Clint Eastwood’s Best War Movies, Ranked

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Through most of his professional journey, Clint Eastwood found a special affinity for westerns above all else, but when it comes to his second favorite genre, it’s war. The versatile actor-director has directed nine films with a military theme up to now, an inclination that is hardly unexpected given his past. He was conscripted into the United States Army during the Korean War and served at Fort Ord in California, taking on roles as both a swimming instructor and a film projectionist.

Despite Eastwood never experiencing true battlefield combat, his military tales hold as much allure as his films do. The biography, “Clint: The Life and Legend“, discloses that the film star had an extramarital relationship with one of a Fort Ord officer’s daughters. On his way back from a rendezvous in Seattle, the Douglas AD bomber he was piloting ran out of fuel and crashed near Point Reyes. He and the pilot then inflated life rafts and swam for two miles to reach safety. Truly, a man who embodied action, not merely scriptwriting.

Here is what his Hollywood war adventures look like.

9
‘Lafayette Escadrille’ (1958)

The movie, Lafayette Escadrille, follows the story of Thad Walker (Tab Hunter), a wealthy young man from Boston who seeks refuge in France to avoid legal issues. In France, he enlists with the Lafayette Escadrille (French Foreign Legion), a group of American aviators fighting for France during World War I. However, his reckless behavior and a burgeoning romance with a French woman could jeopardize his promising military career.

Fighting from the Other Side of the Atlantic

In a different phrasing, the movie is skillfully directed by William A. Wellman, with a well-balanced pace and engaging dialogue between the actors; pay special attention to Eastwood’s supporting role as the football player, George Moseley. Despite some breathtaking cinematography, the film is somewhat lacking in action and contains several plot inconsistencies that weaken its overall quality. It may be worth mentioning that Wellman was renowned for directing the first Best Picture winner: Wings. However, these shortcomings can’t be attributed to him as he reportedly struggled with studio head Jack Warner, leading him to vow never to direct another film again. And he held true to his word.

8
‘Firefox’ (1982)

Hidden among the less popular films related to the Cold War is “Firefox”, a movie where the character, ex-US Air Force Major Mitchell Gant, portrayed by Clint Eastwood, is assigned with infiltrating Soviet territory and making off with Firefox. This extraordinary fighter jet can reach speeds of Mach 6, evades radar detection, and is operated through a brain-computer interface (BFI). Can he successfully execute this mission?

Not as Brilliant as the Book

In this film, Eastwood not only took on the director’s role but excelled in shedding light on the significant contributions made by Soviet dissidents, demonstrating how their actions significantly enhanced America’s intelligence network. The cinematography is also striking. Unfortunately, the storyline lacks the power to captivate fans of any genre, which is unfortunate given the book’s high quality. Moreover, some dialogues can be quite amusing unintentionally. It appears that Eastwood took on more than he could handle in this project, and it reflects in the final product.

7
‘Heartbreak Ridge’ (1986)

In “Heartbreak Ridge,” Clint Eastwood portrays Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway, a Marine close to retirement who finds himself mentoring reluctant members of a reconnaissance unit. With his signature blend of sternness and compassion, he guides them. When America launches an invasion of Grenada, Highway and his squad are unexpectedly deployed to the battlefield. Simultaneously, he endeavors to reconcile with his former spouse.

A Cheaper Version of ‘Full Metal Jacket’

In this contemplative war drama by a renowned American actor-director, an ordinary boot camp narrative evolves into a deep exploration of group interactions. However, Eastwood’s depiction of the tension between seniors and juniors may veer too close to sensationalism without striking a delicate balance with sensitivity. As a result, the military declined cooperation for the film, leading to limitations in equipment and locations, giving the production an overall budget-restricted appearance.

6
‘Kelly’s Heroes’ (1970)

As a die-hard film fan, let me tell you about my favorite flick, “Kelly’s Heroes.” In this movie, I find myself cheering on a band of unconventional American soldiers, led by the legendary Kelly, portrayed by Clint Eastwood himself. These guys have an audacious plan: to swipe a hefty stash of Nazi gold! However, navigating their way past both the cunning enemy and their own higher-ups won’t be a walk in the park. The road ahead is filled with challenges, but as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Lusting for Gold

In this film, Eastwood is joined by Telly Savalas and Donald Sutherland, ensuring that the acting is top-notch across the board. The plot unfolds smoothly with just enough humor to keep things lively. Pay close attention for the subtle commentary on America’s foreign policy. By the end of it, you’ll find yourself thoroughly entertained. If you’re looking for a contemporary take on something similar, give Three Kings a try.

5
‘Flags of Our Fathers’ (2006)

As a devoted admirer, let me share my thoughts about a captivating book titled “Flags of Our Fathers,” which mirrors the Battle of Iwo Jima from an American standpoint. This cinematic masterpiece, directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood, is like a twin to his other work, “Letters from Iwo Jima.” The movie delves deeper than just the war, exploring the post-WWII lives of the six brave heroes – five Marines and one Navy corpsman – who immortalized the American flag on Iwo Jima.

Sparing No Detail

Each scene in this enchanting, inspiring war-themed film is skillfully crafted to convey the terror experienced by soldiers, be it through depictions of everyday routines like combing hair or entering hostile territories filled with apprehension. Beneath the movie’s pulsating rhythm, action, and vibrant hues lies a heartfelt, empathetic appeal against authorizing such senseless violence and bloodshed in future conflicts.

4
‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’ (1976)

As a dedicated cinephile, let me share my thoughts on a captivating film that’s half war epic, half Western – “The Outlaw Josey Wales”. From the very first frame, this movie grips you tightly. The narrative revolves around Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer, who finds himself joining Confederate guerrillas following the brutal murder of his family at the hands of Union guerillas during the American Civil War. Even when the war ends, he remains an elusive target, hunted by bounty hunters and former servicemen due to his refusal to lay down arms.

Civil War Mayhem

This story is remarkably simple, yet intense feelings are expressed throughout. Eastwood exudes a smoldering mix of vengeance and sorrow in every scene he’s in. It’s astonishing that he delivered such an outstanding performance given his tumultuous relationship with screenwriter Phil Kaufman off-camera. At the Oscars, The Outlaw Josey Wales was only recognized for its Original Music Score, but it was a resounding success overall.

3
‘American Sniper’ (2014)

The movie “American Sniper” tells the account of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL marksman played by Bradley Cooper, who achieved an unprecedented 255 confirmed kills during his service in Iraq over four tours. This made him the deadliest sniper in American military history. Tragically, after returning home and retiring, he was fatally shot by another veteran grappling with PTSD.

Honoring a True Hero

Eastwood’s movie is a hearty, unabashed tribute to an American icon. Known as the “Devil of Ramadi” by the Iraqis due to his fearsome reputation, Kyle was a character that Cooper portrayed in a moving and educational departure from his usual comedic and dramatic roles. His powerful performance at the Oscars earned him a nomination for Best Actor.

2
‘Where Eagles Dare’ (1968)

In the movie “Where Eagles Dare,” a group of commandos, hand-picked by MI6, is formed to retrieve an important American Brigadier General, who has fallen into the hands of the Nazis and is being kept at Schloß Adler – a heavily fortified castle perched high in the Alps, accessible only via cable car. However, this mission will be challenging as there are traitors within both the Allied and Axis forces.

A War and Espionage Fusion

In simple terms, Steven Spielberg considers this his preferred war film, and it’s easy to understand why. Similar to other outstanding WWII and Vietnam War films, its pacing is masterfully crafted. The audience must endure 60 minutes of buildup before any action unfolds. For a movie from the ’60s, it’s particularly graphic. What stands out most is that filmmakers seeking to adapt books could learn valuable lessons from this production. Although the book was good, director Brian G. Hutton elevates the story by making subtle adjustments to certain character decisions.

1
‘Letters from Iwo Jima’ (2006)

If you’re seeking compelling World War II films from a Japanese point of view, then “Letters from Iwo Jima” is an excellent choice. This movie recounts the struggle between Japanese and American forces over control of Iwo Jima island during World War II, which held significant importance due to its proximity to Tokyo.

Meticulous Directorial Work by Eastwood

It’s not surprising that “Letters from Iwo Jima” was a massive hit in Japan, given its powerful impact that earned it a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars in America. The film stands out particularly because it offers a perspective on World War II rarely seen in Hollywood – one where the Japanese are given a voice. Remarkably, most of the actors are of Japanese descent, contributing to its authenticity. Furthermore, the film delves into the complexities and struggles of leadership, as we empathize with General Kuribayashi when his decision to advance towards an American military camp is questioned. Every aspect of the production is meticulously executed.

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2025-03-23 00:33