War backdrop

War movies

Gritty and poignant depictions of conflict, focusing on the bravery, tragedy, and humanity found on the battlefield.

Subgenres include: Age of Sail & Early Modern Warfare, 19th Century Wars, World War I.

Where Hands Touch

1. Where Hands Touch

War Drama Romance World War II Historical Drama
6.6
20182h 2min

Overview

Germany, 1944. Leyna, the 15-year old daughter of a white German mother and a black African father, meets Lutz, a compassionate member of the Hitler Youth whose father is a prominent Nazi soldier, and they form an unlikely connection in this quickly changing world.

Themes

Family loyalty under pressure, Coming of age, Jew persecution, Interracial romance, State sanctioned racism, Displacement and motherhood

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Outlaw King

2. Outlaw King

Action History War Epic Action Historical Event
6.9
20182h 2min

Overview

Forced into exile by the English after being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce fights to reclaim the throne.

Themes

Loyalty vs oaths, Exile and rebellion, Legitimacy and crown, Power vs popular support, Alliance through marriage, Guerilla warfare

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Catcher Was a Spy

3. The Catcher Was a Spy

Drama War Thriller History Historical Drama
6.3
20181h 34min

Overview

Former major league baseball player Moe Berg lives a double life working for the Office of Strategic Services in World War II Europe.

Themes

Duty versus personal life, Dual life under pressure, Spy ethics under pressure, Espionage tension and risk, Race against science, Hidden loyalties and deception

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Angel

4. The Angel

Action Drama History Thriller War
6.7
20181h 54min

Overview

True story of Ashraf Marwan, who was President Nasser's son-in-law and special adviser and confidant to his successor Anwar Sadat - while simultaneously Israeli Intelligence's most precious asset of the 20th century. Based on NYT bestselling book 'The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel' by Uri Bar-Joseph.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Shifting alliances and diplomacy, Strategic manipulation and restraint, Secrecy and trust, Corruption exposure and ascent, Personal cost of public service

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero

5. Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero

Animation Adventure Family History War
6.9
20181h 25min

Overview

The true story of the most decorated dog in American military history -- Sgt. Stubby -- and the enduring bonds he forged with his brothers-in-arms in the trenches of World War I.


The Resistance Banker

6. The Resistance Banker

War Drama World War II Historical Drama
6.9
20182h 4min

Overview

In the occupied Netherlands during World War II, banker Walraven van Hall is asked to use his financial contacts to help the Dutch resistance. With his brother Gijs, he comes up with a risky plan to take out huge loans and use the money to finance the Resistance.

Themes

Illicit finance networks, Deception through forged assets, Resistance funding under occupation, Coercion and survival under oppression, Conflicting loyalties and betrayals, State power versus clandestine finance

Available on

Netflix
Kanopy
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Operation Red Sea

7. Operation Red Sea

Action Thriller War Adventure
6.6
20182h 18min

Overview

A squad of the Jiaolong Commando Unit - Sea Dragon, a spec ops team of the Chinese Navy, carries out a hostage rescue operation in the nation of Yewaire, on the Arabian Peninsula, and fiercely fights against local rebel groups and Zaka, a terrorist organization.


The Captain

8. The Captain

War Drama History
7.3
20181h 58min

Overview

Germany, 1945. Soldier Willi Herold, a deserter of the German army, stumbles into a uniform of Nazi captain abandoned during the last and desperate weeks of the Third Reich. Newly emboldened by the allure of a suit that he has stolen only to stay warm, Willi discovers that many Germans will follow the leader, whoever he is.


12 Strong

9. 12 Strong

War Drama Action History Modern Conflicts
6.5
20182h 10min

Overview

A team of special forces head into Afghanistan in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks in an attempt to dismantle the Taliban.

Themes

Leadership under pressure, Risk and sacrifice, Loyalty and trust, Family vs duty, Coalition coordination, Post 9/11 intervention

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The 12th Man

10. The 12th Man

War Drama World War II Historical Drama
7.3
20172h 16min

Overview

After a failed anti-Nazi sabotage mission leaves his eleven comrades dead, a Norwegian resistance fighter finds himself fleeing the Gestapo through the snowbound reaches of Scandinavia.

Themes

Survival under pressure, War resilience under occupation, Deception under occupation, Collective loyalty under duress, Aid under risk

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.