Best Movies About War

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

"Schindler's List" is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film is based on the novel, Schindler's Ark, by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally, which is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film follows the story of Oskar Schindler who, using his connections to the Nazi party, manages to open a factory to employ Jews as slave labor. However, as the war progresses, Schindler begins to see the horrors of Nazi Germany and starts to help his Jewish workers by providing them with various luxuries, including food and medical care, in order to help them survive the harsh conditions. Throughout the course of the film, we witness Schindler's journey from an opportunistic businessman to a concerned and compassionate protector of his employees. In the end, Schindler's attempts to save his workers from the Nazi regime, with the help of his Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern, enable him to save the lives of over 1,100 Jews. The film ends with Schindler in tears

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American war film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. The film follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and a squad of seven enlisted men, as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. As the squad searches for Ryan, they face entrenched German infantry, artillery, and armor, eventually taking heavy casualties. To protect Ryan, Miller and his men take on increasingly impossible missions in a race against time. The film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing over $481.8 million worldwide and receiving a number of awards, including 11 Academy Award nominations, winning five, including Best Director for Spielberg and Best Cinematography for Janusz Kaminski.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest
Rated R

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 American epic war film directed, produced and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola. It stars Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, Frederic Forrest, Albert Hall, Sam Bottoms, Laurence Fishburne, and Dennis Hopper. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows US Army Special Forces Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Brando), who has gone insane and has become a renegade leading a ruthless guerrilla army. As the story progresses, Captain Benjamin Willard (Sheen) is sent on a secret mission to assassinate him. The film explores themes of the insanity of war, morality, and the immense human cost of war. It has come to be seen as one of the greatest films ever made, and is considered one of the most powerful anti-war films of all time.

From Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
Rated R

The Pianist is a 2002 historical drama directed by Roman Polanski and starring Adrien Brody. It is based on the autobiography of the same name by Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman and tells the story of his struggle to survive the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Szpilman, played by Brody, is a talented musician whose life is upended when Nazi forces invade Poland in 1939. He is eventually confined to the Warsaw Ghetto, where he experiences firsthand the atrocities of life under Nazi occupation. With incredible luck, he manages to escape and hide in the ruins of Warsaw, where he is aided by kind strangers. Through his music, he finds solace and hope, and ultimately survives the war. The Pianist is a powerful and moving account of the human spirit’s capacity to persevere in the face of adversity.

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch
Rated R

The Boat is a 1981 German drama film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. A family of four set out on a journey in a small sailboat to escape the modern world and live in harmony with nature. As they travel, the family is forced to confront the harsh realities of life at sea, as well as their own limitations and differences. Along their journey, the family must make a number of decisions which could affect their safety and survival, as well as their relationships with one another. The film explores themes of family, nature, freedom, and the power of the sea.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready
Rated Approved

Paths of Glory is a 1957 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. It is based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb. The story follows a French Army Colonel in World War I, who defends his men after they are condemned to death for disobeying orders. The film follows Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas) of the 701st Infantry Regiment, who is ordered to lead a suicidal attack against a German position knowing that his men stand no chance of success. Despite suffering heavy casualties, his men manage to take the position, only to be ordered to retreat by the French high command. The commanding General, Mireau (George Macready), orders the court-martial of three of the regiment's soldiers, claiming that they refused to advance under fire. Dax attempts to defend them, but the court-martial is a farce and the men are found guilty and condemned to death. Dax, outraged by the injustice, appeals the case to his superiors, but is unsuccessful. In the end, Dax's efforts to save the men fail, and the three soldiers are executed by firing squad. The film serves as a powerful commentary on the senselessness of war

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is a 1995 epic historical drama directed by and starring Mel Gibson. It tells the story of William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior who leads the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. Wallace rallies the Scottish nobility and rallies his countrymen to fight for their freedom. The film follows Wallace as he launches a guerrilla campaign against the English, uniting the Scottish people against their oppressors. Despite the odds being against them, Wallace and his troops manage to defeat the English in the Battle of Stirling Bridge, inspiring his countrymen to continue the fight for independence. Ultimately, Wallace is betrayed and captured by the English and subsequently executed, becoming a martyr for his people. The film was a huge commercial success and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is a classic epic film directed by David Lean and starring Peter O'Toole as T.E. Lawrence. The film follows Lawrence's journey in the Arabian Peninsula during WWI, where he unites the various, often warring, Arab tribes to fight the Ottoman Turks. Along the way he faces numerous challenges, including his own personal demons and the constant danger of being captured by the Ottoman forces. Despite these obstacles, Lawrence leads the Arab forces to numerous victories and ultimately helps to establish the state of Transjordan, later known as Jordan. The film is a sweeping, visually stunning exploration of the human spirit, and it won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin
Rated R

Full Metal Jacket is a war movie directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1987. It follows a platoon of US Marines as they undergo the rigors of basic training and are then shipped off to fight in the Vietnam War. Led by the tough-as-nails Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, the Marines must overcome his abusive training regime and strive to become killing machines in the face of the atrocities of war. After a bloody battle at the end of the film, the Marines are left to contemplate the harsh realities of war and their newfound understanding of what it means to be a soldier.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Mélanie Laurent
Rated R

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 Quentin Tarantino-directed wartime movie set in Nazi-occupied France during World War 2. The movie follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the 'Basterds', led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), on their mission to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by killing and scalping Nazis. Along the way, they cross paths with a young Jewish woman (Mélanie Laurent) who is determined to take revenge on the Nazi who killed her family. Meanwhile, a German officer (Christoph Waltz) plots to assassinate Adolf Hitler at a movie premiere in Paris. As the two stories intertwine, the Basterds and their target slowly get closer to each other and the Nazi regime begins to crumble. Ultimately, they join forces to bring down the Third Reich in an explosive and unexpected finale.

From David Lean, starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa
Rated PG

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1957 British war film directed by David Lean and based on the novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle. The film is set in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in Burma in 1943, during World War II, and tells the story of British Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) and the construction of a bridge over the Kwai River. Nicholson is determined to prove that he and his men are not just simply prisoners of war, but are soldiers and deserve to be treated as such. This leads to a confrontation with the Japanese commander of the camp, Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa). After a lengthy battle of wills, Nicholson and Saito reach an agreement that the prisoners will build the bridge, with Saito expecting it to be completed in the span of a year. The prisoners' work is overseen by Major Clipton (Jack Hawkins), a British officer who realizes the importance of Nicholson's intentions and works to protect them from Saito's harsh punishments. As the prisoners struggle to complete the bridge, they become increasingly sympathetic to their captors and a slow but steady friendship develops between Nicholson and Saito. The bridge is eventually completed, and a battle ensues between Allied forces and the

From John Sturges, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
Rated Approved

The Great Escape (1963) is a World War II movie based on a true story about a group of Allied prisoners of war who planned and executed a daring escape from a German POW camp. Led by American Flying Officer Virgil Hilts (Steve McQueen), the group of prisoners dig three tunnels under the camp in an attempt to reach freedom. The Germans eventually discover the tunnels and the prisoners are sent to even more secure camps. However, Hilts and a few of his compatriots manage to escape and make it to freedom. The movie is an inspiring tale of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.

From Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Keith David
Rated R

Platoon is a 1986 American war drama film written and directed by Oliver Stone and is the first film of his Vietnam War trilogy. It tells the story of an idealistic young American soldier, Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), who is sent to fight in the Vietnam War. During the war, he experiences a moral transformation, as he and his squad are exposed to the savagery of the war and the moral choices the soldiers must make. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker, John C. McGinley, Keith David, Kevin Dillon, and Johnny Depp. Platoon focuses on the physical and psychological toll of the war, examining the horrors of combat and exploring themes of loyalty, duty, responsibility, and morality. The film won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Sound.

From Lewis Milestone, starring Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, Arnold Lucy
Rated Passed

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) is an Academy Award-winning war drama directed by Lewis Milestone. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque and follows the story of German soldiers in World War I. The story follows a group of young German recruits as they experience the horrors of the war, and the struggles they face as they attempt to survive in the trenches and battlefields. Led by their teacher, Kantorek, they enlist in the army, none of them aware of what they are getting themselves into. As they face the physical and psychological atrocities of war, they are forced to come to terms with the harsh reality of their situation and the grim realities of war. With courage, friendship and resilience, the soldiers find ways to cope and survive, only to endure a shocking and devastating fate. Through this powerful story, All Quiet on the Western Front is a searing indictment of the horrors of war and a powerful statement against its futility.

From Michael Cimino, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, John Savage
Rated R

The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American epic drama directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, John Savage, Meryl Streep and George Dzundza. The film follows a group of steelworkers from Pennsylvania who go on a hunting trip to the mountains of western Pennsylvania before departing for Vietnam. After the hunting trip, the group of friends are drafted into the Vietnam War, and are forced to confront the horrors of the war. The Deer Hunter examines the effects of the war on the individuals' lives and relationships, as well as the relationships between the men before, during and after the war. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest war movies ever made.

From Mel Gibson, starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer
Rated R

Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 war drama directed by Mel Gibson, starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, and Vince Vaughn. The film tells the true story of Desmond T. Doss, a conscientious objector in World War II who chose to serve as an unarmed medic. Despite facing discrimination and ridicule, Doss refuses to pick up a weapon, and instead focuses on saving the lives of his fellow soldiers on the front line. Through bravery and courage, Doss manages to save 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa, and is later honored with the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

From Billy Wilder, starring William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger, Robert Strauss
Rated Not Rated

Stalag 17 is a 1953 film directed by Billy Wilder and starring William Holden. Set in a German prisoner of war camp during World War II, the film follows the exploits of a group of American prisoners as they try to discover which one of them is the spy in their midst. Through the machinations of the prisoners, they eventually uncover the identity of the spy—a sergeant—and devise a plan to escape. The film is a dark comedy, and a satire of war films of the era. It won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Holden.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young, Michael Strong
Rated GP

Patton is a 1970 American biographical war film about U.S. General George S. Patton during World War II. It stars George C. Scott as General Patton and Karl Malden as General Omar Bradley. The film won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. The film follows General Patton as he commands troops in the North African and European theater of World War II. As he leads his troops to victory over the Nazis, Patton becomes a public hero and a controversial figure. He also has to deal with his own inner demons, as he struggles to come to terms with his own ego and with his own place in history. The film follows Patton's career until the end of the war, when he is removed from command for making controversial statements about the Russians.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Ryô Kase
Rated R

Letters from Iwo Jima is a 2006 war drama directed by Clint Eastwood. Set during the Battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and the Empire of Japan during World War II, the film follows the story of several Japanese soldiers as they fight to defend their homeland. Through a series of letters written by the soldiers, the audience witnesses the intense battle, the harsh conditions on the island, and the courage and camaraderie between the Japanese soldiers. Despite their valiant efforts, the Japanese ultimately lose the battle and the film ends with a solemn reminder of the human cost of war.

From Robert Aldrich, starring Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, John Cassavetes
Rated Approved

The Dirty Dozen is a 1967 American war film directed by Robert Aldrich, featuring an all-star cast. The film follows an Army Major, Major Reisman (Lee Marvin), assigned the task of training a group of death-row military prisoners - the "Dirty Dozen" - for a mission to parachute into France and sabotage a Nazi-controlled chateau. Reisman must teach the convicts, led by violent Staff Sergeant Victor Franko (John Cassavetes), to work together as a team, and in doing so gives them the chance to redeem themselves and earn a full pardon from their death sentences. The Dirty Dozen ultimately succeeds in the mission and manages to survive the brutal fighting against the Germans.

From Directors: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, Darryl F. Zanuck, starring John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton, Henry Fonda
Rated G

The Longest Day is a 1962 World War II film that chronicles the events of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. The film is based on Cornelius Ryan's 1959 book of the same name. It follows the Allied, German, and civilian perspectives of the invasion. The film stars an ensemble cast including John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Sean Connery, Richard Burton, and many more. The directors of the film, Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, and Darryl F. Zanuck, used extensive research and real-life accounts of the invasion to accurately depict the events of D-Day. The Longest Day is widely considered one of the best World War II films ever made, and it won two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Special Effects.

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed
Rated Passed

From Here to Eternity is a 1953 drama directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed, and Frank Sinatra. Set during the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the film follows the lives of several soldiers stationed at the fictional Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Pvt. Robert E. Lee Prewitt (Clift) is an infantryman on the brink of desertion, who has a passion for boxing and a strong moral code. Sgt. Milton Warden (Lancaster) is a senior NCO who has been denied a promotion and is considering an illicit affair with Karen Holmes (Kerr), the wife of his commanding officer. The two men form an unlikely friendship, which is put to the test when Prewitt is accused of insubordination and Warden is ordered to court-martial him. The film culminates in a powerful finale set during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. From Here to Eternity was a critical and commercial success, winning eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Sinatra.

From Terrence Malick, starring Jim Caviezel, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Kirk Acevedo
Rated R

The Thin Red Line is a 1998 American war drama film written and directed by Terrence Malick. It tells the story of a group of US soldiers and Marines during the Battle of Mount Austen in the Guadalcanal Campaign in World War II. The film follows the men as they struggle to survive in the brutal and chaotic conditions of war, and examines their relationships to each other, their families, and their own sense of morality. It stars Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, Woody Harrelson, John Cusack, George Clooney, John Travolta, John Savage, Nick Nolte, and Jim Caviezel. The Thin Red Line was an acclaimed critical success and was nominated for seven Academy Awards. It is considered one of the greatest war films of all time.

From Kathryn Bigelow, starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce
Rated R

The Hurt Locker is an intense and riveting war drama directed by Kathryn Bigelow. It follows the story of Sgt. William James, a bomb disposal expert for the U.S. Army in Iraq. His job is to defuse bombs and save lives, but his compulsive and often reckless behavior puts him and his team in extreme danger. As James deals with his own personal demons and struggles to stay alive, he must also grapple with the moral questions that arise from his dangerous job. The film explores the psychological toll war takes on soldiers and the lasting effects it has on their lives. The Hurt Locker is an unflinching look at the complex realities of war and its impact on those who fight it.