10 of the Best War Movies to Watch

War movies have captivated audiences for decades, offering a powerful lens through which we can explore the complexities of human conflict. For enthusiasts of the genre, these films provide more than just entertainment; they offer a deep, sometimes harrowing, insight into the realities of war.

War movies serve a unique role in cinema, blending history, drama, and action. Directors and writers meticulously craft these films to reflect the chaos and courage found in real-life battles. While some focus on large-scale conflicts, others zero in on the individual soldiers' experiences. These films can educate, entertain, and provoke thoughtful reflection, making them indispensable to any film lover's collection.

As veterans, it can sometimes be hard to watch war or military movies because of technical insight related to military service. Veterans tend to pay attention to things like rates of fire, uniform accuracy, and military protocol. It can be laughable to watch a soldier in a movie fire a machinegun without reloading. The movie character can wipe out literally hundreds of people without so much as reloading.

Even more frustrating to watch are military culture inaccuracies. Those resonate the loudest with veterans. While the movies below do a pretty good job being technically accurate, they are Hollywood products and therefore, you should expect that the filmmakers took liberties with certain historical facts and they portray military culture in a way that fits their agenda. But overwhelmingly, the movies are solid.

From epic battles to intimate personal stories, these films transport viewers to the front lines and beyond. In this blog post, we'll guide you through ten of the best war movies that every fan should watch. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to the genre, these films are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Remember, this list isn’t all inclusive and there are certainly going to be movies that did not make this list that can arguably be on the list, but if you have a recommendation that isn’t mentioned here, please ensure you mention it in the comments below.

Saving Private Ryan

Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, "Saving Private Ryan," is often heralded as one of the best war movies of all time. Its gripping depiction of World War II's D-Day landings sets the stage for an intense narrative that follows a group of soldiers tasked with retrieving a paratrooper behind enemy lines. Spielberg's attention to historical accuracy and the film's heart-wrenching performances make it a must-watch for any war movie enthusiast.

Apocalypse Now

"Apocalypse Now," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a haunting exploration of the Vietnam War and the madness that war can breed. The film easily makes the best war movies list because of the compelling story that follows U.S. Army Special Forces Captain Willard on a mission to assassinate a rogue U.S. Army colonel deep in the Cambodian jungle. It's a surreal, psychological experience, blending heart-pounding action with profound philosophical questions about the nature of war and humanity. This film is a cinematic tour de force that challenges viewers to confront the horrors of conflict. The movie is based on the Joseph Conrad book, “Heart of Darkness.”

Full Metal Jacket

No best war movies list could be complete without Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" which offers a stark, unflinching look at the dehumanizing aspects of military training and the Vietnam War. The film is divided into two halves, beginning with the brutal boot camp experiences of U.S. Marine Corps recruits before transitioning to the harsh realities of combat. Kubrick's unique style and biting social commentary make it a standout in the genre, resonating with viewers long after the credits roll.

Black Hawk Down

"Black Hawk Down," directed by Ridley Scott, immerses viewers in the intense, true story of a U.S. military raid in Somalia gone awry. The film's realistic portrayal of urban warfare, coupled with its focus on the soldiers' camaraderie and courage, makes for a gripping cinematic experience. Its fast-paced action and harrowing depictions of combat will keep war movie fans on the edge of their seats. This is the only film on this best war movies list that is not about an all out war, like World War II, World War I, Vietnam or even post 9/11 conflicts.

The Outpost

The Outpost is a 2019 American film directed by Rod Lurie, based on the 2012 non-fiction book “The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor” written by veteran news reporter Jake Tapper. The movie is about the Battle of Kamdesh in the war in Afghanistan.

The movie is exceptional, but frustrating to watch as U.S. military personnel get stuck in a hellish outpost that gives the enemy the high ground. As you watch the movie, it is sad to come to the understanding that the operational nightmare faced by U.S. warriors at that outpost could have been avoided and their deaths prevented. While it is one of the best war movies to cover the global war on terror, it is likely the most moving too.

Platoon

Oliver Stone's "Platoon" draws from his own experiences as a Vietnam War veteran, providing an authentic and gritty portrayal of the conflict. The film follows a young soldier's descent into the moral and physical chaos of war, exploring themes of brotherhood, fear, and the loss of innocence. It's a raw and emotional experience that captures the complexity and brutality of the Vietnam War.

Stone served as an infantryman in Vietnam and earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart while deployed. This film makes the best war movies list easily as it is told by a war veteran.

1917

Sam Mendes' "1917" is a visually stunning depiction of World War I, following two British soldiers on a mission to deliver a crucial message across enemy lines. The film's continuous-shot technique immerses viewers in the harrowing landscape of trench warfare, creating a visceral and intense experience. With its breathtaking cinematography and compelling story, "1917" is a modern masterpiece in the war movie genre.

Easily one of the best warfare movies recently made, the attention to detail is very granular and there is no way the viewer can stop watching this movie. It sucks you in and keeps you in your seat.

The Thin Red Line

Terrence Malick's "The Thin Red Line" offers a meditative, philosophical take on the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. Rather than focusing solely on the action, the film explores the inner lives and struggles of the soldiers involved. Its stunning visuals, poetic narration, and reflective tone make it a unique and thought-provoking addition to the war movie canon.

Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" presents the harrowing evacuation of Allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II. The film's nonlinear narrative and minimal dialogue emphasize the tension and urgency of the situation, creating a gripping and immersive experience. Nolan's masterful direction and Hans Zimmer's pulse-pounding score make "Dunkirk" a cinematic tour de force.

American Sniper

This 2014 movie captures the life of Chris Kyle, the most-deadly U.S. sniper to serve in the U.S. Navy SEALs. The film was directed by Clint Eastwood. The movie is based on Kyle’s book, “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History” published in 2012.

Kyle claims to have killed 255 enemy during four tours in Iraq. He is considered the most-deadly sniper in U.S. military history. Sadly, in 2013, Kyle was killed at a shooting range by a combat veteran of the Marine Corps that he was taking to the range for therapy. The shooter, according to legal documents, suffered from multiple mental disorders and was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

These 10 films offer a diverse array of perspectives on war, each providing valuable insights into the complexities of conflict. Whether you're interested in the strategic intricacies of battle or the deeply personal struggles of soldiers, these films deliver powerful stories that will resonate with war movie fans. By exploring these cinematic masterpieces, you'll gain a greater appreciation for the genre and the profound impact war has on individuals and society.

If you're ready to expand your war movie repertoire, we encourage you to watch these films and engage with their powerful narratives. Each one offers a unique blend of action, drama, and historical insight that will leave you contemplating the human experience in times of war.

You can also create your own top 10 list of best war movies and share it in the comments below and with your friends and family. For further exploration, consider joining film discussion groups or seeking out documentaries that complement your viewing experience. Happy watching!