It has been quite some time since a new war movie has made its way to the big silver screen. That said, Hollywood has a remarkable track record of adapting historical events that were quite impactful and often brutal into compelling, full-blown feature films. The genre offers a wide array of war-based movies that one can explore, but only a select few have truly earned the title of the greatest.
1. Saving Private Ryan
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan is set in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France, during World War II and opens with a re-creation of that attack. While the scene is captivating in every way, the rest of the movie intricately follows a bunch of soldiers led by Tom Hank, who plays the role of Captain Miller. The goal is to prevent a mother from losing all four of her sons in war, but it serves as an eye-opening tribute to those who gave their lives to save the world.
2. The Hurt Locker
Another much-appreciated war movie is The Hurt Locker, directed by Kathryn Bigelow. This film won the Best Director title for Bigelow and also took away the Best Picture award. The film revolves around the intense and harrowing experiences of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, with Jeremy Renner delivering a standout performance as the team leader, William James. The film also delves into the complex political landscape of conflict, providing a complex portrayal of the challenges and dangers the team faces. Bigelow meticulously captures the high-stakes nature of the job, emphasizing the potentially catastrophic consequences of even the smallest error, a portrayal that resonated with the audiences and critics alike.
3. Dunkirk
It’s difficult to exclude this movie from this list, and that’s because of the sheer brilliance of the struggles of the soldiers during wartime. Christopher Nolan has fans absorbed in a bold version of the Dunkirk evacuation, which was, by far, a humiliating 1940 setback for the Germans. The film aims to capture the entirety of the event by presenting it simultaneously through three distinct timelines. One storyline follows stranded soldiers over the course of a week, while another depicts the civilian’s efforts to rescue soldiers by boat in just one day. The third storyline portrays a pilot’s struggle on the beach, unfolding in the span of an hour. Despite its runtime of less than two hours, Dunkirk is a fast-paced film that keeps viewers glued to their seats until the emotional climax. The narrative beautifully weaves together, showcasing the spirit of a nation that strives for the possibility of hope, even in the darkest times.
4. 1917
Directed by Sam Mendes, 1917 is inspired by his grandfather’s war stories. The film sees two British lance corporals (George MacKay and Dean Charles-Chapman) who have been entrusted with the task of delivering a message to cancel a scheduled attack. While that was pretty much it, the movie pieces together various experiences from World War 1, including a harrowing journey through enemy trenches, an encounter with a civilian trapped in a war zone, and a confrontation with a deceased pilot.
5. The Great Escape
The film features an impressive star-studded cast, including renowned stars such as James Garner, Charles Bronson, Richard Attenborough, James Coburn, Donald Pleasence, and Steve McQueen. Directed by John Sturges, The Great Escape is set in a German prisoner-of-war camp where the allied prisoners with diverse skills and personalities come together to plan a daring escape. While the movie initially presents a lighthearted heist, the gripping climax serves as a reminder of the wartime struggles, making it a compelling war film.
6. The Bridge on the River Kwai
Back in 1957, The Bridge on the River Kwai bagged not one but several accolades, including the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film features characters portrayed by renowned names of that era, such as Sessue Hayakawa, William Holden, and Alec Guinness. The storyline revolves around individuals from different cultures, each responding uniquely to their experiences in a Japanese prison camp during World War II. Perhaps Alec Guinness’ portrayal of Lieutenant Colonel Nicholson, for which he won the Best Actor award, is particularly intriguing. The character becomes deeply involved in the forced construction of a railway bridge, viewing it as a test of British gumption. Throughout the film, his obsession with the project is both admired and shunned. The Bridge on the River Kwai is a must-watch just to see how the story unfolds.
7. All Quiet on the Western Front
The director, Lewis Milestone, skillfully brings Erich Maria Remarque’s novel to life in this powerful World War I film adaptation. All Quiet on the Western Front follows the experiences of a handful of German schoolboys inspired to serve in the war after being influenced by their teacher’s patriotic propaganda. What begins as a calm experience quickly develops into a brutal confrontation with the harsh realities of war. The film vividly portrays the devastating impact of WWI, from the barrage of exploding shells that disrupt one’s sleep to the scarcity of food and daily supplies. Despite its release in 1930, the movie smartly incorporates the innovative use of sound, a groundbreaking technique for that era. The film has received prestigious awards, including the coveted Best Picture in the year of its release, and it earned Milestone the esteemed Best Director award.