15 Of The Best War Films Ever Made

War films have always held a special place in the hearts of moviegoers, offering a unique blend of action, drama, and historical significance. In this post, we will explore some of the most iconic war films ever made, from the gritty realism of "Platoon" to the epic scale of "Dunkirk". Each of these films have left an indelible mark on cinema and continue to captivate audiences to this day, and will continue to do so for years to come. This list is not ranked in any order, it is a selection of 15 of the best war films ever made and movies that everyone should see.

1. Platoon (1986): Directed by Oliver Stone, "Platoon" is a powerful portrayal of the Vietnam War. Starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Willem Dafoe, the film follows a young soldier's journey as he is torn between the conflicting ideologies of his fellow soldiers. Released in 1986, "Platoon" stands out for its raw and unflinching depiction of the horrors of war, earning it critical acclaim and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

2. Saving Private Ryan (1998): Directed by Steven Spielberg, "Saving Private Ryan" is widely regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made. Released in 1998, the film stars Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Tom Sizemore. Set during World War II, it follows a group of soldiers tasked with finding and bringing home Private James Francis Ryan. The film's intense and realistic depiction of the D-Day invasion, coupled with its emotional storytelling, makes it a standout example of the genre.

3. Black Hawk Down (2001): Directed by Ridley Scott, "Black Hawk Down" is based on the true story of the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. Starring Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Hardy, the film chronicles the harrowing events that unfolded when a U.S. military mission to capture a Somali warlord goes awry. Released in 2001, "Black Hawk Down" stands out for its gripping and visceral portrayal of modern warfare, showcasing the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds.

4. Casualties of War (1989): Directed by Brian De Palma, "Casualties of War" is a thought-provoking war film set during the Vietnam War. Released in 1989, the film stars Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn. It tells the story of a young soldier who witnesses and tries to prevent the brutal rape and murder of a Vietnamese girl by his fellow soldiers. "Casualties of War" stands out for its exploration of the moral complexities of war and the psychological toll it takes on those involved.

5. Full Metal Jacket (1987): Directed by Stanley Kubrick, "Full Metal Jacket" is a unique war film that explores the dehumanizing effects of war on soldiers. Starring Matthew Modine and Vincent D'Onofrio, the film is divided into two parts: the brutal training of Marine recruits and their experiences in the Vietnam War. Released in 1987, "Full Metal Jacket" stands out for its dark humor, memorable characters, and Kubrick's meticulous attention to detail.

6. Apocalypse Now (1979): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, "Apocalypse Now" is a visually stunning and thematically complex war film set during the Vietnam War. Starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, and Robert Duvall, the film follows Captain Willard as he embarks on a dangerous mission to assassinate a renegade colonel. Released in 1979, "Apocalypse Now" stands out for its epic scale, powerful performances, and its exploration of the madness and moral ambiguity of war.

7. 1917 (2019): Directed by Sam Mendes, "1917" is a groundbreaking war film that takes place during World War I. Starring George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, the film follows two British soldiers who are given a seemingly impossible mission: to deliver a message that could save the lives of 1,600 men. Released in 2019, "1917" stands out for its innovative one-shot technique, immersing the audience in the harrowing journey of the protagonists and capturing the chaos and devastation of war.

8. The Deer Hunter (1978): Directed by Michael Cimino, "The Deer Hunter" is a powerful exploration of the Vietnam War's impact on a group of friends from a small Pennsylvania town. Starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, the film delves into the psychological and emotional toll of war on its characters. Released in 1978, "The Deer Hunter" stands out for its haunting performances, gripping storytelling, and its examination of the effects of war long after the battles have ended.

9. The Hurt Locker (2008): Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker" offers a gripping and intense portrayal of the Iraq War. Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty, the film follows an elite bomb disposal team as they navigate the dangerous streets of Baghdad. Released in 2008, "The Hurt Locker" stands out for its realistic depiction of the psychological toll of war on its characters, earning it critical acclaim and six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

10. The Thin Red Line (1998): Directed by Terrence Malick, "The Thin Red Line" is a poetic and philosophical war film set during World War II. Starring Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, and Nick Nolte, the film explores the inner thoughts and struggles of soldiers as they fight in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Released in 1998, "The Thin Red Line" stands out for its stunning cinematography, introspective narrative, and its contemplation of the nature of war and humanity.

11. Zulu (1964): Directed by Cy Endfield, "Zulu" is a British war film set during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. Starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine, the film depicts the Battle of Rorke's Drift, where a small British garrison defended against a massive Zulu army. Released in 1964, "Zulu" stands out for its epic scale, intense battle sequences, and its exploration of courage and honor in the face of overwhelming odds.

12. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957): Directed by David Lean, "The Bridge on the River Kwai" is a World War II film based on the novel by Pierre Boulle. Starring Alec Guinness, William Holden, and Jack Hawkins, the film follows British prisoners of war who are forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors. Released in 1957, "The Bridge on the River Kwai" stands out for its gripping narrative, memorable performances, and its examination of the complexities of loyalty and duty during wartime.

13. Dunkirk (2017): Directed by Christopher Nolan, "Dunkirk" is a war film that tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II. Starring Fionn Whitehead, Tom Hardy, and Mark Rylance, the film depicts the desperate efforts to rescue Allied soldiers trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk. Released in 2017, "Dunkirk" stands out for its innovative storytelling, non-linear narrative structure, and its immersive and intense depiction of the evacuation, capturing the chaos and heroism of war.

14. '71 (2014): Directed by Yann Demange, "'71" is a gripping war film set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Starring Jack O'Connell, the film follows a British soldier who becomes separated from his unit and must navigate the dangerous streets of Belfast. Released in 2014, "'71" stands out for its tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, realistic portrayal of urban warfare, and its exploration of the moral complexities of conflict.

15. Hamburger Hill (1987): Directed by John Irvin, "Hamburger Hill" is a Vietnam War film based on the true story of the Battle of Hamburger Hill in 1969. Starring Dylan McDermott and Don Cheadle, the film follows a group of American soldiers as they fight to capture a heavily fortified hill. Released in 1987, "Hamburger Hill" stands out for its gritty and realistic depiction of the horrors of war, its portrayal of the camaraderie among soldiers, and its exploration of the futility of certain military operations.

Each of these films stands out as a great example of a war film due to their unique storytelling approaches, memorable performances, and their ability to capture the human experience in times of conflict. All showcase the diverse ways in which war can be portrayed on the silver screen, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and solidifying their place in the pantheon of great war films. Whether it's the horrors of war or the resilience of the human spirit, these films continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who have fought and continue to fight for their countries.

If you have any other movies you would like to see added to this list then drop them in the comments below. All movies on this list are included On Demand with our IPTV subscription. Join the cord cutting revolution and cut the cord today.