On the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE day), we look back at the best war movies ever made – and there are a lot to choose from. War movies are as old as cinema itself. Ever since mankind discovered the camera, we've pointed our lenses at conflict, trying to either capture the harsh realities of war or si💙mply entertain an audienc🧔e with spectacle. The best war movies tend to be more serious affairs, which deal with the horror and humanity of battle, and this list is primarily concerned with the more considered takes on war.
We cover a lot of ground. Among the best war movies of all time are David Lean-directed epics, Kubrician satires, Spielberg blockbusters𒀰, and Terrence Malick-helmed masterpieces. Although filming technology has evolved, our list still features a range of movies from multiple decades. Without further ad𓆉o, these are the best war movies of all time, as chosen by GamesRadar+ and Total Film.
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30. The Big Red One (1980)
Sam Fuller’s epic has grown in esteem over the years. The original theatrical release – which stands at 116𝓡 minutes long – was a relative box-office hit and picked up decent reviews. However, since then, critics have come to adore the movie, partly thanks to Richard Schickel's extended cut, which brought the movie – using Fuller's production notes – to 160 minutes long. One particular extended scene stands out: there's a moment when the Horsemen are trapped in a Roman coliseum and are saved by the French Spahi Moroccan cavalry. The scene ends with the shocking sight of Moroccan Goums removing the ears of German cadavers. Gruesome.
29. The Great Escape (1963)
You know the theme. That uplifting ditty that's been drafted into so many movies and TV shows as a way to give authority the finger. But The Great Escape gave us much more than that. A fun, heart-warming adventure about a band of allied POWs during 🧸World War 2, who are recaptured by the Germans and sent to a high security Stalag in Poland. The movie's two leads, Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough, rally together a hodgepodge of prisoners to dig three tunnels. The great thing is, nobody is under any illusions about getting home. So why do it? Simply: to piss off the Nazis. You've got to admire their balls.
28. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
A more intimate, impressive picture than Clint Eastwood's companion piece, Flags 💟Of Our Fathers, the Japanese-language Letters from Iwo Jima take looks at the battle for Iwo Jima. It's a more restrained, simpler depiction of men under duress, struggling to find some sense in a senseless situation: hope amid the hara-kiri. It’s a worthy 🐼and well-meant movie that picked up Best Foreign Film at the Golden Globes and showed just how diverse Eastwood's directing abilities are.
27. Good Morning Vietnam (1987)
Few actors have careers as diverse as Robin Williams. The comic entertained everyone, from children to adults, and Good Morning Vietnam sees the Oscar-nominated actor at the height of his abilities. Williams plays Adrian Cronauer, a radio DJ for the America armed forces during th𓃲e Vietnam Warꦚ. Unfortunately, though, Cronauer's superiors grow more and more annoyed as he gains popularity thanks to his funny announcements and irreverent tone.
26. The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946)
William Wyler was quick to release this following World War 2. The movie centres on a various American serviceman – primarily a captaiꦅn played by Dana Andrews – re-adjusting to civilian life. They go through divorce and grow furious as those people back home fail to understand the trauma they have been through. Former war correspondent MacKinlay Kantor was hired to write the screenplay, which went on to pick up Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars. The movie itself won best picture.
