War movies have been a popular genre for decades, and Netflix has a great selection of war movies for viewers to choose from. Whether you’re interested in historical dramas, action-packed thrillers, or biographical films, there is something for everyone. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best war movies on Netflix.
Netflix’s collection of war movies includes some of the most iconic films of all time, as well as some lesser-known titles that are definitely worth watching. From World War II epics to modern-day conflicts, these movies provide a glimpse into the realities of war and the human experience of those who have lived through it. So, whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a good movie to watch, there is something for everyone on Netflix.
Top War Movies on Netflix
Netflix has a vast collection of war movies that cater to different tastes. From epic battles to heart-wrenching stories, the streaming platform has it all. Here are some of the top war movies on Netflix that are worth watching:
Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece, “Saving Private Ryan,” is a must-watch for any war movie enthusiast. The movie follows a group of soldiers sent to find a missing soldier in the midst of World War II. The movie’s opening sequence is one of the most iconic in cinema history and sets the tone for the rest of the film. Tom Hanks delivers a powerful performance as Captain Miller, and the movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Director.
The Siege of Jadotville
“The Siege of Jadotville” is based on a true story about a group of Irish soldiers who were sent to the Congo in 1961 as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. The soldiers found themselves outnumbered and outgunned when they were attacked by mercenaries. The movie is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who fought against all odds.
Hacksaw Ridge
“Hacksaw Ridge” is a biographical war drama that tells the story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II. Doss refused to carry a weapon but still managed to save the lives of 75 soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa. The movie won two Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing.
Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” is a war epic that tells the story of the evacuation of British soldiers from Dunkirk during World War II. The movie is a visual masterpiece and immerses the audience in the chaos and uncertainty of war. The movie won three Academy Awards, including Best Sound Editing.
Beasts of No Nation
“Beasts of No Nation” is a harrowing tale of a child soldier in an unnamed African country. The movie explores the brutal reality of war and its impact on children. Idris Elba delivers a chilling performance as the Commandant and the movie won several awards at film festivals.
These are just a few of the top war movies on Netflix. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an intense and emotional story, Netflix has something for everyone.
Netflix Original War Movies
Netflix has produced several outstanding war films, which have gained critical acclaim and a large audience. These films are unique in their storytelling and offer a fresh perspective on the genre. Here are some of the best Netflix Original War Films:
Beasts of No Nation
Beasts of No Nation is a 2015 war drama film directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Uzodinma Iweala. It tells the story of a young boy named Agu, who is forced to become a child soldier during a civil war in an African country. The film stars Idris Elba as the Commandant, the leader of the rebel group that recruits Agu. Beasts of No Nation is a powerful and emotional film that highlights the brutality of war and its impact on children.
The Siege of Jadotville
The Siege of Jadotville is a 2016 war film directed by Richie Smyth. The film is based on the true story of the 1961 siege of a UN peacekeeping mission in the Congo. The film stars Jamie Dornan as Commander Patrick Quinlan, who leads a group of Irish soldiers against a much larger force of mercenaries. The Siege of Jadotville is an intense and suspenseful film that showcases the bravery and determination of the Irish soldiers.
First They Killed My Father
First They Killed My Father is a 2017 war film directed by Angelina Jolie. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Loung Ung. It tells the story of Ung’s experience as a child during the Cambodian genocide. The film stars Sareum Srey Moch as Ung and is a haunting and emotional portrayal of the horrors of war and genocide.
Sand Castle
Sand Castle is a 2017 war film directed by Fernando Coimbra. The film is set during the Iraq War and follows a group of American soldiers who are tasked with repairing a water pumping station in a dangerous area. The film stars Nicholas Hoult as Private Matt Ocre and Henry Cavill as Captain Syverson. Sand Castle is a realistic and gritty portrayal of the challenges faced by soldiers during the Iraq War.
Extraction
Extraction is a 2020 action thriller film directed by Sam Hargrave. The film stars Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, a black-market mercenary who is hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. The film is set in Bangladesh and features intense action sequences and stunning visuals. Extraction is a thrilling and entertaining film that showcases the talents of Hemsworth and Hargrave.
Mosul
Mosul is a 2020 war film directed by Matthew Michael Carnahan. The film is set in the city of Mosul, Iraq, and follows an Iraqi SWAT team as they fight against ISIS militants. The film stars Suhail Dabbach as Major Jasem, the leader of the SWAT team. Mosul is a gripping and intense film that highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the Iraqi soldiers fighting against ISIS.
War Movies Based on True Stories
Netflix has an impressive collection of war movies based on true stories. These movies offer a glimpse into the past and provide an understanding of the realities of war. Here are some of the best war movies based on true stories available on Netflix.
The Siege of Jadotville
“The Siege of Jadotville” is based on the true story of a group of Irish soldiers who were sent on a UN peacekeeping mission to the Congo in 1961. The movie tells the story of how the soldiers were outnumbered and outgunned by the Congolese army but still managed to hold out for six days.
First They Killed My Father
“First They Killed My Father” is based on the memoir of the same name by Loung Ung. The movie tells the story of Ung’s experiences as a child during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The movie is a powerful portrayal of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Operation Mincemeat
“Operation Mincemeat” is based on the true story of a British intelligence operation during World War II. The operation involved planting false information on a dead body in order to deceive the Germans about the location of the Allied invasion of Sicily. The movie is a thrilling and suspenseful portrayal of one of the most audacious intelligence operations of the war.
Operation Finale
“Operation Finale” is based on the true story of the capture of Adolf Eichmann, one of the architects of the Holocaust. The movie tells the story of how a team of Israeli agents tracked down and captured Eichmann in Argentina in 1960. The movie is a gripping portrayal of one of the most important moments in the history of the Holocaust.
The Outpost
“The Outpost” is based on the non-fiction book “The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor” by Jake Tapper. The movie tells the story of the Battle of Kamdesh, one of the deadliest battles of the war in Afghanistan. The movie is a harrowing portrayal of the realities of modern warfare and the bravery of the soldiers who fight in it.
Virunga
“Virunga” is a documentary film that tells the story of the rangers who protect Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The movie is a powerful portrayal of the human cost of war and the importance of preserving the natural world.
War Movies by Era
Netflix offers a variety of war movies from different eras, each with its own unique perspective and style. Here are some of the best war movies by era available on Netflix.
World War II
World War II is one of the most popular eras for war movies, and Netflix has a great selection. Some of the best movies set in this time period include:
- Saving Private Ryan: This 1998 classic directed by Steven Spielberg follows a group of soldiers sent to find a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action. It’s a gripping and emotional story that captures the horrors of war.
- The Pianist: This 2002 movie directed by Roman Polanski tells the story of a Jewish pianist in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation. It’s a powerful and moving film that won three Academy Awards.
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a controversial conflict that has inspired many movies over the years. Netflix has some great options for those interested in this era, including:
- Full Metal Jacket: This 1987 movie directed by Stanley Kubrick follows a group of Marines through boot camp and into combat in Vietnam. It’s a gritty and intense film that captures the brutality of war.
- Platoon: This 1986 movie directed by Oliver Stone tells the story of a young soldier’s experience in Vietnam. It’s a raw and emotional film that won four Academy Awards.
Civil War
The American Civil War was a defining moment in American history, and Netflix has some great movies set during this time period, including:
- Glory: This 1989 movie directed by Edward Zwick tells the story of the first all-black volunteer company in the Union Army. It’s a powerful and inspiring film that won three Academy Awards.
- The Outlaw Josey Wales: This 1976 movie directed by and starring Clint Eastwood follows a Missouri farmer who joins a group of Confederate guerrillas after his family is killed by Union soldiers. It’s a classic Western with a Civil War backdrop.
Middle East
The wars in the Middle East have inspired many movies in recent years, and Netflix has some great options for those interested in this era, including:
- The Hurt Locker: This 2008 movie directed by Kathryn Bigelow follows an Army bomb squad in Iraq. It’s a tense and suspenseful film that won six Academy Awards.
- American Sniper: This 2014 movie directed by Clint Eastwood tells the story of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. It’s a gripping and emotional film that was a box office success.
Notable Actors in War Movies
When it comes to war movies, some actors have become synonymous with the genre due to their memorable performances. Here are some notable actors who have starred in war movies available on Netflix.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is a well-known actor who has appeared in several war movies, including “Fury” and “Inglourious Basterds.” In “Fury,” Pitt plays the leader of a tank crew during World War II, and in “Inglourious Basterds,” he portrays a lieutenant who leads a group of Jewish-American soldiers on a mission to kill Nazi leaders.
Idris Elba
Idris Elba is another actor who has appeared in multiple war movies, including “Beasts of No Nation” and “The Mountain Between Us.” In “Beasts of No Nation,” Elba plays a warlord who recruits a young boy to fight in a civil war in Africa.
Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020, starred in the war movie “Da 5 Bloods,” which is available on Netflix. In the movie, Boseman plays a soldier who died in the Vietnam War, and his former comrades return to the country to find his remains and a stash of gold they buried during the war.
Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe starred in the war movie “Body of Lies,” which is available on Netflix. In the movie, Crowe plays a CIA agent who works with a field operative to track down a terrorist in the Middle East.
Jamie Dornan
Jamie Dornan is known for his role in the “Fifty Shades” series, but he also starred in the war movie “Anthropoid,” which is available on Netflix. In the movie, Dornan plays a Czech soldier who helps plan the assassination of a high-ranking Nazi official during World War II.
Mark Strong
Mark Strong is another actor who has appeared in multiple war movies, including “1917” and “Zero Dark Thirty.” In “1917,” Strong plays a British general who orders two soldiers to deliver a message that could save the lives of 1,600 men during World War I.
Abraham Attah
Abraham Attah starred in the war movie “Beasts of No Nation” alongside Idris Elba. In the movie, Attah plays a young boy who is recruited by Elba’s character to fight in a civil war in Africa.
Chris Pine
Chris Pine starred in the war movie “Outlaw King,” which is available on Netflix. In the movie, Pine plays Robert the Bruce, a Scottish king who leads a rebellion against the English during the 14th century.
These actors have all delivered memorable performances in war movies, and their work can be enjoyed on Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best war movies currently streaming on Netflix?
Netflix has a vast collection of war movies, and some of the best ones currently streaming on the platform include “The Hurt Locker,” “Full Metal Jacket,” “Platoon,” “Saving Private Ryan,” and “Black Hawk Down.” These movies offer a mix of action, drama, and emotion, making them a great choice for anyone interested in the genre.
Which modern war movies are worth watching on Netflix?
If you are interested in modern war movies, then Netflix has several great options available. Some of the top modern war movies currently streaming on the platform include “Sand Castle,” “Beasts of No Nation,” “The Siege of Jadotville,” and “The Outpost.” These movies offer a more contemporary look at war and the impact it has on soldiers and civilians alike.
What are some of the top-rated military series available on Netflix?
Netflix has several top-rated military series that are worth watching, including “The Pacific,” “Band of Brothers,” “Medal of Honor,” and “Narcos: Mexico.” These series offer a mix of action, drama, and suspense, making them a great choice for anyone interested in military history.
Can you recommend any war movies on Hulu that are similar to those on Netflix?
While Netflix has a more extensive collection of war movies, Hulu also has some great options available. Some of the best war movies currently streaming on Hulu include “The Great Raid,” “The Thin Red Line,” “The Last Samurai,” and “Jarhead.” These movies offer a mix of action, drama, and emotion, making them a great choice for anyone interested in the genre.
Are there any new war movies on Netflix that are worth checking out?
Yes, Netflix regularly adds new war movies to its collection, and some of the most recent additions include “The King,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “The Highwaymen,” and “The Last Full Measure.” These movies offer a fresh take on the genre and are worth checking out if you are a fan of war movies.
What are some of the best war movies available on both Netflix and Amazon Prime?
If you have both Netflix and Amazon Prime, then you have access to an even more extensive collection of war movies. Some of the best war movies available on both platforms include “Apocalypse Now,” “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” “The Dirty Dozen,” “Inglourious Basterds,” and “The Deer Hunter.” These movies offer a mix of action, drama, and suspense, making them a great choice for anyone interested in the genre.