When it comes to the best war movies on Amazon Prime Video, the streaming service definitely delivers. Whether you’re looking for gritty depictions of real-life battles, thought-provoking anti-war films, or rousing tales of heroism, Amazon Prime has you covered with an impressive selection spanning decades and conflicts.
To help you find the perfect movie for your next watch, we’ve scoured through Amazon’s extensive catalog to bring you our picks for the top 25 must-see war films available to stream right now with your Prime membership. Get ready to hunker down in the trenches with these unforgettable war movie gems.
25. Windtalkers (2002)
Starring Nicolas Cage and Adam Beach, Windtalkers shines a light on the real-life Navajo code talkers who played a crucial role in World War II. While the film takes some creative liberties, it offers a compelling look at a little-known part of history. Cage delivers one of his more understated performances as a Marine assigned to protect a Navajo private.
24. The Wall (2017)
This taut psychological thriller stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena as American soldiers pinned down by an Iraqi sniper. With minimal cast and locations, The Wall is a masterclass in building tension as the two men fight for survival. Taylor-Johnson carries the film with a riveting performance.
23. Rescue Dawn (2006)
Christian Bale stars in this powerful true story of Dieter Dengler, a US Navy pilot who was shot down and captured during the Vietnam War. Bale brings his signature intensity to the harrowing tale of Dengler’s time in a brutal POW camp and his eventual escape. While it flew under the radar upon release, Rescue Dawn is an underrated gem.
22. The Killing Fields (1984)
This acclaimed drama tells the story of the Cambodian genocide through the eyes of two journalists, an American (Sam Waterston) and a Cambodian (Haing S. Ngor in an Oscar-winning performance). The Killing Fields is a gut-wrenching but essential film that sheds light on a dark chapter in history.
21. The Thin Red Line (1998)
Terrence Malick returned from a 20-year hiatus to direct this meditative adaptation of James Jones’ novel about the WWII battle for Guadalcanal. With an incredible ensemble cast that includes Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, and Nick Nolte, The Thin Red Line is more poetry than traditional war movie, ruminating on man’s relationship with violence and nature.
20. Defiance (2008)
Defiance tells the remarkable true story of the Bielski partisans, a group of Polish Jews who fought back against the Nazis from the forests of Belarus. Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber star as brothers who lead the resistance. While it’s a bit old-fashioned in its approach, Defiance is a rousing and inspiring tale of survival.
19. The Patriot (2000)
Yes, it’s historically inaccurate and shamelessly jingoistic. But The Patriot is also an irresistibly entertaining Revolutionary War epic with Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger as a father and son pulled into the fight for independence. The battle scenes are thrillingly staged, and Jason Isaacs makes for a deliciously evil villain.
18. Anthropoid (2016)
This underrated WWII thriller depicts the real-life operation to assassinate SS officer Reinhard Heydrich, the main architect behind the Final Solution. Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan star as the Czech soldiers tasked with the dangerous mission. Anthropoid is a gripping and intense film that builds to a blistering final act.
17. Gettysburg (1993)
At over four hours long, this Civil War drama is a commitment. But history buffs will appreciate the painstaking attention to detail in its depiction of the titular battle. The all-star cast includes Jeff Daniels, Tom Berenger, and Martin Sheen. While it drags at times, Gettysburg successfully captures the epic scope and human toll of the conflict.
16. The Hurt Locker (2008)
Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar for this gripping thriller about an Army bomb disposal unit in Iraq. Jeremy Renner delivers a breakout performance as a reckless sergeant addicted to the adrenaline rush of war. The Hurt Locker is a masterful study of the psychological toll of combat.
15. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Andrew Garfield earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Desmond Doss, a WWII Army medic who refused to carry a weapon due to his pacifist beliefs. Mel Gibson directs this brutal but inspiring true story of heroism and faith. The battle scenes are visceral and shocking, putting the audience directly in the line of fire.
14. The Great Escape (1963)
This classic WWII adventure boasts an incredible cast led by Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough. Depicting a daring escape from a German POW camp, The Great Escape is the definition of a rousing war movie, packed with iconic moments and a catchy theme song you’ll be humming for days.
13. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Michael Cimino’s Vietnam epic polarized audiences upon release but has since been recognized as a classic. With unforgettable performances from Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, The Deer Hunter is a haunting meditation on the way war can break people and tear apart communities.
12. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Ridley Scott directs this intense depiction of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. With a stacked ensemble cast, Black Hawk Down thrusts the viewer into the chaotic nightmare of urban warfare. The action is relentless and unforgiving, making for a visceral viewing experience.
11. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
This seven-time Oscar winner is an all-time classic war film. Alec Guinness stars as a British colonel who becomes obsessed with building a bridge for his Japanese captors as a testament to British superiority. The Bridge on the River Kwai is a complex and morally ambiguous tale of the madness and futility of war.
10. Platoon (1986)
Oliver Stone drew on his own experiences in Vietnam to craft this powerful and uncompromising film. Charlie Sheen stars as an idealistic young soldier caught between two warring sergeants (Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger) in a struggle for the platoon’s soul. Platoon is a raw and unflinching look at the brutality and chaos of war.
9. Glory (1989)
Glory tells the incredible true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first all-black regiments in the Civil War. Denzel Washington won his first Oscar for his powerful supporting turn. With stunning cinematography and an iconic score, Glory is a deeply moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of its real-life subjects.
8. The Pianist (2002)
Adrien Brody won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust. Directed by Roman Polanski, The Pianist is a harrowing but ultimately hopeful story of the power of music and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror.
7. Downfall (2004)
This unflinching German drama depicts the final days of Adolf Hitler’s reign, with an incredible performance by Bruno Ganz as the Führer. Downfall generated controversy for humanizing Hitler, but in doing so, it serves as a chilling reminder of the banality of evil. It’s a disturbing but utterly captivating film.
6. The Battle of Algiers (1966)
A hugely influential and still-relevant classic, The Battle of Algiers uses a documentary-like style to depict the Algerian struggle for independence from the French in the 1950s. Its unflinching depiction of insurgency and terrorism tactics has made it a go-to study for everyone from the Black Panthers to the Pentagon.
5. Come and See (1985)
Not for the faint of heart, this harrowing Soviet film follows a young Belarusian boy who joins the resistance against the Nazis in WWII. Come and See is an unrelentingly bleak and disturbing film, depicting the atrocities of war through the eyes of a child. It’s a difficult watch but an essential one.
4. The Thin Blue Line (1988)
Errol Morris’ groundbreaking documentary helped overturn the conviction of a man wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of a police officer. Through its innovative use of reenactments, The Thin Blue Line blurs the line between documentary and drama, influencing countless true crime stories to come. It’s a gripping investigation that exposes the flaws in our justice system.
3. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam epic is a hallucinatory journey into the heart of darkness. Martin Sheen stars as an Army captain sent on a mission to assassinate a renegade colonel (Marlon Brando) who has gone mad with power. With incredible visuals and an iconic soundtrack, Apocalypse Now is a surreal and unforgettable cinematic experience.
2. Paths of Glory (1957)
Stanley Kubrick’s WWI drama is a searing indictment of the cruelty and hypocrisy of military leadership. Kirk Douglas stars as a French colonel defending three soldiers accused of cowardice after refusing to engage in a suicidal attack. With its powerful anti-war message and devastating final scene, Paths of Glory is an enduring masterpiece.
1. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
This post-WWII classic follows three veterans struggling to readjust to civilian life. With an incredible cast that includes Fredric March, Dana Andrews, and Harold Russell (a real-life double amputee), The Best Years of Our Lives is a poignant and deeply moving portrait of the challenges faced by returning soldiers. It’s a timeless film that still resonates today.
Honorable Mentions:
- Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
- The Dirty Dozen (1967)
- We Were Soldiers (2002)
- Gallipoli (1981)
- The Longest Day (1962)
Whether you’re looking for pulse-pounding action, thought-provoking drama, or true-life tales of heroism, these best war movies on Amazon Prime Video offer something for every viewer. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to the front lines from the comfort of your couch. Happy streaming!
