10 Must-Watch War Movies, Ranked

10 Must-Watch War Movies, Ranked

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War stories are a timeless source of media. From powerful documentaries to true-story recounts and fictionalized depictions of battle, they have been told in various ways for decades. They can be some of the most raw and unfiltered pieces of media across the entertainment industry, and their importance in the world will never cease, whether to educate or shine a light on some of history’s most turbulent times.

War epics have been around for decades, and while some will argue that many of the best were created before the start of the new millennium, there’s no denying that recent acclaimed additions like Hacksaw Ridge and Dunkirk have only proved how important this genre continues to be. From Saving Private Ryan to Schindler’s List, these ten features are war stories everyone should find the time to watch at least once in their lives.

10

‘Lone Survivor’ (2013)

Directed by Peter Berg

Mark Wahlberg's Marcus Luttrell coming out of water in Lone Survivor
Image via Universal Pictures

Lone Survivor is a 2013 war epic by director Peter Berg that tells the story of a Navy SEALS team and their fateful 2005 mission disclosed as Operation Red Wings. It is a harrowing true story of survival against all odds, centering on a four-man team tasked with finding the then-leader of the Taliban during the war in Afghanistan, and as the title suggests, depicts how Marcus Luttrell (played by Mark Wahlberg) became the only surviving member.

One by one, this team of four is torn apart by the brutalities of the devastation around them. It’s a heartbreaking edge-of-your-seat feature with heartbreak, inspiration, and devastation at its core. But it will remain a must-watch for years and one of the most memorable war movies of the last twenty-five years.

9

‘Platoon’ (1986)

Directed by Oliver Stone

Elias (Willem Dafoe) raises his arms and falls to his knees as he is shot from behind in the jungle, in Platoon
Image via Orion Pictures 

The oldest entry on this list comes with a 1986 classic by the name of Platoon. This now nearly forty-year-old war feature from director Oliver Stone remains one of the oldest, most accurate depictions of warfare to date. It may have been one of the most successful films at the time of its release, but it’s arguably become a little underrated as the years have passed and others have released over time.

Platoon stars a young Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen, and many more in a story born from the real-life experiences of its director during his time serving in the Vietnam War. Nominated for eight Academy Awards and winning four, including Best Picture, Platoon solidified itself early on as an iconic addition to the war genre. Its accuracy and experienced director only helped create something that would stand the test of time in this industry as one of the best war films ever made.

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Platoon

Release Date

February 6, 1987

Runtime

120 Minutes

Director

Oliver Stone

Writers

Oliver Stone




8

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2012)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

A military raid at night in 'Zero Dark Thirty'
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

9/11 remains the deadliest terrorist attack on record, having taken the lives of almost 3000 people on September 11th, 2001. The carnage and devastation left in the wreckage of the Twin Towers, directly and indirectly, affected millions of people across the globe. But as the dust began to clear, the focus turned to catching those responsible as one of the biggest international manhunts ever got underway.

Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, and many more star in this dramatized retelling of the nearly decade-long tracking of the former Al-Qaeda leader, and Zero Dark Thirty, despite some controversial opinions on historical accuracy, is one of the most acclaimed war features of the 21st Century. What Osama Bin Laden did will never be forgotten, but this film is a fantastic telling of the work that went on behind the scenes to bring him down.

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Zero Dark Thirty

Release Date

December 19, 2012

Runtime

157 Minutes



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7

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016)

Directed by Mel Gibson

Andrew Garfield covered in blood in dirt in Hacksaw Ridge
Image via Summit Entertainment

Hacksaw Ridge depicts the almost unbelievable true story of a war hero whose heroic acts seem almost humanly impossible. Set during World War II in the Battle of Okinawa, this 2016 war epic can be upsetting to watch for various reasons, but Desmond Doss‘ story of bravery is one everybody should know.

Doss’ incredible acts of bravery, courage, and strength allowed him to save the lives of at least 75 soldiers during the chaos of battle, all without bearing arms due to his personal beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. His actions earned him a Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star Medal. This movie is a phenomenal telling of his experiences and is breathtaking from start to finish. It is a story worthy of knowledge to all.

Hacksaw Ridge Film Poster


Hacksaw Ridge

Release Date

November 4, 2016

Runtime

139 minutes



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6

‘1917’ (2019)

Directed by Sam Mendes

British soldier running through battlefield in 1917
Image via Universal Pictures

With a trailer as tense as 1917 to set the tone for the movie ahead, it’s no surprise this epic feature became as acclaimed as it did. Outstanding production, direction, sound design, and cinematography make Sam Mendes’ 2019 British war film stand out as one of the best of its kind set in World War I.

1917 primarily follows two British soldiers given the task of getting a message out to prevent 1600 soldiers from walking straight into a trap. The brother of one of the men is among the soldiers, adding a personal goal to their mission. What ensues is an expertly told journey along the frontlines that keeps its audiences engaged the entire time, with plenty of breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling to continue gripping its viewers. 1917 is more than deserving of its many accolades and praise.

5

‘The Hurt Locker’ (2008)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

The Hurt Locker
Image via Summit Entertainment 

Bomb disposal is a job a small few would even consider doing. The idea of being within centimeters of a device that could wipe a person from existence in a split second is a thought that would frighten most people. But there are those brave individuals who do this as a profession within the military, and 2008s The Hurt Locker highlights this as one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet.

Jeremy Renner stars alongside Anthony Mackie in this action-war feature from director Kathryn Bigelow as a member of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team working in the Iraq war. The movie is a record-breaker on multiple fronts. But its nail-biting story, incredible performances, flawless choreography, and cinematography make it one of the most memorable additions to the genre. It also shines a light on a profession some may be unfamiliar with.

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The Hurt Locker

Release Date

July 31, 2009

Runtime

131 minutes



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4

Dunkirk’ (2017)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Dunkirk
Image via Warner Bros. 

Another highly acclaimed depiction of World War II warfare comes with one of Christopher Nolan‘s most praised features, 2017’s Dunkirk. Dunkirk dramatizes the goings-on of the evacuation from the titular beaches and harbors of Dunkirk in France.

Occurring during the Battle of France, a six-week-long conflict in which thousands and thousands of troops from Britain, Belgium, and France were overwhelmed by the German troops, Dunkirk depicts the rescue efforts and subsequent evacuation of thousands of Allied soldiers from the stricken beaches. Impressive cinematography immerses the viewer in what they’re seeing and captures the realities of what happened from the perspectives of those based on the ground and those in the skies. It is an emotional yet brilliant portrayal of the events on which it is based.

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Dunkirk

Release Date

July 21, 2017

Runtime

106 minutes



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3

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

The heroes of 'Saving Private Ryan' in the streets of a ravaged Ramelle.
Image via DreamWorks Pictures

The first thing someone will often say when discussing Steven Spielberg‘s 1998 classic war feature is if someone can make it through the Omaha Beach D-Day scene, they can make it through the rest of the movie. The reason for this is that the opening ten-minute sequence of Saving Private Ryan is one of the most accurate depictions in cinema. Raw, unwavering portrayals of lost limbs and the horrifying injuries soldiers endured make this incredibly difficult to watch, but well worth it to experience one of the most iconic war features ever made.

Saving Private Ryan takes its inspiration from multiple accounts, but it isn’t directly based on a single true story like many others on this list. However, in no way does that make it any less deserving of must-watch status. Not only is its D-Day landing scene one of the most accurate portrayals ever, but the performances from those involved, the cinematography, and the filming techniques have gone on to inspire endless other recreations of war across all forms of media. It is one of the most influential and iconic war films ever made and will likely remain that way forever.

2

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)

Directed by Edward Berger

Paul has a sad look on his face while standing with other soldiers in All Quiet on the Western Front
Image via Netflix

Originally released in 1930 as one of the most accurate depictions of World War 1, the 2022 adaptation of Erich Maria‘s harrowing novel All Quiet on the Western Front is a must-watch depiction of WW1 from a point of view not often seen in big-name productions. It’s told from the side of the young German soldiers sent into the treacherous unknown of the world’s first war and depicts the heart-wrenching torment and fear these young boys went through in battle.

The movie focuses on the story of Paul Bäumer as he quickly discovers what life is like on the frontlines of war, as well as showing the negotiations of the armistice to cease all fighting. All Quiet on the Western Front became one of the most-awarded non-English features ever honored at the Academy Awards for its outstanding cinematography and score. It remains a depiction of WW1 that everyone should see from the perspective of the German soldiers who fought it.

1

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

Directed by Stephen Spielberg

Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) holds an object and looks distraught in Schindler's List (1993).
Image via Universal Pictures

Filmed primarily in black and white, with the exception of a significant splash of color, this 1993 classic war feature is arguably one of the most unforgettable of all time. Telling the story of Oskar Schindler, Schindler’s List can be gutwrenching and demanding to sit through at times, but it depicts the heroic actions of one man that everybody should know the name of.

Single-handedly responsible for saving the lives of more than one thousand Polish Jewish people during the catastrophic events of the Holocaust, Oskar Schindler is one of the most heroic individuals of the time. Stephen Spielberg’s epic historical film depicts his story alongside the unwavering violence of one of history’s deadliest genocides. Its visual storytelling is outstanding and sometimes difficult to watch, but it is one of the most important war films ever created.

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Schindler’s List

Release Date

December 15, 1993

Runtime

195 Minutes



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NEXT: The 50 Best War Movies of All Time, Ranked

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