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The war film genre has a storied past in the world of cinema. While debates persist, the 1898 short film Tearing Down the Spanish Flag is often regarded as the first war movie, also serving as a piece of Spanish-American War propaganda, highlighting some of the genre's early challenges. D.W. Griffith's 1915 work The Birth of a Nation was a bold, albeit troubling, effort to reshape Civil War history for white audiences, showcasing the persuasive power of war narratives. A decade later, Sergei Eisenstein's Soviet masterpiece Battleship Potemkin set a high bar for the genre.
In 1975, French critic and filmmaker François Truffaut remarked that "every war film ultimately ends up glorifying war," regardless of intent, as even anti-war movies must captivate and entertain. Yet, war films are diverse, ranging from intimate tales and tragic accounts to action-packed adventures featuring formidable weaponry.
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
This timeless masterpiece may not depict actual combat, but its impact as a war film remains undeniable. Directed by William Wyler and released a year after World War II ended, the film delves into the lives of three U.S. servicemen grappling with the challenges of returning to civilian life. Al, once a prosperous bank worker, jeopardizes his post-war promotion through heavy drinking and lenient loan policies for fellow veterans. Fred battles PTSD and unemployment, while Homer, who lost both hands, wrestles with being pitied. Remarkably ahead of its time, the film foreshadows the enduring struggles veterans face after WWII and subsequent conflicts.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Peacock, Freevee
Stalag 17 (1953)
The POW camp film emerged as a distinct sub-genre, heavily influenced by Jean Renoir’s 1937 classic La Grande Illusion and a wave of British films. Billy Wilder’s acclaimed version, however, defies easy classification, blending harsh violence with near-comedic moments. Rather than feeling disjointed, it captures the surreal nature of wartime existence. The film keeps viewers on edge throughout, with a gripping thriller element centered on a suspected informant among American POWs.
Where to stream: Tubi, The Roku Channel
The Battle of Algiers (1966)
This strikingly relevant film explores the intense conflict between Algerian nationalists and French forces in North Africa, which escalated into a three-year war. Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo, the movie's hyper-realistic style is both gripping and thought-provoking. While it subtly favors the Algerians' fight to reclaim their homeland, it also starkly portrays the brutal violence of guerrilla warfare, making any simplistic hero-villain narrative impossible. Few war films manage to capture the moral complexities of conflict as effectively as The Battle of Algiers.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Steven Spielberg's WWII masterpiece adopts a near-documentary style, transforming what could have been a sentimental tale into a profound meditation on war's ambiguities. Tom Hanks delivers one of his finest performances as an army captain tasked with retrieving a family's sole surviving son. The film's visceral depiction of violence, particularly the harrowing Omaha Beach landing, remains one of the most powerful portrayals of war ever captured on screen.
Where to stream: Paramount+
From Here to Eternity (1953)
Initially, Fred Zinneman's Oscar-winning masterpiece leans more toward romantic drama than a traditional war film, famously highlighted by the passionate beach scene between Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster. However, this serves to immerse viewers in the lives of those connected to Schofield Barracks on Oahu. With a stellar cast including Lancaster, Kerr, Montgomery Clift, Frank Sinatra, Donna Reed, and Ernest Borgnine, the film draws us into their world. When the attack on Pearl Harbor unfolds, the emotional stakes feel deeply personal, and the earlier melodramatic elements reveal their significance.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Cary Joji Fukunaga's film, adapted from Uzodinma Iweala's novel, traces the harrowing journey of Agu, a young boy whose family is torn apart by a savage civil war. After being captured by rebel forces, Agu (Abraham Attah) is coerced into becoming a child soldier, gradually losing his innocence and humanity. Though fictional, the movie poignantly highlights the devastating impact of war on children, particularly in contexts where child soldiers are tragically normalized.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Fortress (2017)
Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, this war film diverges from traditional battle narratives, focusing instead on the 1636 Qing Dynasty invasion of Joseon. As the Joseon kingdom, previously aligned with China's Ming Dynasty, faces overwhelming pressure from the Qing, King Injo and his court seek refuge in a fortress. The film delves into themes of political maneuvering and moral dilemmas rather than heroic resistance, portraying the defenders' struggle to survive between two dominant powers. A critical and commercial success in South Korea, it earned numerous accolades.
Where to stream: Netflix
Inglourious Basterds
(2009)
Quentin Tarantino's homage to 1960s war epics like The Dirty Dozen takes creative liberties with history, delivering a tale of a ruthless squad wreaking havoc behind Nazi lines. The film opens with a tense interrogation and a shocking execution, culminating in a bold reimagining of historical events. Packed with dark humor and audacious storytelling, it stands as one of Tarantino's most daring and wildly entertaining works.
Where to stream: Digital rental
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
While the 2022 adaptation is commendable, it doesn't surpass the 1930 version of Erich Maria Remarque's novel. Starring Lew Ayres, the original film remains a visceral and haunting portrayal of World War I, cementing its place as one of cinema's greatest anti-war statements. Its impact was so profound that the Nazis aggressively censored and disrupted screenings, fearing its pacifist message would undermine their ambitions for Europe.
Where to stream: Tubi
Judgement at Nuremberg (1961)
While the ensemble cast might occasionally draw attention away, Stanley Kramer’s gripping courtroom drama remains a poignant and unsettlingly relevant exploration of how ordinary individuals can be led to commit unspeakable acts with little provocation. The film dramatizes one of the 1947 Nuremberg Military Tribunals, which sought to hold high-ranking Nazis accountable for crimes against humanity. Spencer Tracy, portraying Chief Judge Dan Haywood, delivers a sobering reminder that such atrocities could occur anywhere.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Tubi, MGM+
The Deer Hunter (1978)
While it may not be as frequently discussed as other films from the 1970s, The Deer Hunter delivers a profoundly emotional exploration of the moral and psychological toll of the Vietnam War. Featuring standout performances by Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, the film remains a powerful and controversial piece, unafraid to challenge viewers and provoke thought, a rarity in modern cinema.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Dunkirk (2017)
Christopher Nolan's 2017 film captures the 1940 evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from northern France following the disastrous Battle of Dunkirk. While it highlights the bravery of civilian boats that aided the rescue, the film also immerses viewers in the chaos and tension of the moment, with Nolan masterfully maintaining a sense of urgency and high stakes throughout.
Where to stream: Peacock
Atonement (2007)
At the core of this Oscar-nominated film lies the Dunkirk evacuation, set in motion by a 13-year-old girl's accusation, born of spite and misunderstanding. Adapted from Ian McEwan's WWII-era novel, the story spans decades, placing Robbie (James McAvoy) amidst the chaos of Dunkirk. The film poignantly illustrates how a single act of cruelty, however unintentional, can ripple through countless lives—a theme that resonates deeply with the hidden tragedies of war.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Big Red One (1980)
Samuel Fuller’s 1980 WWII masterpiece balances intense battle sequences with moments of camaraderie and character development. The restored version, which rectifies the original’s unauthorized cuts, delves into the soldiers' everyday interactions, such as a pivotal scene discussing the risks of smoking at night and an imagined enemy radio host. These human elements are central to the film, emphasizing that war is as much about personal bonds as it is about combat.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel
Overlord (1975)
Stuart Cooper’s Overlord exudes a haunting, dreamlike quality, blending archival footage with the fictional tale of a young soldier’s journey from enlistment to the D-Day invasion at Sword Beach. Originally intended as a documentary, the film uses its protagonist as a symbolic representation of all who perished that day. Its melancholic and ethereal tone sets it apart from traditional WWII films, making it a uniquely poignant experience.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1961)
This story, adapted from Ambrose Bierce’s Civil War-era tale, might be familiar to fans of The Twilight Zone, as it was featured in the show’s fifth season with minimal edits. The nearly silent French short film explores a military execution and a fleeting, illusory second chance. Its haunting narrative remains impactful, even in its brevity.
Where to stream: Tubi (for the original film), or Paramount+ (for the fifth-season Twilight Zone episode)
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods is a dynamic, nearly three-hour film that captivates from start to finish. By centering on the often-overlooked experiences of Black Americans during the Vietnam War, Lee bridges past and present through the story of four veterans returning to Vietnam to recover their fallen leader’s remains and a hidden cache of gold. The stellar cast, including the late Chadwick Boseman in one of his final roles, delivers unforgettable performances.
Where to stream: Netflix
Kesari (2019)
Anurag Singh’s Kesari is an inspiring tale of bravery and sacrifice against overwhelming odds. The film dramatizes the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897, where 21 Sikh soldiers under British rule faced 10,000 Afghan fighters in a 300-like stand. While its depiction of Muslim characters has drawn criticism, the film excels in its powerful performances and masterfully staged battle sequences.
Where to stream: Prime Video
1917 (2019)
Sam Mendes’ World War I epic 1917 employs a unique technical approach, presenting the story as if filmed in two uninterrupted takes. This technique heightens the tension and urgency as two soldiers, Will Schofield (George MacKay) and Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), race against time to deliver a message that could prevent a catastrophic attack. The result is a gripping and immersive cinematic experience.
Where to stream: Paramount+
Paths of Glory (1957)
Stanley Kubrick’s anti-war classic Paths of Glory strips away any notion of noble sacrifice, exposing the grim realities of politics, bureaucracy, and self-serving leadership. Set in World War I, the film follows Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas) as he is forced to execute a doomed mission by his superiors. When the mission fails, three soldiers are scapegoated and sentenced to death, highlighting the brutal indifference of those in power.
Where to stream: Tubi, MGM+
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Kubrick’s iconic Vietnam War film is divided into two distinct halves. The first follows J.T. “Joker” Davis (Matthew Modine) through the brutal, dehumanizing rigors of basic training, featuring R. Lee Ermey’s unforgettable Gunnery Sergeant and Vincent D'Onofrio’s troubled "Private Pyle." The second half portrays Joker’s struggle to retain his humanity amidst the chaos of war.
Where to stream: Max
Spartacus (1960)
Kubrick’s Roman-era epic Spartacus transcends the typical sword-and-sandal genre, focusing instead on themes of freedom and rebellion. Set during the Third Servile War in the first century BCE, the film also serves as a metaphor for the anti-Communist witch hunts of its time, with a screenplay by blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo. It’s a powerful tale of defiance against oppression.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Ran (1985)
Akira Kurosawa’s Ran, one of his final epics, remains a celebrated masterpiece, weaving Japanese history and folklore with Shakespearean influences. Set in the 16th century, the film reimagines the tale of daimyō Mōri Motonari through the lens of King Lear. Warlord Ichimonji Hidetora (Tatsuya Nakadai) divides his kingdom among his three sons, only to witness greed and betrayal overshadow familial loyalty. Known for its lavish cinematography, intricate period design, and massive cast, the film’s title, meaning "chaos," contrasts with Kurosawa’s meticulous direction.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Hurt Locker (2008)
Kathryn Bigelow’s Oscar-winning Iraq War drama, The Hurt Locker, avoids overt political commentary, instead delivering a gripping, tension-filled narrative. Despite its open desert settings, the film feels intensely claustrophobic, with Jeremy Renner delivering a standout performance as a soldier pushed to his limits by the horrors of war.
Where to stream: Prime Video, The Roku Channel
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
David Lean’s Oscar-winning masterpiece, The Bridge on the River Kwai, follows British POWs in a Japanese camp in Thailand during the final stages of World War II. Tasked with building a railway bridge, the prisoners engage in a psychological tug-of-war with their captors. While William Holden stars, Alec Guinness delivers a career-defining performance as the British colonel whose obsession with the bridge becomes a symbol of both pride and folly.
Where to stream: AMC+
The Woman King (2022)
Set in 1823 West Africa, the film draws inspiration from the Agojie, also known as the Dahomey Amazons. Viola Davis portrays General Nanisca, the formidable leader of the Dahomey army, who must navigate intricate political landscapes despite her expertise in combat and defending her people against colonial forces.
Where to stream: Netflix
