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 films, whether they are epic retellings of WWII or brutal portrayals of contemporary combat, can 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 war films without leaving your house.

Read on as we delve into the best war movies now available on Netflix, guaranteed to satisfy any cinephile’s appetite. Anyone from history buffs seeking faithful recreations of legendary battles to action fans seeking heart-pounding battle scenes will find what they’re searching for on this list. From new war movies that provide new insights into past battles to classic tragedies, we will be viewing a broad selection of films. Gather your popcorn and settle down for an epic (or tiny) film adaptation of the horrors, triumphs, and tragedies of battle.

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The Classics

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 films. You should definitely check out these vintage war movies on Netflix:

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. It 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.

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.

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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 films 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 eerie music.

Modern Classics

As much as fans of the genre will always cherish the classics, there has been no shortage of innovative war films 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. Any Netflix subscriber who likes new war movies should see these contemporary classics:

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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 films 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 film 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 actual 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 film 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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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. However, they may not be as well known as other war films, but these are certainly not lacking in influence or strength. If you’re looking for any hidden treasures, here they are:

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 is besieged by an enormous 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 who is compelled to join a rebel organization after the deaths of his family in a civil war. Hidden gem Beasts of No Nation is essential 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)

A dramatic and riveting war film, 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.

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 vital perspectives on the human experience of conflict. To help you narrow down your options, here are a few of great foreign war films:

Come and See (1985)

Harrowing and memorable, Come and See is a Soviet war film that shows the atrocities committed in Belarus during the Nazi occupation in WWII. The film’s director, Elem Klimov, follows a little kid called Flyora as he becomes a member of the resistance and sees the horrors of war firsthand. Come and See is one of the greatest war films of all time because of its horrific and dreamlike imagery, strong acting, and unflinching portrayal of the Nazis’ crimes.

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

One of the most seminal and consequential war films 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.

Documentaries

War documentaries present the facts as they are, without embellishment or bias, and 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. Essential watching of war movies on Netflix includes the following war documentaries:

The Vietnam War (2017)

A vast 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 films, 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 into 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 lovers of war films.

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.

Conclusion

Finally, if you’re looking for a vast array of war films covering a variety of battles, points of view, and aesthetic preferences, go no further than Netflix. There is a wide range of cinematic styles represented here, from foreign epics to undiscovered treasures and from period dramas to contemporary action flicks. All kinds of people may enjoy the best war movies on Netflix: history buffs who want to watch real-life depictions of significant battles, action fans who want to see heart-pounding combat scenes, and documentary lovers who want to see the unfiltered reality of war.

If you’re looking for an intense and emotionally engaging film, then these 26 war films on Netflix are a must-watch. The best war movies genre is on display in these films, which range from Saving Private Ryan with its terrifying intensity to Apocalypse Now with its strange dreams, from The Hurt Locker with its taut and riveting narrative to The Thin Red Line with its epic sweep. They shed light on the human cost of battle and the extraordinary fortitude and courage of combatants, and although they aren’t always entertaining, they’re always enlightening.

Here are some fantastic films that will move, inspire, and challenge you. So, get some popcorn and settle in. Netflix provides something for everyone, from die-hard fans of war films to those curious about the history and art of the genre who are new to it. You should not miss these best war movies that are now streaming on Netflix.

War films are fantastic for both teaching about the past and providing thrilling action. There are several excellent war films available on Netflix. Whether you’re a history buff or an action movie enthusiast, you’re sure to appreciate one of these 26 top war movies on Netflix. Everyone can find a movie they like, from the all-time greats to the latest releases. Check out our next article, which discusses the most horrifying villains from the 80s action movies that continue to haunt us if you’re interested in scary villains from that era.

With a vast collection of films from all around the world, Netflix has become the premier streaming platform for movie lovers. Deciding what to watch next on Netflix may be a real challenge, especially with all the best new movies to stream available. In order to assist you in perusing the extensive library, we have assembled a list of the top 2024 Netflix films that you really must see. 

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List of Movies To Watch in Netflix

This list includes all the latest Movies on netflix that you can view, from dramatic masterpieces to thrilling blockbusters.

David Fincher’s The Killer: An Exciting Film Classic

Our best new movies to stream is The Killer, a nail biter from the renowned David Fincher. The film depicts Michael Fassbender’s character, a cold blooded hired killer, as he struggles to keep his cool after a mission goes horribly wrong. Showing his range as an actor, Fassbender gives a mesmerizing performance. The Killer is undeniably a top 2024 Netflix original film because to Fincher’s expert directing and a finely plotted script.

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Tom Cruise’s Dynamic Born on the Fourth of July Performance

Born on the Fourth of July is a moving military drama that delves into the Vietnam military’s aftermath from the perspective of young soldier Ron Kovic, portrayed superbly by Tom Cruise. The film’s director, Oliver Stone, brings attention to the human toll of war and the difficulties returned service members encounter via his realistic and grim narrative style. In a performance that showcases his breadth as an actor, Cruise gives a career defining turn. One of the top movies on Netflix, this moving picture is an absolute must watch.

Devil in a Blue Dress: A Neo Noir Gem

Among Netflix’s offerings, Devil in a Blue Dress stands out as a hidden treasure for vintage noir film enthusiasts. The story takes place in 1940s Los Angeles and follows Denzel Washington’s character, Private Detective Easy Rawlins, as he becomes entangled in a perilous case about a lady who goes missing. Thanks to his stunning cinematography and riveting story, director Carl Franklin brilliantly embodies the noir genre. With Washington’s magnetic performance elevating an already captivating plot, Devil in a Blue Dress becomes one of the Best Movies on Netflix.

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Glengarry Glen Ross: A Stellar Ensemble Cast

Glengarry Glen Ross has an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, and Al Pacino, making it a powerful drama. Exploring themes of desperation, ambition, and morality, the film dives into the ruthless world of real estate marketers, based on David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play. Everyone who loves strong narrative and brilliant acting should watch Glengarry Glen Ross because of the dramatic performances and incisive conversation. Don’t miss it; it’s certainly one of Netflix’s finest films.

Inside Man: Spike Lee’s Gripping Heist Thriller

While Spike Lee is most recognized for his politically charged films, he dabbles with robbery thrillers in Inside Man. Denzel Washington plays a New York Police Department hostage negotiator who finds himself in a high-stakes mental match with Clive Owen’s crafty bank robber in this film. Inside Man has a taut plot and excellent directing that grips audiences. This is one of the most enjoyable Movies on netflix because to the outstanding cast, which includes Christopher Plummer and Jodie Foster, who both provide terrific performances.

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L.A. Confidential: A Neo Noir Classic

L.A. Confidential is a masterwork of neo noir cinema that immerses audiences in the sordid side of Los Angeles in the 1950s. Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce star as three police officers who, while investigating a string of killings, stumble into departmental corruption and treachery, based on a book by James Ellroy. With breathtaking photography and an enthralling story, director Curtis Hanson does an excellent job of capturing the era’s vibe. Without a question, L.A. Confidential is the finest film available on Netflix and an absolute must watch for noir movie buffs.

Moneyball: A Smart and Engaging Sports Drama

The sports drama Moneyball takes the underdog narrative to a new level. The film, which is based on Michael Lewis’s book, follows Brad Pitt’s character, Billy Beane, as he uses statistical analysis to try to develop a baseball club on a tight budget for the Oakland Athletics. Moneyball provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of sports business, thanks to its clever narrative and superb performances by Pitt and Jonah Hill. It’s one of the top new movies on Netflix because it’s intelligent and entertaining, so anybody can watch it, not just sports lovers.

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May December: A Thought Provoking Character Study

May December delves into the intricate dynamics between Julianne Moore, the role she is playing in a film, and Natalie Portman, the renowned actress who plays her. Moore plays a teacher who has an affair with a pupil, and the film explores the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise from the interaction between the two characters. Todd Haynes, renowned for his subtle storytelling, directed the picture. May December is a compelling addition to the Best Movies on Netflix list, thanks to Portman’s and Moore’s stellar performances.

The Nest: A Tense Family Drama

Jude Law and Carrie Coon’s riveting family drama The Nest recounts a married couple’s (the characters’) journey from New York to London in quest of a brighter future. The family, however, begins to fall apart as their marital problems and financial woes become more apparent. With its tight and emotionally impactful slow burn pace, superb acting, and eerie atmosphere, The Nest is sure to stay with audiences long after the credits roll. Some of Movies on netflix are hidden gems, and this one is one of them.

The Power of the Dog: Jane Campion’s Masterful Western

Famous filmmaker Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog is a breathtaking western drama. In this cinematic adaptation of the book by Thomas Savage, Benedict Cumberbatch plays the role of a cruel rancher who harasses Kirsten Dunst’s character and her kid, who are his brother’s new bride and wife. The Power of the Dog is an expertly crafted picture that captivates audiences with its stunning visuals, stirring performances, and a plot that builds to a devastating end. In addition to being one of the Movies on netflix of all time, it is also one of the finest Netflix originals.

Sleepless in Seattle: A Timeless Romantic Comedy

A timeless masterpiece, Sleepless in Seattle will captivate moviegoers in search of a touching romance. Tom Hanks plays a father who has just lost his wife, and the plot centers on his son’s use of a radio talk program to locate a new bride. Nora Ephron directed the film. In the role, Meg Ryan portrays a journalist whose interest in his narrative prompts her to seek him out. An ideal romantic comedy for a rainy night in, Sleepless in Seattle has a clever plot, fantastic lead chemistry, and a soundtrack full of beloved songs. Of all the Best Movies on Netflix, this one is a must see.

Whiplash: An Electrifying Music Drama

Whiplash is a riveting and emotional musical drama that follows Miles Teller’s character, a teenage drummer, as he learns the ropes from J.K. Simmons’s character, a cruel and violent music teacher. Watching Whiplash is like being on the edge of your seat due to the thrilling performances, heart pounding drumming scenes, and well crafted narrative. Teller is convincing as the driven young musician, while Simmons gives an Oscar winning performance as the scary teacher. You should not miss it since it is one of the Movies on netflix.

Wild Things: A Steamy and Clever Thriller

With hints of sex, murder, and treachery, Wild Things creates a sultry and astute neo noir thriller. The plot revolves on two high school girls, Neve Campbell and Denise Richards, who go on a perilous journey that culminates in murder, treachery, and blackmail after they accuse their guidance counselor, Matt Dillon, of sexual impropriety. Wild Things is the ideal guilty pleasure for a Saturday night because of its complex narrative, attractive actors, and surprising revelations. It’s a thrilling mystery film that will have you on the edge of your seat right up until the credits roll.

Action Packed Blockbusters on Netflix

Also, action packed films have grown popular on Netflix. Baby Driver, Edgar Wright’s slick and dynamic heist thriller, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, a genre bending science fiction adventure that defies classification, are two of the best new movies to stream in this genre available to watch. Kill Bill (starring Uma Thurman as The Bride) is accessible on Netflix in both volumes, perfect for Quentin Tarantino aficionados. Among the other prominent action flicks available on the site are the cult classic Jurassic Park and the revolutionary The Matrix.

Laugh Out Loud Comedies to Stream

Netflix has a large collection of comedies that are sure to make you laugh. Decades after its first release, the iconic comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail never fails to bring a smile to people’s faces. Pineapple Express is a stoner comedy goldmine that features Seth Rogen and James Franco in an entertaining and entertaining adventure. In School of Rock, Jack Black demonstrates his comic chops as a substitute educator who imparts rock music’s transformative potential to his pupils. Two other hilarious comedy you should definitely check out on Netflix are Step Brothers and the offbeat Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Terrifying Horror Films to Watch on Netflix

Netflix has a plethora of terrifying films for horror aficionados to enjoy. Delves into the depths of loss and parenthood, The Babadook is a masterwork of psychological horror. Gerald’s Game, adapted from Stephen King’s book, is an intense and riveting thriller that chronicles a woman’s struggle for life while restrained to a bed. If you’re a fan of supernatural horror films, you’ll love The Conjuring and its sequels. Among Netflix’s other prominent horror films include the found footage masterpiece The Blair Witch Project and the post apocalyptic suspenseful Bird Box.

Family Friendly Films for All Ages

Viewers of all ages may enjoy Netflix’s selection of family friendly films. The artistically breathtaking stop motion film Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio reimagines the classic fairy tale with a darker tone. The charming animated tale Puss in Boots: The Last Wish follows the eponymous cat on his mission to recover his nine lives. Moviegoers who have enjoyed the Despicable Me series will love Minions: The Rise of Gru for all the funny and cute things Gru does. The Mitchells vs. the Machines and The Willoughbys are two more noteworthy family films available on Netflix.

Conclusion

There’s a movie in Netflix’s huge collection for every taste. The platform provides a varied collection of films that appeal to many different types of viewers, from dramatic masterpieces to exciting blockbusters. Browse our curated selection of the Movies on netflix to find new favorites, revisit old favorites, and learn about upcoming releases. Indulge in the enthralling cinematic universe that Netflix presents, so have a snack and sit in.