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The Best War Movies of All Time

Still from the movie Ran

War is a subject that has captivated and horrified audiences for centuries. From ancient battles to modern-day conflicts, the drama, sacrifice, and heroism of war have inspired countless filmmakers to tell their stories on the big screen. With so many great war movies to choose from, it can be difficult to determine the best of the best.

In this article, we will take a look at the the greatest war films ever made, according to the Internet. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the best war movies of all time.

#12 Saving Private Ryan — World War II

Still from the movie Saving Private Ryan

Paramount Pictures

GoatScore: 87%
IMDB: 86% Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Filmaffinity: 78% Metacritic: 90%

Saving Private Ryan is a must-watch for fans of war movies. The film's intense and graphic depiction of the Normandy landing is a testament to Steven Spielberg's masterful direction. Tom Hanks delivers a standout performance as the commanding officer on a mission to save Private James Francis Ryan. The film's themes of brotherhood, sacrifice and the toll of war are expertly woven into the story, making for a powerful emotional experience. Overall, Saving Private Ryan is a classic of the genre and a must-watch for any movie lover.

#11 Come and See — World War II

Still from the movie Come and See

Belarusfilm

GoatScore: 87%
IMDB: 84% Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Filmaffinity: 78% Metacritic: 90%

Come and See is a haunting and powerful film about the horrors of war. Directed by Elem Klimov, the film takes a deep dive into the brutal realities of the Nazi occupation of Belarus during World War II. The film's central character, a young Belarusian boy, is played with incredible nuance by Aleksei Kravchenko. The film's cinematography, soundtrack, and intense attention to detail create an immersive and unforgettable viewing experience. Come and See is a sobering and essential film that sheds light on one of the darkest periods in human history.

#10 Ran — Sengoku-period Japan

Still from the movie Ran

Nippon Herald Films

GoatScore: 87.1%
IMDB: 82% Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Filmaffinity: 81% Metacritic: 90%

Ran is a 1985 Japanese epic war film directed by Akira Kurosawa. This stunning film tells the tale of an ageing warlord's fall from power as his three sons battle for control of the kingdom. The film's cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the beauty and brutality of war. The sweeping score, composed by Toru Takemitsu, elevates the film to an even higher level. The film features remarkable performances by Tatsuya Nakadai, who portrays the warlord, and Mieko Harada, who portrays the warlord's wife.

#9 Lawrence of Arabia — World War I

Still from the movie Lawrence of Arabia

Horizon Pictures (II)

GoatScore: 87.4%
IMDB: 83% Rotten Tomatoes: 94% Filmaffinity: 80% Metacritic: 93%

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 epic historical drama directed by David Lean. It stars Peter O'Toole as T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who unites Arab tribes to fight against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The film is a masterclass in filmmaking, with breathtaking cinematography capturing the Arabian Desert's vastness. Maurice Jarre's score is equally memorable, and the film features captivating performances by O'Toole and Omar Sharif.

#8 Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb — Cold War

Still from the movie Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

Stanley Kubrick Productions

GoatScore: 87.4%
IMDB: 84% Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Filmaffinity: 79% Metacritic: 91%

Dr Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, is a 1964 black comedy film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film tells the story of an insane US General who orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union and the attempts of the President and his advisors to prevent it. The film is a hilarious satire of the Cold War and features a fantastic performance by Peter Sellers, who portrays three different characters in the film. The film's dark humour is as relevant today as it was in 1964 and remains a classic of its genre.

#7 Paths of Glory — World War I

Still from the movie Paths of Glory

Bryna Productions

GoatScore: 87.6%
IMDB: 84% Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Filmaffinity: 84% Metacritic: 87%

Paths of Glory is a 1957 anti-war film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the story of a group of French soldiers who are court-martialed for cowardice after being unable to carry out a suicidal mission. The film is a powerful commentary on the horrors of war and the dehumanization of soldiers. The film features remarkable performances by Kirk Douglas and George Macready, and the cinematography is equally stunning. Paths of Glory is a powerful and thought-provoking film that remains relevant today.

#6 The Great Dictator — World War II

Still from the movie The Great Dictator

Charles Chaplin Productions

GoatScore: 87.8%
IMDB: 84% Rotten Tomatoes: 94% Filmaffinity: 86% Metacritic: N/A

The Great Dictator is a 1940 political satire film directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin. The film is a comedy about a Jewish Barber who is mistaken for a dictator in a parallel world and ends up giving a passionate speech against fascism. The film is a timeless classic and a powerful commentary on the political climate of its time. Chaplin's unforgettable performance and the film's humour are timeless and relevant. The Great Dictator remains a must-see film for fans of political satire.

#5 Apocalypse Now — Vietnam War

Still from the movie Apocalypse Now

American Zoetrope

GoatScore: 88.4%
IMDB: 85% Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Filmaffinity: 82% Metacritic: 91%

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film is a psychedelic and surreal take on Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and follows the journey of a US Army officer sent to kill a rogue colonel in the Vietnam War. With stunning cinematography by Vittorio Storaro and a haunting score by Carmine Coppola, Apocalypse Now is a masterpiece of war film. The film features powerful performances by Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, and Robert Duvall, and it remains a classic of its genre.

#4 Grave of the Fireflies — World War II

Still from the movie Grave of the Fireflies

Studio Ghibli

GoatScore: 88.5%
IMDB: 85% Rotten Tomatoes: 98% Filmaffinity: 80% Metacritic: 92%

Grave of the Fireflies is a movie that you don't forget easily. It's an animated masterpiece that tells the heart-wrenching story of two siblings trying to survive in the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima. This movie is a tearjerker, so be prepared to grab a box of tissues. But despite its heavy subject matter, the animation is beautiful, and the story is told with care and attention to detail. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good cry and wants to understand war's devastating consequences.

#3 Shoah — World War II

Still from the movie Shoah

Ministère de la Culture de la Republique Française

GoatScore: 88.9%
IMDB: 87% Rotten Tomatoes: 99% Filmaffinity: 84% Metacritic: 86%

Shoah is a documentary film that provides a comprehensive look at the Holocaust. The film features interviews with survivors and witnesses and former Nazi officials, and its nine-hour running time is a testament to its importance. This movie is a marathon, but it's worth every minute. The film is a haunting and emotional journey that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. If you're looking for a movie that will leave you feeling emotionally drained but also grateful for life, this is the one for you.

#2 Casablanca — World War II

Still from the movie Casablanca

Warner Bros.

GoatScore: 90%
IMDB: 85% Rotten Tomatoes: 97% Filmaffinity: 84% Metacritic: 94%

Casablanca is the epitome of a classic movie. It's got everything you could want in a movie - love, war, drama, and a classic soundtrack. This movie is set in World War II and follows the story of an American expatriate who must choose between his love for a former lover and his duty to the Resistance. The performances are unforgettable, and the dialogue is so iconic you'll be quoting it for weeks after you watch it. Casablanca is the perfect movie for a cosy night in, and it's sure to leave you feeling all the feels.

#1 Schindler's List — World War II

Still from the movie Schindler's List

Universal Pictures

GoatScore: 91.1%
IMDB: 90% Rotten Tomatoes: 98% Filmaffinity: 86% Metacritic: 91%

Schindler's List is a movie that will have you feeling all the emotions. It tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over 1,000 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. This movie is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the horrors of the Holocaust, but it's also a testament to the power of human kindness. The performances are outstanding, and the cinematography is breathtaking. Schindler's List is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. If you're looking for a movie that inspires you, this is the one for you.

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