medal of Honor, without firing a single shot while in action. This film won several accolades, including Best Motion Picture of the Year at the Oscars, as well as Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Motion Picture Director at the Golden Globes.

Overlord (2018): Best Video Game Adventure

Paramount Pictures\IMDB

• IMDB rating : 6.6/10
• Genre : Action, Adventure, Horror
• Starring : Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Mathilde Ollivier
• Director : Julius Avery
• Running time : 110 min

For video game enthusiasts familiar with the entire DOOM franchise, the premise of this film will feel familiar. The film opens the evening of D-Day as American paratroopers drop behind enemy lines and make their way toward a radio transmitter at a church inside a Nazi-occupied village. They soon realize that the Church hides a terrifying underground lab where they must come face to face with creatures straight out of their worst nightmares.

The film didn't win any major film awards beyond the Best Horror Film from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, but it is still one of the more terrifying and heart-pounding war films on this list.

Free State of Jones (2016): Best Fight for Freedom

STX Productions\IMDB

• IMDB rating : 6.9/10
• Genre : Action, Biography, Drama
• Starring : Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali
• Director : Gary Ross

This film, set during the Civil War, tells the true story of Newt Knight, a Southern Farmer who is ahead of his time. During the war, Knight joins up with other farmers and escaped slaves in an armed uprising against the Confederacy. The story doesn't end once the war does. You'll learn about his controversial actions during the Reconstruction to ensure that his fellow neighbors are able to vote.

This film was one of McConaughey's best performances, and won him Best Actor at the BET Awards.

Fury (2014): Best Tank Warfare Film

Sony Pictures\IMDB

• IMDB rating : 7.6/10
• Genre : Action, Drama, War
• Starring : Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman
• Director : David Ayer
• Running time : 134 min

You may not think that a film about a single tank would be terribly exciting, but Fury proves that tank warfare can be as edge-of-your-seat thrilling as any other military movie. In this film, Sergeant Don "Wardaddy" Collier takes his five-man tank crew into a nerve-wracking mission behind Nazy enemy lines. It's a suicide mission, but it'll have you standing and cheering on the tank named Fury as the crew stands strong against overwhelming odds.

13 Hours (2016): Most Tragic Political Story

• IMDB rating : 7.3/10
• Genre : Action, Drama, History
• Starring : John Krasinski, Pablo Schreiber, James Badge Dale
• Director : Michael Bay
• Running time : 144 min

The attack on the Benghazi U.S. Diplomatic compound became political fodder during the 2016 U.S. election, but few people understood the true drama that unfolded there. This film highlights the experiences of the six ex-military CIA contractors who defied all odds to defend the compound from hordes of heavily-armed insurgents.

The film is presented with typical Michael Bay cinematography, meaning edge-of-your seat action and lots of explosions. This film won one Oscar for Sound Mixing and the Golden Trailer award for Best Drama.

Lone Survivor (2013): Best Survival War Movie

Universal Pictures\IMDB

• IMDB rating : 7.5/10
• Starring : Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch
• Director : Peter Berg
• Running time : 121 min

This military movie centers around a single mission that took place in June of 2005 where a team of Navy Seals, led by Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg) set out to take out a Taliban leader by the name of Ahmad Shah. After local Taliban discover their presence, the team is forced to fight for their very survival. This is one of those military movies that leave you no room to breath. This film was one of Wahlberg's first and best military film performances.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Best Al-Qaeda History Lesson

Zero Dark Thirty\IMDB

• IMDB rating : 7.4/10
• Genre : Drama, History, Thriller
• Starring : Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt
• Director : Kathryn Bigelow
• Running time : 157 min

While the ten year quest to track down Osama bin Laden following 9/11 is described in nearly every modern history book, this film is the best way to experience the hunt yourself. Zero Dark Thirty details real efforts by real people like young CIA agent "Maya" (Jessica Chastain) whose work led to the location of bin Laden's Pakistan compound. The reconstruction of the raid on the compound aligned as closely to the actual military raid as possible.

American Sniper (2014): Best Psychological War Movie

Warner Bros\IMDB

• Starring : Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner
• Director : Clint Eastwood
• Running time : 133 min

For moviegoers who love watching a skilled marksman save the day, this movie fits the bill. It covers the story of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), a Navy S.E.A.L. renowned for his sniper skills. However, unlike most other war movies like this, it also details Kyle's struggles to adapt back into his family life after returning home. It's an engrossing film that combines both action and drama into one powerful package.

Platoon (1986): Best Vietnam Classic

• Genre : Drama, War
• Starring : Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe
• Director : Oliver Stone
• Running time : 120 min

Platoon is an iconic film that hit the theaters during the 1980s. It told the story of Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) who quits college to volunteer to serve in Vietnam. What he discovers there is moral turmoil and psychological conflict that plagues nearly every member of his platoon. He witnesses the destruction of villages, senseless horrors, and conflict within the ranks. By the end of his part in the war, Chris is left forever changed.

The film won Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars, and multiple Best Actor in a Supporting Role awards as well. It also claimed the titles of Best Motion Picture - Drama, and Best Director at the Golden Globes.

We Were Soldiers (2002): Best Never Give Up Story

• IMDB rating : 7.2/10
• Starring : Mel Gibson, Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear
• Director : Randall Wallace
• Running time : 138 min

If you enjoy war movies, this is one that should be at the top of your list. It features the true story of the Army's 1st Calvary Division in one of the earlier major battles in Vietnam in 1965. The focus of the film is the vicious battle that took place in La Drang Valley, portrayed from the perspective of Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore (Mel Gibson). Few movies portrayed the chaos and senseless violence that soldier's experienced in the midst of Vietnam.

Full Metal Jacket (1987): Most Iconic War Movie

• IMDB rating : 8.3/10
• Starring : Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio
• Director : Stanley Kubrick
• Running time : 116 min

Director Stanley Kubrick created many masterpieces in his lifetime, and this film was no exception. It brought the world iconic (and highly quotable) characters like Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey). The two part movie takes you through brutal basic training, and then continues in 1968 when the recruits enter into the Vietnam conflict. Each character has their own story that develops brilliantly throughout the film.

Apocalypse Now (1979): Most Realistic Vietnam Film

Zoetrope Studios\IMDB

• IMDB rating : 8.4/10
• Genre : Drama, Mystery, War
• Starring : Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall
• Director : Francis ford Coppola
• Running time : 147 min

One of the earliest Vietnam war films of the era, released in 1979, Apocalypse Now became the world's first real insight into the psychological turmoil troops experienced during the war. This film details U.S. Army Captain Benjamin Willard's (Martin Sheen) mission to track down Green Beret Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando). Willard meets the iconic Lt. Colonel Kilgore who uttered the famous line, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning." What Willard (and moviegoers) discover is that "insanity" isn't so easily defined in the context of the Vietnam war.

This film won two well-deserved Oscar awards - Best Cinematography and Best Sound, as well as several Golden Globe awards including Best Picture and Best Director.

Unbroken (2014): The Most Inspirational Survival Story

• Starring : Jack O'Connell, Miyavi, Domhnall Gleeson
• Director : Angelina Jolie
• Motion Picture Rating : PG-13
• Running time : 137 min

Few war movies can match the level of inspiration offered by Unbroken. It details the story of Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini, who crashed into the Pacific during World War II and was captured by the Japanese Navy. The film details Louie's time in a brutal Japanese POW camp, and his survival there. There are moments in the film that portray conditions where most men would crack, but Louis exemplified the unbreakable spirit of an Olympic athlete. The most captivating moment was when his unwillingness to collapse even put his Japanese captors in awe.

The Siege of Jadotville (2016): Best Castle Defense Story

Netflix\IMDB

• Starring : Richard Lukunku, Danny Sapani, Andrew Stock
• Director : Richie Smyth
• Motion Picture Rating : TV-MA
• Running time : 108 min

This film portrays the true story of an Irish peacekeeping force that was charged in 1961 to protect the mining town of Jadotville during the start of the civil war in Congo. The focus of the movie centers around attacks by French and Belgian Mercenaries, and the heroic and selfless actions of the Irish peacekeepers to fend off those attacks.

Jamie Dornan is amazing as Irish Commandant Pat Quinlan. The battle scenes will leave you on the edge of your seat, wondering if the under-supplied Irish soldiers are going to run out of bullets before the last skirmish is over.

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The 140+ Best Biography Movies

Biographical films explore the fascinating lives of historical figures and cultural icons. The best biography movies offer viewers a captivating look into the lives of these people, skillfully recreating stories that have shaped history and left a lasting impact on the world. With unforgettable narratives to explore, you will find these films showcase exceptional storytelling, nuanced performances, and unparalleled cinematic vision. 

The best biography movies offer not just boring history, but gripping, groundbreaking, and original narratives. For instance, films like Catch Me If You Can follow the high-stakes exploits of a charming con artist, blending thrilling action with compelling character development. Schindler's List, on the other hand, tackles the harrowing subject of the Holocaust, masterfully capturing the heroic efforts of one man to save lives during a dark time in history. Then there's A Beautiful Mind, which delves into the complex life of renowned mathematician John Nash, showcasing the challenges and triumphs associated with his brilliance. These films are but a few examples of the best biographical movies that excellently capture the essence of their subjects and the genre. 

The lasting impact of these movies demonstrate how well they resonate with audiences, transcending time and cultural boundaries. Biographical movies not only accurately depict the lives of their subjects, but they also elevate the art of storytelling by blending truth with cinematic dramar. Through these exceptional films, viewers gain fresh perspectives on the world, history, and the individuals who have shaped it, marking these biographical movies as the very best in their field. 

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Cinderella Man

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The People vs. Larry Flynt

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12 Years a Slave

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50 best American war movies

Throughout history, war has been processed, glorified, and protested through art. Ancient battle scenes stand as among the earliest artistic depictions in civilized society, used at the time for documenting wars won and for intimidating enemies. Since then, myriad impressions of wartime have been shared throughout every civilization and from virtually every perspective. Classic books like Ernest Hemingway's "Farewell to Arms" stand as celebrated examples of anti-war works, while pieces like Diego Rivera's " The Nightmare of War and Dream of Peace " incited controversy.

Among the most powerful mediums artists have found to transmit and better understand the effects of war is film. To determine the best American war movies, Stacker compiled data on all American war movies to come up with the Stacker score—a weighted index split evenly between IMDb and Metacritic scores. To qualify, the film had to have an IMDb user score and Metascore, be American-made, and deal explicitly with the United State's involvement in a war. Ties were broken by Metascore, and further ties were broken by IMDb user votes. These are the women and men of Hollywood who have stepped into the shoes of the greatest heroes in American history, both real and fictional.

Keep reading to see which war movies have made the list, how many came from Clint Eastwood, and which Stanley Kubrik titles crested the top 20.

#50. Fury (2014)

- Director: David Ayer - Stacker score: 77.3 - Metascore: 64 - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Runtime: 134 minutes

Brad Pitt leads an ensemble cast in this World War II drama about a U.S. tank unit deep in Nazi territory during the final days of the war. Shia LaBeouf, Jon Bernthal, Logan Lerman, and Michael Peña round out the tank's crew.

#49. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

- Director: Barry Levinson - Stacker score: 77.3 - Metascore: 67 - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Runtime: 121 minutes

In "Good Morning, Vietnam," comedic genius Robin Williams stars as irreverent DJ Adrian Cronauer, host of the country's Armed Forces Radio Service station during the war. Laugh-out-loud funny, and occasionally soberingly realistic, Roger Ebert said that the role was "far and away the best work Williams has ever done in a movie." It also remains one of the few examples of war-comedy on this list.

#48. Flying Leathernecks (1951)

- Director: Nicholas Ray - Stacker score: 77.3 - Metascore: 75 - IMDb user rating: 6.5 - Runtime: 102 minutes

A group of U.S. Marines falls under new command in the lead-up to the battle of Guadalcanal in " Flying Leathernecks ." Blatantly pro-war, it has often been said that the 1951 film was assigned to director Nicholas Ray, a known liberal who disagreed with the film's political stance, so that he could essentially prove his loyalty during the Red Scare.

#47. The Americanization of Emily (1964)

- Director: Arthur Hiller - Stacker score: 77.9 - Metascore: 68 - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Runtime: 115 minutes

As much a love story as it is a war movie, " The Americanization of Emily " sees Lt. Cmdr. Charles Edward Madison, an easy-living American soldier played by James Garner, fall for an Englishwoman, played by Julie Andrews, only to have their newly blossoming romance thrown into turmoil when he gets sent on a dangerous and senseless mission. Set in the time period just before D-Day, the film is based on a novel of the same name by William Bradford Huie.

#46. Catch-22 (1970)

- Director: Mike Nichols - Stacker score: 77.9 - Metascore: 70 - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Runtime: 122 minutes

An adaptation of Joseph Heller's classic novel of the same name, " Catch-22 " is a satirical, anti-war movie set during World War II. It follows a desperate pilot's mission to be declared certifiably insane so that he can be discharged from combat. Released around the same time as "M.A.S.H."—#20 on the list—"Catch-22" was not a commercial or critical success upon its debut, but has since found itself a cult following.

#45. Tropic Thunder (2008)

- Director: Ben Stiller - Stacker score: 77.9 - Metascore: 71 - IMDb user rating: 7 - Runtime: 107 minutes

War and comedy are not often words heard in the same sentence, unless, of course, you are speaking about Ben Stiller's " Tropic Thunder ." The late '00s movie follows a group of actors who head out into the jungle to make a film about the Vietnam War only to find that they must become the soldiers they're pretending to be. The cast is packed with some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Cruise, and Matthew McConaughey.

#44. Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

- Director: Stanley Kramer - Stacker score: 78.5 - Metascore: 60 - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Runtime: 179 minutes

Stanley Kramer directed this fictionalized retelling of one of the Nuremberg trials in which four Nazi judges were held accountable for their crimes against humanity. A number of Old Hollywood stars, including Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Spencer Tracy, and Burt Lancaster star in the black-and-white film. However, it was a relative newcomer, Maximilian Schell , who walked away with an Oscar for his performance, reprising his role as Hans Rolfe from the story's original "Playhouse 90" TV broadcast.

#43. A Private War (2018)

- Director: Matthew Heineman - Stacker score: 78.5 - Metascore: 75 - IMDb user rating: 6.7 - Runtime: 110 minutes

Rosamund Pike stars as Marie Colvin, an American journalist who devoted her life to covering the civil wars of some of the world's most dangerous countries, in " A Private War ." The film does well what Colvin tried so hard to do in her reporting—that is, highlights the plight of the innocent victims of conflict—while also giving audiences an idea of the considerable risk war reporters put themselves in to bring them the truth.

#42. Courage Under Fire (1996)

- Director: Edward Zwick - Stacker score: 79 - Metascore: 77 - IMDb user rating: 6.6 - Runtime: 116 minutes

One of the first war movies to tackle the Gulf War, " Courage Under Fire " follows an army officer who is tasked with determining whether or not a posthumous Medal of Honor should be awarded to a downed helicopter commander, all while dealing with his own demons. It stars Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan, who plays the fictional Capt. Karen Emma Walden, who, in the film, became the first woman to win the honor for valor in combat.

#41. American Sniper (2014)

- Director: Clint Eastwood - Stacker score: 80.1 - Metascore: 72 - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Runtime: 133 minutes

Clint Eastwood brought the story of America's deadliest sniper, Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, to the big screen in 2014's "American Sniper." Starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, the movie not only underlines the impressiveness of Kyle's life and wartime accomplishments, but also examines the way war can change even its toughest players .

#40. Cold Mountain (2003)

- Director: Anthony Minghella - Stacker score: 80.1 - Metascore: 73 - IMDb user rating: 7.2 - Runtime: 154 minutes

An all-star cast and the seven Oscar nominations for " Cold Mountain " secured its place as one of the best war movies of all time. The early '90s movie follows a Confederacy deserter, played by Jude Law, as he journeys home to reunite with the woman he loves, played by Nicole Kidman. A sort of early American "Odyssey," the film is surprisingly historically accurate and deeply emotional.

#39. Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)

- Director: Allan Dwan - Stacker score: 80.7 - Metascore: 75 - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Runtime: 100 minutes

Few battles have captured the American imagination like the one that took place on Iwo Jima during World War II. Dwan's "Sands of Iwo Jima" is among the many retellings of the event, following a Marine platoon led by John Wayne from basic training through that iconic raising of the American flag. One Variety magazine critic complained the saga was too sentimental and superficial ; judging by the film's IMDb user rating, fans seem to disagree.

#38. Casualties of War (1989)

- Director: Brian De Palma - Stacker score: 80.7 - Metascore: 75 - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Runtime: 113 minutes

The Washington Post called "Casualties of War" "one of the most morally complex movies about men at war ever made." The film, which is about how war drags men down into barbarism, is a tough watch. Set during the Vietnam War, it tells the story of the incident on Hill 192, in which an American squad kidnapped, raped, and killed a young Vietnamese woman despite the vehement objections of one of their own.

#37. Hell Is for Heroes (1962)

- Director: Don Siegel - Stacker score: 80.7 - Metascore: 76 - IMDb user rating: 7 - Runtime: 90 minutes

"Hell Is for Heroes" recalls an incident from World War II in which the 95th Infantry Division was tasked with holding off an entire German company for two days while awaiting reinforcements. Steve McQueen stars in the movie, and rumor has it that his excellent performance was a real reflection of his anger at having to appear in the movie at all.

#36. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

- Director: Oliver Stone - Stacker score: 81.2 - Metascore: 75 - IMDb user rating: 7.2 - Runtime: 145 minutes

Tom Cruise stars in "Born on the Fourth of July" as Ron Kovic, a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran who becomes an anti-war activist after being disenchanted with the country he literally laid down his body for. Based on the memoirs of the real-life Kovic, the film was a commercial and critical success and took home several major awards including Golden Globes and Oscars.

#35. Da 5 Bloods (2020)

- Director: Spike Lee - Stacker score: 81.2 - Metascore: 82 - IMDb user rating: 6.5 - Runtime: 154 minutes

Spike Lee tackles the experience of Black Vietnam War veterans in " Da 5 Bloods ." His epic follows four 60-something men who return to the South Asian country in search of the body of their fallen leader (Chadwick Boseman) and the bars of gold they buried alongside him. Originally intended as a straightforward action caper, Lee retooled the movie to address the tension Black soldiers have faced fighting for America's freedom while not being able to fully experience that freedom themselves.

#34. The Big Red One (1980)

- Director: Samuel Fuller - Stacker score: 81.8 - Metascore: 77 - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Runtime: 113 minutes

A semi-autobiographical film by director Samuel Fuller, "The Big Red One" follows a group of sharpshooters as they fight their way across Europe during World War II. Fuller, a veteran of the 1st Infantry Division, independently produced the film, which he largely shot in Israel and completed on a minuscule budget. Despite not being a box office hit or a major award winner, the film managed to attract a small, but devoted, following that has ensured its continued success.

#33. The Messenger (2009)

- Director: Oren Moverman - Stacker score: 81.8 - Metascore: 77 - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Runtime: 113 minutes

In Oren Moverman's "The Messenger," Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson are tasked with delivering next-of-kin notifications to fallen soldiers' families. The film was nominated for Academy, Golden Globe, and SAG awards.

#32. Mister Roberts (1955)

- Directors: John Ford, Mervyn LeRoy, Joshua Logan - Stacker score: 82.3 - Metascore: 72 - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Runtime: 123 minutes

"Mister Roberts" features one of the most notable war movie casts in history. Henry Fonda plays Doug Roberts, a Navy cargo ship lieutenant stationed far from the action of World War II, who takes care of his crew while trying to get transferred to an active post—away from the overbearing commander of his ship. James Cagney plays the hated captain, William Powell plays the ship's doctor in his final cinematic role, and Jack Lemmon earned an Oscar for his work as a reluctant sailor.

#31. Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

- Director: Clint Eastwood - Stacker score: 82.3 - Metascore: 79 - IMDb user rating: 7 - Runtime: 135 minutes

"Flags of Our Fathers" tells the story of the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Marines, focusing particularly on the six who raised the American flag on the small island. The film stars Ryan Phillippe, Paul Walker, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, John Slattery, and Jamie Bell.

#30. Johnny Got His Gun (1971)

- Director: Dalton Trumbo - Stacker score: 82.9 - Metascore: 71 - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Runtime: 111 minutes

" Johnny Got His Gun " is much more of an anti-war film than it is a war film. The plot follows Timothy Bottoms, an 18-year-old who enlists during World War I only to lose his arms, legs, sight, hearing, and ability to speak. The grim tale didn't attract legions of fans, and likely would have been widely forgotten if not for its presence in the music video for Metallica's song "One."

#29. The Dirty Dozen (1967)

- Director: Robert Aldrich - Stacker score: 82.9 - Metascore: 73 - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Runtime: 150 minutes

The standard war movie gets a criminal twist in "Th Dirty Dozen." Twelve of the Army's worst convicts are brought together in World War II, forming a ragtag unit charged with parachuting into a French chateau. Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, and John Cassavetes are just a small sampling of the film's star-studded cast, and it's been lauded on a number of American Film Institute's best-of lists—including America's Most Heart-Pounding Movies.

#28. Rescue Dawn (2006)

- Director: Werner Herzog - Stacker score: 82.9 - Metascore: 77 - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Runtime: 120 minutes

Christian Bale stars as Dieter Dengler, one of only seven American soldiers who managed to escape from Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camps and survive, in "Rescue Dawn." The drama was based on one of Herzog's own films, "Little Dieter Learns to Fly," a documentary he completed several years earlier about the same subject. While not a box office hit by any stretch of the imagination, the film was Herzog's highest-grossing picture to date, pulling in $5.5 million in the United States.

#27. Black Hawk Down (2001)

- Director: Ridley Scott - Stacker score: 83.4 - Metascore: 74 - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Runtime: 144 minutes

"Black Hawk Down" began as a 29-part series of articles in the Philadelphia Inquirer, became a bestselling book by Mark Bowden, and then a Ridley Scott movie. The story follows a 1993 raid in Somalia as Army Rangers attempt to capture two rogue militia commanders, with Josh Hartnett and Ewan McGregor leading an impressive ensemble cast.

#26. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

- Director: Quentin Tarantino - Stacker score: 84 - Metascore: 69 - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Runtime: 153 minutes

While it's not rooted in reality, per se, this impactful Quentin Tarantino movie tells the story of a revenge plot against the Nazis with Jewish soldiers taking the lead. Brad Pitt stars, with Christoph Waltz stealing the show as a Nazi colonel trying to stop the soldiers from achieving their goals. The film did extremely well at the box office and earned a variety of Oscar nominations for best motion picture, best director, and more.

#25. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

- Director: Mel Gibson - Stacker score: 84 - Metascore: 71 - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Runtime: 139 minutes

"Hacksaw Ridge" tells the story of a pacifist American Army medic in World War II who serves without a weapon and vows to never hurt or kill an enemy soldier. Andrew Garfield plays the lead in the movie, which is based on the 2004 documentary " The Conscientious Objector ." While it didn't win any major awards, the movie was nominated for Best Motion Picture at both the Oscars and Golden Globes.

#24. The Longest Day (1962)

- Directors: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, Darryl F. Zanuck - Stacker score: 84.5 - Metascore: 75 - IMDb user rating: 7.8 - Runtime: 178 minutes

This massive World War II epic tells the story of D-Day from both Allied and Axis perspectives. Richard Burton, Sean Connery, John Wayne, and Robert Mitchum are just a few of the biggest names in the black-and-white classic, which is notorious for its extensive roster of extras and unique storytelling told from multiple perspectives in native tongues with subtitles.

#23. Three Kings (1999)

- Director: David O. Russell - Stacker score: 84.5 - Metascore: 82 - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Runtime: 114 minutes

George Clooney, Spike Jonze, Mark Whalberg, and Ice Cube star in this film about four soldiers who, in the immediate aftermath of the Gulf War, set out to find a trove of gold that's been hidden by Saddam Hussein's troops. "Three Kings" was a box office smash, earning more than $107 million worldwide.

#22. Lifeboat (1944)

- Director: Alfred Hitchcock - Stacker score: 85.1 - Metascore: 78 - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Runtime: 97 minutes

Tallulah Bankhead stars in this mid-career experiment from Alfred Hitchcock about a group of survivors trapped in a lifeboat with the German U-boat captain who sank their freighter. Novelist John Steinbeck wrote the original version of the story, refined by Hitchcock before production began. The finished story panned for appearing too sympathetic to the German character.

#21. The Thin Red Line (1998)

- Director: Terrence Malick - Stacker score: 85.1 - Metascore: 78 - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Runtime: 170 minutes

At nearly three hours long, Terrence Malick's adaptation of James Jones' autobiography takes viewers deep into the South Pacific's Guadalcanal Campaign in World War II. Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, and Jim Caviezel starred, with smaller parts played by George Clooney, John Cusack, and Woody Harrelson. " The Thin Red Line " marked Malick's first return to film since the 1978 film " Days of Heaven ," and he wound up with Academy Award nominations for writing and directing.

#20. M.A.S.H. (1970)

- Director: Robert Altman - Stacker score: 85.1 - Metascore: 80 - IMDb user rating: 7.4 - Runtime: 116 minutes

One of the most celebrated war films of all time, this dark comedy won the top award at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival, earned Oscar nominations for best picture and best director, and was a box office smash for 20th Century Fox. Donald Sutherland, Sally Kellerman, Elliott Gould, Robert Duvall, and Tom Skerritt led the all-star cast—and the film's TV adaptation famously became one of the most popular programs of the 1970s.

#19. The Quiet American (2002)

- Director: Phillip Noyce - Stacker score: 85.1 - Metascore: 84 - IMDb user rating: 7 - Runtime: 101 minutes

" The Quiet American " is at once a story of a love triangle and an examination of the way Americans set the stage for their involvement in the Vietnam War. A young CIA operative played by Brendan Fraser arrives in the South Asian country in order to conduct what essentially amounts to a terrorist attack that is designed to sway public opinion about the country's involvement in the fighting. Along the way, he falls in love with a Vietnamese woman who is also involved with an English journalist, played by Michael Caine, who then acts on his own jealousy to alter the course of the trio's lives forever.

#18. Fail Safe (1964)

- Director: Sidney Lumet - Stacker score: 85.6 - Metascore: 75 - IMDb user rating: 8 - Runtime: 112 minutes

Set during the Cold War, " Fail Safe " is a high-stakes tale about an accidentally ordered U.S. thermonuclear strike on the Soviet Union that must be stopped at all costs, lest a full-blown war break out. The Sidney Lumet film is based on a novel of the same name by Eugene Brudick and Harvey Wheeler that was serialized in the Saturday Evening Post throughout the Cuban Missile Crisis. The film, which exudes a sense of panic from open to close that is amplified by its lack of musical score, was a box office flop in the '60s but has since become something of a cult classic.

#17. Glory (1989)

- Director: Edward Zwick - Stacker score: 86.2 - Metascore: 78 - IMDb user rating: 7.8 - Runtime: 122 minutes

Denzel Washington won his first Oscar for his role in this Civil War film about one of the first all-Black regiments in American history. Matthew Broderick plays Capt. Robert Shaw, a white colonel in charge of a group of Black volunteers for the Union Army. The group deals with racism and prejudice within its ranks while fighting against the Confederacy.

#16. They Were Expendable (1945)

- Directors: John Ford, Robert Montgomery - Stacker score: 87.3 - Metascore: 86 - IMDb user rating: 7.2 - Runtime: 135 minutes

Released on the fourth anniversary of Pearl Harbor, " They Were Expendable " tells the loosely based-on-real-life tale of a PT boat squadron that is tasked with the near-impossible act of protecting the Philippines from Japanese invasion during World War II. A grim picture, the movie stars John Wayne—infamous for his own lack of service—along with Robert Montgomery, and Donna Reed. The film was a critical success but not a box-office hit, perhaps because its realistic depiction of events hit too close to home for too many.

#15. Full Metal Jacket (1987)

- Director: Stanley Kubrick - Stacker score: 87.8 - Metascore: 76 - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Runtime: 116 minutes

The penultimate film of Stanley Kubrick's career, "Full Metal Jacket" details the process of a Marine from boot camp through his combat deployment in Vietnam. As opposed to the war movies of the mid-20th century, this film paints war as an excruciating ordeal that can barely be survived. Matthew Modine stars alongside Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin, and R. Lee Ermey.

#14. Lincoln (2012)

- Director: Steven Spielberg - Stacker score: 87.8 - Metascore: 86 - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Runtime: 150 minutes

One of America's most beloved presidents gets the Spielberg treatment in this sprawling two-and-a-half-hour biopic that tracks Abraham Lincoln's presidency during the final days of the Civil War. Daniel Day-Lewis won the Oscar for his work as the commander in chief; the rest of the cast featured big names including Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.

#13. From Here to Eternity (1953)

- Director: Fred Zinnemann - Stacker score: 89 - Metascore: 85 - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Runtime: 118 minutes

" From Here to Eternity " stars Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Frank Sinatra as soldiers stationed in Hawaii in the months before the Pearl Harbor attack. It won eight Oscars in 1954 and was added to the National Film Registry for its tremendous cultural significance.

#12. Stalag 17 (1953)

- Director: Billy Wilder - Stacker score: 90.6 - Metascore: 84 - IMDb user rating: 8.0 - Runtime: 120 minutes

"Stalag 17" was originally a hit Broadway play, but it found a much wider audience when Billy Wilder turned it into a film starring William Holden. The plot revolves around a group of American pilot prisoners-of-war being held in a German prison camp. Holden won the Academy Award for his role as J.J. Sefton, the camp's resident wheeler-and-dealer who's happy to barter with anyone—including the German guards.

#11. The Deer Hunter (1978)

- Director: Michael Cimino - Stacker score: 92.3 - Metascore: 86 - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Runtime: 183 minutes

"The Deer Hunter" is another film about the ravages of war on a soldier's psyche after the battle is over. This time it's Vietnam, with Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage playing three deeply scarred men. The American Film Institute named it one of the best movies in American history, and Academy Awards voters agreed . They named the movie best picture in 1979 and gave Meryl Streep her first Oscar nomination.

#10. The Great Escape (1963)

- Director: John Sturges - Stacker score: 92.8 - Metascore: 86 - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Runtime: 172 minutes

While it didn't pick up any major awards, "The Great Escape" has been widely recognized as one of the greatest war movies of all time . Set in a German prisoner-of-war camp in Poland, it tells the story of a multinational group of high-level military prisoners that makes a concerted effort to escape. Steve McQueen leads the international cast, which includes James Garner, James Coburn, and Richard Attenborough.

#9. Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)

- Director: Clint Eastwood - Stacker score: 92.8 - Metascore: 89 - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Runtime: 141 minutes

A companion piece to "Flags of Our Fathers," "Letters From Iwo Jima" is a Japanese-language film about the World War II battle of Iwo Jima, told from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers who fought it. The Clint Eastwood picture stands apart from the war movie crowd because it's not a story of hard-fought victory, but rather one of inevitable defeat , the type of story rarely seen on the big screen. It was clearly a take that resonated with critics and audiences alike, as demonstrated by the film's box office success and nomination for several prestigious awards including Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

#8. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

- Director: Kathryn Bigelow - Stacker score: 93.4 - Metascore: 95 - IMDb user rating: 7.4 - Runtime: 157 minutes

"Zero Dark Thirty" chronicles America's decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda terrorist leader who is believed to have been the instigator behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Upon its release, some viewers criticized the film for its gruesome depiction of torture while others defended the scenes' inclusion on the basis that the events in question were factual. The film was praised for the realism of its concluding scenes of the Navy SEAL unit's raid on bin Laden's compound, derived from top-secret information revealed by former CIA Director Leon Panetta at a ceremony in 2011.

#7. Patton (1970)

- Director: Franklin J. Schaffner - Stacker score: 93.9 - Metascore: 91 - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Runtime: 172 minutes

American war hero Gen. George Patton is the subject of this award-winning film that cleaned up at the Oscars in 1971 with statues going to the film for best picture, best director, best screenplay, and best actor for George C. Scott's role as the general. Scott actually rejected the award in one of the Oscars' biggest scandals. The film follows Patton's rise to legendary status as he takes on larger and larger military theaters, emerging victorious in all of them.

#6. The Hurt Locker (2008)

- Director: Kathryn Bigelow - Stacker score: 93.9 - Metascore: 95 - IMDb user rating: 7.5 - Runtime: 131 minutes

" The Hurt Locker " director Kathryn Bigelow made history when she became the first woman to win the Academy Award for best director in 2010. The film also won for Best Picture and made lead actor Jeremy Renner a bona fide star. The film is about a bomb squad soldier in the Iraq War who breaks from standard Army protocol in bomb-diffusing situations, alienating himself from his fellow soldiers.

#5. Platoon (1986)

- Director: Oliver Stone - Stacker score: 95.6 - Metascore: 92 - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Runtime: 120 minutes

Oliver Stone first made his mark as a major director with this story of an ill-prepared platoon during the Vietnam War. The first of Stone's Vietnam trilogy—"Heaven & Earth" and "Born on the Fourth of July" round out the trio—"Platoon" is an anti-war movie that shows the horrific side of combat. The cast features Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, and Charlie Sheen.

#4. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

- Director: Steven Spielberg - Stacker score: 97.8 - Metascore: 91 - IMDb user rating: 8.6 - Runtime: 169 minutes

"Saving Private Ryan" stars Tom Hanks as the leader of a World War II Army unit on a search and rescue mission. The group—played by a top-notch ensemble cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, and Ed Burns—is tasked with going behind enemy lines to save a soldier whose brothers have already lost their lives to the war. The film earned five Academy Awards.

#3. Apocalypse Now (1979)

- Director: Francis Ford Coppola - Stacker score: 98.3 - Metascore: 94 - IMDb user rating: 8.4 - Runtime: 147 minutes

The cast alone is reason enough to watch this dark war film, with Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, and Marlon Brando all taking turns wowing the audience. Coppola had already earned acclaim as the director of "The Godfather;" "Apocalypse Now" solidified his reputation as an A-list director. Based on Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness," but set during the Vietnam War, the film involves an Army captain who's sent to Cambodia to remove a rogue officer who has taken over a local tribe.

#2. Gone With the Wind (1939)

- Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood - Stacker score: 98.3 - Metascore: 97 - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Runtime: 238 minutes

At almost four hours long, "Gone With the Wind" is a sprawling Civil War epic about the downfall of a well-to-do Georgia family. The adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel stars Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh and took home 10 Oscars.

#1. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

- Director: Stanley Kubrick - Stacker score: 100 - Metascore: 97 - IMDb user rating: 8.4 - Runtime: 95 minutes

This Kubrick classic is a satire on war and nuclear oblivion. Peter Sellers and George C. Scott star in the rare comedy of Kubrick's canon. While it didn't win any Academy Awards, it was nominated in all of the major categories.

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20 Best Modern War Movies (2000 – 2022)

War is often a prolific subject matter and important genre when it comes to movies.

War films can reflect the best and worst of humanity, our history and our present, and the expansive art of movie making itself.

Of course, not all war movies have an impact on audiences or critics, but some are so innovative, memorable, and significant that they become almost instant classics.

Here are the 20 best modern war movies, from the years 2000 to 2022.

Related Article – 10 Best Navy SEAL Movies Of All Time

Table of Contents

20. Letters From Iwo Jima

Letters from Iwo Jima is a 2006 war film directed by Clint Eastwood.

This film is unique in that it is an American film but takes the battle perspective of Japanese soldiers.

Letters from Iwo Jima is a companion film to Flags of Our Fathers (also by Eastwood), portraying the same battle from the American point of view.

These films were created back-to-back, with Letters from Iwo Jima being almost entirely in Japanese and with Japanese actors.

The film earned great critical acclaim and four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

Letters from Iwo Jima is significant as an American war film in that it offers a viewpoint of this battle, and the complexity of war, from the “opposite” side.

Clint Eastwood ensured that this movie was carefully and authentically presented, and both American and Japanese audiences appreciate its value.

Where To Watch ‘Letters from Iwo Jima’

• Amazon Prime
• Apple TV 

19. To Be Of Service

To Be of Service is a 2019 documentary by producer and director Josh Aronson.

This film addresses the aftermath of war, following veterans who have recently returned from combat zones.

These veterans are paired with service dogs to help cope with their difficulties and hardships as they try to adjust to life after war.

To Be of Service showcases the complexity of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) experienced by service members.

As they are paired with professionally trained service dogs, their lives are changed, granting them feelings of safety, independence, moments of happiness, and hope.

If you’re looking for one of the best best modern war movies to watch, be sure to add this to your list!

Where To Watch ‘To Be Of Service’

18. lone survivor.

Lone Survivor is a 2013 movie adaptation of the 2007 nonfiction book of the same title by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson.

This biographical film is set during the war in Afghanistan.

It portrays the mission Operation Red Wings in which a Navy SEAL team of four men were tasked with tracking down Ahmad Shah, a Taliban leader.

The counter-insurgent mission was unsuccessful, as the movie depicts through its dramatic story and battle sequences.

Lone Survivor is significant in its realism and portrayal of actual events and people.

Where To Watch ‘Lone Survivor’

• Google Play

Related Article – 20 Most Famous Navy SEALS Of All Time

17. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee directed, produced, and co-wrote this 2020 war film.

Da 5 Bloods is about a group of Vietnam War veterans who return to that country years later to search for the remains of their fallen squad leader.

The group is also in search of gold bars that they buried while serving in Vietnam.

Da 5 Bloods was released in 2020 by Netflix and received critical acclaim for Lee’s direction and cast performances.

Some of the movie’s themes include:

• Consequences of war
• Brotherhood
• Race and racism

The movie was also the last of Chadwick Boseman’s films to be released during his lifetime.

Where To Watch ‘Da 5 Bloods’

1917 is a modern war film by Sam Mendes, inspired in part by stories told to him by his grandfather about serving in World War I.

The movie portrays the mission of two British soldiers to deliver a message to call off an offensive attack that is set to fail.

1917 is set during Operation Alberich, after the Germans retreated to the Hindenburg Line.

In addition to receiving critical acclaim, positive reviews, and ten Oscar nominations, 1917 made innovative use of cinematography.

Long takes with elaborate camera choreography allow the movie to appear as two continuous shots, separated only by a cut to black in the story when one of the characters is knocked unconscious.

The unrelenting presence of the camera as well as the narrative, acting, and directing enhance the audience’s experience of battle during the First World War.

Where To Watch ‘1917’

15. last flag flying.

Another one of the best modern war movies is a little known film called Last Flag Flying.

This Richard Linklater film is based on a 2005 novel of the same title by Darryl Ponicsan (who co-wrote the screenplay with Linklater).

This 2017 movie is about three veterans of the Vietnam War who meet again after one of their sons is killed in the Iraq War.

The cast of Last Flag Flying balances humor with painful moments of parental grief and coming to grips with what patriotism means across time.

Interestingly, the novel Last Flag Flying is a sequel to Ponicsan’s 1970 novel The Last Detail which introduces the same characters earlier in their lives.

The Last Detail was adapted as a film in 1973, which makes the 2017 movie of Last Flag Flying a cinematic sequel of sorts.

Where To Watch ‘Last Flag Flying’

Related Article – 20 Best Military Movie Quotes Of All Time

14. Restrepo

Restrepo is a 2010 documentary about the war in Afghanistan created by Sebastian Junger (American journalist) and Tim Hetherington (British photojournalist).

These two spent a year in Afghanistan on assignment for Vanity Fair in the Korengal Valley.

They were with Second Platoon, B Company, 2 nd Battalion, 503 rd Infantry Regiment, 173 rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team of the U.S. Army.

The outpost defended by this platoon is named after medic PFC Juan Sebastian Restrepo, killed earlier in the campaign.

Junger and Hetherington set out to capture the reality of soldiers deployed in this area of eastern Afghanistan at one of the most dangerous postings.

The documentary chronicles the experiences of these soldiers from their deployment to their return, revealing their challenges and losses.

Restrepo takes a hard look at combat, duty, brotherhood, death, and the aftermath of emotional distress due to deployment and war.

Where To Watch ‘Restrepo’

13. lincoln.

Lincoln fits into the genre of war film as well as biographical historical drama, and is considered one of the best modern war movies of all time.

This 2012 movie is directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and features a strong ensemble cast including Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16 th president in the last four months of his life.

The film was inspired and loosely based on the 2005 biography Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Lincoln addresses the complex crossovers between war and politics as it depicts the president’s focus in early 1865 to pass the 13 th Amendment to abolish slavery.

This movie was a success with audiences and critics, nominated for twelve Academy Awards.

Daniel Day-Lewis won for Best Actor.

Where To Watch ‘Lincoln’

12. gunner palace.

Gunner Palace is a 2004 documentary.

The narrative is told by American troops stationed in Baghdad during 2003-2004 amid the Iraqi insurgency.

The documentary reflects the complexity and reality of war, along with its chaos and danger, experienced by 2 nd Battalion, 3 rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1 st Brigade Combat Team, 1 st Armored Division.

The Forward Operating Base for the unit was a former presidential palace known as Adhamiyah Palace.

This location was known as Gunner Palace during its occupation until it was transferred to the Iraqi Army in 2005.

The operations of the soldiers stationed at Gunner Palace during the 2003-2004 timeframe are the focus of the documentary.

Where To Watch ‘Gunner Palace’

Related Article – 6 Best Navy SEALs Documentaries Of All Time

11. The Messenger

The Messenger is a 2009 war movie that depicts a different subject matter than most films in this genre.

The story portrays a soldier in his last three months of service after being combat wounded in Iraq.

He is partnered with an officer, and their mission is to personally inform loved ones that their service member has been killed in combat.

This movie depicts the agony of both delivering and receiving news about casualties of war.

The Messenger received several awards and earned two Oscar nominations.

Where To Watch ‘The Messenger’

• Peacock (free)
• Tubi (free)
• Crackle (free)
• The Roku Channel

10. We Were Soldiers

We Were Soldiers is a war film of 2002 based on the 1992 book We Were Soldiers Once … and Young by Retired Lieutenant General Hal Moore and reporter Joseph L. Galloway.

The movie is a dramatization of the Battle of la Drang, which took place in November of 1965.

Though the film does present many historical facts, it is not a completely accurate portrayal of the battle.

In addition, the film differs slightly from the book.

However, Moore himself praised the movie adaptation for being one of the few to get the Vietnam War “right.”

We Were Soldiers is easily considered one of the best modern war movies in existence.

Where To Watch ‘We Were Soldiers’

• Roku Channel

9. Occupation: Dreamland

Occupation: Dreamland is a 2005 documentary that focuses on a company of the 1/505 of the 82 nd Airborne Division in Fallujah, Iraq.

The setting of the film is 2004, Camp Volturno, located on the outskirts of Fallujah and nicknamed “Camp Dreamland.”

The documentary features interviews with U.S. soldiers in addition to Iraqi civilians.

Footage is shown of the infantry squad on patrols, their searches, interrogations, and the dangers they experience during these missions.

The soldiers in the documentary discuss the Iraq war and people as well as their enlistment and transition to civilian life at some point.

Where To Watch ‘Occupation: Dreamland’

Related Article – Army Airborne School: Requirements, Length, Packing List, And More

Fury , 2014, is a war film about U.S. tank crews fighting in Germany during the final weeks of World War II in Europe.

American armored units suffered high casualty rates among tank crews in Europe during World War II.

The film’s storyline is fictional, though based on reported experiences of many real Allied tankers.

Fury adds a layer of authenticity in its use of uniforms, maps, and weapons accurate to the period of the war’s final months in Europe.

In addition, the movie contains working tanks of that era, including the last surviving operational Tiger I tank: Tiger 131.

Fury was widely praised by critics for its unique portrayal of subject matter.

Where To Watch ‘Fury’

7. tigerland.

Tigerland is a 2000 war film that takes place in a training camp for soldiers who are being sent to Vietnam.

The word “Tigerland” was the actual name of a U.S. Army training camp as part of the Advanced Infantry Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in the 1960s and ‘70s.

The humidity and other conditions of this training area was thought to equal the environmental conditions in South Vietnam.

Though Tigerland addresses many of the familiar themes and subject matters present in Vietnam-era films, there is a grittiness to the depictions of infantry training at that time.

In addition, this movie reflects division over the escalating conflict, thousands of casualties, and impending knowledge of being sent to war.

Where To Watch ‘Tigerland’

6. the quiet american.

The Quiet American is a 2002 movie adaptation of Graham Greene’s 1955 novel of the same name.

There is also a 1958 film version of Greene’s novel, set in Vietnam long before the American war there.

However, the 2002 adaptation is true to the novel’s original ending and the main character’s morally compromised choice to arrange terrorist actions against the French colonial government and Viet Minh.

The film was released just before the 9/11 attacks, and then later re-released in 2002.

The Quiet American received critical acclaim and earned Michael Caine an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

Where To Watch ‘The Quiet American’

5. american sniper.

American Sniper is a 2014 biographical war film that is loosely based on Chris Kyle’s 2012 memoir of the same name.

This film is directed by Clint Eastwood and depicts Kyle’s story of being the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history across four tours in the Iraq War.

The movie also addresses the burden of these tours of duty on Kyle and his family.

American Sniper set box-office records and is considered a worldwide success among audiences and critics.

It received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Bradley Cooper.

Where To Watch ‘American Sniper’

Related Article – 10 Best Sniper Movies Of All Time

4. Hacksaw Ridge

Hacksaw Ridge , directed by Mel Gibson, is a biographical war film that premiered in 2016.

It is based on a 2004 documentary called The Conscientious Objector .

Hacksaw Ridge is about Desmond Doss, serving as a combat medic in World War II.

Doss is a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian and pacifist, leading to his refusal to carry a weapon or use a firearm of any kind during his service.

As a result, Doss was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for service above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Okinawa.

The film shows real photos and footage of Doss being awarded the medal of Honor by President Harry Truman for his rescue of 75 soldiers at Hacksaw Ridge and his recounting of events just before his death.

Hacksaw Ridge was widely acclaimed and received many awards and nominations, including six Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and so on.

In addition, praise for Gibson’s directing of Hacksaw Ridge revitalized his career after some controversies.

Where To Watch ‘Hacksaw Ridge’

Dunkirk , written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan, is a 2017 war film about the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II.

The story is told from three perspectives: land, sea, and air, and features a large ensemble cast.

In the movie, Nolan relies on cinematography and music to develop the plot and suspense rather than dialogue.

In addition to thousands of extras present in the film, period airplanes and historic boats from the actual evacuation are used.

Dunkirk is considered the highest-grossing film about World War II, and received wide acclaim for the following:

• Musical score
• Sound effects
• Cinematography

Dunkirk was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Where To Watch ‘Dunkirk’

2. black hawk down.

Black Hawk Down is considered a unique film in the war genre in that the focus is more on realistic experiences of troops in combat rather than sensationalized content for entertainment.

This 2001 movie is based on the nonfiction book of the same name by Mark Bowden, published in 1999.

The subject of the book and movie is the 1993 raid by the U.S. military in Mogadishu, Somalia.

During the raid, 19 American soldiers died as well as over 1,000 Somalis.

Black Hawk Down is directed and produced by Ridley Scott and features a large ensemble cast.

Though this film received positive reviews from critics and audiences, there was criticism for some inaccuracies and controversy for the portrayal of Somalis.

Where To Watch ‘Black Hawk Down’

Related Article – 25 Best Military Books Of All Time (+ 12 Honorable Mentions)

1. The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker is a 2008 war film directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal.

Boal was a freelance journalist, embedded with a bomb squad during the war in Iraq for two weeks in 2004.

Boal had previously collaborated with Bigelow and decided to use his experiences as a dramatization of real events to show the experience of soldiers during this conflict.

In the film, an American Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is targeted by Iraqi insurgents.

The movie addresses the stress of combat and the resulting psychological impact on soldiers.

The Hurt Locker was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning Best Picture (first for female director), Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

The Library of Congress selected this film for preservation in the National Film Registry for its significance.

Where To Watch ‘The Hurt Locker’

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Greatest War Movies Streaming on Hulu Right Now

May 14, 2021

Walk a mile in the shoes of the brave men and women who serve our country. In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we’re featuring some of the greatest military movies, shows, and documentaries streaming now, like American Sniper ,* Das Boot , Alive , and more.

*American Sniper requires Live TV plan. Regional restrictions, blackouts and additional terms apply.

Best War Movies

American sniper.

From Oscar®-winning director Clint Eastwood comes the riveting true story of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), who served four tours in Iraq and became known as one of the most lethal snipers in American history. The Warner Bros. film is based on the book American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History .

Watch: American Sniper with Hulu + Live TV *

The Messenger

The Messenger follows Will (Ben Foster), an Iraq War veteran who struggles with his new post at the Casualty Notification Office. Under the mentorship of fellow officer Tony (Woody Harrelson), the two men form a bond that will ultimately help them to adjust to life after the war.

Watch: The Messenger

Regarded by many as one of the best war films of all time, the award-winning World War I drama 1917 follows two British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), on a mission to prevent a deadly attack and save 1,600 of their fellow comrades (one of whom is Blake’s brother).

The film took home three Oscars® in 2020 for Best Achievement in Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound Mixing. Discover more Oscar-winning movies streaming now .

Watch: 1917 *

*1917 (2019) requires Hulu with SHOWTIME® add-on subscription.

Megan Leavey

Based on a true story, the 2017 film Megan Leavey highlights a special, unlikely bond between one Marine corporal (Kate Mara) and a military combat dog, Rex, as they navigate two deployments to Iraq and over 100 missions together.

Check out the Women Empowerment Guide for more movies about inspiring women .

Watch: Megan Leavey *

*Megan Leavey requires STARZ® on Hulu add-on subscription.

Megan Leavey © STARZ and related channels and service marks are the property of STARZ Entertainment, LLC. All other titles and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

The Oscar®-winning ’80s hit Glory , starring Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, and Morgan Freeman, documents the stirring true story of the first all-black U.S. Army regiment and its battles during the Civil War.

Watch: Glory *

*Glory requires STARZ® on Hulu add-on subscription.

Glory © 1989 TRI-STAR PICTURES INC. STARZ and related channels and service marks are the property of STARZ Entertainment, LLC. All other titles and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Shows & Movies About World War II

The 12th man.

Starring Golden Globe®-winning actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the World War II thriller The 12th Man follows Norwegian resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud (Meyers), a lone surviving saboteur stuggling to escape Nazi forces.

Watch: The 12th Man

A story of choices and survival, the series Das Boot explores the emotional torment of life during World War II, and the brutal reality of living during a senseless war.

Watch: Das Boot

War Documentaries

Legion of brothers.

Immediately after the 9/11 attacks, less than 100 U.S. Troops were sent on a secret mission to overthrow the Taliban. What happens next is equal parts war origin story and cautionary tale, illuminating the impact of 15 years of constant combat.

Watch: Legion of Brothers

Alive follows the journeys of a number of veterans who turn to adaptive athletics to help them heal both physically and emotionally from their battle wounds.

Watch: Alive

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The 25 Best World War II (WWII) Movies of All Time, Ranked

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Many wars have been featured in film, but no other war has been the backdrop to as many movies as World War II.

This makes sense, of course, given how many angles a filmmaker can take when approaching WWII: life in the trenches and life at home; the Holocaust, secret plots, and POW camps; soldier stories, Hitler Youth, and government officials; both Axis and Allied powers.

World War II was global, complex, intricate, and comprised of more than a million events and individual stories. It's a goldmine for cinematic drama and tense action!

Over 1,300 WWII movies have been made and released to date. Here are our picks for the best movies about World War II.

25. Their Finest (2016)

Directed by Lone Scherfig

Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin, Bill Nighy

Comedy, Drama, Romance (1h 57m)

6.8 on IMDb — 90% on RT

Their Finest isn't an epic piece of Oscar-winning cinema, but it does take a unique angle on the effects of war—by looking at how World War II affected the movie business.

By this time, cinema was no longer just a pastime. It could be used as a propaganda tool to aid in the war effort.

And since half the male population had been shipped off to fight, women were finally given a narrow space in the film industry, tasked with writing scripts of British heroism and love reunited.

Their Finest is one of the more inspiriting, family-friendly WWII movies, a quality born from Lissa Evans's original heartwarming novel.

24. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Directed by Mel Gibson

Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey

Drama, History, War (2h 19m)

8.1 on IMDb — 84% on RT

It would be fair to assume that half the entire WWII movie genre is made up of true stories, as there were so many experiences to be told! That's certainly the case for Hacksaw Ridge .

Hacksaw Ridge takes us to the muddy banks of southern Okinawa, where a 500-foot-high plateau marked the edge of Japanese territory being invaded by the US in 1945.

Technically, the Allies won the Battle of Okinawa, but the cost in casualties was great—and it would've been greater if not for combat medic Desmond Doss (portrayed by Andrew Garfield).

Desmond Doss saved 75 men by lowering them down the cliff, which is even more impressive given that he was a devoutly religious conscientious objector who refused to bear arms!

23. Unbroken (2014)

Directed by Angelina Jolie

Starring Jack O'Connell, Miyavi, Domhnall Gleeson

Action, Biography, Drama (2h 17m)

7.2 on IMDb — 52% on RT

In World War II, the Olympic distance runner Louie Zamperini was fighting the Japanese in a POW camp—and this was after being stranded in a lifeboat for 47 days.

Unbroken makes you question just how far the human will can take you, as Zamperini (played by Jack O'Connell) should have died several times throughout the film.

Angelina Jolie and the Coen brothers were behind the camera of this shocking biopic, which rewards us with a sweet finale clip of 80-year-old Zamperini carrying the Olympic torch as a free, unbroken man.

22. A Hidden Life (2019)

Directed by Terrence Malick

Starring August Diehl, Valerie Pachner, Maria Simon

Biography, Drama, Romance (2h 54m)

7.4 on IMDb — 82% on RT

A visceral, panoramic treat for the eyes that unfurls in the Austrian mountains, A Hidden Life isn't like most war movies.

In depicting the life of a real conscientious objector, director Terrence Malick spends the first hour showing us how important the small and simple things are in life. Then, the war hits—and Franz Jägerstätter (played by August Diehl) refuses to join the Nazis.

A Hidden Life is three hours of incredible fish-eye shots that infuse this war story with a spiritual quality. (If you want something more Hollywood, check out Malick's first WWII movie, The Thin Red Line , which brags an A-list ensemble cast.)

21. Fury (2014)

Directed by David Ayer

Starring Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman

Action, Drama, War (2h 14m)

7.6 on IMDb — 76% on RT

Brad Pitt has been in his fair share of war movies, but Fury is one of his finest. Starring as the no-nonsense commander of an M4 Sherman tank, Don "Wardaddy" Collier must suppress every ounce of emotion and humanity to toughen up his crew and win the war.

Fury is a tense, gritty, and mud-caked battle of morals—raw and unrefined, never trying to sugarcoat the truth.

Yet, Director David Ayer doesn't lets the macho bravado kill the narrative either. Below its metallic surface, Fury is as sensitive as the rest of the movies on this list. (That said, if you're not one for gore, you might want to look away.)

20. The Longest Day (1962)

Directed by Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, and Bernhard Wicki

Starring John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton

Action, Drama, History (2h 58m)

7.7 on IMDb — 87% on RT

The Battle of Stalingrad, the Attack on Pearl Harbor, the evacuation of Dunkirk, and the Normandy landings are among the key events that took place during WWII. The Longest Day features the latter.

More commonly known as D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy remains the largest seaborne invasion in history, so it's only fitting there should be an epic movie made about it—one with three directors (a British, an American, and a German).

The Longest Day is adapted from the 1959 book by Cornelius Ryan, complete with an ensemble cast of legends too vast to list here. And the filmmakers were so reliant on historians and consultants, The Longest Day almost feels like a grand documentary.

19. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

Directed by Mark Herman

Starring Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, Rupert Friend

Drama, War (1h 34m)

7.7 on IMDb — 65% on RT

What can make you cry harder than a romance film? A war film. But in this case, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas won't just make you cry—it'll make you weep in the ugliest yet most beautiful of ways.

The horrors of war are only more horrifying when afflicted on children, which they most certainly were.

Although not historically accurate, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas tackles the emotional side of war rather than the factual by depicting a friendship between two eight-year-old boys on either side of a fence.

That fence, of course, is a barbed wire divide between a rural woodland free-for-all and a Nazi extermination camp...

18. Empire of the Sun (1987)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Starring Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson

Drama, War (2h 33m)

7.7 on IMDb — 77% on RT

Before he was Batman, Patrick Bateman, or Dick Cheney, Christian Bale was already impressing critics in Empire of the Sun as a British school boy in Shanghai. Yes—a movie where he speaks in his own, real accent!

Jamie "Jim" Graham lives a privileged upper-class life before the war rips it away from him. When Japan invades China, Jamie is lost in the evacuation and forced to survive on his own.

Empire of the Sun is semi-autobiographical of the original book's author, J. G. Ballard. And even as a kid, Bale displayed a strong knack for acting, leading one of Steven Spielberg's less whimsical family movies.

17. Son of Saul (2015)

Directed by László Nemes

Starring Géza Röhrig, Levente Molnár, Urs Rechn

Drama, War (1h 47m)

7.4 on IMDb — 96% on RT

Hungarian filmmaker László Nemes's feature directorial debut was a sensational success in artistic circles—a success that translated commercially to win an Academy Award!

Filmed in real-time, Son of Saul might be a slice-of-life movie, but it isn't one we'd wish to experience ourselves. In it, Nemes guides us through a normal day in an Auschwitz concentration camp.

Saul Ausländer (played by Géza Röhrig) is an Auschwitz prisoner who's forced to salvage valuables from corpses and scrub down the gas chambers. It's an important but unpleasant watch.

16. From Here to Eternity (1953)

Directed by Fred Zinnemann

Starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr

Drama, Romance, War (1h 58m)

7.6 on IMDb — 88% on RT

From Here to Eternity is a rose-tinted illustration of World War II, but what else would you expect from a 1950s romance movie?

Based on the debut novel of James Jones (who also wrote The Thin Red Line ), From Here to Eternity focuses on the lead up to Pearl Harbor, giving the luscious Hawaiian beaches a melancholy tinge.

Fred Zinnemann's big-screen adaptation won 8 Oscars out of 13 nominations, and it starred Golden Age legends Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed, and Frank Sinatra.

15. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Directed by David Lean

Starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins

Adventure, Drama, War (2h 41m)

8.1 on IMDb — 96% on RT

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1950s war epic that's heavy on plot and detail. The original theatrical poster reads "Destined to become a classic!"—and they were absolutely right.

In fact, David Lean's historical war drama is now considered one of the greatest British movies of the 20th century.

When a Japanese commandant forces British prisoners of war to rebuild the Burma Railway, the only thing on the soldiers' minds are delay and escape. Even if the thick Thai jungle makes escape nearly impossible, it's still worth the risk.

14. Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Directed by Taika Waititi

Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson

Comedy, Drama, War (1h 48m)

7.9 on IMDb — 80% on RT

Using WWII as a vehicle for comedy is a risky move at best, but it can be extremely powerful (and entertaining) when done right. One such example of success would be Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator .

But there's another more modern movie that also mocks Adolf Hitler—in a more direct way than Chaplin did, since Chaplin's film was made while the war was still raging!—and that film is Jojo Rabbit .

Director Taika Waititi plays the imaginary friend of a Hitler Youth kid, who unsurprisingly happens to be Hitler. But when Jojo (played by Roman Griffin Davis) finds a Jewish girl hiding in his attic, who will he be loyal to—the party or his mother?

13. The Great Escape (1963)

Directed by John Sturges

Starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough

Adventure, Drama, History (2h 52m)

8.2 on IMDb — 94% on RT

The 20th century was obsessed with epics: Spartacus , Lawrence of Arabia , Ben-Hur , Cleopatra , and, of course, The Great Escape .

The "King of Cool" Steve McQueen ended up landing his most iconic role in John Sturges's classic war film, in which he motorcycles his way through one of the best on-screen stunts.

Based on an incredible true story, The Great Escape takes us through the planning and execution of a mass POW breakout in Germany.

Alongside James Garner and Richard Attenborough, Steve McQueen leads as Captain Virgil Hilts, resulting in a nail-biting and witty underground journey that thrills to this day.

12. Casablanca (1942)

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid

Drama, Romance, War (1h 42m)

8.5 on IMDb — 99% on RT

Casablanca is an emblem of Old Hollywood with Humphrey Bogart front and center. The noir-infused war romance takes place during a not-so-festive December in Morocco, 1941.

Moody nightclub owner Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart) reluctantly agrees to help his ex-lover cross the border with her new husband. Everything that follows was written on the fly.

Even Casablanca 's famous line—"Here's lookin' at you, kid"—was completely improvised by Bogart to co-star Ingrid Bergman!

WWII is background noise in Michael Curtiz's landmark movie, but background necessary to put pressure on the central love triangle.

11. Dunkirk (2017)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Starring Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance

Action, Drama, History (1h 46m)

7.8 on IMDb — 92% on RT

Dunkirk is one of those rare action movies that feels minimal and artistic, without all the blood-pumping CGI explosions that give you whiplash just to watch.

Christopher Nolan's historical thriller is split into three sections: Air, Land, and Sea. Across these three landscapes, an established cast—including Fionn Whitehead, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and... Harry Styles?—try to evacuate Dunkirk.

Terrified characters and roaring visuals make up the portrait of chaos and destruction. Filmed on 65mm IMAX film stock, Dunkirk will leave you filled with a breathless sort of awe.

10. Atonement (2007)

Directed by Joe Wright

Starring Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Brenda Blethyn

Drama, Mystery, Romance (2h 3m)

7.8 on IMDb — 83% on RT

How many lovers have been separated by wars, never to reunite again? Usually it's because of a draft letter, but in Atonement , Robbie (played by James McAvoy) and Cecilia (played by Keira Knightley) are torn apart even before he's sent off to war.

In fact, they're torn apart the very same day they get together. Something involving a false accusation sends Robbie to serve in the military prematurely as a substitute for going to prison.

The green dress, the trick ending, and the heartbreaking long-take on the beaches of Dunkirk are just some of the iconic elements that made Joe Wright's war romance an enduring hit.

9. Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Starring Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara

Action, Adventure, Drama (2h 21m)

7.8 on IMDb — 91% on RT

Clint Eastwood directing a Japanese movie? Yes, you read that right! And yes, you'll need subtitles if you don't speak Japanese.

The reason for Eastwood being behind Letters From Iwo Jima is because it's one in a pair of movies. Flags of Our Fathers depicts the American side of the Battle of Iwo Jima, while Letters From Iwo Jima tells the Japanese side of the same battle.

Japanese critics were relieved to find the cast made up of native speakers rather than the usual, jarring use of Asian-American actors. That's just one of a handful of reasons why Letters From Iwo Jima ended up being the better of the two WWII movies.

8. The Pianist (2002)

Directed by Roman Polanski

Starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 30m)

8.5 on IMDb — 95% on RT

It's one thing to be a method actor. It's another to sell all your belongings, chuck your phone, leave your girlfriend, lose 30 pounds, and move to Europe—all for a film role.

Well, Adrien Brody did all that for The Pianist ! And thankfully for him, it seemed to have paid off with a great performance as the Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman.

The Polish pianist wrote about his devastating concentration camp experience in his memoirs not long after WWII, which was originally censored but then made public by filmmaker Roman Polanski.

7. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Starring Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz

Adventure, Drama, War (2h 33m)

8.3 on IMDb — 89% on RT

Inglourious Basterds isn't sad, horrifying, or soppy. It is, however, extremely tense and brilliantly acted, particularly by Christoph Waltz in the now-iconic opening scene.

Besides the dazzling cast and big blood budget, Quentin Tarantino delivers his usual caliber of dialogue that pushes us to the edges of our seats through simple conversation.

Some critics criticized the historical inaccuracies, despite the fact Inglourious Basterds is supposed to be an alternate history film. Obviously Adolf Hitler didn't get machine-gunned down in a cinema in real life...!

6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore

Drama, War (2h 49m)

8.6 on IMDb — 94% on RT

Saving Private Ryan contains both sappy patriotism and starkly realistic action scenes that lend it the title "greatest war movie ever made."

Although not everybody agrees, Saving Private Ryan is still up there with the best cinematic presentations of something that can never be fully expressed through a camera alone.

Most people know about the iconic opening scene, in which dazed men run and duck their way through open fire and ceaseless chaos on D-Day, emphasized by the handheld filming.

American favorites Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Steven Spielberg teamed up to bring us this tale of bravery and heroism in WWII.

5. The Imitation Game (2014)

Directed by Morten Tyldum

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode

Biography, Drama, Thriller (1h 54m)

8.0 on IMDb — 90% on RT

The foreground of war is made up of battles, invasions, evacuations, and entrapments. But who's behind all of that?

It takes skill not just to plan a victory, but to keep it hidden from the other players. The Nazis did this well with their Enigma machine—something not even a cryptographer from Oxford could crack.

Then came the socially challenged genius Alan Turing (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), who not only solved the Enigma but also created the first computer prototype.

Sadly, his autism and homosexuality made him a criminal outcast back in the 1940s, making him one of the most tragic figures of WWII.

4. Oppenheimer (2023)

Starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon

Biography, Drama, History (3h)

8.5 on IMDb — 93% on RT

Christopher Nolan's refusal to use CGI only gets more remarkable with time. It's not just about blowing up buildings anymore—Nolan is now filming atomic bombs without any special effects.

As such, the famed director's latest epic about the first nuclear weapons is best watched on the big screen.

The film centers on the character of J. Robert Oppenheimer (portrayed by Cillian Murphy), who's in a race to develop the atomic bomb in order to defeat the Germans during World War II. But, of course, the film is also about so much more than just that.

3. Schindler's List (1993)

Starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley

Biography, Drama, History (3h 15m)

9.0 on IMDb — 98% on RT

Is there any such thing as a good Nazi? Oskar Schindler was, though he was only a Nazi member in name, not belief.

In fact, Schindler used his high industrialist position to save over a thousand Jewish lives, as recounted by Steven Spielberg in his black-and-white historical drama Schindler's List .

Liam Neeson stars as the savior who employed Jewish refugees in his factories, all while facing opposition from one of cinema's cruelest villains: Amon Göth (chillingly played by Ralph Fiennes).

Of the Schindlerjuden ("Schindler Jews"), Poldek Pfefferberg made it his mission to bring Oskar's bravery to the history books.

2. Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Directed by Roberto Benigni

Starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini

Comedy, Drama, Romance (1h 56m)

8.6 on IMDb — 80% on RT

Italian director Roberto Benigni did the impossible when he made an uplifting Holocaust movie. The very title of his comedy-drama— Life Is Beautiful —is a bow of gratitude, despite the fact its protagonists are imprisoned in a concentration camp.

Benigni himself stars in Life Is Beautiful as the Italian-Jewish father who tricks his son into thinking the camp is one big game. Benigni's Chaplin-like gags in such a grotesque setting will have you laughing and crying at the same time.

The Grand Prix-winning movie remains one of the highest-grossing foreign films of all time, and is nothing if not thought-provoking.

1. Come and See (1985)

Directed by Elem Klimov

Starring Aleksey Kravchenko, Olga Mironova, Liubomiras Laucevicius

Drama, Thriller, War (2h 22m)

8.4 on IMDb — 90% on RT

Come and See is an unforgettable, flesh-searing anti-war drama that you need to prepare yourself for before watching.

This Soviet film by Elem Klimov—which took eight years to overcome censorship—follows a teenage boy who joins the Belarusian resistance movement and has no idea of the atrocities he'll soon face.

Come and See blends opposing styles of realism and surrealism to give an unflinching look at what war can do to a person.

The head shots of burnt, bloody, and terrified young faces are particularly potent, calling to mind the haunting before-and-after images of real soldiers who age decades within a matter of years.

If you're looking for an emotional, impactful, and heavy-hitting film about World War II, there's none better than Come and See .

The 45 Best War Movies of All Time, Ranked

From 'Wings' to 'Saving Private Ryan' to 'Dunkirk,' this is Collider's ranking of the best war movies ever made.

The war genre has been prevalent throughout film history, dating back to the silent era and remaining a popular and relevant genre to this day. It speaks to the unfortunately universal nature of war that these stories continue to be told and resonate with viewers and critics alike, given war itself never seems to go away. War movies can cover contemporary conflicts, past wars that are still in living memory for some, and wars that were fought hundreds - or even thousands - of years ago.

Any attempt to rank the greatest war movies of all time naturally needs to cover multiple countries and highlight movies about numerous conflicts. There exist many perspectives on many different wars, and it's safe to assume that for as long as wars are fought, movies that shed light on war's horrors - while sometimes acknowledging the sacrifices individuals have made - remain relevant . Here are some of the best war movies of all time, ranked below from great to greatest.

45 'Gettysburg' (1993)

Directed by ronald f. maxwell.

War movies don’t get a whole lot bigger in scope or runtime than Gettysburg , which can claim to be one of the longest American movies ever made . It earns its runtime by having close attention to detail in depicting the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, which played out over three days and ended up being a decisive event in bringing about the eventual end of the conflict.

Focused more on showing the events in as broad a manner as possible, Gettysburg is less about telling a character-focused story and more about being an experience/recreation . On that front, it’s hugely successful and quite awe-inspiring. And, yes, the runtime that goes well over four hours may be challenging, but given it’s sort of the length of three relatively short movies in one – and it covers a space of three days – it’s pretty easy to watch it in thirds for anyone otherwise intimidated by the length.

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44 'Play Dirty' (1969)

Directed by andré de toth.

It's quite astounding how many movies Michael Caine has appeared in throughout a career that’s lasted approximately six decades. As both a leading man and a supporting player, he’s always great to watch, but his prolific filmography means there are plenty of titles that have slipped under the radar of many. One of those would have to be 1969’s Play Dirty , which is an exceptionally underrated war film.

The setting here is North Africa, and the war covered is World War II, with the narrative focusing on British commandos disguising themselves and going behind enemy lines for a dangerous mission that involves destroying an oil depot. Play Dirty manages to be engaging and sometimes even entertaining while also feeling bleak and effectively anti-war, hitting a unique tone that proves hard to shake once the film ends; it’s certainly one that’s likely to stick with you.

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43 'Mister Roberts' (1955)

Directed by john ford and mervyn leroy.

John Ford was perhaps the go-to American director when it came to the Western genre, but by no means were all his films Westerns; indeed, many of his great ones belonged to different genres. Take Mister Roberts , for example, which is a World War II movie focused on a group of people working in the Navy, telling a sometimes funny and sometimes serious story about how tedious such a way of life could surprisingly be.

As a dramedy, Mister Roberts succeeds in being about finding things to do – and moments of levity – within otherwise trying circumstances, which is something plenty of other war dramedies have done in this film’s wake. It feels influential to something like M*A*S*H or arguably even Jarhead , and has an absolutely dynamite cast of stars that includes Henry Fonda , James Cagney , Jack Lemmon , and William Powell .

Watch on Tubi

42 'Richard III' (1995)

Directed by richard loncraine.

Standing as both a unique take on Shakespeare and a rather surprising war movie all at once, Richard III is supremely underrated and has held up very well in the nearly 30 years since it came out. It stars Ian McKellen in the titular role, and he’s arguably never been better, making every second of his screen time count while playing a dangerous man who’ll stop at nothing – and perhaps even murder everyone – to achieve his goal of obtaining the British throne.

Richard III is a classic tragedy through and through, but feels fresh thanks to the presentation (McKellen getting his Fleabag on by doing many a monologue right into the camera, for example) and the setting, which takes things to England in the 1930s, rather than the play’s original 1400s setting. It uses this to comment on various aspects of World War II, particularly the lead-up to it, and manages to condemn Fascism and war in general while also being an entertaining and extremely well-acted reinterpretation of a Shakespeare classic.

Watch on Pluto

41 'Underground' (1995)

Directed by emir kusturica.

Where to even begin when describing Underground ? It’s a movie that runs for almost three hours and spans about half a century, in turn covering three different wars. The setting is the former country of Yugoslavia, with the plot mostly revolving around two friends and a woman who gets between them, following how the trio navigate first World War II, then the Cold War, and then, finally, the 1990s Yugoslavian Civil War.

Underground shows the trials and tribulations of living not just through one war, but several, and does so in a way that can feel surreal at times, being hilarious and silly at other points, and then suddenly become tragic and upsetting at the drop of a hat. It’s one of the best movies of the 1990s , and is spectacularly shot, very well-acted, and fantastically unpredictable , as well as being an eye-opening look at a former country and how it was forever rocked by the tumultuous 20th century.

Underground (1995)

Rent on Kino Now

40 'Red Angel' (1966)

Directed by yasuzō masumura.

Though Red Angel does deal with romance quite heavily in parts, it’s hard to call it a full-blown romantic film , at least in the traditional sense, because of just how grim it is. It follows a Japanese nurse working in China during the Sino-Japanese war, finding connections with other troubled individuals – sometimes physically and/or romantically – all the while terrible carnage, bloodshed, and acts of brutality occur around her on a daily basis .

It's quite shocking just how Red Angel gets when it comes to violence for a film of its age, and given it’s rather soul-shattering to view nowadays, one can only imagine how audiences would’ve reacted in 1966. It’s a tough and brutal movie filled with constant troubling images and sequences of tragedy, but anti-war movies need that sometimes, to drive home the message. And no one could accuse Red Angel of not delivering its anti-war message effectively.

Watch on Mubi

39 'Paisan' (1946)

Directed by roberto rossellini.

Standing as one film within the Italian neorealism movement , Paisan is fascinating from a historical perspective , and as a very immediate World War II movie. After all, it was made just one year on from the conflict in question ending, and it depicts events that took place between 1943 and 1944, all concerning the Allied invasion of Italy as part of the European theater of the war.

Paisan is also structured in an interesting way, comprising half a dozen short stories that all add up to one movie just over two hours long. Like a good many films with this structure, certain segments leave more of an impact than others, but Paisan does shed light on what was then a relatively recent event and feels authentic in a way that not many war movies are able to achieve.

Watch on Max

38 'The Burmese Harp' (1956)

Directed by kon ichikawa.

A movie that’s sadly partially lost , what remains of The Burmese Harp is still remarkably compelling (and it helps that the intact version remains 116 minutes long, while the original cut was a little over 140). It largely takes place in the immediate aftermath of World War II, following a Japanese soldier getting separated from his squad, and deciding to disguise himself as a monk to avoid getting discovered and/or imprisoned.

Much of the film focuses on this solitary soldier, but other scenes are devoted to the other members of his squad and their desperate search to find him. The Burmese Harp unfolds at a slow but steady pace, and while those looking for numerous combat scenes might not find this style of war movie to their liking, those who want a more quiet and understated drama – focused on character – playing out against the backdrop of war might well find a lot to like here.

Watch on Criterion

37 '20 Days in Mariupol' (2023)

Directed by mstyslav chernov.

Winning an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards, 20 Days in Mariupol sheds light on a very recent conflict that, as of the time of the film’s release, was still ongoing. It centers on a journalist’s experience with covering the early days of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine , an event that kicked off an entire war that’s still ongoing as of early 2024.

20 Days in Mariupol is uncompromising in what it’s willing to show, but the unrelenting approach works to drive home the senselessness of the conflict being covered, and the modern-day horrors such an invasion has caused the people of Mariupol. Knowing that it’s just centered on one part of Ukraine makes the film’s content all the more troubling, as there’s only so much that can be shown, and indeed, the death and destruction caused by this new war has spread far beyond just one city.

20 Days in Mariupol

Rent on Amazon

36 'Hamburger Hill' (1987)

Directed by john irvin.

While Hamburger Hill wasn’t the most well-known Vietnam War movie released during 1987, it is a great – and underrated – one, and did still receive a high level of critical acclaim. Its approach to depicting the war in question is blunt and brutal, following numerous soldiers fighting in one particularly harrowing battle , all in the service of claiming a small piece of land from the enemy.

Showing combat in a visceral and bloody way, Hamburger Hill ultimately emerges as a strongly anti-war film, as even though there is technically a good deal of “action,” it’s certainly not fun or cathartic to watch. It’s a movie that aims to be as gritty and realistic as non-documentary war films can possibly get, and to that effect, it functions exceptionally well.

Hamburger Hill

35 'devils on the doorstep' (2000), directed by jiang wen.

Devils on the Doorstep stands out from the crowd when it comes to war movies, owing to the fact that it has a unique approach to telling a story about prisoners of war, and because it’s both darkly funny and extremely heavy-going . There is a farcical element to the story of townspeople in China asked to hold onto – for unknown reasons – two Japanese soldiers who’ve been taken prisoner, but things take a much darker turn in the final act.

The tonal switch-ups never feel jarring in Devils on the Doorstep , and it’s quite miraculous that it all comes together from a writing perspective, all the while leaving the impact it does. It’s one of the most underrated war movies released in this century so far, and though it can be hard to find as a result, it’s well worth digging out for anyone after something different.

34 'Waltz with Bashir' (2008)

Directed by ari folman.

While Waltz with Bashir could be called a great war documentary , it also feels like a little more than that, thanks to its presentation and surreal use of animation. Director Ari Folman makes himself the subject, with the film set up as him trying to recollect his involvement in a particularly grim event that took place as part of the 1982 Lebanon war, at which time Folman was a young soldier.

Waltz with Bashir looks at a conflict that is still going to this day, feeling like an anti-war movie through and through, though troublingly looking at certain events from the perspective of someone who was on the side of the perpetrators. Some may be turned off the film for this reason, but others may argue Folman is speaking about what he knows, and what he can speak about. The film does also end in a particularly devastating way that drives home the cost of this particular war, and makes clear who its true victims were in a harrowing and hard-to-shake final sequence that incorporates real-life, non-animated archival footage to staggering effect.

Waltz with Bashir

33 'quo vadis, aida' (2020), directed by jasmila žbanić.

Standing as one of the best movies of the 2020s so far , Quo Vadis, Aida? is a dramatized retelling of a particularly troubling event that happened within the context of the Bosnian War, which occurred from 1992 to 1995. It centers on a crisis that involved thousands of people seeking shelter at a UN camp after their town was taken over, with the protagonist being a UN translator caught up in it all, both because of her profession and because of her family members being in danger.

It's a slow build of a movie, having constant tension and a sinking feeling that gets more despairing as Quo Vadis, Aida? builds to a powerful conclusion. It’s one of the bleakest and most harrowing war films in recent memory , proving all the more effective because of the way it highlights the lives of non-combatants, and how everyone can be placed in danger because of a conflict; not just soldiers.

32 'The Human Condition' (1959-1961)

Directed by masaki kobayashi.

Masaki Kobayashi was a Japanese filmmaker known for making dark, bold, and character-focused movies, with The Human Condition trilogy being his most ambitious and epic undertaking as a director. With three parts released between 1959 and 1961, The Human Condition , as a whole, emerges as a single story that plays out over the course of almost 10 hours, making it rank among the longest war movies of all time .

The story of The Human Condition focuses on a single man named Kaji, who goes from being a conscientious objector to someone who’s forced to become further involved in World War II , with his experiences changing his personality and outlook on life before the audience’s very eyes. It does a great job at presenting the scale of World War II in certain sequences, but it’s most effective in showing the personal toll of war on one young man, indeed exploring the titular human condition in great detail as a result.

The Human Condition I: No Greater Love (1959)

31 'the zone of interest' (2023), directed by jonathan glazer.

Though it wasn’t the first movie to explore the banality of evil within the context of war, few films have done such an exploration quite as effectively as The Zone of Interest (and, arguably, no non-documentaries about such a thing have been as powerful). It’s a film about the commandant of Auschwitz and his family living their lives right next to Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camp while trying to ignore the horrors of what was happening nearby.

The Zone of Interest aims to put its viewers in the shoes of some very callous people , nevertheless showing with stomach-churning intensity how human beings are capable of ignoring things that you’d think would bother or upset them. It explores evil in a non-traditional and – some might say – un-cinematic way, but the approach is sure to leave a mark, and results in a film that’s hard to forget, no matter how much some viewers may want to forget it once it’s over.

The Zone of Interest

30 'the best years of our lives' (1946), directed by william wyler.

Perhaps more of a drama film than a traditional war movie, The Best Years of Our Lives is nonetheless compelling and groundbreaking for its time. It was released the year after World War II concluded, and throughout its nearly three-hour runtime, it covers the lives of numerous U.S. veterans returning to life at home after fighting overseas, and the struggles that come with such a period of readjustment.

Its premise means it's a movie about war that doesn't feature any combat scenes, centering on the process of recovering from a traumatic event and an exploration of war's lingering physical and psychological effects for those who survive it. It was likely therapeutic for audiences back in the 1940s and the film still stands up today as a compelling historical document and character-focused post-war drama.

The Best Years of Our Lives

29 'grand illusion' (1937), directed by jean renoir.

A French film that takes place during World War I , Grand Illusion is a movie that's held up staggeringly well for something released well over 80 years ago. It follows a group of French soldiers who are held in a prison camp and then a more high-security facility, the latter of which they then formulate a plan to break free from.

Complications ensue because of the class differences between the men, which still hold relevance, despite them all technically fighting for the same side. It was released shortly before another World War broke out, and uses its premise to explore aspects of life that aren't just concerned with warfare on a global scale, being a surprisingly deep and thought-provoking movie with a ton to say about how society functions between large-scale wars , too.

The Grand Illusion

Buy on Criterion

28 'Oppenheimer' (2023)

Directed by christopher nolan.

Oppenheimer is largely set during World War II and covers periods prior to and following the conflict, yet ultimately stands as a biopic of sorts, centered on its titular character. That man is J. Robert Oppenheimer , and the film is, broadly speaking, about how he developed the world's first atomic bomb and grappled with the magnitude of his creation after it was used to conclude the Second World War.

The bombs he dedicated much of his life to creating were used to take countless lives in the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, done by U.S. forces to make Japan surrender. The film's certainly a bleak one, with its central character - and thereby the audience - forced to consider how the creation of the atomic bomb has continued to impact lives long after World War II's conclusion, with the looming threat of another (now nuclear) war being something that could destroy the world.

Oppenheimer

27 'rome, open city' (1945).

Roberto Rossellini is one of the most famous Italian filmmakers of all time, and someone who's held in particularly high regard by the similarly legendary Martin Scorsese . His 1945 film Rome, Open City is arguably his greatest work, being set in 1944 and depicting the Nazi occupation of Rome, particularly regarding clashes between Nazi forces and resistance fighters.

Due to its 1945 release, the film was made almost right after Nazi forces had left Rome, and Rome, Open City manages to feel intensely realistic because of this recency, and the ability to film in parts of the city that still looked the way they had during the war. It's a gripping and historically significant film and is also notable for giving future director Federico Fellini one of his earliest credits, as he co-wrote the film's screenplay.

26 'Pan's Labyrinth' (2006)

Directed by guillermo del toro.

Few filmmakers have attempted to merge the fantasy and war genres within the same movie before, but the legendary Guillermo del Toro is no ordinary filmmaker. Pan's Labyrinth is his best film in a career filled with great ones, and serves to be an imaginative and dark fairytale and a gruelingly intense war movie at the same time.

Though it takes place in 1944, it's not a World War II movie, with a focus instead on the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, with the protagonist (a young girl who escapes the horrors of life by retreating into a fantasy world) having a stepfather who fights guerrillas that are against the country's Francoist dictatorship. It's equally effective as a war movie, even while primarily being an example of a dark fantasy movie , with the unique approach to genre-blending making it stand among the greatest movies of the 21st century so far.

Pan's Labyrinth

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10 best ww2 movies that were made during the war.

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• War films during World War II provided a unique insight into contemporary views on the conflict, often serving as political tools.
• Movies like "The Great Dictator" and "Man Hunt" challenged fascism and highlighted the importance of resistance against the Nazis.
• Through powerful storytelling, movies like "Mrs. Miniver" and "Bataan" shed light on the human experiences and sacrifices during wartime.

Over the past 80 years, many incredible war movies have been based around World War II , but plenty of films were made about the conflict while wartime was ongoing. The harrowing effects of war did not stop the movie industry and, during this era, a large audience of filmgoers wanted to see movies based on the war they were living through. Looking back with hindsight, it's interesting to see how the war was portrayed as it was going on and how Hollywood and other countries depicted recent battles, current conflicts, and political adversaries such as Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

The best World War II movies have stood the test of time and have been remembered as among the greatest films ever produced . From acclaimed directors like Fritz Lang to iconic filmmakers such as Charlie Chaplin, there was no shortage of war films released during the conflict from 1939 to 1945. While many of these films had an overtly political message and could be seen, for better or worse, as wartime propaganda, the best World War II movies from that time still have a lot to say about contemporary issues and current conflicts .

10 The Great Dictator (1940)

An anti-war political satire directed by charlie chaplin, the great dictator (1940).

The Great Dictator is a satirical comedy-drama film that tells the story of Adenoid Hynkel, a parody of Adolf Hitler, and a lookalike Jewish barber. Released in 1940, the film stars Charlie Chaplin, who also wrote and directed the project, as both Hynkel and the barber, in a commentary on the rise of fascism in Europe.

For several reasons, The Great Dictator was one of the greatest comedies ever made and was a highly significant movie. As director, writer, and star Charlie Chaplin’s first true sound movie, it represented the silent film icon’s acceptance of ‘talkies’ as he embraced a new type of filmmaking with incredible success and became one of the few stars to make the transition successfully. However, The Great Dictator was also important for its highly political content , as it satirized Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, and World War II just one year after Hitler had invaded Poland.

While Chaplin and Hitler had their toothbrush mustaches in common, this was where the comparison ended, as the filmmaker was highly critical of the Nazi regime and sought to undermine fascism and antisemitism with The Great Dictator . Chaplin’s powerful climatic monologue was one of the most poignant speeches in all of cinema and showcased that when this silent film star finally opened his mouth and spoke, he had something urgent to say. As a film made while the United States was still neutral in WWII, The Great Dictator represented American and European society's growing concern about the threat of fascism.

Charlie Chaplin stated in his autobiography that if he knew the true horrors of the Holocaust, he would never have made The Great Dictator, saying, “ I could never have made fun of the homicidal insanity of the Nazis ” (via Chaplin .)

9 The Long Voyage Home (1940)

A merchant crew tries to survive loneliness and war in this drama directed by john ford, the long voyage home (1940).

The legendary director John Ford was mostly known for Western movies but was also responsible for the excellent World War II film The Long Voyage Home. While the story was adapted from a play by Eugune O’Neill about his time in the First World War, the setting was switched to the present day during the early years of the Second World War. As just one of many collaborations between Ford and John Wayne , The Long Voyage Home told the story of a merchant crew's struggles with loneliness as the threat of the oncoming war loomed large.

As one of Ford’s lesser-known movies, The Long Voyage Home could stand against his very best work for the way it expertly depicted life at sea and the challenges faced by those during wartime. With an impressive 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes , The Long Voyage Home was one of the greatest adaptations of O’Neill’s work , who was the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning tragedy Long Day's Journey into Night . With beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and a healthy dose of philosophy, The Long Voyage Home was a contemplative WWII movie that deserved to reach a larger audience than it did.

8 Man Hunt (1941)

An anti-nazi political thriller directed by fritz lang, man hunt (1941).

Man Hunt is a thriller film directed by Fritz Lang, released in 1941. The movie follows Captain Alan Thorndike, a British hunter, who goes on a mission to assassinate Adolf Hitler, but is captured and tortured by the Nazis. After escaping, he must use his wits to evade his pursuers and complete his original objective.

Once the Nazi Party came to power, the legendary director of German expression, Fritz Lang, decided to flee Germany and later made a name for himself as a Hollywood director. While Lang was best known for iconic movies like Metropolis and M. he also produced four anti-Nazi films, the first of which was Man Hunt from 1941. Released right amid WWII, Man Hunt told the story of a man’s assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler and the harrowing fallout that led to him being relentlessly pursued by German agents.

With an opening sequence as powerful today as it was in 1941, Man Hunt was just one of many films released during the war that helped influence a pro-British viewpoint in America. Far more than an average chase film, Man Hunt had deep political relevance and captured the growing anxiety that many felt about the acts of the Nazis and the increasing horrors of World War II. Lang’s film about a man’s attempt to assassinate Hitler had a lot in common with Quentin Tarantino’s later WWII movie Inglourious Basterds , which also featured a similar attempt on the life of Hitler.

7 Sundown (1941)

A mysterious woman helps the british fight the germans in this drama directed by henry hathaway, sundown (1941).

Sundown is a 1941 film directed by Henry Hathaway, starring Gene Tierney and Bruce Cabot. The story takes place in Africa during World War II, where a group of people from different backgrounds converge on a small outpost, leading to romantic entanglements and deadly conflicts.

The black-and-white adventure story Sundown was set in Kenya as Englishmen fought Nazis in British East Africa. With a mysterious Somaliland woman at the heart of its story, Sundown blended its WWII setting with romance and intrigue to tell a story that combined desert terrain with jungle adventures, mixed with a healthy dose of espionage-based thrills. With major stars of the 1940s involved, like Gene Tierney as the mysterious Zia and Bruce Cabot as the solider Bill Crawford, Sundown was one of its era's best wartime adventure movies .

With a story that involved the British trying to stop the Nazis from arming Africans for a burgeoning rebellion, Sundown addressed important themes of allyship that were highly relevant in 1941. While the moral-boosting goals of many war movies set during this time have lost their effect, the beauty of Sundown's cinematography and impeccable star power meant it stood the test of time. Although Sundown can feel like a relic from a bygone era of filmmaking, it was a solid B-movie that forever immortalized the ethereal beauty of its starlet, Tierney.

6 Mrs. Miniver (1942)

A powerful wartime drama that focused on the importance of domestic roles directed by h.c. potter, mrs. miniver (1942).

While most war movies of the 1940s often presented a traditional viewpoint of gender roles, Mrs. Miniver effectively examined an astounding mother’s experiences of the Second World War. Greer Garson gave a powerful performance as Kay Miniver, a mother and wife doing what’s best for her family throughout the ongoing conflict, highlighting women's important contributions during wartime. Mrs. Miniver was a fictional story, but it used real events, such as the Dunkirk evacuation, to dramatize for audiences the struggle of the British people during WWII.

Mrs. Miniver so effectively presented the domestic fortitude and endurance of families throughout WWII that Nazi propaganda leader Joseph Goebbels even made a statement about its impact, saying that although it did not outright criticize the Nazi regime, “ the anti-German ” message was obvious (via BBC .) More so than anything, Mrs. Miniver highlighted the importance of domestic roles during difficult times and acted as an important document of the war as it was experienced by everyday people. A sequel was even produced in 1950, although The Miniver Story failed to make much of an impact without the backdrop of the real war.

5 Bataan (1943)

A gritty war drama about soldiers in bataan directed by tay garnett, bataan (1943).

Bataan is a wartime drama film that follows a group of Filipino and American soldiers, led by Sergeant Bill Dane, as they embark on a mission to delay the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II. The film explores the soldiers' struggles and sacrifices as they fight against overwhelming odds.

Bataan portrayed a ragtag American unit’s attempt to blow up a bridge in the Philippines in a bid to slow down the Japanese during World War II. Released in the midst of the Allied offensive in the Pacific, Robert Taylor gave a gritty performance as Sergeant Bill Dane, the military leader trying to pull off a complex mission. As one of the few war movies of its time to present racially integrated fighting forces, Bataan was an important movie for representing white soldiers and African Americans working together in unity.

With powerful hand-to-hand combat scenes and a strong cast of supporting soldiers, each with a distinctive personality, Bataan was far better than the average pro-war movie produced during the early 1940s . Bataan was a good action-war film that took place in one singular location for the majority, and it used this limited setting to great effect. A follow-up film titled Back to Batann was released in 1945 and starred John Wayne, depicting similar events surrounding the Battle of Bataan.

4 Casablanca (1943)

An iconic romance that used the backdrop of wwii, directed by michael curtiz.

Set in Morocco against the backdrop of the Second World War, Casablanca stars Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine, a nightclub owner whose past comes back to haunt him when an old lover comes to ask for his help in smuggling her and her current husband out of the Nazi-occupied city. Ingrid Bergman stars alongside Bogart as Ilsa, with a further cast that includes Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, and Dooley Wilson. 

The Best Picture winner Casablanca has been remembered as one of the greatest movies of all time, and several iconic Casablanca quotes have become iconic in popular culture. With a powerful love story between Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), Casablanca was set against the backdrop of World War II, as Rick was forced to decide between the love of his life and continuing his fight against German Nazi forces. With an incredible director, exceptional performances, and a timeless script, Casablanca deserved its place among the most famous movies ever produced.

With sentiment, humor, and pathos, Casablanca captured something about the beauty of moviemaking that’s not often seen in cinema and was the perfect representation of the best movies of the 1940s. With enduring popularity and eternal appeal, Casablanca has maintained its power for over 80 years since its first release . A highly influential movie; in 2006, the Writers Guild of America voted Casablanca the greatest screenplay of all time.

3 The North Star (1943)

A pro-resistance war movie directed by lewis milestone, the north star (1943).

The North Star is a drama film that tells the story of a Ukrainian village's struggles against the Nazi occupation during World War II. Directed by Lewis Milestone, the film stars Anne Baxter, Dana Andrews, and Walter Huston, and explores the village's resistance efforts and personal struggles amidst the war.

The North Star was a Hollywood production that, unusually for its time, focused on Ukrainian villagers and their resistance against German forces during World War II. While The North Star was criticized at its release for its perceived pro-Soviet Union content (via TCM ), it presented aspects of the conflict rarely seen or heard about by American audiences. As the Ukrainian villagers used guerrilla tactics to overcome their Nazi invaders, The North Star acted as a contrast to the negative depiction of the Soviets so often seen in American movies during this time.

While the movie's original version has since been restored, the pro-Soviet accusations targeted at The North Star led to a heavily edited version released in 1956. This version removed much of the film’s content and added references to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, which was more in line with American political leanings during the fraught era of the Cold War. Despite these controversies, The North Star received six Academy Award nominations and has remained an important document of wartime cinema.

2 Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944)

A wartime drama made in the wake of pearl harbor, directed by mervyn leroy, thirty seconds over tokyo (1944).

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo is a war drama film based on the real-life Doolittle Raid, a daring bombing mission on Tokyo during World War II. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, the film stars Van Johnson, Robert Mitchum, and Spencer Tracy, and follows the story of Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle and his crew as they embark on a secret mission to retaliate against the Japanese after the Pearl Harbor attack.

The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was instrumental in the United States joining World War II and their conflict against the Japanese and the Axis powers. This historical event and the role of bomber pilots were major influences on the 1944 war movie Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, which followed a young lieutenant on a secret bombing mission in Japan. With a pregnant wife being left behind, the true story of Captain Ted W. Lawson, seen in Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, puts a human face on the war and the experiences of those who fought in it.

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo dramatized the real Doolittle Raid , America's first retaliatory air strike against Japan, and it was unusual to use real footage of the actual bombers. This highly authentic story was written by acclaimed screenwriter Dalton Trumbo based on Lawson’s memoir and was a highly patriotic film that boosted morale among the American people during wartime. A true classic of not just war movies but also aviation cinema, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo has remained a highly acclaimed movie.

1 The Fighting Sullivans (1944)

A biographical war film directed by lloyd bacon, the fighting sullivans (1944).

The Fighting Sullivans is a 1944 war drama film that tells the true story of the five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, who serve together on the USS Juneau during World War II, and their fate in the Battle of Guadalcanal.

The Fighting Sullivans was the story of the close-knit Sullivan family growing up during the Great Depression and the five brothers who served in World War II. Based on the real experiences of the Sullivans, who were all killed in action after the light cruiser USS Juneau sank in 1942, The Fighting Sullivans acted as a touching tribute to the men who gave their lives in the Second World War. With an engrossing story of family, loyalty, and the tragedy of sacrifice, the powerful relationship between the brothers made this movie stand out as a truly poignant and heartbreaking WWII film.

Vignettes of the Sullivan boys growing up at different ages, as seen through the eyes of their loving mother, make The Fighting Sullivans tug on the heartstrings of even the most stoic of audience . The lost potential of the boys, mixed with the incredible bravery of the Sullivans, makes this story so effective. As much a celebration of their lives as it was a harrowing account of their deaths, The Fighting Sullivans has not lost any of its power in the 80 years since its release.

Sources: Chaplin , BBC , Writers Guild of America , TCM ,

26 Best War Movies on Max to Watch Right Now

Max features a plethora of fantastic war films from the past 80 years, and these are the very best you can stream now.

For fans of war movies, Max is a must-have streaming service, as the combined film libraries of HBO and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), with some Criterion Collection masterpieces sprinkled in as well, provide several great choices. Among the over 2,200 films currently available to stream on Max are some classic films of the genre, including several from the American Film Institute's Top 100 Films of All Time . They include war films from Hollywood's golden age, as well as modern masterpieces by legendary directors.

War films are a famously difficult genre to pull off, as they require deftly blending action and drama, alongside sometimes incorporating biographies and historical context. However, at their best, war films feel unlike any other genre, and offer both exhilaration and moral reflection. So, without further ado, here are some of the best war movies available to stream on Max right now.

Updated on May 9, 2024, by Patricia Scheer-Erb: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

26 The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

Widely considered one of the best made-for-TV films ever, The Tuskegee Airmen depicts the true story (albeit with some fictionalized elements) of the titular squad division from WWII, the first ever all-African-American Air Force Squadron . Most of the story is told from the perspective of young squad pilot Hannibal Lee (the great Laurence Fishburne), and the reticence his division faces from their white superior officers.

Moving and Inspiring

Gradually, as the airmen prove their worth, they develop a reputation as one of the most fearsome and reliable squadrons in the army. The cast is absolutely stacked, with seasoned veterans, newcomers, and underrated character actors including Cuba Gooding Jr., Mekhi Phifer, John Lithgow, Courtney B. Vance, and Andre Braugher. If it's a somewhat predictable viewing, it's also a moving and inspiring one.

25 Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Behind enemy lines (2001).

Helmed by John Moore ( The Omen, Max Payne ) in his directorial debut , Behind Enemy Lines tells the story of Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) an American Navy flight officer shot down over Bosnia. Loosely inspired by a similar 1995 scenario involving former Air Force pilot Scott O'Grady, the film depicts Burnett's struggle to survive as he awaits rescue from his commanding officer.

Tense and Technically Impressive

As he fights for his life, Burnett uncovers evidence of a planned genocide against the Bosnian people, led by a Serb paramilitary leader. While the plot sometimes strains credulity, it's nonetheless always involving and undeniably impressive on a technical level.

24 Anthropoid (2016)

Anthropoid is a very underrated war film that’s set against the backdrop of WWII, where two Czech soldiers return to the Nazi-occupied Czech Republic to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich. Powered by incredible performances by Cillian Murphy (who just won a Best Actor Oscar ) and Jamie Dornan, Anthropoid is based on true events and is considered to be one of the most accurate and realistic war films in recent times.

A Gripping, Well-Acted Film

With an abundance of bullets and bloodshed, Sean Ellis’ film paints a haunting portrait of the Czech resistance movement and how they put their lives on the line for a greater cause. Despite being a heavy film to digest, Anthropoid ranks highly as a well-rounded film that fires on all cylinders, from emotion to action.

23 Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)

Rory Kennedy’s haunting war documentary gives the viewers an insight into life inside one of the world’s most notorious prisons: Iran’s Abu Ghraib. A haunting film to experience, Ghosts of Abu Ghraib utilizes the narratives of perpetrators, victims, and witnesses in an effort to probe into the effects of the infirmary. Highlighting a plethora of torture schemes ranging from sexual humiliation to physical abuse, Kennedy’s film pulls no punches and is very critical of America’s hand and credibility in the Iraqi prison ecosystem.

Difficult But Essential

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib is definitely a film that cannot be seen on an empty stomach as its haunting images linger in the bylines of memory much after the credits have rolled. Despite that, the film deserves to be on everyone’s movie list, serving as a reminder of the brutality humans are capable of.

22 When Trumpets Fade (1998)

Highlighting the mental trauma of war , When Trumpets Fade follows Pvt. David Manning, the sole survivor in the aftermath of the battle of Hürtgen Forres. Crumpled by shock and trauma, Manning requests to leave but instead is promoted to sergeant and tasked with leading his men into battle despite being thoroughly unqualified for the position.

An Emotionally Turbulent Journey

When Trumpets Fade runs on the emotional chaos that’s caused by war, it leaves its effect on everyone who’s put through the experience. This change is evident in Manning’s case as he gradually numbs to war's harsh realities as the film progresses, taking the viewer with him on a turbulent journey both inward and outward.

21 The Tin Drum (1979)

The Tin Drum , adapted from Günter Grass’ novel of the same name, follows a young boy who purposely refuses to accept the reality of the adult world by banging on his tin drum as a form of protest against the Nazis and war.

A Political Rebellion Seen Through Youth

Upon its release, Volker Schlöndorff’s film was a sensation, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival along with the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. With an abundance of symbolic messaging and themes of youth and adulthood, The Tin Drum merges political rebellion with childlike stubbornness, creating a film for warring adults, led by a small boy.

20 Best War Movies on Tubi to Watch Right Now

20 american sniper (2014), american sniper.

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Directed by Clint Eastwood, American Sniper tells the true story of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), a Navy SEAL who served as a lethal sniper during the war in Iraq . Hell-bent on protecting his fellow soldiers, Chris' almost inhuman accuracy made him one of the most deadly snipers in American history.

A Deadly and Dedicated Family Man

Against the backdrop of Kyle trying to be a family man while staying loyal to his duty as he serves four tours, the film delves into the poignant issues service personnel face every day, as well as the difficulties soldiers face when forced to leave the battlefield. Chris' dedication to his role made him a legend, albeit one with a perpetual target on his head.

19 Red Dawn (1984)

Red dawn (1984).

Red Dawn is already iconic, if just for being the first film ever to sport a PG-13 rating. But even without this, it's still a wild, brutal ride (even if it's a bit self-serious for its own good) boasting highly memorable characters and impressive direction from John Milius (writer of Apocalypse Now , director of Conan the Barbarian ).

A Hugely Entertaining Ode to Heroism

Set during the height of the Cold War , Red Dawn envisions a worst-possible-scenario future, where an alliance between the Soviet Union, the Warsaw Pact, and Latin America invades the United States. The country's only hope for freedom lies with the Wolverines, a teenage battalion of guerrilla soldiers (the ranks include Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, and C. Thomas Howell). Regardless of one's political beliefs (the film wears its agenda very openly), it remains a hugely entertaining watch.

18 Westfront 1918 (1930)

Westfront 1918 is a touching drama that manages to immediately capture the viewers’ attention by following the style of a documentary. It highlights the experiences of a group of German soldiers, whose lives are changed forever when they are sent to fight at the frontline in France. Karl, one of the soldiers, is briefly sent home, where he finds his home and family struggling with poverty.

Between the Frontlines and a Poverty-Stricken Home

Westfront 1918 exceeds the limitations of filmmaking at that time and delivers an authentic portrayal of the horrors of war. It specifically focuses on the fight for life and death at the frontlines but also sheds light on the daunting conditions in the soldiers' home country. It reveals that war impacts every single person, as its terrors can come in different, horrendous ways. Westfront 1918 stands out with compelling storytelling, making it a must-watch.

17 Conspiracy (2001)

Starring Kenneth Branagh and Stanley Tucci, Conspiracy is a made-for-TV film that dramatizes the events of the Wannsee Conference, the famous Nazi meeting meant to debate the "Final Solution" of "The Jewish Question". Featuring uncannily believable dialogue, the film uses the actual transcripts of the conference, while also successfully delving into the frightening psychology of the Nazi mindset .

Essential and Still Relevant

Given its horrific subject, the film is a powerful one portraying the completely insidious intention of the Nazi Party. As depicted in the film, the discussions candidly include options like mass sterilization and genocide — giving us a chilling reminder of why such mindsets should never be tolerated again. With terrific performances from the lead actors, this is a must-see film given how much of the same rhetoric is still so prevalent today.

16 The Exception (2017)

A romantic war film bolstered by a stellar cast, The Exception follows a Wehrmacht Officer (Jai Courtney) as he's tasked with determining if a British spy has infiltrated the Kaiser's residence. The stakes are sky-high for the officer to complete his assessment, as it's believed that the spy's main orders are to assassinate the monarch, who has been deposed.

Romantic With Sky-High Stakes

While the officer is initially focused on his task, complications arise when he meets one of the Kaiser's beautiful maids, played by Lily James. Set during Germany's occupation of The Netherlands in WWII, the film also features a brilliant Christopher Plummer as Kaiser Wilhelm I and was based on the book "The Kaiser's Last Kiss" by Alan Judd.

15 Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Dr. Strangelove is set during the Cold War and focuses on an American general who suffers from dementia and numerous other inconveniences. Amid his dissatisfaction, he decides that he wants to launch a nuclear bomb on the Soviet Union. Worried about this unhinged general, a group of politicians, all gathered around a table, is trying their best to avoid a huge catastrophe.

A Comedy Classic

Director Stanely Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove has achieved cult status, as it combines the very real horrors and unimaginable dangers of wars with a good amount of humor, turning the film into a bizarre yet iconic masterpiece. It is important to keep in mind that this film is a satire, and it includes many scenes that are shocking but will also make its viewers laugh.

21 Best War Movies on Prime Video to Watch Right Now

14 monos (2019).

Winner of the World Dramatic Special Jury Award at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, Monos is far from an easy watch, but it's a captivating one. Taking inspiration equally from William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness , the film takes place in Colombia, centering around a group of child soldiers tasked with watching over a hostage before an ambush drives them into the jungle.

Nightmarish and Unforgettable

As the group struggles to survive, their bonds are put to the test, and the film takes on a much more surrealistic bent, utilizing nightmarish visuals and a haunting score by Mica Levi to illustrate how the characters are affected by their surroundings. It's both hugely disturbing and unforgettable.

13 Path to War (2002)

A top-tier biographical TV film, Path to War was the last film directed by the great John Frankenheimer, best known for films like The Manchurian Candidate (1962). The movie utilizes the viewpoint of President Lyndon B. Johnson and his cabinet to depict several key historical moments of the Vietnam War.

Inescapably Political and Wonderfully Cast

Path to War successfully highlights both the inescapably political nature of the Vietnam War and the difficult decision-making processes that surrounded it. The film is elevated by a terrific performance from Michael Gambon in the lead as President Johnson, but the veteran actor is backed up wonderfully by a supporting cast including Donald Sutherland and Alec Baldwin.

12 The Cold Blue (2018)

The Cold Blue is a documentary made out of footage filmed by director William Wyler in 1944 for his own documentary, The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress. The 2018 film is a tribute to the members of the 8th Air Force, who went on numerous, incredibly dangerous missions flying their B-17 bombers during the Second World War. It shows a glimpse into the terrors of war and how trauma and youth become blurred.

A Touching Documentary with All-Too-Real Footage

The Cold Blue is a must-watch for anyone interested in war movies, since it includes incredible, real footage and combines it with a captivating storyline. Additionally, this film stands out with its inclusion of recollections of some veterans, which adds even more weight to the already intense topic. It is a monumental masterpiece, working as a reminder of the outstanding sacrifices that were made by young soldiers during the war.

11 Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)

Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, Jim: The James Foley Story is a hard-hitting work about the life of photojournalist and war correspondent, James Foley. Depicting the innocent casualties of war , it primarily focuses on his time covering the Syrian Civil War, during which time he was later kidnapped on Thanksgiving Day in 2012.

The Rise of ISIS

He would remain missing for two years. In 2014, in response to US airstrikes in Iraq, the world watched in horror as a video went viral, in which terrorists beheaded Foley. His tragic murder acted as the world's first major introduction to the new threat that emerged in the wake of Al-Qaeda's losses, as the now infamous ISIS began seizing more power in the region.

10 Henry V (1944)

Helmed by the legendary Laurence Olivier, who also took the title role, Henry V was maybe the first Shakespeare film adaptation to receive both critical and popular acclaim. The British government partially funded the movie, as Olivier famously took the project to boost the morale of British troops during the final stretch of WWII.

A Triumph Gorgeously Shot

A cinematic triumph, the film sweeps through the famous battles as seen through the eyes of Shakespeare, and it looks simply gorgeous, with landscapes and battles depicted with astonishing visual clarity, shot in Technicolor. Olivier received a special Academy Award for his outstanding achievement with the film, further proof of why he's such a screen legend . The film was also nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director for Olivier.

The 30 Best War Movies of All Time, Ranked

9 eye in the sky (2015), eye in the sky.

One of the most hotly debated topics regarding military and foreign policy in the 2010s was the use of drone warfare, and few films explore this ethical dilemma better than Eye in the Sky . The plot centers around a British military officer (Helen Mirren) leading an operation to capture a group of terrorists in Kenya. As she learns that they're planning a suicide mission, she plans to proceed with a kill mission, but everything is thrown into flux when a young girl enters the kill zone.

Nail Biting and Thought Provoking

This triggers an international crisis, with the heads of the British, American, and Chinese governments debating whether to proceed with the mission. The result is a hugely tense thriller, with its characters put through unthinkable moral dilemmas as the clock keeps ticking. But alongside the thrills also comes a thought-provoking illustration of the cost of war, and whether the ends truly justify the means.

8 The Hunt For Red October (1990)

The hunt for red october (1990).

The saga of Tom Clancy's most iconic character, Jack Ryan, has proven one of the most consistently successful cinematic translations of a literary thriller, and it all began with 1990's The Hunt for Red October . At the height of the Cold War, CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) is dragged into the heart of an intense ideological conflict, as a rogue Soviet naval captain (Sean Connery) seemingly plans to attack the United States. Ryan, believing the captain actually wants to defect, must rush to prove his theory before it's too late.

A Classic Thriller

Old-school thrillers simply don't get much better than this, with director John McTiernan setting the pedal to the metal almost immediately and leaving viewers biting their nails without a chance to catch a breath. The A-list cast helps elevate what could've been hugely implausible pulp, and the technical prowess (the film won an Oscar for Sound Editing) only enhances the experience.

7 Casablanca (1942)

More than 80 years on, Casablanca is still widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Featuring the immortal talents of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, to this day, the film still holds up remarkably considering its success has had one of the most lasting legacies in cinematic history. The movie takes place in the titular city, at a nightclub attracting all kinds of patrons, including the likes of both Nazi officials and refugees.

An All-Time Great

Rick, the club's owner and an expat, takes a neutral stance against the currently unfolding war. However, when an old flame that he still loves arrives, he must choose between his love for her and helping her husband, a Czech resistance leader, escape. Filled with legendary setpieces and some of the best dialogue in cinematic history, the film is still widely regarded as the greatest war film ever .

10 Best War Movies Based on Books, According to IMDb

W ar films have been a popular genre for decades, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Because they provide a glimpse into soldiers' lives and the sacrifices they make for their country, war movies appeal to a lot of people. These movies frequently address themes of bravery, devotion, and sacrifice, which can encourage and provoke viewers' thoughts.

It's also worth noting that many war films are based on novels and books, both fictional and non-fictional. These books often provide a rich source of material for filmmakers, as they offer detailed accounts of real-life events or compelling fictional stories. Thus, filmmakers can reach a larger audience and contribute to the remembrance of those who served in wars by adapting these books into movies.

‘The Thin Red Line’ (1998)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Adapted from the 1962 novel of the same name by James Jones , The Thin Red Line is set during World War II. It follows a group of soldiers from the United States Army’s 25th Infantry Division as they fight in the Battle of Guadalcanal. The story is told through the eyes of several soldiers, each with their own unique perspective on the war.

The Thin Red Line perfectly captures its essence in each and every scene and is unwavering in its proclamation that "war is hell.” Moreover, the action scenes are expertly filmed, but the film's most significant appeal lies in its quieter, more reflective moments. War is not something to be praised or cherished because it is essentially the rape of the natural environment.

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‘Black Hawk Down’ (2001)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Based on the 1999 non-fiction book of the same name by Mark Bowden , Black Hawk Down is set during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. It follows a group of American soldiers who are sent on a mission to capture a Somali warlord. However, the mission goes awry when two Black Hawk helicopters are shot down and the soldiers are forced to fight for their survival in the hostile streets of Mogadishu.

Director Ridley Scott creates the most spectacular, if not enlightening, depiction of contemporary warfare ever seen on camera by stripping out plot, character development, and morality to their absolute minimum. The action in the film embodies dignity and motivation. In that way, it is a movie that is very much in line with the spirit of America: realistic, determined, and furious.

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (1930)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Based on the 1929 novel of the same name by German novelist Erich Maria Remarque , All Quiet on the Western Front occurs during the First World War. It follows a group of young German soldiers who enlist in the army and are sent to the Western front. The story is told through the eyes of Paul Bäumer ( Lew Ayres ), who experiences the horrors of war firsthand.

All Quiet on the Western Front is a film with revolutionary technical innovations that also delivers a very strong anti-war message that is still relevant today. The movie is also deserving of high praise for its inventive editing, production design, and other technical elements that help the movie feel authentic and relatable over a century later.

‘The Deer Hunter’ (1978)

Based in part on Louis A. Garfinkle and Quinn K. Redeker 's unproduced script The Man Who Came to Play , The Deer Hunter is set during the Vietnam War. The film follows a group of friends, Michael ( Robert De Niro ), Steven ( John Savage ), and Nick ( Christopher Walken ), who are from a small Pennsylvania town and are drafted into the army and sent to fight in Vietnam as they witness the horror of war and experience the trauma that follows.

The Deer Hunter is an epic war film that avoids political issues to emphasize the fundamental needs we all share. Moreover, it’s graphic in its depictions of battle and tranquility and honest in its capture of human feeling. It’s undeniably one of the best films of 1978 in terms of impact alone.

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‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ (1957)

Based on the 1952 novel written by Pierre Boulle , The Bridge on the River Kwai takes place during World War II. It centers on a group of British prisoners of war who are forced by their Japanese captors to build a bridge over the River Kwai in Thailand and is told through the perspective of the British commander, Colonel Nicholson ( Alec Guinness ), who becomes obsessed with building the bridge to prove British superiority.

The Bridge on the River Kwai , one of the great, action-packed epics of the late 1950s, is a superb case study of the mania of war and the pride that comes before the fall. Moreover, the move is a must-watch of its genre because it brilliantly captures the core of Boulle's book and keeps your attention throughout its two hours and forty-one thrilling minutes without a waste moment.

‘Full Metal Jacket’ (1987)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Based on the 1979 novel The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford , and set during the Vietnam War, Full Metal Jacket follows a group of Marine recruits as they undergo basic training and are sent to fight in Vietnam. Privates J.T. Davis ( Matthew Modine ) and Leonard Lawrence ( Vincent D'Onofrio ), often known as "Joker" and "Pyle," who struggle under the cruel guidance of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman ( Lee Ermey ), are the main subjects of the first half of the movie.

Full Metal Jacket is regarded as one of the all-time greatest war movies and it’s a hard-hitting film with moments of dark humor and is rife with societal satire. Moreover, the film's message is straightforward—innocent young Americans are brainwashed to be killing machines, Stanley Kubrick and his tremendous talents deliver it with finesse .

‘Das Boot’ (1981)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Adapted from Lothar-Günther Buchheim 's 1973 German novel of the same name, Das Boot is a German film that follows the crew of a German U-boat as they embark on a dangerous mission to sink Allied ships in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s told through the U-boat’s captain’s eyes, who struggles with the moral implications of his missions and the constant danger his crew faces.

In order to portray the very human worries and genuine bravery of Germans who fought for, and lost, the supremacy of the seas, director Wolfgang Petersen has steadfastly rejected war movie clichés, both American and those of the Nazi dictatorship. Das Boot conveys a feeling of coldness and distance, yet it also effectively depicts collaboration, claustrophobia, and the danger of underwater combat.

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‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

Loosely based on the 1899 novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad , Apocalypse Now follows Captain Willard ( Martin Sheen ), a U.S. Army officer who is sent on a mission to assassinate a renegade colonel who has gone rogue and is leading his own army in Cambodia. Williad also slowly descends into madness as he navigates the horrors of war and the surreal landscape of the jungle.

Apocalypse Now has a lot of dark shadows, a dismal voiceover by Willard, and a cast of morally ambiguous antiheroes, which artistically reminds one of film noir. Additionally, the film is created by fear and tenacity and the result was a terrifying, thought-provoking, and magnificent experience.

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Stephen E. Ambrose 's books and descriptions of casualties among members of one family, like the Niland brothers, served as inspiration for Saving Private Ryan . The film follows a group of American soldiers who are sent on a mission to find and rescue the titular private ( Matt Damon ), led by Captain John Miller ( Tom Hanks ).

Saving Private Ryan is arguably Steven Spielberg 's most emotional and creative masterpiece, speaks to fervent patriotism, dedication, and unwavering camaraderie, and has influenced the genre since its release . Additionally, the story poses challenging moral dilemmas on the relative worth of human lives and the immense debt that people who gain from the sacrifices of others may bear.

‘Schindler's List (1993)

IMDb Rating: 9/10

Based on the 1982 book Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally , Schindler's List follows Oskar Schindler ( Liam Neeson ), a German businessman who saves the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees by employing them in his factories. It’s also told through his Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern ( Ben Kingsley ), who helps Schindler in his mission.

Schindler's List is an emotional account of the Holocaust. It also serves as a timely reminder of what "ethnic cleansing" and genocide actually entails. Moreover, Neeson portrays Schindler admirably, guiding him through his dramatic arc, showing not only the worst chapter in the history of mankind but also the revolution of a man finding his light.

NEXT: The 20 Best War Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb

Roberto Minervini’s Cannes-Bound ‘The Damned’ Debunks Heroism of War, Says Director – Watch Teaser (EXCLUSIVE)

By Nick Vivarelli

Nick Vivarelli

International Correspondent

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Italian-born Texas-based director Roberto Minervini is known for a distinguished career making documentaries including his so-called Texas trilogy comprising “The Passage,” “Low Tide” and “Stop the Pounding Heart.”

His most recent doc “What You Gonna Do When the World’s On Fire?” about a community of Black people in New Orleans during the summer of 2017, when a string of brutal killings of Black men sent shockwaves throughout the country, launched from the Venice competition in 2018.

Popular on Variety

“I wanted to understand how these issues persist, why there is still a lot of nostalgia for the Civil War, how that time shaped a sense of distrust toward institutions,” he goes on. “I wanted the film to tie into the experience of people who were left in limbo during the war, in the middle of a transition from very conservative values to a new society: people who didn’t even know what to fight for.”

Minvervini goes on to point out that during the Civil War many in the  U.S. Army were mercenaries who enlisted without fully grasping the cause.  

“I’ve always had an issue with war movies because of the archetypes that are present in them,” Minervini underlines.

“The Damned” is an Italian-American-Belgian co-production from Okta Film, Pulpa Film, RAI Cinema and Michigan Films.  The cast includes rising talents Jeremiah Knupp, René W. Solomon, Cuyler Ballenger and Noah Carlson.

Les Films du Losange will distribute the film in France and is kicking off sales in Cannes.

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Top 25 Greatest War Movies of All Time (The Ultimate List)

1. Apocalypse Now

2. Schindler's List

3. The Bridge on the River Kwai

4. Lawrence of Arabia

5. Saving Private Ryan

6. Full Metal Jacket

9. Das Boot

10. Paths of Glory

11. Braveheart

12. The Great Escape

13. The Pianist

14. Letters from Iwo Jima

15. All Quiet on the Western Front

16. The Deer Hunter

17. Inglourious Basterds

18. The Dirty Dozen

19. From Here to Eternity

20. Stalag 17

21. Sergeant York

22. The Longest Day

23. The Thin Red Line

24. Hacksaw Ridge

25. The Hurt Locker

More to explore, recently viewed.