War movies have long been a staple of cinema, depicting the heroism, brutality, and human cost of armed conflict throughout history. HBO Max boasts an impressive collection of war films, ranging from gritty, realistic portrayals to sweeping historical epics. Here are the 25 best war movies currently streaming on HBO Max that every film buff should check out.
1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan is widely considered one of the greatest war films ever made. Set during World War II, the movie follows a squad of U.S. soldiers tasked with finding and bringing home a paratrooper whose three brothers have all been killed in action. The film’s opening D-Day sequence is an unflinching masterclass in war cinematography. With brilliant performances from Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, Saving Private Ryan offers a visceral, emotionally resonant look at the horrors and heroism of war.
2. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola’s surreal Vietnam War epic Apocalypse Now is a haunting journey into the heart of darkness. Loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, the film stars Martin Sheen as Captain Benjamin L. Willard, a U.S. Army officer sent on a mission to assassinate a renegade Special Forces Colonel played by Marlon Brando. With its hallucinatory visuals and exploration of the psychological toll of war, Apocalypse Now is a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
3. The Thin Red Line (1998)
Terrence Malick’s return to filmmaking after a 20-year absence, The Thin Red Line is a meditative, philosophical war movie set during the World War II battle for Guadalcanal. Boasting an all-star ensemble cast that includes Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, Nick Nolte, and Elias Koteas, the film eschews traditional narrative in favor of ruminating on man’s relationship with violence and nature. Malick’s distinctive visual style, accompanied by Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, makes The Thin Red Line a war movie unlike any other.
4. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket is a searing indictment of the dehumanizing effects of military training and war. The film follows a platoon of U.S. Marines through boot camp and eventually to the battlefields of Vietnam. With its unforgettable drill instructor played by R. Lee Ermey and powerful performances from Matthew Modine and Vincent D’Onofrio, Full Metal Jacket is a disturbing, darkly comedic portrait of the Vietnam War era.
5. Paths of Glory (1957)
Another Kubrick classic, Paths of Glory stars Kirk Douglas as a French colonel during World War I who must defend his men against charges of cowardice after they refuse to engage in a suicidal attack. A scathing critique of the absurdities and cruelties of war, the film features stunning black-and-white cinematography and a tour-de-force performance from Douglas. Though controversial upon its initial release, Paths of Glory is now widely regarded as one of the greatest anti-war films of all time.
6. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
David Lean’s epic The Bridge on the River Kwai won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains a defining entry in the POW subgenre of war films. Set in a Japanese prison camp during World War II, the movie stars Alec Guinness as a British colonel who becomes obsessed with building a bridge for his captors as a testament to British engineering, failing to realize he is aiding the enemy war effort. A complex exploration of the clash between personal pride and wartime duty, The Bridge on the River Kwai is a true cinematic landmark.
7. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Clint Eastwood’s companion piece to his film Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima depicts the World War II battle for the Japanese island of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers. Beautifully acted and directed, the film offers a nuanced, empathetic portrayal of the Japanese side of the conflict, highlighting the universal human costs of war. Letters from Iwo Jima is a moving testament to Eastwood’s skills as a filmmaker.
8. The Dirty Dozen (1967)
A classic men-on-a-mission movie, The Dirty Dozen follows a group of convicted felons recruited for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines on the eve of D-Day. Starring Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, and Jim Brown, the film is a rousing, action-packed adventure with a dark undercurrent that questions the morality of war. The Dirty Dozen‘s influence can be seen in countless subsequent war and action movies.
9. The Longest Day (1962)
An epic dramatization of the D-Day landings in Normandy, The Longest Day features an international all-star cast that includes John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, and Richard Burton. Shot in black-and-white and featuring stunning battle sequences, the film offers a sweeping, comprehensive view of one of World War II’s pivotal moments, capturing the scale and complexity of the operation from multiple perspectives.
10. Platoon (1986)
Oliver Stone drew upon his own experiences as a Vietnam War veteran to craft Platoon, a gritty, unflinching look at the conflict through the eyes of a young soldier played by Charlie Sheen. The film explores the psychological toll of war and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers on the ground, with memorable performances from Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger as two sergeants with opposing leadership styles. Platoon won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Stone.
11. The Big Red One (1980)
Written and directed by World War II veteran Samuel Fuller, The Big Red One is a semi-autobiographical account of Fuller’s experiences with the 1st Infantry Division from North Africa to Europe. Starring Lee Marvin as a hardened sergeant leading a squad of young soldiers, the film is a gritty, episodic portrayal of the war’s human cost, leavened with moments of dark humor. Though not as well-known as some other World War II films, The Big Red One is a powerful, personal work from a filmmaker who lived through the events he depicts.
12. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Mel Gibson’s return to directing after a decade-long absence, Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond Doss (played by Andrew Garfield), a World War II combat medic who refused to carry a weapon due to his religious beliefs. Despite facing ostracism and disciplinary action, Doss went on to save 75 lives during the Battle of Okinawa, becoming the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. With its intense battle sequences and moving portrayal of faith under fire, Hacksaw Ridge is a testament to the power of individual conviction in the face of overwhelming odds.
13. The Hurt Locker (2008)
Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker follows a bomb disposal team during the Iraq War, focusing on the psychological toll of their high-stakes work. Jeremy Renner delivers a breakout performance as Staff Sergeant William James, a reckless but skilled technician addicted to the adrenaline rush of his job. With its tense, realistic action sequences and exploration of the blurred line between bravery and recklessness, The Hurt Locker is a gripping, thought-provoking look at modern warfare. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Bigelow, making her the first woman to win in that category.
14. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down is a harrowing depiction of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, in which U.S. forces attempted to capture a Somali warlord. When two Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, the mission turns into a desperate fight for survival. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Hardy, the film is a visceral, immersive experience that captures the chaos and brutality of urban warfare. Black Hawk Down won two Academy Awards for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
15. Dunkirk (2017)
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk tells the story of the miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, France during the early stages of World War II. Told from three perspectives – land, sea, and air – the film is a masterclass in visual storytelling, using minimal dialogue to convey the urgency and scale of the operation. With its innovative structure, stunning cinematography, and haunting score, Dunkirk is a unique and deeply immersive war movie experience.
16. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter follows a group of Pennsylvania steelworkers before, during, and after their service in the Vietnam War. Starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, the film is a powerful exploration of the war’s impact on individuals and communities, with a controversial depiction of Russian roulette as a metaphor for the randomness and brutality of combat. The Deer Hunter won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cimino.
17. Patton (1970)
Patton is a biographical war epic about the controversial U.S. General George S. Patton, played in an Oscar-winning performance by George C. Scott. The film follows Patton’s campaigns in North Africa and Europe during World War II, showcasing his tactical brilliance and larger-than-life personality. With its sweeping battle sequences and exploration of the complexities of military leadership, Patton is a classic of the genre that won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
18. The Great Escape (1963)
Based on a true story, The Great Escape depicts a mass escape attempt by Allied POWs from a German prison camp during World War II. Starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough, the film is a thrilling adventure that celebrates the ingenuity and determination of the prisoners, culminating in an iconic motorcycle chase sequence. The Great Escape‘s blend of humor, suspense, and heroism has made it an enduring favorite among war movie fans.
19. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist World War II film Inglourious Basterds follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers, led by Brad Pitt’s Lieutenant Aldo Raine, on a mission to kill Nazis behind enemy lines. Parallel to their story is the tale of Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a Jewish cinema owner plotting to assassinate Hitler at a movie premiere. With its stylized violence, sharp dialogue, and memorable performances from Pitt and Christoph Waltz as a charming but ruthless SS officer, Inglourious Basterds is a bold, audacious take on the war movie genre.
20. The Pianist (2002)
Roman Polanski’s The Pianist tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman (played by Adrien Brody), a Polish-Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust by hiding in the ruins of Warsaw. A haunting, beautifully acted film, The Pianist depicts the horrors of the Nazi occupation and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Brody won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his powerful, understated performance, while the film also won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director for Polanski.
21. Downfall (2004)
Downfall is a German film that depicts the final days of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich, as seen through the eyes of his secretary Traudl Junge (played by Alexandra Maria Lara). Bruno Ganz delivers a chilling, unforgettable performance as Hitler, capturing both his monstrous nature and his human frailties. By offering an unflinching look at the collapse of the Nazi regime from within, Downfall provides a unique and disturbing perspective on one of history’s darkest chapters.
22. The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)
The Tuskegee Airmen is a HBO original film that tells the story of the first African-American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Starring Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the film depicts the racism and discrimination faced by these pioneering aviators, as well as their bravery and skill in combat. The Tuskegee Airmen is a inspiring tribute to the real-life heroes who helped pave the way for racial integration in the U.S. military.
23. Anthropoid (2016)
Anthropoid is a historical thriller based on the true story of Operation Anthropoid, the assassination of Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich by Czech resistance fighters in 1942. Starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan as the two agents tasked with carrying out the mission, the film is a tense, gripping account of one of World War II’s most daring operations. Anthropoid pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the resistance fighters, while also exploring the moral complexities of their actions.
24. The Thin Blue Line (1988)
Errol Morris’ groundbreaking documentary The Thin Blue Line investigates the case of Randall Dale Adams, a man convicted of murdering a Texas police officer in 1976. Through interviews with witnesses, police, and Adams himself, Morris uncovers inconsistencies and contradictions in the evidence that led to Adams’ conviction. The film’s style, which includes reenactments and a haunting score by Philip Glass, has been widely influential in the true crime genre. The Thin Blue Line is credited with helping to overturn Adams’ conviction, cementing its place as one of the most important documentaries ever made.
25. Three Kings (1999)
Set in the immediate aftermath of the Gulf War, David O. Russell’s Three Kings follows a group of U.S. soldiers (played by George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube) who embark on a gold heist in Iraq. As they become embroiled in the country’s internal conflicts, the soldiers are forced to confront the moral ambiguities of the war and their own actions. With its mix of action, comedy, and political commentary, Three Kings is a unique and thought-provoking war movie that questions the motives and consequences of American intervention in the Middle East.
These 25 films represent the breadth and depth of the war movie genre, from classic Hollywood epics to gritty modern thrillers. By exploring the human cost of conflict and the complexities of heroism, these movies offer powerful insights into the nature of war and its impact on individuals and societies. With their unforgettable characters, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, these films are essential viewing for anyone interested in the history and artistry of cinema. HBO Max’s impressive collection of war movies is a treasure trove for film lovers, offering something for every taste and sensibility.
