11 ’90s War Movies That Will Make You Cry (And Then Cry Again)

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As a cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about the golden age of cinema that was the ’90s. It was a decade overflowing with cinematic gems that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. War films, in particular, were the talk of the town. People just couldn’t get enough, rushing to theaters to immerse themselves in tales of epic battles and poignant moments etched in history. These movies left us spellbound, celebrating the bravery of soldiers who put their lives on the line for their nation and the greater good.

The 1990s showcased an impressive array of impactful war films, ranging from Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed works like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Schindler’s List,” to thought-provoking international productions such as “Life Is Beautiful” and “Europa Europa.” These movies left a lasting impression, featuring some of Hollywood’s most talented actors, delivering a powerful emotional impact, and cementing their place among the entertainment industry’s most notable creative achievements. Let’s explore the 11 ’90s war films with the highest Rotten Tomatoes scores.

11
‘The Thin Red Line’ (1998)

80%

Drawing inspiration from James Jones’ novel and its 1964 cinematic adaptation titled “The Thin Red Line“, this epic war drama narrates a fictional portrayal of the Battle of Mount Austen, where American soldiers and Marines clashed with Imperial Japanese forces in the Guadalcanal campaign during World War II. In this gripping movie, a team of soldiers including Private Robert E. Lee Witt (portrayed by Jim Caviezel) are summoned to replace the weary troops. As they valiantly fight through the brutal battle, an unshakeable camaraderie develops among these courageous men.

A Powerful Look at the Brutalities of War

Featuring a highly distinguished cast headed by Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, George Clooney, and Woody Harrelson, The Thin Red Line was honored with the esteemed Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and received seven nominations for the Academy Awards. It was praised for its breathtaking cinematography, powerful portrayal of war, and exceptional acting performances. Director Martin Scorsese placed it as his second-favorite film of the 90s, while renowned critic Gene Siskel deemed it “the finest contemporary war movie I’ve witnessed.

10
‘Life Is Beautiful’ (1997)

81%

Roberto Benigni took on the roles of director, actor, and co-writer for the poignant Italian comedy-drama “Life Is Beautiful“, where he portrayed Guido Orefice, a loving father and Jewish Italian bookshop owner. Their peaceful life with wife Dora and son Giosuè was shattered when Northern Italy fell under Nazi occupation in 1944, resulting in their internment in a concentration camp. With Dora and Giosuè separated from him, Guido sought to protect the boy from the harsh realities by fabricating that the camp was merely an elaborate game instead.

Benigni’s Bold & Refreshing Approach to Storytelling

In a deeply moving film, Benigni starred alongside his actual spouse, Nicoletta Braschi. This experience inspired him to write Life Is Beautiful, after reading the book In the End, I Outsmarted Hitler by Holocaust survivor Rubino Romeo Salmonì. Deported to Auschwitz and eventually reunited with his family, Salmonì used dark humor to narrate his harrowing ordeal. Life Is Beautiful garnered numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It remained Italy’s top-grossing film (earning $230.1 million) until 2011.

9
‘The English Patient’ (1996)

86%

In Anthony Minghella’s adaptation of Michael Ondaatje’s romantic war drama The English Patient, a distinguished group of actors including Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Juliette Binoche were brought together to portray the story. The film presents a greatly imaginative portrayal of Hungarian cartographer László Almásy’s life during the Italian Campaign of World War II. As the severely burned Almásy is tended by the kind-hearted nurse Hana (Binoche) in an Italian monastery, he shares his tale of a passionate love affair and how he came to be so gravely injured.

A Spellbinding Romantic War Drama

The English Patient” has been acclaimed as one of the greatest love stories ever made, winning the hearts of both film critics and viewers alike. It stood out for its intricate storytelling, deeply developed characters, and spellbinding performances. This romantic drama proved to be a massive success at the box office, earning $232 million globally, and garnering an impressive A- CinemaScore from audiences. Additionally, it swept the awards season, claiming an astounding nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and two Golden Globes.

8
‘Courage Under Fire’ (1996)

86%

In the film “Courage Under Fire,” directed by Edward Zwick, stars Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan join forces. Washington portrays Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling, a character tormented by a regrettable decision made during the Persian Gulf War. Later, he is tasked with determining if Army Captain Karen Walden (played by Ryan), who was fatally wounded in action while on a rescue mission, deserves the Medal of Honor. Serling encounters difficulties in his investigation as members of Walden’s team offer contradictory accounts.

Washington Dominates the Screen Once Again

The film Courage Under Fire signified the second joint venture between Washington and Zwick on the big screen, having previously teamed up in the 1989 historical drama Glory, where Washington won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His gripping portrayal of the tormented Serling garnered widespread acclaim, with the Courier-Journal praising the veteran actor for solidifying his status as a serious leading man capable of commanding a film through his quiet intensity and profound introspection.

7
‘Underground’ (1995)

86%

As a cinephile reflecting on the gripping black comedy “Underground”, I find myself drawn into the gritty underworld of Blacky (Lazar Ristovski) and Marko (Miki Manojlovic), two resourceful friends who thrive as black marketeers, producing and selling weapons to the Communist resistance during World War II in Belgrade. The film masterfully transitions into satirical realms when these two continue their gun-making business even after the war’s conclusion.

The narrative unfolds across three distinct segments, taking us on a journey from 1941 through the Cold War and reaching a climax during the Yugoslav Wars in 1991. We delve into the roots of the Communist Party and Yugoslav nationalists as we trace the evolving landscape of this tumultuous era.

Emir Kusturica Dominates at the Cannes Film Festival

The audacious and unconventional black comedy is brimming with confusion, outrageous stunts, and lots of laughter, even as it tackles weighty topics such as notable Yugoslavian leaders, Communism, the history of Yugoslavia, and war itself. Underground famously won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, making director Emir Kusturica the second time winner of this distinguished award following his impressive work in 1985’s When Father Was Away on Business.

6
‘The Last of the Mohicans’ (1992)

88%

In another rendition, the three-time Academy Award-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis, known for his chameleon-like acting skills, once again demonstrated his exceptional talent in cinema when he led the cast of the epic historical drama “The Last of the Mohicans“, a screen adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s work. This story unfolds in 1757, amidst the French and Indian War, where we follow Chingachgook (portrayed by Russell Means), his son Uncas (Eric Schweig), and Nathaniel “Hawkeye” Poe, a Mohican tribe member who is also Day-Lewis’s adopted white character, as they bravely embark on a mission to rescue the daughters of a British colonel.

Day-Lewis’ Unparalleled Commitment to the Craft

Without a doubt, Daniel Day-Lewis, renowned for his immersive acting style in Hollywood, went through extensive wilderness training for weeks to embody Hawkeye. He mastered hunting, skinning game, handling period weapons, and starting fires with assistance from US Army Special Forces. Moreover, he even learned to craft a canoe by hand. His unwavering commitment to his role significantly contributed to the success of The Last of the Mohicans, which earned $143 million globally and brought Day-Lewis the British Actor of the Year Award at the London Film Critics Circle Awards.

5
‘A Midnight Clear’ (1992)

88%

Set amidst the early phase of the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, A Midnight Clear follows Sergeant Will “Won’t” Knott (Ethan Hawke) and his fellow American soldiers, who were then rising stars like Gary Sinise, Peter Berg, and Kevin Dillon. The story unfolds in the dense Ardennes forest of France, where they are assigned a mission to apprehend a small contingent of German forces. However, an unexpected twist occurs when the enemy platoon proposes a truce, leading to tense and unforeseen consequences.

A Soulful & Moving Look at War

Based on William Wharton’s novel, which draws heavily from his own wartime experiences in World War II and the Battle of the Bulge, A Midnight Clear delves into the story of opposing forces who momentarily lay down their arms and reconcile, setting aside their conflicts to observe Christmas and find a fleeting moment of peace amidst the horrors of war. The Washington Post praised this drama, labeling it as “a unique war film, an impressive achievement that’s rich in soul rather than violence and gunfire.

4
‘Three Kings’ (1999)

94%

David O. Russell was responsible for both writing and directing the gripping black comedy war film titled “Three Kings“. This movie narrates an exciting story about four American soldiers on a mission to steal Saddam Hussein’s secret hoard of gold following the end of the Gulf War. Their objective leads them on a perilous and daring adventure, as they attempt to locate the concealed treasure. However, when one member of their team (Mark Wahlberg) is taken captive and subjected to torture by Iraqi intelligence, Sergeant Major Archie Gates (George Clooney), along with his men, embarks on a rescue mission to free the soldier and challenge Hussein’s Elite Guard.

Clooney & O. Russell Butt Heads Behind-the-Scenes

In the movie “Three Kings,” Clooney and Wahlberg are accompanied by Ice Cube and Spike Jonze. The making of this gripping film was marred by off-camera turmoil, as Clooney and Russell almost engaged in a fistfight on set due to allegations about the director’s questionable behavior towards the crew. Despite the strife and debate, “Three Kings” ruled the box office, earning $107.7 million throughout its release, and garnered praise from critics for its insightful script and biting satire of American politics and foreign policies.

3
‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

94%

Known as one of the greatest films ever created and a testament to cinematic brilliance, Steven Spielberg’s epic war drama “Saving Private Ryan” is famously headlined by beloved leading man Tom Hanks as Captain John Miller. Following the successful rescue of his unit during the Normandy landings, he leads a team of valiant soldiers into dangerous enemy territory on a quest to find missing soldier James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon). Driven by the loss of Ryan’s three brothers, it becomes Miller’s mission to return the young man home.

Spielberg’s War Drama Packs an Emotional Punch

The renowned director Spielberg has always been deeply fascinated by World War II, and he wished to honor his veteran father who served during that time through the creation of a memorable film. Drawing on true events involving the Niland brothers for the storyline, the moving picture was born. Many World War II veterans found the harrowing opening scene of Saving Private Ryan to be an incredibly authentic portrayal of battle, causing some to struggle to continue watching due to the vivid memories it triggered. The strong film garnered five Academy Awards, but famously lost the Best Picture award to Shakespeare in Love, a decision many consider one of the biggest upsets in Oscars history.

2
‘Europa Europa’ (1991)

95%

The film “Europa Europa” starts in 1938 Germany, following the heart-wrenching separation of Jewish teenager Solomon “Solek” Perel from his family. In a desperate attempt to survive, Solek deceives Nazi soldiers into believing he is a German Aryan, joining the Hitler Youth and developing feelings for the anti-Semitic Leni, played by Julie Delpy. As time goes on, Solek faces increasing challenges in maintaining his deception as the risks and lies escalate.

A Powerful & Transcending True Story

At the conclusion of the heartwarming movie “Europa Europa,” which garnered four prestigious “Best Foreign-Language Film” awards during the U.S. award season, such as the Golden Globe and New York Film Critics Circle Awards, Solomon Perel, the true character, makes a brief cameo. However, it was contentious that the film was not considered for the Academy Award, although it did earn recognition for Best Adapted Screenplay. To this day, “Europa Europa” boasts an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and continues to be one of Germany’s most celebrated and successful cinematic achievements.

1
‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

98%

In a manner unmatched by many Hollywood directors, Steven Spielberg left an indelible mark on cinema in the ’90s with one hit movie after another, and Schindler’s List stands out as one of his most acclaimed works. Adapted from Thomas Keneally’s novel Schindler’s Ark, this powerful drama portrays the heroic actions of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, who managed to save over 1,000 Jewish lives during the Holocaust by providing them employment in factories throughout World War II.

Spielberg’s Haunting Holocaust Epic

The grippingly potent black-and-white movie showcases extraordinary acting by Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, with Spielberg choosing to waive his salary as he deemed it inappropriate given the film’s subject matter, instead using his share of profits to establish the Shoah Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to commemorating and archiving testimonies from Holocaust survivors. Schindler’s List received widespread praise upon its debut, earning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and ranking at number eight on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 most significant American films.

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2025-01-26 19:03