The Greatest War Movies of the Last 100 Years, Ranked

For over a century, film has been the most impactful way to help people understand the complexities of war. Movies like *1917* completely immerse viewers in the terrifying dangers faced by soldiers in World War I trenches, while films such as *Born on the Fourth of July* reveal the brutal realities and corruption of the Vietnam War, alongside the powerful and often dissenting voices of veterans. Through compelling stories and realistic portrayals, these films offer audiences a deeper understanding of history and the firsthand experiences of those affected by war. It’s important to remember that even films critical of war are still, fundamentally, about war itself.

Many films have examined how war impacts civilians and those not directly involved in fighting, demonstrating that there are countless important stories to tell for every conflict in history. Films like *Schindler’s List* and *Empire of the Sun* powerfully depict the horrors of genocide and the effects of being imprisoned during wartime. Even movies such as *The Imitation Game* highlight the contributions of those who fought wars through means other than combat. And some films use completely made-up stories and characters to achieve a similar emotional impact.

Apocalypse Now (1979) Turns the Vietnam War into a Psychedelic Fever Dream

Francis Ford Coppola’s *Apocalypse Now* famously retells Joseph Conrad’s *Heart of Darkness* during the Vietnam War, and despite a famously troubled production, the challenges ultimately benefited the film. It stars Martin Sheen as Captain Willard, who leads a small team upriver on a secret mission to find and eliminate Colonel Kurtz, a Special Forces officer gone rogue. Throughout their journey, Willard’s team faces increasingly strange and dangerous situations, each reflecting the psychological and moral toll of war.

Coppola creates a truly dreamlike atmosphere in the film, pulling viewers into the increasingly distorted and unstable world of Captain Willard as he nears his goal. Like the novel it’s based on, the film offers a dark and compelling take on the classic “hero’s journey.” Revealing too much of the plot would spoil it for first-time viewers, but the difficult and demanding production process clearly resulted in a film that powerfully and uniquely captures the brutal reality of the Vietnam War – it’s a haunting and unforgettable experience.

Glory (1989) Showcases an Important Development in U.S. Military History

It’s surprising that there are far fewer movies about the American Civil War than about World War II, considering how much history surrounds it. For instance, the film *Glory* tells the true story of Colonel Robert Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment – the first African American unit in the Civil War – and their courageous attack at Fort Wagner. This story represents a significant step forward for social progress in the United States, yet many Americans don’t know about these heroes, and the film has played a role in increasing awareness of their bravery.

Even though the movie ends tragically, it’s ultimately an inspiring story about the bravery and development of Shaw and his soldiers. They persistently fight against both difficult circumstances and the social biases they faced because of their regiment. Denzel Washington delivers a particularly memorable performance – it was his first Oscar win – and Matthew Broderick fully embodies his role as Colonel Shaw, stepping outside of his typical acting style.

Quentin Tarantino Rewrote History in a Satisfying Way with Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Calling this film historically inaccurate would be a significant understatement. However, despite this, it’s remarkably well-made and shouldn’t be dismissed because of it. The story follows two groups – Jewish American soldiers and a young French Jewish woman – both determined to defeat the Nazis in France. It shares many hallmarks of a classic Tarantino film, with captivating, dialogue-driven scenes (often in German or French), bursts of intense violence, and an unusual blend of humor and seriousness.

While the film explores interesting ideas, its lasting appeal isn’t just about those themes. The acting is fantastic across the board, but Christoph Waltz truly shines, delivering an Oscar-winning performance as one of the best villains of recent years. Similar to *Kill Bill*, it’s also a story of revenge. The way the film brings its two storylines together in a breathtaking climax – one that dramatically alters the past – is incredibly satisfying and keeps viewers coming back for more.

First-Time Viewers of Grave of the Fireflies (1988) Should Keep a Box of Tissues Nearby

Studio Ghibli is celebrated as one of the greatest animation studios ever, often considered even better than Disney. They’re known for tackling bold and unique stories. Their film *Grave of the Fireflies* is a powerful example, focusing not on battles or heroes, but on the devastating impact of war on ordinary people. The movie follows Seita and his little sister Setsuko as they try to survive alone during the last months of World War II. Ultimately, Seita’s stubbornness and inability to accept help lead to a heartbreaking end.

Directed by acclaimed anime filmmaker Isao Takahata, this movie helped prove that animation isn’t just for children and can be a powerful way to tell any kind of story. It doesn’t avoid the difficult and frightening realities of war, and its beautiful yet sometimes unsettling animation is more impactful than any live-action film could hope to be.

Braveheart (1995) Tells One of the Most Inspirational War Stories of All Time

Many classic war movies come to mind, and while *Braveheart* is set in 13th-century Britain, it often isn’t among the first mentioned. However, that doesn’t diminish its place as one of the genre’s best. Directed by and starring Mel Gibson as the Scottish hero William Wallace, the film tells the story of his journey to leadership and his eventual death at the hands of the English during the First War of Scottish Independence. Although the movie takes liberties with historical facts, it remains a groundbreaking and spectacular film, even thirty years after its release.

The film is renowned for its memorable dialogue, grand scale, and beautiful score by James Horner. Many consider it Mel Gibson’s best work as both a star and director. Its realistic and intense battle scenes are particularly unforgettable. While the film takes liberties with historical accuracy, these changes arguably enhance the story’s emotional impact and dramatic power.

Stanley Kubrick’s Paths of Glory (1957) Might Just Be His Masterpiece

Stanley Kubrick, considered one of history’s most important filmmakers, directed several acclaimed war movies. Though films like *Spartacus*, *Dr. Strangelove*, *Barry Lyndon*, and *Full Metal Jacket* are fan favorites, many believe none surpass *Paths of Glory*. This film, featuring a standout performance by Kirk Douglas, tells the real story of a French colonel fighting to save three soldiers facing a court-martial and potential execution after being accused of cowardice during World War I.

Compared to many films from the 1950s, *Paths of Glory* is visually stunning. It’s an early example of innovative filmmaking and showcases some of director Stanley Kubrick’s signature style. While the intense battle scenes are captivating, the film truly stands out for its exploration of power, corruption, and the senselessness of war and its tragic consequences.

Charlie Chaplin Used The Great Dictator (1940) to Finally Speak on Film For the Right Reason

While many films have been made about World War II over the last 80 years, very few were intended as comedies. And of those, none have remained as well-known or influential as Charlie Chaplin’s *The Great Dictator*. In his first sound film, Chaplin famously plays two roles: a cruel dictator clearly inspired by Adolf Hitler, and a Jewish barber who looks just like him. A case of mistaken identity leads to the two men accidentally swapping places, with the barber trying to escape the dictator’s oppression of his homeland.

Though initially divisive due to its timing – when the US and UK were trying to stay neutral – Chaplin’s film is now celebrated as a courageous and necessary satire. It boldly confronted the horrors of Nazism and fascism when few others dared to speak out. While Chaplin is famous for silent films, this one demonstrated his skill with sound, allowing him to deliver a particularly impactful speech at the film’s climax. Nearly nine decades later, it remains a unique and valuable film, still funny and relevant thanks to its enduring message.

Casualties of War (1989) Highlights the Dark Side of the Vietnam War

Despite the many films made about the Vietnam War, Brian De Palma’s *Casualties of War* stands out for its powerfully disturbing and realistic portrayal of the conflict’s brutality and corruption. Though difficult to watch, the film is important because it brings attention to a true story that deserved to be told. It centers on the horrific kidnapping, rape, and murder of a Vietnamese girl, and the courage of a single soldier who disobeyed orders and risked everything to reveal the appalling actions of his fellow squad members.

Featuring incredible performances from Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn, a memorable score by Ennio Morricone, and a powerful look at the best and worst of human nature during wartime, this film is deeply moving and stays with you long after you’ve seen it. It’s difficult to describe the strong emotions it evokes, but it’s no surprise that even Quentin Tarantino calls it the greatest Vietnam War film ever made.

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises (2013) is a Beautifully Bittersweet Reminder to Keep Living

Studio Ghibli’s *Grave of the Fireflies* powerfully depicts the devastating impact of war on ordinary people. *The Wind Rises* offers a unique perspective on World War II, focusing on the engineers who designed the aircraft used in the conflict—a subject rarely explored in film. Although it doesn’t follow a traditional war story, the WWII era is central to the narrative. The film is remarkable for its portrayal of Jiro Horikoshi, a real Japanese aeronautical engineer, and his complicated life and work, making it a truly stunning achievement in animation.

Hayao Miyazaki’s supposed final film is a stunning achievement, both visually and emotionally. The story draws inspiration from a historical figure and mirrors Miyazaki’s own dedication to his art, even when faced with personal challenges. Through Jiro, the protagonist, the film explores the bittersweet nature of pursuing passions, even when those creations – and relationships, like his romance with a woman facing illness – are destined for hardship. The film emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuing to live and create, despite inevitable difficulties. Adding to its quality, the English dub features excellent performances from a talented voice cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, and Stanley Tucci.

Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan (1999) Fully Immerses The Viewer in the Chaos of WWII

Like Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg is considered one of the most important and talented filmmakers working today, and he’s also directed several powerful war movies. While many fans consider *Schindler’s List* his best war film, *Saving Private Ryan* is equally impressive. The film follows a group of American soldiers on a dangerous mission in Normandy to find a single paratrooper. It’s a brutally realistic and honest depiction of World War II combat, exploring themes of camaraderie and the devastating human cost of war.

From the intense opening scene depicting the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach to its deeply moving conclusion, *Saving Private Ryan* showcases Steven Spielberg’s masterful filmmaking abilities. The film’s use of shaky, handheld camera work creates a realistic, documentary-like feel, drawing viewers directly into the chaos and confusion experienced by Tom Hanks and the soldiers. Its profound impact on subsequent war films is undeniable – it’s not only Spielberg’s finest war movie, or even the best of the last century, but the most emotionally resonant and influential war film ever made.

2025-10-19 18:11