The Best War Movies: A Comprehensive Guide to Military Cinema

War films have always been an integral part of the film industry, providing audiences with a window into the mayhem, courage, and sorrow of battles past. These best war movies, whether they are epic retellings of WWII or brutal portrayals of contemporary combat, have the ability to stir the soul, motivate the body, and provoke contemplation of the human toll that war exacts. The proliferation of online video streaming services like Netflix has also made it much simpler to watch classic and new war movies without leaving your house.

Classic War Movies

Some war pictures have become cinematic classics because they have withstood the test of time. With their superb performances, breathtaking vistas, and themes that still make people think, these films are the gold standard when it comes to great war movies.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

The Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg military epic Saving Private Ryan is generally considered a classic. The film takes place during the WWII Normandy invasion and follows a squad of American troops assigned the mission of locating and returning home a paratrooper who has lost all three of his brothers in combat. Saving Private Ryan is an essential viewing for genre enthusiasts due to its profound emotional core and uncompromising depiction of the horrors of war.

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Apocalypse Now (1979)

Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now takes audiences on a spooky, dreamlike descent into the underworld in its epic war drama. The film takes place in Vietnam and follows a U.S. Army captain (Martin Sheen) as he heads a mission to kill a rebellious colonel (Marlon Brando) who has gone mad. Apocalypse Now is a film classic thanks to its surreal imagery, legendary actors, and biting critique of the insanity of war.

The Thin Red Line (1998)

The Thin Red Line by Terrence Malick is a philosophical and lyrical examination of the human condition in the midst of conflict. The film follows a group of soldiers as they try to stay human in the midst of unspeakable carnage and anarchy during the WWII Battle of Guadalcanal. One of the greatest war movies of all time, The Thin Red Line has an all-star ensemble that includes Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, and Nick Nolte, as well as breathtaking photography and an eerie music.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

David Lean’s epic war movie follows British POWs forced to build a railway bridge for their Japanese captors during World War II. This film masterfully explores themes of honor, duty, and the futility of war, earning it a place among the best war movies ever made. The Bridge on the River Kwai won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, cementing its status as a true classic of wartime cinema.

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The Great Escape (1963)

Based on a true story, The Great Escape is a thrilling tale of Allied prisoners plotting a mass breakout from a German POW camp during World War II. Starring Steve McQueen, this film has become one of the most beloved war movies of all time, thanks to its perfect blend of tension, humor, and heroism. Its iconic motorcycle chase scene remains one of the most memorable moments in cinematic warfare.

Modern Classics

As much as fans of the genre will always cherish the classics, there has been no shortage of innovative war movies that have emerged in recent years. In addition to showcasing the extraordinary ability of a new generation of filmmakers and performers, these films shed new light on old conflicts by exploring obscure periods in history.

The Hurt Locker (2008)

The Hurt Locker by Kathryn Bigelow depicts the mental toll of contemporary conflict in a riveting and emotional way. The video follows a bomb disposal squad through the perils and ethical dilemmas of their duty in Iraq during the war. Jeremy Renner’s breakthrough performance in particular, together with the film’s realistic and gritty portrayal of battle and its multi-layered characters, elevates The Hurt Locker to the ranks of the finest war movies of the 21st century.

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Dunkirk (2017)

An immersive and well-narrated account of the renowned Allied army evacuation from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II, Dunkirk is a feature film by Christopher Nolan. The film’s breathtaking visuals and sound design immerse you in the action as it unfolds from three distinct viewpoints: land, sea, and air. Dunkirk is a cutting-edge war movie that challenges the conventions of the genre with its nail-biting pace, spare language, and astounding technological accomplishments.

Black Hawk Down (2001)

Black Hawk Down by Ridley Scott is a powerful and terrifying portrayal of the 1993 U.S. military operation in Somalia known as the Battle of Mogadishu. The film is based on true events and follows a squad of elite American troops as they struggle for survival in the surreal streets of Mogadishu after a disastrous operation. Anyone looking for a contemporary war movie classic shouldn’t pass up Black Hawk Down due to its intense violence, multi-layered characters, and profound messages of camaraderie and selflessness.

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1917 (2019)

Sam Mendes’ World War I epic 1917 is a technical marvel, filmed to appear as one continuous shot. This immersive approach plunges viewers into the heart of trench warfare, following two British soldiers on a perilous mission across enemy lines. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, 1917 has quickly established itself as one of the best war movies of recent years.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Quentin Tarantino’s unique take on World War II, Inglourious Basterds, blends historical fiction with Tarantino’s signature style. This film follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers on a mission to assassinate Nazi leaders. With its clever dialogue, intense action sequences, and standout performances, particularly from Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on the war movie genre.

Hidden Gems

Even while you should definitely check out the current and classic war movies on Netflix, there are a ton of lesser-known treasures in the genre that you may not know about. Though they may not be as well known as other war movies, these ones are certainly not lacking in influence or strength.

The Siege of Jadotville (2016)

The riveting and dramatic The Siege of Jadotville recounts a little-known period in Irish military history. During the 1960s Congo Crisis, a small company of Irish troops are besieged by a bigger army of Katangese rebels. The film recounts their plight. More people should see The Siege of Jadotville because of its riveting plot, excellent acting, and profound themes of courage and sacrifice.

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

The horrific and moving drama Beasts of No Nation depicts the lives of West African juvenile soldiers. The film, which stars Idris Elba and was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, follows a young boy called Agu as he is compelled to join a rebel organization after the deaths of his family in a civil war. Hidden gem Beasts of No Nation is important watching for anybody interested in the human cost of war; it portrays the cruelty of battle unflinchingly and delves complexly into the psychological toll of warfare on children.

The Outpost (2020)

An dramatic and riveting war movie, The Outpost is based on the actual events of the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh, a savage gunfight in Afghanistan between Taliban insurgents and U.S. forces. The film is an intense and striking portrayal of the mayhem and bravery of contemporary combat, directed by Rod Lurie and featuring Scott Eastwood and Caleb Landry Jones. The Outpost is one of the best war movies on Netflix because of its excellent acting, intense plot, and profound themes of camaraderie and selflessness.

Come and See (1985)

Often overlooked in Western cinema, Come and See is a Soviet war movie that offers a harrowing portrayal of the Nazi occupation of Belarus during World War II. Director Elem Klimov’s unflinching depiction of the horrors of war, seen through the eyes of a young boy, makes this film a powerful and deeply disturbing experience. While it may not be as well-known as some Hollywood war movies, Come and See is considered by many critics to be one of the greatest war movies ever made.

Das Boot (1981)

Wolfgang Petersen’s Das Boot is a claustrophobic masterpiece that follows the crew of a German U-boat during World War II. This tense and atmospheric film offers a unique perspective on naval warfare, showcasing the psychological toll of submarine combat. While it may not have the same recognition as some Hollywood war movies, Das Boot is widely regarded as one of the best war movies ever made, particularly in the submarine subgenre.

International Perspectives

One of the best things about the best war movies is that they provide viewers an opportunity to learn about wars and history from all around the globe, not just in the United States. These global war films highlight the extraordinary skill and imagination of filmmakers from every part of the world while providing fresh and important perspectives on the human experience of conflict.

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

One of the most seminal and consequential war movies of all time, The Battle of Algiers chronicles the 1950s Algerian uprising against French colonial control. The film, which Gillo Pontecorvo directed, employs a documentary technique to immerse the audience in the event and make the spectator feel like they are a part of it. The Battle of Algiers is a timeless masterpiece of world cinema that captivates viewers with its multi-layered characters, profound themes of defiance and freedom, and thought-provoking analysis of political brutality.

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)

South Korean war epic Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War follows the plight of two brothers enlisted in the Korean War military. Kang Je-gyu’s film offers an intense look at the tragedies of war and the strength of family ties. The visually breathtaking, intensely violent, and intricately layered Tae Guk Gi is an outstanding work of international war film that more people should see.

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

Clint Eastwood’s companion piece to Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima offers a rare perspective on World War II from the Japanese side. This powerful film explores the experiences of Japanese soldiers defending Iwo Jima against American forces. With its nuanced portrayal of the enemy and its exploration of themes like honor and duty, Letters from Iwo Jima stands out as one of the best war movies to offer an alternative view of a well-known conflict.

Life is Beautiful (1997)

Roberto Benigni’s Life is Beautiful takes a unique approach to the war movie genre, blending comedy and tragedy in its story of a father protecting his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. While not a traditional war movie, this Italian film offers a poignant and deeply moving exploration of the human spirit in the face of war’s atrocities. Its innovative approach to depicting the Holocaust earned it multiple Academy Awards and a place among the best war movies of all time.

Documentaries

War documentaries present the facts as they are, without embellishment or bias, which may be just as powerful and compelling as fictional war movies. When compared to their fictional equivalents, these films provide a fresh and insightful take on the realities of war.

The Vietnam War (2017)

A huge and epic documentary series, The Vietnam War delves into the past and present of a contentious and polarizing American struggle. Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s series combines audio records, rare film, and interviews with historians, journalists, and soldiers. Any viewer interested in the history and legacy of this key struggle must watch The Vietnam War for its thorough and nuanced treatment of the subject matter, its strong emotional effect, and its still relevant commentary on the nature of war and politics.

Five Came Back (2017)

An intriguing and enlightening documentary series, Five Came Back delves at how Hollywood films influenced how the public saw WWII. This documentary series follows the lives of five famous filmmakers—George Stevens, John Ford, William Wyler, and John Huston—who all left Hollywood to capture the war effort while serving in the military. Spectacular archive material, thought-provoking commentary on the influence of cinema on public opinion, and a unique fusion of film history and wartime narrative make Five Came Back an essential viewing for history buffs and aficionados of war movies.

They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

By using restored and colorized material from World War I, the innovative and profoundly touching documentary They Shall Not Grow Old gives life to the experiences of British troops in a manner never before seen. Voiceover interviews with battle veterans and breathtaking cinematography take audiences to the Western Front trenches in this Peter Jackson directed film. Anyone interested in the history and legacy of World War I must watch They Shall Not Grow Old for its novel approach to historical narrative, profound emotional effect, and still relevant reflection on the human cost of war.

The Fog of War (2003)

Errol Morris’s documentary The Fog of War offers a unique insight into the decision-making processes behind modern warfare. Through a series of interviews with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, the film explores the complexities and moral ambiguities of war, particularly focusing on the Vietnam War. This thought-provoking documentary provides a valuable perspective on the strategic and ethical challenges faced by those in power during times of conflict.

Restrepo (2010)

Restrepo, co-directed by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington, offers an unflinching look at the Afghanistan War through the eyes of a platoon of U.S. soldiers in the Korengal Valley. This raw and intimate documentary captures the daily lives of soldiers in one of the most dangerous outposts in Afghanistan. By focusing on the human experiences of the soldiers rather than the politics of the war, Restrepo provides a powerful and personal perspective on modern warfare.

New War Movies (2020-2024)

The genre of war movies continues to evolve, with filmmakers finding new ways to explore both historical conflicts and modern warfare. Here are some of the most notable new war movies from recent years:

Greyhound (2020)

Tom Hanks stars in and wrote the screenplay for this tense World War II naval thriller. Based on C.S. Forester’s novel “The Good Shepherd,” Greyhound follows a U.S. Navy commander leading an Allied convoy across the Atlantic while under pursuit by German U-boats. With its focus on the strategic aspects of naval warfare and its claustrophobic atmosphere, Greyhound offers a fresh take on the World War II genre.

The Outpost (2020)

Based on Jake Tapper’s non-fiction book, The Outpost recounts the true story of the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan. This intense and visceral film depicts the experiences of U.S. soldiers defending a remote outpost against overwhelming Taliban forces. With its emphasis on authenticity and its portrayal of modern combat, The Outpost stands as one of the best war movies to tackle the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods offers a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its lasting impact on African American veterans. The film follows four aging vets who return to Vietnam in search of buried treasure and the remains of their fallen squad leader. Blending historical footage with a contemporary narrative, Da 5 Bloods explores themes of race, trauma, and the long-term consequences of war.

Moffie (2019)

This South African drama, set during the Border War of the 1980s, explores the experiences of a young gay conscript in the South African Defence Force. Moffie offers a powerful examination of masculinity, prejudice, and the psychological toll of military service in a society marked by apartheid. Its unflinching portrayal of both the brutality of war and the personal struggles of its protagonist makes it a standout among recent war movies.

Shadow in the Cloud (2020)

Shadow in the Cloud blends elements of war, horror, and science fiction to create a unique entry in the war movie genre. Set during World War II, the film follows a female pilot (Chloë Grace Moretz) on a secret mission aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. As she faces sexism from the all-male crew and encounters mysterious threats, the film explores themes of gender roles in wartime while delivering intense action sequences. While it may not be a traditional war movie, Shadow in the Cloud represents an innovative approach to the genre.

Best War Movies on Netflix

Netflix has become a go-to platform for both classic and new war movies. Here are some of the best war movies on Netflix that you can stream right now:

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

This German-language adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s classic novel is a visceral and harrowing portrayal of World War I. The film follows a young German soldier as he experiences the brutal realities of trench warfare. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, this new war movie on Netflix has quickly become one of the most acclaimed war movies of recent years, winning multiple Academy Awards.

The Forgotten Battle

This Dutch war movie focuses on the Battle of the Scheldt, a crucial but often overlooked campaign in the final stages of World War II. The film interweaves three perspectives – a Dutch Axis soldier, a British glider pilot, and a Resistance woman – to create a comprehensive view of the battle. Its attention to historical detail and multiple viewpoints make it a standout among war movies on Netflix.

War Machine

Starring Brad Pitt, War Machine is a satirical take on the war in Afghanistan, based on the non-fiction book “The Operators”. This Netflix original film blends comedy with drama to critique the decision-making processes behind modern warfare. While it may not be a conventional war movie, War Machine offers a unique and often darkly humorous look at the complexities of 21st-century conflicts.

Conclusion

The best war movies offer more than just explosive action sequences and patriotic fervor. They provide a window into the human experience of conflict, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, camaraderie, and the moral complexities of warfare. From classic films that have stood the test of time to new war movies pushing the boundaries of the genre, there’s a wealth of powerful storytelling to explore.

Whether you’re watching on the big screen or streaming war movies on Netflix, these films offer important perspectives on historical events and the ongoing realities of war. They challenge us to think critically about conflict, honor those who have served, and consider the true cost of warfare. As the genre continues to evolve, war movies remain an essential part of cinema, helping us understand our past and reflect on our present.