War movies are a major hit among the youth and can fill you with patriotism and nationalism. They portray wars fought by the countries and usually revolve around a single mission or battle carried out by the army of a country. They are filled with drama, action, intense graphics and superb set and costume designs. Despite the fact that war movies are usually loved by everyone, not a lot of people make them. This is because the genre is very demanding and requires you to have neutral values.
Even though war movies have dried out in the last couple of years, the genre is still hot. There are a lot of movies out there present on the internet that can be binge-watched with friends. The following are some of the best war movies that you must definitely watch.
We were soldiers
For people that are looking for a realistic portrayal of war at the ground level, this is the right movie for you. The movie speaks of 400 soldiers of the US 7th Air cavalry, who are surrounded by over 2000 Vietcongs on the first and probably the worst battle fought by US forces on Vietnamese soil. It accurately depicts the scene of wars from the deployment of the troops until the last soldier gets evacuated from the ground. You will get to see small victories, bitter defeats, heroism, desperation, pain, and everything that goes on in an active warzone.
Black Hawk Down
If you haven’t watched black hawk down yet, then you probably have spent too much time living under a rock. This is one of the most famous Hollywood war movies that is loved for its realistic portrayal of operations done by Special Forces. The story is based around true events, when in 1993, US troops were deployed in Mogadishu. Movie revolves around a mission, which was supposed to be 1 hour in and out mission turns to a death trap. Several units get stuck in active conflict and several evacuation attempts fail. The story and the emotions are very gripping to say the least and you will definitely enjoy watching it.
Available on Amazon Prime Videos
The Dirty Dozen
This film boasts of an ensemble cast which includes Ernest Borgnine, Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Donald Sutherland, and John Cassavetes. The story revolves around a US army major, who has to lead a team of outlaws and convicts on an assassination mission during the heat of World War 2. The story is very gripping and the movie portrays a lot of scenes that are loaded with action.
Available on Amazon Prime Videos
Saving Private Ryan
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie showcases one of the most realistic depictions of Omaha beach landing during WW2. While most of the war movies rely on action-packed sequences, this movie manages to have all the aspects of a legendary piece of cinema. You will see the grim reality of the fields of battle and will go through the sacrifices, heroic feats, and emotions of soldiers that fight for your country at the front lines.
Available on Amazon Prime Videos
War Horse
This is another Steven Spielberg masterpiece that takes a different route than normal war movies. This doesn’t mean you will be missing any action as there is plenty of it. The story of the movie is about a thoroughbred racehorse that is taken by the army for military service. The horse and its owner shared a deep relationship and seeing them get separated and then reunited in the heat of battle are truly eye-watering. The story is set around World War I and the British army. You will also get to see a re-enactment of the second battle of the Somme.
Inglorious Bastards
With a talented cast, which includes Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Christoph Waltz, and Melanie Laurent along with Quentin Tarantino on the director’s chair, this is a cult classic. The movie follows 2 conversing plots to assassinate the Nazi leaders that control France. The lead of the movie is a group that comprises of Jewish soldiers and a very vengeful theater owner.
The Hurt Locker
Often the heroic deeds and patriotism surrounding a soldier hide pain and stress of their life for the world. PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is a common problem among soldiers returning home from deployment. This movie tells you about a bomb squad deployed in Iraq, in which the protagonist shows signs of PTSD. The most powerful scene in the movie is when the protagonist is standing in the supermarket in front of a shelf while having no idea what he wants to do and why is he there. This scene is enough to make you understand the sheer helplessness that soldiers can feel in PTSD.
Beasts of No Nation
Set in an unnamed West African country torn by a bloody civil war, this movie is a must-watch. The movie revolves around a small kid named Agu and how he is forced to join a group of rebels that are fighting the civil war. Idris Elba stars as the charismatic leader of the rebels and he is only referred to as the commandment throughout the movie. You will get to see the dark side of wars and how it kills generations.
12 Strong
This is the story of the first response from America to the 9/11 attacks on the world trade center. You will be taken on a journey to Afghanistan where the American unit led by Chris Hemsworth is given the task to team up with a warlord and take back the city of Mazar-Al-Sharif from the Taliban. The movie will showcase the real scene and how American soldiers fought on horsebacks against a force that heavily outnumbered them. The movie is filled with action and is a must-watch if you love war movies.
Dunkirk
This Christopher Nolan masterpiece revolves around evacuation of British, French and Belgian troops from Dunkirk. After heavy aircraft bombing on the ships by the enemy forces, the soldiers are saved by fishing and commercial boats that were being operated by civilians. The movie is based around a true story and the cinematography, direction, storytelling, set and costume design is just marvelous. It has its fair share of historical inaccuracies but that is a trend present in almost every war movie that has ever been made.
Final Words
Above mentioned is the list of top 10 war movies of all times that you will love to watch. Here are some honorable mentions: Pan’s Labyrinth, The Deer Hunter, and Apocalypse Now.
