At the root of any good story is a conflict and that is why we bring you 10 Best War Movies. Sometimes it’s human versus machine, human versus nature, or human versus human. War movies are a good example for the latter of these battles. Many war movies have come out over the past 25 years that have the big screen capacity to tell the story. But what constitutes a good war movie? To make the list, it should have a captivating story, a clear purpose, a talented cast, and while not always necessary, great effects are always nice.
10 Best War Movies That You Shoud Never Miss
Which ones made the cut? Here’s our list of 10 outstanding war movies with a memorable storyline and a brilliant cast.
1. Dunkirk (2017)
This epic film was directed by Christopher Nolan. A very talented cast to include Tom Hardy, Jack Lowden, Fionn Whitehead, and Barry Keoghan kept the tension and gritty high drama going. The multi award-winning film outlines the famed battle of Dunkirk in World War II. The action scenes are beyond haunting.
2. Black Hawk Down (2001)
The tense wartime drama tells the story of the US elite special forces going into Mogadishu. They are there to capture two Somali warlords and a bloody battle ensues. Two Blackhawk helicopters were destroyed. An excellent cast, led by Josh Hartnett, has this movie deserving to be on the 10 best war movies of the 21st century list.
3. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Andrew Garfield (of Spider-Man fame) did an amazing turn playing conscientious objector Desmond Doss. With a rich plot line, fine acting, and a well-told story, Hacksaw Ridge was one of the best films of 2016. This award-winning movie was directed by none other than Mel Gibson.
4. The Hurt Locker (2008)
Prior to The Avengers Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Evangeline Lily worked together in this excellent movie. The Hurt Locker, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, follows a special army team in Iraq whose purpose is to dismantle bombs. Jeremy Renner‘s performance is outstanding. The Hurt Locker won best picture and best director for Bigelow.
5. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Another one of Kathryn Bigelow‘s movies which received critical acclaim. Jessica Chastain stars as Maya, a CIA analyst who determinedly searches for Osama bin Laden. Skilled storytelling, extraordinary performances, especially by Chastain, and masterful suspense earn this movie a place on the 10 best war movies of the 21 century.
6. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Hotel Rwanda recounts the story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotelier in Rwanda, who opens up his hotel to protect Tutsi refugees during the Hutu uprising. Don Cheadle turns in an excellent performance as Paul. Fun fact: Paul Rusesabagina has been compared to Oskar Schindler for his heroic efforts during this period of war.
7. Beasts of No Nation (2015)
A heart rendering story of Agu, a young boy caught up in a civil war in an (unnamed) African country. Agu is played by Abraham Attah with the experience of a seasoned actor. Idris Elba plays the Commandant of the rebel forces. Funny trivia: the costumes for the actors who were playing the rebel fighters were so realistic that they were detained on the Ivory Coast!
8. We Were Soldiers (2002)
Mel Gibson stars as Lt. Colonel Harold (Hal) Moore. Hal Moore wrote the book for which the movie was scripted. Set in 1965 against the Vietnam war, the movie follows the 1st Cavalry Division into the Valley of Death, or the Ia Drang Valley to face insurmountable odds. Well acted, often gruesome, and highly realistic, this movie checks all the boxes for our list of the 10 best war movies of the 21st century.
9. 1917 (2019)
The beyond stunning cinematography and realistic special effects alone earn this cinematic feat a place on our list. The WWI story follows two Lance Corporals who are fighting against time to deliver an important message to a remote regiment. If they don’t get there in time, there could be a loss of 1600 men. Superior cinematography and gifted storytelling help make this mesmerizing film a winner.
10. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Pivoting back to WWII, this Quentin Tarantino written and directed film packs action, conflict, and comedy all within an interesting plot. Extremely good performances by Mélanie Laurent and Brad Pitt, but the standout performance that is remarkably done is from Christoph Waltz. Bonus points for originality.
That’s a Wrap
The 10 best war movies of the 21st century all have two things in common: creative storytelling and technical acuity. A few honorable mentions are American Sniper and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Any of these wartime films would be a great watch with a big bowl of popcorn and a tissue.
