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The Best War Movies Since 2000

Still from the movie Downfall

In our previous article, we ranked the best war movies of all time, but because not everyone loves classic movies, we created this list for those who prefer to watch more modern movies. Our algorithm processed tens of top war movies since 2000 and these are the Internet's favourites. Enjoy.

#12 The Hurt Locker — Iraq War 

Still from the movie The Hurt Locker

Voltage Pictures

GoatScore: 79.1%
IMDB: 75%  Rotten Tomatoes: 91% Filmaffinity: 72% Metacritic: 84%

The Hurt Locker is a film directed by Kathryn Bigelow and produced by Summit Entertainment. The film is a powerful exploration of the psychological toll of the war on soldiers and their families, showcasing the intense physical and emotional strain of being a soldier. The film features excellent cinematography and intense battle scenes that bring the harsh reality of war to life. Jeremy Renner gives a standout performance as Staff Sergeant William James, a soldier struggling to cope with the reality of the war.

#11 Hacksaw Ridge — World War II

Still from the movie Hacksaw Ridge

Cross Creek Pictures

GoatScore: 79.3%
IMDB: 81% Rotten Tomatoes : 88% Filmaffinity: 72% Metacritic: 77%

Hacksaw Ridge is a film directed by Mel Gibson and produced by Cross Creek Pictures. The movie depicts the story of Desmond Doss, a World War II soldier who refused to carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs. Doss's bravery and unwavering determination to rescuing lives, even in the face of extreme threat, is highlighted in the film. The film is visually spectacular, with fantastic battle scenes that are both dramatic and emotionally moving. Doss is played brilliantly by Andrew Garfield, who brings depth and heart to the character.

#10 The Imitation Game — World War II

Still from the movie The Imitation Game

Black Bear Pictures

GoatScore: 79.6%
IMDB: 80% Rotten Tomatoes: 91% Filmaffinity: 72% Metacritic: 76%

The Imitation Game is a historical drama directed by Morten Tyldum and produced by Black Bear Pictures. The film tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician and computer scientist who helped crack the German Enigma code during World War II. The film is a powerful portrayal of Turing's life, showcasing his genius and his struggles with his sexuality. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a standout performance as Turing, bringing depth and nuance to the character. If you enjoy historical dramas and biopics, this is just the perfect movie for you.

#9 All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) — World War I

Still from the movie All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Focus Features

Goat Score: 79.8%
IMDB: 78% Rotten Tomatoes: 91% Filmaffinity: 72% - Metacritic: 78%

This latest adaptation of the classic anti-war novel is a gripping portrayal of the horrors of WWI. With haunting cinematography and excellent performances, it captures the tension and despair of the battlefield. Oliver Jackson shines as the protagonist, bringing intensity to his role. The film's unflinching depiction of war and its consequences is a reminder of the devastation conflict can bring. With positive reviews from audiences and critics, it is a must-see for fans of war dramas and history buffs.

#8 Dunkirk — World War II

Still from the movie Dunkirk

Syncopy

GoatScore: 80.6%
IMDB: 78% Rotten Tomatoes: 87% Filmaffinity: 70% Metacritic: 88%

Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk is a triumph of filmmaking that immerses the audience in tension and suspense. The film tells the story of the evacuation of British and Allied troops from Dunkirk beach in 1940 during World War II, and it is an absolute must-watch for fans of war and historical movies. The film will leave you in awe of the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers and civilians, and its impactful story will stay with you long after the credits roll.

#7 Inglourious Basterds — World War II

Still from the movie Inglourious Basterds

Universal Pictures

GoatScore: 80.8%
IMDB: 84% Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Filmaffinity: 78% Metacritic: 74%

Inglourious Basterds by Quentin Tarantino is a fascinating and amusing dramatization of a group of Jewish-American soldiers' efforts to bring down the Nazi regime during World War II. The film is a unique blend of action, comedy, and drama that highlights the troops' intelligence and ingenuity as they embark on a risky mission. The picture boasts outstanding performances, particularly by Christoph Waltz as the malevolent Colonel Hans Landa, and is a must-see for admirers of Tarantino's distinct aesthetic and war flicks.

#6 Letters from Iwo Jima — World War II

Still from the movie Letters from Iwo Jima

DreamWorks Pictures

Goat Score: 81.8%
IMDB: 79% Rotten Tomatoes: 81% Filmaffinity: 74% Metacritic: 86%

Clint Eastwood's Letters from Iwo Jima is a poignant and powerful portrayal of the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers. The film is a moving tribute to the sacrifices that soldiers make and the human spirit that drives them to endure and survive in the face of war. The film features excellent performances, particularly by Ken Watanabe as General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, and follows the unique Eastwood's filmmaking style.

#5 1917 — World War I

Still from the movie 1917

DreamWorks Pictures

GoatScore: 82%
IMDB: 82% Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Filmaffinity: 77% Metacritic: 81%

Sam Mendes' 1917 is a stunning and immersive depiction of the events of World War I. The film is shot in a single-shot style that creates a sense of immediacy and realism, putting the audience in the soldiers' shoes as they embark on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. The film is a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought in World War I and a triumph of filmmaking that will leave a lasting impression on audiences.

#4 Downfall — World War II

Still from the movie Downfall

Constantin Film

Goat Score: 83%
IMDB: 82% Rotten Tomatoes: 92% Filmaffinity: 74% Metacritic: 84%

Oliver Hirschbiegel's Downfall is a harrowing and powerful depiction of the final days of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. The film is a sobering reminder of the evil that humanity is capable of and a tribute to the courage and bravery of those who stood up against it. The film features a phenomenal performance by Bruno Ganz as Hitler and will leave you in a trance.

#3 Hotel Rwanda — Rwandan Genocide

Still from the movie Hotel Rwanda

United Artists

GoatScore: 83%
IMDB: 81% Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Filmaffinity: 76% Metacritic: 83%

Terry George's Hotel Rwanda is a compelling and emotional portrayal of the Rwandan genocide of 1994. The film is a testament to the power of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of immense adversity. The film features fantastic performances, particularly by Don Cheadle as hotelier Paul Rusesabagina, and is a must-see for fans of historical dramas and human rights films.

#2 Pan's Labyrinth — Spanish Civil War

Still from the movie Pan's Labyrinth

Esperanto Films

GoatScore: 84.8%
IMDB: 82% Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Filmaffinity: 72% Metacritic: 92%

Pan's Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro is a magnificent and inventive blend of fantasy and horror set against the backdrop of Francoist Spain. The movie is both a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and a potent allegory for the challenges faced by the Spanish people under the Franco government. The film has stunning visuals and a haunting tune, and it is a must-see for lovers of fantasy, horror, and historical drama.

#1 The Pianist — World War II

Still from the movie The Pianist

Roman Polanski Production

GoatScore: 86.3%
IMDB: 85% Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Filmaffinity: 82% Metacritic: 83%

The Pianist directed by Roman Polanski, is a compelling and heart-breaking dramatization of the life of Polish-Jewish pianist Wadysaw Szpilman during Poland's Nazi occupation. The movie serves as both a celebration of the bravery and sacrifices made by the Polish people during World War II and a monument to the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of hardship. Adrien Brody's performance in the film is amazing, making it one of the best war movies out there.

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