War movies have long captivated audiences, and there are some that have cemented their status as classics. War movies can come in all types of genres, including drama and comedy. However, there are war movies that transcend genre and speak to universal wartime experiences. War movies that are classic tell compelling stories with complex characters. Many of the best war movies reflect on the morality of war, and the difficult choices that need to be made.
There are certain war movies that have stood the test of time, regardless of the time period they portray. Some movies, likeThe Bridge on the River Kwai, reflect on the real sacrifices made by real people to ensure the safety of the free world. Other movies, likeApocalypse Now, are not necessarily based on true events, but reflect on universal truths about war.The best war movies ask difficult questions about the nature of war, and reflect on the experiences of those who have lived through the chaos.
10’The Thin Red Line' (1998)
Directed by Terrence Malick
The Thin Red Lineis the story of a group of American soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater of World War II as part of the Guadalcanal campaign. The movie starsAdrien Brody,Sean Penn,George Clooney, andJohn Cusack, among other stars.The Thin Red Linefollows these soldiers as they face the brutality of war and fight to survive. The movie specifically showcases a fictionalized version of the Battle of Mount Austen.
What makesThe Thin Red Linea classic is the fact that it showcases how universally brutal war is for anyone who finds themselves in the middle of it. The movie contrasts the chaos of war with the necessity of maintaining comraderie no matter what.The Thin Red Line’s uneven tone and often frantic pace captures how disorienting war always is, no matter the specific circumstances. The movie’s universally applicable message is that no one is immune from the destruction of war.
The Thin Red Line
9’Ran' (1985)
Directed by Akira Kurosawa
Ranis a Shakespeare adaptation from acclaimed directorAkira Kurosawa. The movie is Kurosawa’s take on one of the Bard’s most famous plays,King Lear. The movie takes place during the Sengoku period, and follows aging warlord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) as he reflects on his legacy and decides to abdicate his position and pass it on to his three sons. The story is also based on Japanese legends.
What makesRana classic war movieis the fact that it is both a period piece and a timeless reflection on the personal nature of war. Similar toThe Godfather,Rancompares and contrasts internal family conflicts with the more global fights outside the family unit. The movie effectively usesKing Learas a foundation, and expands on it to create a classic story that becomes a timeless wartime drama.
8’All Quiet on the Western Front' (1930)
Directed by Lewis Milestone
All Quiet on the Western Frontis an adaptation ofErich Maria Remarque’s landmark novel of the same name. The book was based on Remarque’s own experiences in the Imperial German Army during World War I. In this first movie adaptation of the novel,Lew Ayresstars as protagonist Paul Bäumer, who enlists in the army and experiences the horrors of war first-hand.All Quiet on the Western Frontchronicles Paul’s loss of innocence as he lives through the brutality of war.
What makesAll Quiet on the Western Fronta classic war movie is the fact that it is both a period piece that offers a new perspective on World War I and a timeless critique of violence.The movie is massive in scale, and yet remains a deeply personal story which also gives it a timeless quality.All Quiet on the Western Frontproves its timelessness by telling a story that was adapted into three movies in different eras with commentary on conflicts of the day.
All Quiet on the Western Front
7’The Great Escape' (1963)
Directed by John Sturges
The Great Escapeis loosely based on real events that saw Allied prisoners of war plan their escape from a German prison camp. In particular, the movie highlights the story of Captain Virgil Hilts (Steve McQueen), who prisoners consider a leader.The Great Escapehighlights the courage prisoners of war had to display in order to survive. The movie features a massive ensemble cast who paint portraits of nuanced characters trying to survive.
The Great Escapecan be considered a classic war movie because it is another example of a story that showcases the necessity of camaraderie in war. The movie also features a meditation on the resilience of those who survive war in every conflict, which is a timeless reminder.The Great Escapeis also a thrilling adventure which makes it accessible for viewers across all generations to enjoy.
The Great Escape
6’The Bridge on the River Kwai' (1957)
Directed by David Lean
The Bridge on the River Kwaiis based on the 1952 novel of the same name byPierre Boulle. The story is a fictionalized account of the Allied prisoners of war who were used to construct the Burma Railway.The Bridge on the River Kwaispecifically focuses on the stories of British soldiers held captive by the Imperial Japanese Army. The movie highlights the brutal conditions that prisoners of war had to survive.
The Bridge on the River Kwaican be considered a classic because it is a reminder of what prisoners of war had to endure. This is another example of a story that is both a commentary on the harsh conditions created by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, and a timeless reflection on the inhumanity that prisoners of war have so often faced.The Bridge on the River Kwaiis a reminder of the fact that victory in World War II came at a high cost.
The Bridge On The River Kwai
5’Paths of Glory' (1957)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Paths of Gloryis an anti-war movie that is based on true events that occurred during World War I. The story follows Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas), a French officer in World War I who is ordered to lead his men on a mission that would result in certain death.Paths of Gloryasks difficult questions, such as how to hold military leaders accountable who do not have their subordinates' best interests at heart, nor the best interests of the overall mission.
Paths of Glorycan be considered a classic because it is a meditation on the consequences of poor leadership in times of war. These are issues that have long accompanied war, and have had dire consequences.Paths of Gloryis an unflinching look at the fact that ordinary people so often get caught in the whims of those with power, especially in wartime. The movie is a devastating look at the human cost of war.
Paths of Glory
4’Apocalypse Now' (1979)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Apocalypse Nowis loosely based on the novella"Heart of Darkness" byJoseph Conrad. The story follows American Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen), who is given a highly sensitive mission during the Vietnam War. When Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando), an American officer, is accused of murder, Willard is dispatched to hunt him down since the army considers him so much of a threat. The movie features a cat-and-mouse chase as Willard attempts to complete his mission.
What makesApocalypse Nowsuch a classic is the fact that it highlights the brutality that is always a part of war. Additionally, the movie explores America’s role in the Vietnam War. Rather than provide easy answers,Apocalypse Nowasks viewers to consider the cumulative effects of exposing regular human beings to unspeakable horrors. While the movie might not be based on a true story, it is an honest look at how the human psyche can be impacted by war.
Apocalypse Now
3’Saving Private Ryan' (1998)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Saving Private Ryanis an epic American war drama that follows a group of American soldiers tasked with finding an American private and sending him home. When Private Ryan’s (Matt Damon) brothers are killed in action during World War II, this small group is assembled to find him amid the destruction in Europe. The team is led by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), a man who struggles with the trauma he has endured.
Saving Private Ryanis a classic war movie because it is a meditation on how America saw their role in World War II. The heroism on display showcases how America has largely perceived its World War II veterans.Saving Private Ryanis a devastating and poignant story of self-sacrifice and perseverance. While this is a war drama, the story is also a reflection on aspirational values that anyone can be inspired by.
Saving Private Ryan
2’The Grand Illusion' (1937)
Directed by Jean Renoir
The Grand Illusionis a French war drama set during World War I. The story follows a group of French military officers who are prisoners of war, kept captive by Germany. The ensemble features characters that are from different economic backgrounds who learn to understand one another when faced with adversity.The Grand Illusionhas a layer of poignancy, since it was released in the lead-up to World War II.
What makesThe Grand Illusionsuch a classic war movieis that it provides pointed social commentary on class and prejudice.The movie also reflects on the futility of war, and how there are no upsides for anyone who isn’t actively profiting from it. In addition to the futility of war, the movie features timeless commentary on the uselessness of class divisions, which is a message that can resonate across generations.
1’Lawrence of Arabia' (1962)
Lawrence of Arabiais a biographical drama about the life and career of T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole), who became an influential figure in the Middle East during World War I. The movie follows Lawrence’s military exploits, including his attacks on Aqaba and Damascus.Lawrence of Arabiapaints Lawrence as a complicated man who found himself at a crossroads in history. The movie shows him as someone who was morally complex who had to make difficult decisions.
Lawrence of Arabiacan be considered a classic war moviebecause it highlights the fact that one person can have a massive impact, particularly in wartime. The movie is expansive and dramatic, and highlights how devastating war was for an entire region. Additionally,Lawrence of Arabiaemphasizes the often personal stakes that are part of war. Finally, the movie humanizes a man who’s legacy reached mythic proportions by showing the fact that he was deeply flawed in spite of his influence.
