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.

161. American Sniper

American Sniper
War Action Modern Conflicts Military Action
7.3
20142h 13min

Overview

U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle takes his sole mission—protect his comrades—to heart and becomes one of the most lethal snipers in American history. His pinpoint accuracy not only saves countless lives but also makes him a prime target of insurgents. Despite grave danger and his struggle to be a good husband and father to his family back in the States, Kyle serves four tours of duty in Iraq. However, when he finally returns home, he finds that he cannot leave the war behind.

Themes

Professional detachment and violence, Reintegration into civilian life, Combat trauma and memory, Duty versus family life, Veteran care and remembrance

Available on

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

162. Unbroken

Unbroken
Drama War Historical Drama World War II
7.2
20142h 17min

Overview

A chronicle of the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II.

Themes

Interrogation under pressure, Brutal discipline and resilience, Captivity and endurance, Survival through punishment, Homecoming and reintegration

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

163. The Water Diviner

The Water Diviner
War Drama World War I Historical Drama
7.0
20141h 52min

Overview

In 1919, Australian farmer Joshua Connor travels to Turkey to discover the fate of his three sons, reported missing in action. Holding on to hope, Joshua must travel across the war-torn landscape to find the truth and his own peace.

Themes

Duty under danger, Loss and endurance, Search for missing, Grief and family ties, Burned records hurdle, War's impact on civilians

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

164. Timbuktu

Timbuktu
Drama War Political Drama Modern Conflicts
7.1
20141h 36min

Overview

Just outside of the Malian city of Timbuktu, now occupied by militant Islamic rebels who impose the Sharia on civilians and inconvenience their daily life, a cattleman kills a fisherman.

Themes

Authority and accountability, Punishment and control, Religious coercion, Cultural survival under occupation, Civilian vulnerability in war, State-imposed rules

Available on

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

165. Against the Sun

Against the Sun
War Adventure World War II Survival Adventure
6.5
20141h 39min

Overview

A WWII pilot, bombardier, and radioman find themselves adrift on a lifeboat without food or water after being forced to ditch their plane during a scouting mission.

Themes

Leadership under pressure, Survival under threat, Scarcity and desperation, Mistrust in crisis, Chance versus control, Isolation and endurance

Available on

Amazon Video
Kanopy
Hoopla
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

166. The Imitation Game

The Imitation Game
History Drama Thriller War Biographical History
8.0
20141h 53min

Overview

Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.

Themes

Code breaking pursuit, World war ii pressure, Homophobia prejudice, Cryptography under pressure, Secrecy burden, Intellectual isolation

Available on

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

167. Virunga

Overview

Virunga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa’s oldest national park, a UNESCO world heritage site, and a contested ground among insurgencies seeking to topple the government that see untold profits in the land. Among this ongoing power struggle, Virunga also happens to be the last natural habitat for the critically endangered mountain gorilla. The only thing standing in the way of the forces closing in around the gorillas: a handful of passionate park rangers and journalists fighting to secure the park’s borders and expose the corruption of its enemies. Filled with shocking footage, and anchored by the surprisingly deep and gentle characters of the gorillas themselves, Virunga is a galvanizing call to action around an ongoing political and environmental crisis in the Congo.

Themes

Conservation under threat, Armed conflict pressure, Oil-driven exploitation, Watchful journalism, Biodiversity protection, Governance and corruption

Available on

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

168. Fury

Fury
War Drama Action World War II Military Action
7.6
20142h 15min

Overview

April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank and her five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.

Themes

Military obedience under pressure, Trauma from killing, Leadership vs compliance, Frontline resilience and tactics, Dehumanization in war, Cohesion under threat

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

169. '71

'71
Thriller Action Drama War Military Action
7.2
20141h 39min

Overview

A young British soldier must find his way back to safety after his unit accidentally abandons him during a riot in the streets of Belfast.

Themes

Survival under siege, Military discipline under riot, Loyalist republican tension, Civilian risk during conflict, Institutional ambiguity and violence, Command decisions under pressure

Available on

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

170. Warsaw 44

Overview

City of Warsaw, Poland, August 1st, 1944. Citizens have experienced inhuman acts of terror and violence during five long years of Nazi occupation. As the Soviet Army relentlessly approaches, the youngest and bravest among them rise up as one and face tyranny fighting street by street, but the price to pay will be high and hard the way to freedom…

Themes

Loyalty under duress, Resistance under occupation, Personal bonds amid turmoil, Underground networks and trust, Civilian casualties and destruction

Available on

Tubi TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.