Top 5 Brutal Yet Brilliant War Movies You Must Watch
War, no matter what sparked it or who is involved, provides an engaging premise for a story. What are the top 5 war movies that came out over the past decades? Here we look at some of the most brutally graphic and brilliantly crafted war movies which are must-see. We took into account the storyline, the characters, and the general message. Which movies made the cut?
Our Top 5 War Film Picks
Admittedly, it was difficult to narrow it down to only the top 5. These motion pictures here listed are some of the ones that show an unflinching look into the brutalities of war. Additionally, they carry a story where it could be considered a different perspective. Although there are many wartime movies which can (and should) be featured, here’s our list of the top 5.
Johnny Got His Gun (1971)
In one of the best cinematic pieces that shows the horrific consequences of war, this grim film takes front and center. It follows an American soldier Joe, who is hit and nearly killed by a mortar shell on the last day of World War I. Joe, played by Timothy Bottoms, wakes up in the hospital as a blind and deaf quadruple amputee who cannot communicate.
Writer and legendary director Dalton Trumbo checks all the boxes in the way of telling a dismally depressing story and showing the absolute horrors of war. The metal band Metallica wrote their song “One” in honor of this movie.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
It’s hard to believe this movie is 95 years old! A highly graphic depiction of World War I – it’s considered one of the most violent movies of that time. We meet a young soldier named Paul, who has a naïvely different idea of what the war will be like.
Once he is enlisted, he sees firsthand the sheer horrors and devastating losses on the ground. Lewis Milestone directed this milestone of a war film. It was remade in 2022 and there have been several TV movies made. Well acted, particularly by the lead, Lew Ayres as Paul, and by Louis Wolheim as Kat.
Gardens of Stone (1987)
Although most people know Francis Ford Coppola for the phenomenal war movie Apocalypse Now, he also needs to be recognized for this wartime drama, Gardens of Stone. An all-star cast, a smartly written plotline, and looming heartbreak are captured in this movie.
D.B. Sweeney stars as Jackie Willow, with James Caan portraying Sergeant Hazard. Additionally, the film boasts outstanding support by Angelica Huston, Dean Stockwell, and James Earl Jones. The story recounts Lieutenant Willow’s time in Vietnam and ultimately his way back to Arlington National Cemetery.
Schindler’s List (1993)
In Steven Spielberg‘s masterpiece of a film, the tragedy and terror of World War II are explored. Darkly atmospheric, filmed in black-and-white, the film brutally and thoughtfully captures the essence of the war story. Some scenes are so haunting that they cannot be forgotten.
Liam Neeson given an outstanding performance as Oskar Schindler, with adept performances by both Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley. Multiple Oscars, including best picture, make this deserving film a must see on our top 5 list.
Platoon (1986)
We cannot leave Oliver Stone’s epic movie, Platoon, off of this list. Violent scenes and a controversial war are at the heart of this film. Actor Charlie Sheen shines as protagonist Chris.
Oscar nominations went to both Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger for supporting characters, as Oliver Stone brilliantly cast them against type. The movie’s message about war is made clear in many of the gritty, disturbing, and memorable scenes.
In Conclusion
The top 5 movies presented here don’t just chronicle the war, they encapsulate it. There are several honorable mentions which should be included. In particular, Full Metal Jacket (1987) is one of the best movies depicting war in a realistic way. Stanley Kubrick directed a juggernaut of a film with that one.
Another movie which should be mentioned is Army of Shadows. This lesser known 1969 film was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. It offers a harrowing look at the French Resistance during World War II. Indelible scenes leave quite the impression on those viewing the movie.
It’s sad that often war makes for a good story and great film premise. Whether you prefer movies about World War I, World War II, Vietnam, or later conflicts, one thing is for sure: there is no lack of movies out there which depict the darkness, drama, and inhumanity of war.
