Who doesn’t get a kick out of a little bit of suspense every once in a while when they go to the movies? Especially when the action takes place between two separate groups of people or when it is based on an actual event that occurred in the past.
War movies, particularly those that are based on actual events, have always been a source of inspiration as well as educational entertainment for us. These films demonstrate both the positive and negative outcomes that can result from participating in armed conflict by highlighting the positive and negative outcomes of war.
These movies offer a great deal of action, suspense, and explosions for the audience to enjoy. If you are the type of person who gets a kick out of watching war movies, then you have come upon the perfect post. Here is a list of the best 42 war movies that you should watch this cold season.
Your heart rate is guaranteed to speed up, chills will run down your spine, and tears will swell up in your eyes when you watch these movies. You won’t just witness some incredible action while watching them; you’ll also get a taste of what it’s like to be a fighter.
1. 300
The film titled “300”, based on Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s 1998 comic book series of the same name, is an American epic historical action film from 2006.
Made in two parts, 300 is one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It takes place in 450 B.C., and it follows King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) as he leads 300 Spartans into battle against the Persian “God-King” Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his massive and formidable army of over 300,000 men.
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Writer: Frank Miller and Lynn Varley
- Stars: David Wenham, Dominic West, Michael Fassbender, Gerard Butler and Lena Headey
- Where to watch: Amazon
2. Captain America: Civil War
We all know that the list would be incomplete without a Marvel film. Out of the innumerable action and war films MCU has, the fan-favorite is often Captain America: Civil War. Who can forget the epic fight at the airport when we first saw MCU’s Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, and our favorite superheroes fighting?
Fans are still divided between Team Captain America and Team Iron Man, so which side are you on?
- Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
- Writers: Christopher Markus (screenplay by), Stephen McFeely (screenplay by), and Joe Simon (based on the Marvel comics).
- Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, and Chris Evans,
- Where to watch: Hotstar
3. Inglourious Basterds
As Nazis seize France, a group of soldiers known as the “Basterds” is on a mission to murder all Nazi leaders. Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds will always keep you on edge. The film will not disappoint you with its action, apt comic timing, and numerous plot twists.
- Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Writer: Quentin Tarantino
- Stars: Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, and Brad Pitt
- Where to watch: Netflix
4. Gallipoli
Released in 1981, Gallipoli is a film that will make you cry and reflect on what was lost during World War I. Based on the experiences of two Australian troops who were deployed to Turkey during World War I to fight in the Gallipoli campaign and suffered catastrophic losses, this film depicts the true facets of war.
- Director: Peter Weir
- Writers: David Williamson (screenplay), Peter Weir (story), Ernest Raymond (novel “Tell England”)
- Stars: Mark Lee, Bill Kerr, and Mel Gibson,
5. Letters from Iwo Jima
A Japanese-language American war film released in 2006, “Letters from Iwo Jima,” is based on the battle wherein the United States of America captured the island. The story unfolds through the perspective of the Japanese soldiers, and the film won the award for Best Picture at the 79th Academy Awards.
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Writers: Iris Yamashita (screenplay); Paul Haggis (story); Tadamichi Kuribayashi (book “Picture Letters from the Commander in Chief”)
- Stars: Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara and Ken Watanabe,
- Where to watch: Amazon
6. All Quiet on the Western Front
The movie is based on Erich Maria Remarque’s originally published novel “Im Westen Nichts Neues,” which later came to be known as “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
The protagonist of the film is a German soldier named Paul Baumer, who served on the Western Front during World War I. It focuses on the immense physical and mental anguish that Paul Baumer and other German soldiers had to go through during those challenging times.
- Director: Edward Berger
- Writers: Lesley Paterson (screenplay), Ian Stokell (screenplay), and Edward Berger (screenplay),
- Stars: Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Aaron Hilme
- Where to watch: Netflix
7. Braveheart
What might appear to be a love story set in the year 1280 between Sir William Wallace and Murron MacClannough takes a dramatic turn when King Edward I sends his troops to capture William Wallace’s homeland of Scotland, and Sir William Wallace fights for his independence and leads the First War of Scottish Independence. This movie is a unique take on the monotonous tone of classic war films.
- Director: Mel Gibson
- Writer: Randall Wallace
- Stars: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, and Patrick McGoohan
8. The Expendables 3
Who has not heard of the famous Expendables film franchise? Packed with action, comedy, and drama, which also comes to a thrilling conclusion is the perfect family watch over the weekends.
The plot centers around a team that enter into conflict with a ruthless arms dealer named ‘Conrad Stonebanks,’ and the co-founder of the team- ‘Expendables,’ wants to eliminate each and every member of Stonebanks’s gang. The story gets interesting when you unfold how every member stands out with their unique skills & traits.
- Director: Patrick Hughes
- Writers: Creighton Rothenberger (screenplay), Katrin Benedikt (screenplay), and Sylvester Stallone (screenplay)
- Stars: Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Sylvester Stallone
- Where to Watch: MX Player
9. Tropic Thunder
A satirical action comedy film, “Topic Thunder,” follows three actors who are tricked into believing that they are going to be cast in a high-budget war movie. They are bluffed and taken to a remote location in the middle of the woods. However, things take a turn when they realize they are not in a film. You will laugh, jump with excitement & surely remember this movie’s dialogues long after the credit rolls.
- Director: Ben Stiller
- Writers: Justin Theroux (screenplay), Ben Stiller (screenplay), Etan Cohen (screenplay)
- Stars: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr.
- Where to watch: Amazon
10. Fury
The movie Fury, starring Brad Pitt, is about a tank commander named Don “Wardaddy” Collier and his crew, also known as Fury. During the course of the conflict with Germany, the commander is forced to make difficult choices for his crew members. It is the simplicity of the story & the intricacy of the details that will keep you glued while watching it.
- Director: David Ayer
- Writer: David Ayer
- Stars: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman
11. Shadow in the cloud
The film “Shadow in the Cloud” is about a female pilot named Maude Garrett, who is given the mission of transporting a top-secret document to Samoa in a box. The story is set during World War II and focuses on the ways in which Maude faces discrimination due to the fact that she is a woman, as well as the ways in which she proves everyone wrong when an evil presence attacks the plane.
- Director: Roseanne Liang
- Writers: Max Landis, Roseanne Liang
- Stars: Chlo Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Beulah Koale
12. The Imitation Game
“The Imitation Game” is a film that is based on the true story of Alan Turing and takes place during World War II. The film focuses on the famous mathematician and his effort to decode the German Enigma code in order to win the war while things fall apart in his private life. It is a never-seen-before area of war and a sure-shot unforgettable watch.
- Director: Morten Tyldum
- Writers: Graham Moore, Andrew Hodges (based on the book “Alan Turing: The Enigma”)
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, and Matthew Goode
13. Sand Castle
Inspired by a true story, “Sand Castle” is a movie that tells the story of a young man named ‘Matt Ocre’ and his involvement in the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Throughout the course of the movie, Ocre witness the carnage and atrocities of war.
- Director: Fernando Coimbra
- Writer: Chris Roessner
- Stars: Nicholas Hoult, Logan Marshall-Green, Henry Cavill
- Where to watch: Netflix
14. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Who didn’t spend their childhood watching “The Chronicles of Narnia”? A fantastical world in which time passes quickly, animals and plants can communicate with one another, and everything is stunning.
The Chronicles of Narnia is unique & one of the first mainstream fantasies. It tells the story of four children who are exiled to the home of a relative because of a war. While there, they discover a wardrobe that transports them to a world where everything is magical.
However, things soon take a dramatic turn when they are told that they are destined to be the rulers of Narnia and that they must fight a war against the witch Jadis, who is currently in control of Narnia.
- Director: Michael Apted
- Writers (screenplay): Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Michael Petroni
- Stars: Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley
- Where to watch: Hotstar
15. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Didn’t we all attach our childhood identities to the Harry Potter books & movies? I recall growing up alongside the cast, looking forward to each new part, and being devastated when it was finally over.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the final installment in the Harry Potter film series, chronicling the adventures of the trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron after Voldemort has taken control of Hogwarts and the wizarding world.
None of us can forget the final battle at Hogwarts when the army of Voldemort faced up against the Order of the Phoenix; with its unexpected twists and turns that made us all cry, this movie definitely deserves a rewatch.
- Director: David Yates
- Writers: Steve Kloves (screenplay); J.K. Rowling (novel “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”)
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint
- Where to watch: Amazon
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16. Saving Private Ryan
“Saving Private Ryan”: Steven Spielberg’s classic war film follows a group of soldiers during World War II’s D-Day invasion of Normandy. The film is known for its intense and realistic battle scenes as well as its compelling story about the sacrifices made by soldiers during the war.
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Robert Rodat
- Stars: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Tom Sizemore
- Where to watch: Amazon
17. The Great Escape
Based on a true story, “The Great Escape” follows a group of Allied prisoners of war who plan and execute a mass escape from a German POW camp during World War II. The film features an all-star cast, which includes Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough. The cast & the fan base is the sole reason for you to give it a watch.
- Director: John Sturges
- Writers: Paul Brickhill (based on the book by), James Clavell (screenplay by), and W.R. Burnett (screenplay by)
- Stars: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
18. Full Metal Jacket
Another film that takes place during the Vietnam War, “Full Metal Jacket,” follows a group of Marine recruits as they go through basic training and then are deployed to battle in Vietnam. The movie, which was directed by Stanley Kubrick, is famous for its potent and unsettling depiction of the psychological impact of war on troops.
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Writers: Stanley Kubrick (screenplay), Michael Herr (screenplay), Gustav Hasford (screenplay)
- Stars: Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D’Onofrio
- Where to watch: Amazon
19. The Longest Day
The story of the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II is depicted in this monumental war movie, which was directed by a number of different people in addition to Ken Annakin. The movie is famous for its exact and thorough portrayal of the events that occurred during the invasion. It stars an ensemble, including John Wayne and Sean Connery, adding more to its fame.
- Directors: Ken Annakin (British exterior episodes), Andrew Marton (American exterior episodes), Gerd Oswald (scenes deleted)
- Writers: Cornelius Ryan (screenplay); Romain Gary (additional episodes written by); James Jones (additional episodes written by)
- Stars: John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton
20. Patton
This biographical war film tells the story of General George S. Patton, a controversial and highly skilled commander during World War II. The film, which won seven Academy Awards, is known for its powerful portrayal of Patton’s leadership and his complex personality.
- Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
- Writers: Francis Ford Coppola (screen story by), Edmund H. North (screen story by), and Ladislas Farago (based on factual material from Patton: Ordeal and Triumph)
- Stars: George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writer: Christopher Nolan
- Stars: Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance
- Where to watch: Amazon
21. The Hurt Locker
‘The Hurt Locker,’ a war movie produced in the United States, centers on Sergeant First Class William James, who serves as the new team leader of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in the United States Army during the Iraq War.
James is known for his unconventional methods of working and for putting himself in harm’s way, but the question that drives the story is: why does he do it? And the only way to get to the answer to this question is to watch the movie.
- Director: Kathryn Bigelow
- Writer: Mark Boal
- Stars: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty
- Where to watch: Amazon
22. Brothers
A story about two brothers, Isaac and Joe, their inspiration, sacrifice, and experience throughout their time while serving in Iraq is the center of the plot. They are torn apart by their vicious competition for the same lady, just as the world is on the brink of entering World War II. The younger brother runs away to the front lines of the conflict, where he hopes to redeem himself.
- Director: Jim Sheridan
- Writers : David Benioff(screenplay), Anders Thomas Jensen(motion picture “Brødre”) and Susanne Bier(motion picture “Brødre”)
- Stars: Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire, and Jake Gyllenhaal
23. The Last Samurai
With the unparalleled skills of Tom Cruise, ‘The Last Samurai’ narrates the story of a U.S. Army Captain named Nathan Algren who is sent to Japan to fight samurai warriors but instead adopts the culture of the samurai as he discovers new meaning in his life and discovers a cause that is worthy of his death.
- Director: Edward Zwick
- Writers: John Logan (story), Edward Zwick (screenplay), Marshall Herskovitz (screenplay)
- Stars: Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, and Tom Cruise,
- Where to watch: Amazon
24. Thank you for your service
‘Thank You for Your Service’ is a film that gives a detailed & eye-opening account of the daily struggles of the soldiers to stay alive. This film explores the experiences of an American soldier named Adam Schuman who, after serving his country in Iraq, returns home.
However, the traumatic experiences he endured during his time in the military linger to the present day & make it difficult for him to live a quintessential civilian life, which in turn also causes issues for his family.
- Director: Jason Hall
- Stars: Miles Teller, Beulah Koale, Joe Cole
- Where to watch: Amazon
25. Jarhead
‘Jarhead,’ an American biographical war drama released in 2005, is based on a memoir written by a U.S. Marine named Anthony “Swoff” Swofford and published in 2003 under the same name. The film follows Swofford as he returns home from active duty as a sniper and deals with boredom, isolation, and other issues as he struggles to let go of his past.
- Director: Sam Mendes
- Writers: William Broyles Jr. (screenplay) and Anthony Swofford (book)
- Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, and Lucas Black
Also read: 39 Crime Genre Movies That Are Based On Actual Crimes!
26. Shershaah
Motivated by the real-life experiences of Vikram Batra, ‘Shershaah‘ is a war biopic film told by his brother, Vishal Batra. The story follows his life while he served India in the Kargil War against Pakistan. The movie also has a subplot of Dimple and Vikram’s romance that lightens the movie-watching experience a bit.
Vikram’s never-ending hope and his contribution and bravery helped India finally win the Kargil War in 1999. Shershaah was released in 2021.
- Director: Vishnuvardhan
- Writer: Sandeep Shrivastava (screenplay)
- Stars: Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, and Shiv Panditt
- Where to watch: Amazon
27. Lakshya
Played by Hrithik Roshan, Karan Sheirgill, the protagonist of the film, is an irresponsible, jobless, and aimless young man. Karan’s life goals are always changing, and in spite of getting selected for the army, he is not very serious about it.
The film’s plot revolves around Karan and his battle to find purpose in his life, as well as how the Indian Army turns him into a responsible, dedicated soldier. His growth also transforms his personal life. Lakshya has often been a source of motivation for the youth of India; if you haven’t watched it yet, you have to now.
- Director: Farhan Akhtar
- Writers: Karan Vishwanath Kashyap (dialogue supervisor), Javed Akhtar (dialogue), and Karan Kashyap (dialogue supervisor),
- Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan
- Where to watch: Netflix
30. URI
Uri: The Surgical Strike is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language military action film starring Vicky Kaushal. The plot revolves around the planning and execution of the surgical strike of 2016. While being a fictional & dramatized account of the true event, the screenplay and acting by the entire team is such that you too will feel deeply involved in the planning of the same.
- Director: Aditya Dhar
- Writer: Aditya Dhar
- Stars: Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal, Mohit Raina and Vicky Kaushal,
31. The Ghazi Attack
‘The Ghazi Attack’ was released in India in 2017. The narrative focuses on a submarine belonging to the Indian Navy, as well as an executive naval officer and the rest of the crew, all of whom were submerged for a period of 18 days.
It is about the bravery of the crew aboard the Indian submarine INS Karanj (S21), which destroyed the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi when it ventured into Indian waters to destroy INS Vikrant on the coasts of Visakhapatnam. It is not very often that a war movie will educate you & intrigue you in the way that this does.
- Director: Sankalp Reddy
- Writers: Sankalp Reddy (story and screenplay), Niranjan Ramireddy (story and screenplay), Gunnam Gangaraju (story and screenplay)
- Stars: Rana Daggubati, Kay Kay Menon, and Atul Kulkarni
- Where to watch: Amazon
32. Kesari
The film ‘Kesari’ is based on a true historical incident and follows the exploits of the Sikh Regiment of the British Army, which consisted of 21 soldiers stationed at Gulistan Fort during the 1897 battle against 10,000 Afghans. The film “Kesari” focuses on the sacrifices made by the 21 troops as well as the entirety of the Battle of Saragarhi. Yet again, the movie is an account of an event that is either too easily forgotten or overlooked.
- Director: Anurag Singh
- Writers: Girish Kohli, Anurag Singh
- Stars: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, Suvinder Vicky
- Where to watch: Amazon
33. Border
The Indian film ‘Border’ was one of the country’s earliest war movies, featuring unforgettable classic songs and scenes of combat. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 served as the inspiration for the film, which tells the story of a small battalion of Indian Army soldiers who fought against the large Pakistan Strike Force.
The film does an excellent job of capturing what the Indian Army soldiers had to endure during the war and what it is like to be on the battlefield.
- Director: J.P. Dutta
- Writers: J.P. Dutta (screenplay) and O.P. Dutta (dialogue)
- Stars: Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, and Sunny Deo
- Where to watch: Amazon
34. American Sniper
An American Sniper, Chris Kyle, a U.S. Navy SEAL, is renowned as “American Sniper” for his record-setting performance as a sniper from 1999 to 2009. The Iraqi terrorists loathed Kyle so much that they put a price on his head and called him “the devil.”
Kyle defended his fellow Navy SEALs, Marines, and American soldiers from rooftops and hidden spots, helping to make them heroes in the process. Among the finest war memoirs ever written, Kyle’s account of his amazing adventures on the battlefield is riveting and leaves a lasting impression.
The movie version of this book honors Kyle’s comrades who caused trouble on and off the battlefield. Taya, Kyle’s wife, uses heartfelt first-person accounts throughout the narration to discuss the impact of the war on their marriage, their children, and Chris.
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Writers: Jason Hall, Chris Kyle(book), Scott McEwen(book)
- Stars: Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner, and Bradley Cooper
- Where to watch: Amazon
35. The Deer Hunter
‘The Deer Hunter’ presented nearly unbearable intense scenes of the Vietnam War at a time when mainstream films were just beginning to touch on the still-current occurrence. The film, which Michael Cimino co-wrote and directed, won five Academy Awards, including best picture.
It highlights the ways in which the Vietnam War affected many people deeply and permanently. Not once does it warn against using military force. Neither does it promote violence or hostility. Male camaraderie, mindless patriotism, the dehumanizing impacts of war, and Nixon’s “silent majority” are all themes that have been explored in this film.
This fictional description of the horrors of the Vietnam War, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, and John Cazale, is devastating.
- Director : Michael Cimino
- Writers : , Deric Washburn(story), Louis Garfinkle(story) and Michael Cimino(story)
- Stars : John Cazale, Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken
36. The boat
This West German war film is based on the 1973 novel by Lothar-Günther Buchheim, which recounts the experiences of the crew of the German submarine U-96 during World War II. They set out to find allied ships but soon realize they are being pursued and are in danger.
It focuses on the ties between the soldiers rather than overwhelming spectators with hectic combat sequences. War is torture; however, it’s terrible to be stranded inside a submerged submarine. Still, the crew recognizes that “Das Boot” is not a story about being confined in tight quarters.
As they grow more dependent on one another for survival, they learn more about one another’s innermost thoughts and fears, creating intimate moments that heighten the drama and intensity of the larger set pieces.
- Director: Winston Azzopardi
- Writers: Joe Azzopardi and Winston Azzopardi
- Star: Joe Azzopardi
37. Come & See
In the harrowing antiwar film ‘Come and See,’ a young Belarusian teen named Flyora joins the resistance organization while Nazi Germany occupies Belarus. Directed by Elem Klimov, this war film delves into the despair and cruelty experienced by Eastern Europeans during the time.
What makes this picture so memorable is how it shows a nightmare becoming a reality, or rather how history may be just as terrifying as it was before. The movie doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to depicting the devastating effects of war and the rapid escalation of violence in formerly tranquil areas
- Director: Elem Klimov
- Writers : Ales Adamovich(story), Elem Klimov(screenplay)
- Stars : Liubomiras Laucevicius, Aleksey Kravchenko and Olga Mironova,
38. The Pianist
The film’s plot and title both undersell its significance. Wadyslaw Szpilman, a Holocaust survivor, shares his story in the film ‘The Pianist.’ After his family was deported from Warsaw in 1942, the talented pianist is even more alone as he struggles to make a living during the Nazi occupation.
Based on Szpilman’s book, the film spares no details in its depiction of the period’s immense human misery and destruction. As seen through the eyes of the distressed pianist, it is a sobering reminder of what people are capable of under the most trying of circumstances.
Polanski portrays Szpilman as a survivor rather than a fighter or a hero, as someone who attempts to save himself but who, if not for remarkable luck and the kindness of a few non-Jews, would have perished.
- Director: Roman Polanski
- Writers : Ronald Harwood(screenplay by), Wladyslaw Szpilman(based on the book by)
- Stars : Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay and Adrien Brody,
39. Spectral
One of its kind, mixed-genre war movie with elements of fantasy, slight horror, and action, it’s a clever sci-fi military mystery that borrows elements from other genres without ever sounding overly familiar.
The film features an excellent ensemble cast (including James Badge Dale, Max Martini, Emily Mortimer, Clayne Crawford, and Bruce Greenwood) and special effects that are on par with those of other recent blockbusters.
The supernatural forces at the center of the narrative are aiming to take over the entire city, but the authorities have no idea what they are up against because they can’t be stopped with normal weapons. This is until a weapons expert enlightens them as to the true nature of these supernatural foes.
The battle sequences are exciting and fast-paced, setting a new standard for films about war.
- Director : Nic Mathieu
- Writers : Nic Mathieu(story), George Nolfi and Ian Fried(story)
- Stars: James Badge Dale, Emily Mortimer, Bruce Greenwood
- Where to watch: Netflix
40. The Good Kill
Thomas Egan, the film’s protagonist, is a former Air Force pilot who now operates armed drones. To some extent, it’s not unlike playing a highly complex computer game, except that when you press a button to fire a missile, real people die. Good Kill is among the films with the highest level of spiritual literacy.
The idea of being able to use a piece of technology in one place and blow someone up hundreds of kilometers away is both fascinating and horrifying. When acts of violence no longer elicit any sort of emotional or mental response from us, the movie focuses on how we have lost that part of our humanity that recognizes the likeness of God in each individual. One must accept the fact that you’ll never make “a good kill.”
- Director: Andrew Niccol
- Writer: Andrew Niccol
- Stars: January Jones, Zoë Kravitz, and Ethan Hawke
- Where to watch: Amazon
41. The Outpost
The Outpost is a 2020 war film directed by Rod Lurie and based on the 2012 memoir ‘The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor.’ A small detachment of American Marines fights hundreds of Taliban terrorists head-on from a remote outpost deep in an Afghanistan valley.
The tragic events depicted in “The Outpost” are not the first to highlight the role that human error plays in such tragedies. However, Lurie’s picture is elevated by his ability to strike a good balance between naive patriotism and a condemnation of a broken system that sacrifices young men.
- Director: Rod Lurie
- Writers: Eric Johnson(screenplay), Jake Tapper(based on the book “The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor” written by) and Paul Tamasy(screenplay),
- Stars: Caleb Landry Jones, Orlando Bloom, and Scott Eastwood
- Where to watch: Amazon
42. Grave of the Fireflies
Studio Ghibli’s films often feature war as a central theme. Perhaps the darkest of Ghibli’s works is Grave of the Fireflies, the studio’s most explicitly war-related feature. Set in the latter months of WWII, the film follows a little brother and sister as they face the challenges posed by the war and their dangerous surroundings.
Be advised that there is no holding back in this Studio Ghibli military picture. There’s no doubt that this is a tearjerker. Despite this, the studio’s signature finesse and beauty are still present in what could be an otherwise terribly bleak social drama. This may be the most challenging Ghibli film, but it’s well worth the effort.
- Director : Isao Takahata
- Writers: Akiyuki Nosaka(novel), Isao Takahata
- Stars: Ayano Shiraishi(voice), Akemi Yamaguchi(voice) and Tsutomu Tatsumi(voice),
Also read: 50 Best Nicolas Cage Movies To Watch In 2023
Who doesn’t get a kick out of a little bit of suspense every once in a while when they go to the movies? Especially when the action takes place between two separate groups of people or when it is based on an actual event that occurred in the past.
War movies, particularly those that are based on actual events, have always been a source of inspiration as well as educational entertainment for us. These films demonstrate both the positive and negative outcomes that can result from participating in armed conflict by highlighting the positive and negative outcomes of war.
These movies offer a great deal of action, suspense, and explosions for the audience to enjoy. If you are the type of person who gets a kick out of watching war movies, then you have come upon the perfect post. Here is a list of the best 42 war movies that you should watch this cold season.
Your heart rate is guaranteed to speed up, chills will run down your spine, and tears will swell up in your eyes when you watch these movies. You won’t just witness some incredible action while watching them; you’ll also get a taste of what it’s like to be a fighter.
1. 300
The film titled “300”, based on Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s 1998 comic book series of the same name, is an American epic historical action film from 2006.
Made in two parts, 300 is one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It takes place in 450 B.C., and it follows King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) as he leads 300 Spartans into battle against the Persian “God-King” Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his massive and formidable army of over 300,000 men.
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Writer: Frank Miller and Lynn Varley
- Stars: David Wenham, Dominic West, Michael Fassbender, Gerard Butler and Lena Headey
- Where to watch: Amazon
2. Captain America: Civil War
We all know that the list would be incomplete without a Marvel film. Out of the innumerable action and war films MCU has, the fan-favorite is often Captain America: Civil War. Who can forget the epic fight at the airport when we first saw MCU’s Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, and our favorite superheroes fighting?
Fans are still divided between Team Captain America and Team Iron Man, so which side are you on?
- Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
- Writers: Christopher Markus (screenplay by), Stephen McFeely (screenplay by), and Joe Simon (based on the Marvel comics).
- Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, and Chris Evans,
- Where to watch: Hotstar
3. Inglourious Basterds
As Nazis seize France, a group of soldiers known as the “Basterds” is on a mission to murder all Nazi leaders. Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds will always keep you on edge. The film will not disappoint you with its action, apt comic timing, and numerous plot twists.
- Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Writer: Quentin Tarantino
- Stars: Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, and Brad Pitt
- Where to watch: Netflix
4. Gallipoli
Released in 1981, Gallipoli is a film that will make you cry and reflect on what was lost during World War I. Based on the experiences of two Australian troops who were deployed to Turkey during World War I to fight in the Gallipoli campaign and suffered catastrophic losses, this film depicts the true facets of war.
- Director: Peter Weir
- Writers: David Williamson (screenplay), Peter Weir (story), Ernest Raymond (novel “Tell England”)
- Stars: Mark Lee, Bill Kerr, and Mel Gibson,
5. Letters from Iwo Jima
A Japanese-language American war film released in 2006, “Letters from Iwo Jima,” is based on the battle wherein the United States of America captured the island. The story unfolds through the perspective of the Japanese soldiers, and the film won the award for Best Picture at the 79th Academy Awards.
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Writers: Iris Yamashita (screenplay); Paul Haggis (story); Tadamichi Kuribayashi (book “Picture Letters from the Commander in Chief”)
- Stars: Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara and Ken Watanabe,
- Where to watch: Amazon
6. All Quiet on the Western Front
The movie is based on Erich Maria Remarque’s originally published novel “Im Westen Nichts Neues,” which later came to be known as “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
The protagonist of the film is a German soldier named Paul Baumer, who served on the Western Front during World War I. It focuses on the immense physical and mental anguish that Paul Baumer and other German soldiers had to go through during those challenging times.
- Director: Edward Berger
- Writers: Lesley Paterson (screenplay), Ian Stokell (screenplay), and Edward Berger (screenplay),
- Stars: Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Aaron Hilme
- Where to watch: Netflix
7. Braveheart
What might appear to be a love story set in the year 1280 between Sir William Wallace and Murron MacClannough takes a dramatic turn when King Edward I sends his troops to capture William Wallace’s homeland of Scotland, and Sir William Wallace fights for his independence and leads the First War of Scottish Independence. This movie is a unique take on the monotonous tone of classic war films.
- Director: Mel Gibson
- Writer: Randall Wallace
- Stars: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, and Patrick McGoohan
8. The Expendables 3
Who has not heard of the famous Expendables film franchise? Packed with action, comedy, and drama, which also comes to a thrilling conclusion is the perfect family watch over the weekends.
The plot centers around a team that enter into conflict with a ruthless arms dealer named ‘Conrad Stonebanks,’ and the co-founder of the team- ‘Expendables,’ wants to eliminate each and every member of Stonebanks’s gang. The story gets interesting when you unfold how every member stands out with their unique skills & traits.
- Director: Patrick Hughes
- Writers: Creighton Rothenberger (screenplay), Katrin Benedikt (screenplay), and Sylvester Stallone (screenplay)
- Stars: Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Sylvester Stallone
- Where to Watch: MX Player
9. Tropic Thunder
A satirical action comedy film, “Topic Thunder,” follows three actors who are tricked into believing that they are going to be cast in a high-budget war movie. They are bluffed and taken to a remote location in the middle of the woods. However, things take a turn when they realize they are not in a film. You will laugh, jump with excitement & surely remember this movie’s dialogues long after the credit rolls.
- Director: Ben Stiller
- Writers: Justin Theroux (screenplay), Ben Stiller (screenplay), Etan Cohen (screenplay)
- Stars: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr.
- Where to watch: Amazon
10. Fury
The movie Fury, starring Brad Pitt, is about a tank commander named Don “Wardaddy” Collier and his crew, also known as Fury. During the course of the conflict with Germany, the commander is forced to make difficult choices for his crew members. It is the simplicity of the story & the intricacy of the details that will keep you glued while watching it.
- Director: David Ayer
- Writer: David Ayer
- Stars: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman
11. Shadow in the cloud
The film “Shadow in the Cloud” is about a female pilot named Maude Garrett, who is given the mission of transporting a top-secret document to Samoa in a box. The story is set during World War II and focuses on the ways in which Maude faces discrimination due to the fact that she is a woman, as well as the ways in which she proves everyone wrong when an evil presence attacks the plane.
- Director: Roseanne Liang
- Writers: Max Landis, Roseanne Liang
- Stars: Chlo Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Beulah Koale
12. The Imitation Game
“The Imitation Game” is a film that is based on the true story of Alan Turing and takes place during World War II. The film focuses on the famous mathematician and his effort to decode the German Enigma code in order to win the war while things fall apart in his private life. It is a never-seen-before area of war and a sure-shot unforgettable watch.
- Director: Morten Tyldum
- Writers: Graham Moore, Andrew Hodges (based on the book “Alan Turing: The Enigma”)
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, and Matthew Goode
13. Sand Castle
Inspired by a true story, “Sand Castle” is a movie that tells the story of a young man named ‘Matt Ocre’ and his involvement in the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Throughout the course of the movie, Ocre witness the carnage and atrocities of war.
- Director: Fernando Coimbra
- Writer: Chris Roessner
- Stars: Nicholas Hoult, Logan Marshall-Green, Henry Cavill
- Where to watch: Netflix
14. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Who didn’t spend their childhood watching “The Chronicles of Narnia”? A fantastical world in which time passes quickly, animals and plants can communicate with one another, and everything is stunning.
The Chronicles of Narnia is unique & one of the first mainstream fantasies. It tells the story of four children who are exiled to the home of a relative because of a war. While there, they discover a wardrobe that transports them to a world where everything is magical.
However, things soon take a dramatic turn when they are told that they are destined to be the rulers of Narnia and that they must fight a war against the witch Jadis, who is currently in control of Narnia.
- Director: Michael Apted
- Writers (screenplay): Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Michael Petroni
- Stars: Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley
- Where to watch: Hotstar
15. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Didn’t we all attach our childhood identities to the Harry Potter books & movies? I recall growing up alongside the cast, looking forward to each new part, and being devastated when it was finally over.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the final installment in the Harry Potter film series, chronicling the adventures of the trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron after Voldemort has taken control of Hogwarts and the wizarding world.
None of us can forget the final battle at Hogwarts when the army of Voldemort faced up against the Order of the Phoenix; with its unexpected twists and turns that made us all cry, this movie definitely deserves a rewatch.
- Director: David Yates
- Writers: Steve Kloves (screenplay); J.K. Rowling (novel “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”)
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint
- Where to watch: Amazon
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16. Saving Private Ryan
“Saving Private Ryan”: Steven Spielberg’s classic war film follows a group of soldiers during World War II’s D-Day invasion of Normandy. The film is known for its intense and realistic battle scenes as well as its compelling story about the sacrifices made by soldiers during the war.
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Robert Rodat
- Stars: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Tom Sizemore
- Where to watch: Amazon
17. The Great Escape
Based on a true story, “The Great Escape” follows a group of Allied prisoners of war who plan and execute a mass escape from a German POW camp during World War II. The film features an all-star cast, which includes Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough. The cast & the fan base is the sole reason for you to give it a watch.
- Director: John Sturges
- Writers: Paul Brickhill (based on the book by), James Clavell (screenplay by), and W.R. Burnett (screenplay by)
- Stars: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
18. Full Metal Jacket
Another film that takes place during the Vietnam War, “Full Metal Jacket,” follows a group of Marine recruits as they go through basic training and then are deployed to battle in Vietnam. The movie, which was directed by Stanley Kubrick, is famous for its potent and unsettling depiction of the psychological impact of war on troops.
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Writers: Stanley Kubrick (screenplay), Michael Herr (screenplay), Gustav Hasford (screenplay)
- Stars: Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D’Onofrio
- Where to watch: Amazon
19. The Longest Day
The story of the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II is depicted in this monumental war movie, which was directed by a number of different people in addition to Ken Annakin. The movie is famous for its exact and thorough portrayal of the events that occurred during the invasion. It stars an ensemble, including John Wayne and Sean Connery, adding more to its fame.
- Directors: Ken Annakin (British exterior episodes), Andrew Marton (American exterior episodes), Gerd Oswald (scenes deleted)
- Writers: Cornelius Ryan (screenplay); Romain Gary (additional episodes written by); James Jones (additional episodes written by)
- Stars: John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton
20. Patton
This biographical war film tells the story of General George S. Patton, a controversial and highly skilled commander during World War II. The film, which won seven Academy Awards, is known for its powerful portrayal of Patton’s leadership and his complex personality.
- Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
- Writers: Francis Ford Coppola (screen story by), Edmund H. North (screen story by), and Ladislas Farago (based on factual material from Patton: Ordeal and Triumph)
- Stars: George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writer: Christopher Nolan
- Stars: Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance
- Where to watch: Amazon
21. The Hurt Locker
‘The Hurt Locker,’ a war movie produced in the United States, centers on Sergeant First Class William James, who serves as the new team leader of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in the United States Army during the Iraq War.
James is known for his unconventional methods of working and for putting himself in harm’s way, but the question that drives the story is: why does he do it? And the only way to get to the answer to this question is to watch the movie.
- Director: Kathryn Bigelow
- Writer: Mark Boal
- Stars: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty
- Where to watch: Amazon
22. Brothers
A story about two brothers, Isaac and Joe, their inspiration, sacrifice, and experience throughout their time while serving in Iraq is the center of the plot. They are torn apart by their vicious competition for the same lady, just as the world is on the brink of entering World War II. The younger brother runs away to the front lines of the conflict, where he hopes to redeem himself.
- Director: Jim Sheridan
- Writers : David Benioff(screenplay), Anders Thomas Jensen(motion picture “Brødre”) and Susanne Bier(motion picture “Brødre”)
- Stars: Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire, and Jake Gyllenhaal
23. The Last Samurai
With the unparalleled skills of Tom Cruise, ‘The Last Samurai’ narrates the story of a U.S. Army Captain named Nathan Algren who is sent to Japan to fight samurai warriors but instead adopts the culture of the samurai as he discovers new meaning in his life and discovers a cause that is worthy of his death.
- Director: Edward Zwick
- Writers: John Logan (story), Edward Zwick (screenplay), Marshall Herskovitz (screenplay)
- Stars: Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, and Tom Cruise,
- Where to watch: Amazon
24. Thank you for your service
‘Thank You for Your Service’ is a film that gives a detailed & eye-opening account of the daily struggles of the soldiers to stay alive. This film explores the experiences of an American soldier named Adam Schuman who, after serving his country in Iraq, returns home.
However, the traumatic experiences he endured during his time in the military linger to the present day & make it difficult for him to live a quintessential civilian life, which in turn also causes issues for his family.
- Director: Jason Hall
- Stars: Miles Teller, Beulah Koale, Joe Cole
- Where to watch: Amazon
25. Jarhead
‘Jarhead,’ an American biographical war drama released in 2005, is based on a memoir written by a U.S. Marine named Anthony “Swoff” Swofford and published in 2003 under the same name. The film follows Swofford as he returns home from active duty as a sniper and deals with boredom, isolation, and other issues as he struggles to let go of his past.
- Director: Sam Mendes
- Writers: William Broyles Jr. (screenplay) and Anthony Swofford (book)
- Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, and Lucas Black
Also read: 39 Crime Genre Movies That Are Based On Actual Crimes!
26. Shershaah
Motivated by the real-life experiences of Vikram Batra, ‘Shershaah‘ is a war biopic film told by his brother, Vishal Batra. The story follows his life while he served India in the Kargil War against Pakistan. The movie also has a subplot of Dimple and Vikram’s romance that lightens the movie-watching experience a bit.
Vikram’s never-ending hope and his contribution and bravery helped India finally win the Kargil War in 1999. Shershaah was released in 2021.
- Director: Vishnuvardhan
- Writer: Sandeep Shrivastava (screenplay)
- Stars: Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, and Shiv Panditt
- Where to watch: Amazon
27. Lakshya
Played by Hrithik Roshan, Karan Sheirgill, the protagonist of the film, is an irresponsible, jobless, and aimless young man. Karan’s life goals are always changing, and in spite of getting selected for the army, he is not very serious about it.
The film’s plot revolves around Karan and his battle to find purpose in his life, as well as how the Indian Army turns him into a responsible, dedicated soldier. His growth also transforms his personal life. Lakshya has often been a source of motivation for the youth of India; if you haven’t watched it yet, you have to now.
- Director: Farhan Akhtar
- Writers: Karan Vishwanath Kashyap (dialogue supervisor), Javed Akhtar (dialogue), and Karan Kashyap (dialogue supervisor),
- Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan
- Where to watch: Netflix
30. URI
Uri: The Surgical Strike is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language military action film starring Vicky Kaushal. The plot revolves around the planning and execution of the surgical strike of 2016. While being a fictional & dramatized account of the true event, the screenplay and acting by the entire team is such that you too will feel deeply involved in the planning of the same.
- Director: Aditya Dhar
- Writer: Aditya Dhar
- Stars: Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal, Mohit Raina and Vicky Kaushal,
31. The Ghazi Attack
‘The Ghazi Attack’ was released in India in 2017. The narrative focuses on a submarine belonging to the Indian Navy, as well as an executive naval officer and the rest of the crew, all of whom were submerged for a period of 18 days.
It is about the bravery of the crew aboard the Indian submarine INS Karanj (S21), which destroyed the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi when it ventured into Indian waters to destroy INS Vikrant on the coasts of Visakhapatnam. It is not very often that a war movie will educate you & intrigue you in the way that this does.
- Director: Sankalp Reddy
- Writers: Sankalp Reddy (story and screenplay), Niranjan Ramireddy (story and screenplay), Gunnam Gangaraju (story and screenplay)
- Stars: Rana Daggubati, Kay Kay Menon, and Atul Kulkarni
- Where to watch: Amazon
32. Kesari
The film ‘Kesari’ is based on a true historical incident and follows the exploits of the Sikh Regiment of the British Army, which consisted of 21 soldiers stationed at Gulistan Fort during the 1897 battle against 10,000 Afghans. The film “Kesari” focuses on the sacrifices made by the 21 troops as well as the entirety of the Battle of Saragarhi. Yet again, the movie is an account of an event that is either too easily forgotten or overlooked.
- Director: Anurag Singh
- Writers: Girish Kohli, Anurag Singh
- Stars: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, Suvinder Vicky
- Where to watch: Amazon
33. Border
The Indian film ‘Border’ was one of the country’s earliest war movies, featuring unforgettable classic songs and scenes of combat. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 served as the inspiration for the film, which tells the story of a small battalion of Indian Army soldiers who fought against the large Pakistan Strike Force.
The film does an excellent job of capturing what the Indian Army soldiers had to endure during the war and what it is like to be on the battlefield.
- Director: J.P. Dutta
- Writers: J.P. Dutta (screenplay) and O.P. Dutta (dialogue)
- Stars: Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, and Sunny Deo
- Where to watch: Amazon
34. American Sniper
An American Sniper, Chris Kyle, a U.S. Navy SEAL, is renowned as “American Sniper” for his record-setting performance as a sniper from 1999 to 2009. The Iraqi terrorists loathed Kyle so much that they put a price on his head and called him “the devil.”
Kyle defended his fellow Navy SEALs, Marines, and American soldiers from rooftops and hidden spots, helping to make them heroes in the process. Among the finest war memoirs ever written, Kyle’s account of his amazing adventures on the battlefield is riveting and leaves a lasting impression.
The movie version of this book honors Kyle’s comrades who caused trouble on and off the battlefield. Taya, Kyle’s wife, uses heartfelt first-person accounts throughout the narration to discuss the impact of the war on their marriage, their children, and Chris.
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Writers: Jason Hall, Chris Kyle(book), Scott McEwen(book)
- Stars: Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner, and Bradley Cooper
- Where to watch: Amazon
35. The Deer Hunter
‘The Deer Hunter’ presented nearly unbearable intense scenes of the Vietnam War at a time when mainstream films were just beginning to touch on the still-current occurrence. The film, which Michael Cimino co-wrote and directed, won five Academy Awards, including best picture.
It highlights the ways in which the Vietnam War affected many people deeply and permanently. Not once does it warn against using military force. Neither does it promote violence or hostility. Male camaraderie, mindless patriotism, the dehumanizing impacts of war, and Nixon’s “silent majority” are all themes that have been explored in this film.
This fictional description of the horrors of the Vietnam War, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, and John Cazale, is devastating.
- Director : Michael Cimino
- Writers : , Deric Washburn(story), Louis Garfinkle(story) and Michael Cimino(story)
- Stars : John Cazale, Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken
36. The boat
This West German war film is based on the 1973 novel by Lothar-Günther Buchheim, which recounts the experiences of the crew of the German submarine U-96 during World War II. They set out to find allied ships but soon realize they are being pursued and are in danger.
It focuses on the ties between the soldiers rather than overwhelming spectators with hectic combat sequences. War is torture; however, it’s terrible to be stranded inside a submerged submarine. Still, the crew recognizes that “Das Boot” is not a story about being confined in tight quarters.
As they grow more dependent on one another for survival, they learn more about one another’s innermost thoughts and fears, creating intimate moments that heighten the drama and intensity of the larger set pieces.
- Director: Winston Azzopardi
- Writers: Joe Azzopardi and Winston Azzopardi
- Star: Joe Azzopardi
37. Come & See
In the harrowing antiwar film ‘Come and See,’ a young Belarusian teen named Flyora joins the resistance organization while Nazi Germany occupies Belarus. Directed by Elem Klimov, this war film delves into the despair and cruelty experienced by Eastern Europeans during the time.
What makes this picture so memorable is how it shows a nightmare becoming a reality, or rather how history may be just as terrifying as it was before. The movie doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to depicting the devastating effects of war and the rapid escalation of violence in formerly tranquil areas
- Director: Elem Klimov
- Writers : Ales Adamovich(story), Elem Klimov(screenplay)
- Stars : Liubomiras Laucevicius, Aleksey Kravchenko and Olga Mironova,
38. The Pianist
The film’s plot and title both undersell its significance. Wadyslaw Szpilman, a Holocaust survivor, shares his story in the film ‘The Pianist.’ After his family was deported from Warsaw in 1942, the talented pianist is even more alone as he struggles to make a living during the Nazi occupation.
Based on Szpilman’s book, the film spares no details in its depiction of the period’s immense human misery and destruction. As seen through the eyes of the distressed pianist, it is a sobering reminder of what people are capable of under the most trying of circumstances.
Polanski portrays Szpilman as a survivor rather than a fighter or a hero, as someone who attempts to save himself but who, if not for remarkable luck and the kindness of a few non-Jews, would have perished.
- Director: Roman Polanski
- Writers : Ronald Harwood(screenplay by), Wladyslaw Szpilman(based on the book by)
- Stars : Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay and Adrien Brody,
39. Spectral
One of its kind, mixed-genre war movie with elements of fantasy, slight horror, and action, it’s a clever sci-fi military mystery that borrows elements from other genres without ever sounding overly familiar.
The film features an excellent ensemble cast (including James Badge Dale, Max Martini, Emily Mortimer, Clayne Crawford, and Bruce Greenwood) and special effects that are on par with those of other recent blockbusters.
The supernatural forces at the center of the narrative are aiming to take over the entire city, but the authorities have no idea what they are up against because they can’t be stopped with normal weapons. This is until a weapons expert enlightens them as to the true nature of these supernatural foes.
The battle sequences are exciting and fast-paced, setting a new standard for films about war.
- Director : Nic Mathieu
- Writers : Nic Mathieu(story), George Nolfi and Ian Fried(story)
- Stars: James Badge Dale, Emily Mortimer, Bruce Greenwood
- Where to watch: Netflix
40. The Good Kill
Thomas Egan, the film’s protagonist, is a former Air Force pilot who now operates armed drones. To some extent, it’s not unlike playing a highly complex computer game, except that when you press a button to fire a missile, real people die. Good Kill is among the films with the highest level of spiritual literacy.
The idea of being able to use a piece of technology in one place and blow someone up hundreds of kilometers away is both fascinating and horrifying. When acts of violence no longer elicit any sort of emotional or mental response from us, the movie focuses on how we have lost that part of our humanity that recognizes the likeness of God in each individual. One must accept the fact that you’ll never make “a good kill.”
- Director: Andrew Niccol
- Writer: Andrew Niccol
- Stars: January Jones, Zoë Kravitz, and Ethan Hawke
- Where to watch: Amazon
41. The Outpost
The Outpost is a 2020 war film directed by Rod Lurie and based on the 2012 memoir ‘The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor.’ A small detachment of American Marines fights hundreds of Taliban terrorists head-on from a remote outpost deep in an Afghanistan valley.
The tragic events depicted in “The Outpost” are not the first to highlight the role that human error plays in such tragedies. However, Lurie’s picture is elevated by his ability to strike a good balance between naive patriotism and a condemnation of a broken system that sacrifices young men.
- Director: Rod Lurie
- Writers: Eric Johnson(screenplay), Jake Tapper(based on the book “The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor” written by) and Paul Tamasy(screenplay),
- Stars: Caleb Landry Jones, Orlando Bloom, and Scott Eastwood
- Where to watch: Amazon
42. Grave of the Fireflies
Studio Ghibli’s films often feature war as a central theme. Perhaps the darkest of Ghibli’s works is Grave of the Fireflies, the studio’s most explicitly war-related feature. Set in the latter months of WWII, the film follows a little brother and sister as they face the challenges posed by the war and their dangerous surroundings.
Be advised that there is no holding back in this Studio Ghibli military picture. There’s no doubt that this is a tearjerker. Despite this, the studio’s signature finesse and beauty are still present in what could be an otherwise terribly bleak social drama. This may be the most challenging Ghibli film, but it’s well worth the effort.
- Director : Isao Takahata
- Writers: Akiyuki Nosaka(novel), Isao Takahata
- Stars: Ayano Shiraishi(voice), Akemi Yamaguchi(voice) and Tsutomu Tatsumi(voice),
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