As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for war movies, I must say that the list you’ve compiled is nothing short of impressive. Each movie tells a unique story from various perspectives, offering insights into the complexities and humanities of war.
As a movie enthusiast, I find that war movies present a unique challenge due to their inherently political nature and the perspectives they carry. Generally, there are two main categories of war films (excluding documentaries): those that advocate against war (anti-war) and those that serve as propaganda. It’s important to note that being propagandistic doesn’t necessarily mean a film lacks artistic merit or emotional depth (be it leaning liberal like “The Battle of Algiers” or “Che”, or conservative like “They Were Expendable” or “Flags of Our Fathers”). Essentially, propaganda films are pro-war. The remaining category is the anti-war movie, which aims to express a critique of war and its devastating effects.
In essence, François Truffaut, a renowned French director and critic, once stated that no film can truly be anti-war. His point was that the very essence of cinema tends to glorify what it portrays. For instance, films like ‘Trainspotting’ and ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’, which depict the harsh realities of drug use, are still enjoyed by drug users because they find excitement in these depictions, rather than being deterred by them. Similarly, while movies such as ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Dunkirk’ aim to be anti-war, their portrayal of war’s violence and tragedy often results in thrilling, profitable spectacles that are far from the actual horrors of combat.
In essence, the genre of films about wars is often filled with complex ideologies, a play on words there. However, determining what constitutes a remarkable war movie isn’t just about ethics; artistic brilliance can flourish beyond moral boundaries as seen in movies like ‘Triumph of the Will’ and ‘Birth of a Nation’. While factors such as lengthy running time, grand scale, intricately designed action sequences, historical authenticity, and adherence to these elements certainly contribute, they are not the sole defining characteristics.
A final note. While some past masterpieces could be classified as war films, if they’re predominantly a romance or an action movie, they will be excluded (apologies to the perfect Casablanca, the epic Gone with the Wind, and the dramatic adventures and beauty of the biographical Lawrence of Arabia). We also have a separate list for war documentaries. That being said, these are the best war films of all time.
50 The Steel Helmet
Samuel Fuller, known for his unconventional approach in Hollywood, swiftly penned and directed a film about the Korean War shortly after it commenced in 1950. He wrote the script for “The Steel Helmet” in just a week, and then filmed the entire production in a mere 10 days using UCLA students as extras in a park. Despite its rapid production, the film was anything but amateurish, emerging as one of the most sophisticated anti-war films of its era and among the best American war movies of the 1950s.
“The Steel Helmet
49 Black Hawk Down
If we overlook historical discrepancies, “Black Hawk Down” is an intensely suspenseful movie that consistently builds tension, mainly due to its exceptional editing, sound design (both earning Oscars), and Ridley Scott’s aggressive direction. The film aims to portray the true account of a task force dispatched to Mogadishu in the early ’90s with the objective of capturing Mohamed Farrah Adid, who had brought together various opposition groups to create the Somali National Alliance and seize power in Somalia.
The movie “Black Hawk Down” has faced valid criticisms regarding its accuracy in portraying characters and the storyline. However, the exceptional technical craftsmanship, intense atmosphere (alongside captivating acting by Josh Hartnett, Eric Bana, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Tom Hardy, among others) make Scott’s film a compelling watch.
48 The Last Chance 1945
1944 saw the creation of “The Last Chance,” a cinematic masterpiece that embodies the noble values of the Allied forces in an exceptionally global manner. The movie’s plot mirrors reality, as its main actors were genuine military personnel during World War II, with three of them being former prisoners of war from Italian camps. The narrative focuses on POWs who have managed to escape Italy. The cast was a diverse blend of Americans, British, Italians, French, Dutch, Germans, and various other nationalities, which gave the film an electrifying feel reminiscent of a triumphant celebration. Released shortly after the Allies’ victory in the war, this compelling ensemble drama takes you back to that glorious time with its authentic atmosphere.
47 Dunkirk
As a movie critic, I found myself utterly captivated by Christopher Nolan’s masterful storytelling in Dunkirk. This epic tale transports us to the battlegrounds of land, sky, and sea, where over 300,000 soldiers embarked on an urgent evacuation from French shores at the tail-end of May 1940. Nolan deftly weaves a complex narrative, dividing the film into three distinct yet harmonious segments, each mirroring the operation’s crucial locations.
46 The Hurt Locker
As a cinephile, I’d say that Kathryn Bigelow’s masterpiece, “The Hurt Locker,” is undeniably one of the most gripping depictions of the Iraq war ever committed to celluloid. In this film, Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Ralph Fiennes, and Guy Pearce deliver riveting performances as a bomb disposal squad, providing an up-close-and-personal look at their harrowing experiences. Under constant threat from insurgents, the movie brilliantly captures the team’s responses – both physical and emotional – to the intense pressures of battle.
This film, guided by clear guidance, an outstanding screenplay, a thoughtfully planned sequence of shots, and standout acting performances, was a strong contender during awards season. It garnered 125 wins and 130 nominations, an impressive feat. Competing head-to-head with Avatar (the original) for Oscar nominations, it ultimately emerged victorious with more wins and the added honor of being named Best Picture as well.
45 Breaker Morant
A distinct Australian war movie, “Breaker Morant,” delves into lesser-known aspects of war history from the turn of the 20th century during the Second Boer War in South Africa. This gripping tale centers around three Australians serving in the British Army who find themselves on trial for alleged war crimes. The narrative weaves together courtroom drama and ethical dilemmas, providing a more compelling narrative than some historically questionable plot points. Similar to “The Grand Illusion,” this film grapples with the decline of civility and the end of ‘gentlemen’s wars’ as the 20th century approached, carrying an introspective, morally ambiguous tone.
44 The Red Meadows
In “The Red Meadows,” a blend of romantic war themes and a moody noir style is skillfully interwoven. This Danish masterpiece, which jointly won the top honor at Cannes in 1946, was swiftly brought to life as soon as Denmark’s German occupation ended. The movie is primarily narrated through flashbacks, with a member of the Danish resistance recalling his past while under Nazi captivity, waiting for execution. Amidst the poetically captured romantic moments, harrowing torture sequences, and thrilling war episodes, the film offers an uplifting and comprehensive portrayal of one man’s defiance.
43 The Longest Day
1959 saw the publication of the critically acclaimed book “The Longest Day”, which fetched one of the highest movie adaptation deals – a staggering $1.75 million when adjusted for inflation, making it one of the costliest adaptations ever. Interestingly, the actual production costs surpassed this amount, earning the title of the most expensive black and white film until 1993, when “Schindler’s List” took over that spot.
A colossal and extensive undertaking, “The Longest Day” was an extensive, globally produced project that delved into D-Day through various viewpoints. It utilized three distinct directors and five screenwriters to weave an intricate and painstakingly accurate narrative in a documentary fashion. The ensemble cast included heavyweights such as John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Rod Steiger, Henry Fonda, Sean Connery, Richard Burton, and Robert Ryan, among many others. Moreover, the film incorporated over 750 real World War II soldiers as extras. Numerous veterans of the war were consulted, and their experiences were accurately portrayed on screen, resulting in one of the most authentic and elaborate war films ever created.
42 The Big Parade
The Big Parade paved the way for numerous war movies, particularly those produced in Hollywood, long before films like Wings, All Quiet on the Western Front, and Wooden Crosses. Given its premise, this is quite logical – the movie introduces a classic hero’s journey in the context of modern warfare (World War I) and follows the transformation of a young man as he experiences the brutal realities of trench warfare. King Vidor, a skilled director in the realm of silent cinema, knew how to evoke emotion without resorting to sentimentality, and excelled at action editing. It’s safe to say that this film was forward-thinking; however, its raw and impactful visuals continue to resonate even 100 years after its creation.
41 A Bridge Too Far
Richard Attenborough’s film “A Bridge Too Far” has garnered varied opinions, but in recent times, war aficionados have revisited the three-hour masterpiece with growing excitement, as warranted. The screenplay by William Goldman (notable for works like “Lord of the Flies,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “All the President’s Men”) is commendable, and its intricately researched portrayal of Operation Market Garden holds historical authenticity and captivates.
40 The Shop on Main Street
“The Shop on Main Street
39 Flags of Our Fathers / Letters from Iwo Jima
The films “Flags of Our Fathers” and “Letters from Iwo Jima,” released close together and shot consecutively, offer unique perspectives on the Battle of Iwo Jima. While each film stands alone, they are best experienced together as they present contrasting viewpoints – one American and one Japanese. Though some might argue that “Letters from Iwo Jima” is more compelling, appreciating Clint Eastwood’s daring endeavor fully requires viewing both films as a thought-provoking pair.
A Companion Film from the Opposite Side
In essence, Eastwood’s films encourage empathy and historical accuracy. They strive to expose and challenge prejudices like nationalism and xenophobia by making viewers experience conflicts from both perspectives – those of the Allies and Axis powers. The narrative structure in each film often leaps through time, employing memory as a framing device, which underscores the significance of recording history. This theme is reinforced symbolically through the use of flags, statues, and war letters in different movies. Moreover, the action sequences, lighting, sound design, and overall craftsmanship are consistently impressive across all films.
38 The Big Red One
It’s perfectly fine – a war movie can be entertaining. The unconventional mastery of Samuel Fuller is what delivers us a thrilling, engaging, and exceptionally stylish film brimming with violence and ethical quandaries. Notably, Mark Hamill and the legendary Lee Marvin headline this cast. Marvin seems to embody Fuller himself in this autobiographical portrayal of the renowned director’s wartime experiences. The movie traces the 1st Infantry Division’s incredible odyssey across North Africa, France, Italy, Germany, and finally, Czechoslovakia. Be sure to watch the restored version, as it includes nearly an hour and a half more footage, resulting in a gripping three-hour experience.
37 1917
1917 is rightly hailed as a cinematic masterpiece due to its impressive filming technique. The movie seems to be one continuous shot, an achievement that’s quite remarkable given the vast array of cast and crew members involved. With over half a thousand extras and a budget of $100 million, employing a single-take method was no simple task. Yet, framing it as a race-against-time narrative turned out to be a shrewd storytelling decision for this approach.
The movie chronicled the journey of two soldiers compelled to venture into hostile lands, tasked with conveying a critical message that potentially spared numerous lives. This raw storytelling by director Sam Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins revolutionized the single-take dialogue format for a contemporary audience.
36 Wooden Crosses
I had the pleasure of witnessing the impact of “Wooden Crosses” on popular culture nearly immediately after its release, and it continues to resonate deeply even today. As a passionate French nationalist, portrayed brilliantly by Pierre Blanchar, I found myself eagerly enlisting in the army in 1914, and was soon dispatched to Champagne. The grandiose battle scenes and dynamic camera work still leave me awestruck; however, it’s Raymond Bernard’s meticulous direction that elevates this film to a true masterpiece. The emotional turmoil of the characters during wartime is as poignant now as it was then, making “Wooden Crosses” an enduring testament to human spirit and resilience.
35 Grave of the Fireflies
Prepare some tissues, as this tale is quite poignant. Grave of the Fireflies is adapted from a semi-autobiographical short story and narrates the struggle of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings navigating survival on their own in Japan during World War II.
Anime’s roots stretch back before World War II, but it was undeniably influenced and gained popularity due to the conflict. The war also played a significant role in the genre’s rise. This 1988 masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, often regarded as the Golden Age of anime, boasts a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This chilling film ‘from the other side’ is an absolute must-watch for enthusiasts of war films and anime alike.
34 The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about the incredible collaborations between the legendary duo, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. They first made their mark with a string of stirring British war films, including ‘The Spy in Black’, ‘Contraband’, ’49th Parallel’, and ‘One of Our Aircraft Is Missing’. Their collaborative effort peaked with the awe-inspiring masterpiece, ‘The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp’, which can also be seen as the enchanting epilogue to their work with ‘A Canterbury Tale’. The cinematography in their wartime classic is one of the most remarkable examples of Technicolor filmmaking, earning it the accolade of “England’s greatest film” in The Atlantic.
The Journey and Conclusion of Colonel Blimp
33 All Quiet on the Western Front
2022’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” stands as another masterful portrayal of a tale told from the losing side, offering a unique and compelling perspective. Unlike its predecessors with the same title, this German-language production offers a fresh take, boasting stunning cinematography, an evocative musical score, convincing visual effects, unparalleled authenticity, and remarkably realistic makeup.
The chilling and raw depiction of war’s disenchantment unfolds in “All Quiet on the Western Front,” a story centered around a young German soldier whose aspirations of being a hero are shattered as he experiences the harsh truth of trench survival. In 2023, this movie earned the prestigious Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
32 Hacksaw Ridge
The movie “Hacksaw Ridge” rekindled the conversation about conscientious objection within American discourse. It’s based on the true tale of Desmond T. Doss, an US Army Medic during WWII who was the first conscientious objector to be honored with the Medal of Honor without ever firing a weapon. Andrew Garfield’s performance as this ordinary hero earned him multiple Best Actor nominations. This distinctive war film is ideal for those interested in delving deeper into an intriguing piece of history.
31 Schindler’s List
By now, just about everyone is familiar with “Schindler’s List”, and for a good reason. This film showcases Steven Spielberg at the peak of his abilities, driven by the deeply personal nature of the story to create one of his finest works. It follows Oskar Schindler, a factory owner who ultimately uses his wealth to shield Jewish laborers. Liam Neeson delivers a heartfelt portrayal as the title character, but it’s Ralph Fiennes who leaves an indelible mark as one of cinema’s most chilling villains, the vicious Amon Göth.
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2024-11-11 19:04