If you’re looking for drama, action and emotion, all rolled up into one, there’s no need for superheroes or made-up crimes. The past provides plenty of inspiration, as you’ll see with the following movies.
War is a force that shapes history, and the stories embedded within can teach us much about both our past and future. This list of the top 10 best war movies to watch right now will give you a history lesson and a pump of adrenaline, all in one.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest war movies so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From Pearl Harborto Fury, this list will help movie fans stay up to date on the most popular war-packed movies available.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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TOP 10 WAR MOVIES TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending war movies that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘Pearl Harbor’
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Set amidst the backdrop of one of the most tragic events in American history, Pearl Harbor reconstructs the fateful day that changed the world forever. Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett portray two best friends, Rafe and Danny, U.S. pilots whose lives and mutual love interest — a dedicated nurse played by Kate Beckinsale — become entangled as the specter of war looms.
This epic tale of love, heroism and sacrifice delves into the personal narratives overshadowed by the catastrophic event. The film upsets expectations with its humanistic portrayal of characters adrift in the tides of war, leaving audiences with a profound empathetic connection to history.
2. ‘In Harm’s Way’
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In the gripping adventure and war film of 1965, ‘In Harm’s Way‘, the great John Wayne stars as Naval Captain Torrey, a brave man who successfully sails his ship through the destructive bombing of Pearl Harbor. However, when a subsequent mariner battle results in damage due to his carelessness, he faces demotion. On dry land, he attempts reconciliation with his estranged son (Brandon de Wilde) and kindles a romance with nurse Maggie (Patricia Neal). However, duty comes knocking and he, along with his reckless friend, Cmdr. Paul Eddington (Kirk Douglas), are handed the heavy task of rectifying a perilous and crucial mission. This film deftly navigates between action, drama and personal relationships, making it a spectacle not to be missed.
3. ‘The Longest Day’
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Enter the visceral world of The Longest Day, a 1962 war epic that plunges viewers into the heart of a historic world-changing event. The movie documents the crucial D-day invasion of Normandy in 1944 by the U.S Army and Allied forces. Robert Mitchum as General Norma Cota fearlessly leads his men through the chilling onslaught at Omaha Beach, paving the path for a triumphant breakthrough in enemy lines.
Hindered by arrogance, ignorance and the slumbering Adolf Hitler, the German military falters in response, resulting in catastrophic consequences. This film meticulously re-enacts one of the largest and most daring military operations in history, delivering a compelling portrayal of courage, sacrifice and wartime strategy.
4. ‘Zero Dark Thirty’
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Zero Dark Thirty is a gripping account of the decade-long manhunt for the world’s most wanted man: al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The film stars Jessica Chastain as Maya, a committed CIA operative whose determination and resolve become the driving force of this high-stakes mission. This riveting mix of fact, speculation and intense yet patient investigation results in an electrifying climax. Zero Dark Thirty doesn’t just show us the logistics of the operation. It explores the dedication and sacrifice of those who made it happen, offering an in-depth study of determination versus obsession.
5. ‘Hacksaw Ridge’
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Hacksaw Ridge is a riveting true story that tests the boundaries of courage. Andrew Garfield delivers a sensational performance as Pfc. Desmond T. Doss, a man who defied military norms by refusing to bear arms during WWII.Despite the ostracization by his fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance, Doss emerges as an unlikely hero on the battlefront. As the fierce Battle of Okinawa rages, Doss risks his life to save 75 men, armed with nothing but bravery, selflessness and compassion. Witness a hero who stood his ground, proving that strength is not just about the firepower, but the fire within.
6. ‘The Last Samurai’
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Venture into the crossroads of culture during 19th century Japan in The Last Samurai (2003). Tom Cruise impeccably embodies American military officer, Capt. Nathan Algren, who carried on his shoulders the heavy task of introducing modern warfare techniques to the Japanese army. In an age where the ancient traditions of the sacred Samurai class teeter on extinction in favor of trade-friendly Westernization, Algren finds his loyalties tested, drawn to the very traditions he was hired to replace.
With sweeping landscapes and intricate storytelling, The Last Samurai presents a touching and complex exploration of two clashing worlds, marked by bravery, honor and the struggle for identity.
7. ‘Troy’
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Immerse yourself in the epic world of ancient Greece with the stunning 2004 war film Troy. This cinematic masterpiece boasts a star-studded cast, with Brad Pitt delivering a raw, captivating performance as the legendary warrior Achilles. The film presents a gripping tale of love, honor and deceit woven into the chaotic tapestry of war that ensues when the Trojan prince Paris elopes with Helen of Sparta. With enthralling battle sequences and riveting character arcs, Troy reveals the glory and the bitterness of power, illuminating the heroism and folly that walks on the thin line of destiny and desire.
8. ‘The Woman King’
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Dive into the world of the 1800s African kingdom of Dahomey in The Woman King (2022), where an all-female warrior battalion fiercely safeguards their land. Their leader, the indomitable General Nanisca, played by Viola Davis, shapes an upcoming generation of warriors to continue their longstanding heritage. As Nanisca prepares the young warriors, an unprecedented foreign threat emerges, hell-bent on destabilizing their harmonious way of life. With a potent blend of history, gender empowerment, and breathtaking battle scenes, The Woman King will hold you utterly captive until its final dramatic scene.
9. ‘American Sniper’
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American Sniper tells the tale of the most lethal sniper in American history, Chris Kyle, a role brought to unforgettable life by Bradley Cooper. Documenting his four tours in Iraq, this intense war drama invites the audience into the harsh realities of war, taking us up-close into the life, risks and mental turmoil that such service members endure.
Cooper’s heartbreaking portrayal of a man torn between his duty to his comrades and his duty to his family strikes a human chord amidst the chaos of war. Searing, raw and profoundly affecting, American Sniper pays a worthy tribute to its real-life hero and his extraordinary courage.
10. ‘Fury’
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Propelling you right into the heart of war, Fury is an unflinchingly intense portrayal of the final days of World War II. Academy Award-nominee Brad Pitt superbly portrays battle-hardened Army sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier, who, along with his five-man tank crew, embarks on a deadly mission behind enemy lines.
Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, and even with a cloak of uncertainty surrounding their inexperienced newcomer, they courageously strive to deal a fatal strike to Nazi Germany. This gripping war drama offers a disturbing and sobering snapshot of the human side of warfare.
And there you have it: the top 10 war movies to stream at home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
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And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are examples of classic war movies from the 20th century?
Casablanca, Schindler's List, All Quiet on the Western Front, Saving Private Ryan
What are the best war movies about ancient times?
Gladiator, Braveheart, Troy, 300, The Last Samurai
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