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.

191. Red Tails

Red Tails
Drama Action Adventure History War
5.9
20122h 5minUnited States, Czechia
Director: Anthony Hemingway

Overview

The story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly in a combat squadron during World War II.

Themes

Based on true story promises, World war ii pressures, Tuskegee airmen legacy, Military hierarchy and bias, Fighter pilot identity, African american history lessons

Available on

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

192. War Horse

War Horse
War History Adventure World War I Historical Event
7.2
20112h 26minUnited States, India
Director: Steven Spielberg

Overview

On the brink of the First World War, Albert's beloved horse Joey is sold to the Cavalry by his father. Against the backdrop of the Great War, Joey begins an odyssey full of danger, joy, and sorrow, and he transforms everyone he meets along the way. Meanwhile, Albert, unable to forget his equine friend, searches the battlefields of France to find Joey and bring him home.

Themes

Duty under fire, Captivity and escape, War disrupts rural life, Loyalty beyond ownership, Endurance and loss, Bonds across hardship

Available on

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

193. My Way

My Way
Drama Action History War
7.6
20112h 17min
Director: Kang Je-kyu

Overview

During the invasion of Normandy the photograph of a slim Korean man in German uniform was found. It transpired that the man had served as a soldier in the Japanese, Russian and German armies. His incredible story inspired director Kang Je-Gyu to create this epic war drama.


194. The Flowers of War

The Flowers of War
Drama History War
7.5
20112h 26min
Director: Zhang Yimou

Overview

A Westerner finds refuge with a group of women in a church during Japan's rape of Nanking in 1937. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety.


195. Five Broken Cameras

Five Broken Cameras
War Documentary
7.9
20111h 30min
Director: Guy Davidi

Overview

Five broken cameras – and each one has a powerful tale to tell. Embedded in the bullet-ridden remains of digital technology is the story of Emad Burnat, a farmer from the Palestinian village of Bil’in, which famously chose nonviolent resistance when the Israeli army encroached upon its land to make room for Jewish colonists. Emad buys his first camera in 2005 to document the birth of his fourth son, Gibreel. Over the course of the film, he becomes the peaceful archivist of an escalating struggle as olive trees are bulldozed, lives are lost, and a wall is built to segregate burgeoning Israeli settlements.


196. The Front Line

The Front Line
Drama Action War
7.3
20112h 13min
Director: Jang Hoon

Overview

In 1951 ceasefire is declared, but two remaining armies fought their final battle on the front line Towards the end of the Korean War, a South Korean battalion is fiercely battling over a hill on the front line border against the North in order to capture a strategic point that would determine the new border between two nations. The ownership of this small patch of land would swap multiple times each day. Kang is dispatched to the front line in order to investigate the tacit case that’s been happening there.


197. Sniper: Reloaded

Sniper: Reloaded
War Action Thriller Drama Modern Conflicts
5.4
20111h 31minUnited States, South Africa
Director: Claudio Fäh

Overview

Marine Sgt. Brandon Beckett, son of the U.S. Marine Corps' deadliest sniper, Thomas Beckett, must turn to his father's former protégé (Billy Zane) to track down and kill a mysterious sniper before he kills his next target.

Themes

Mentorship under pressure, Deception and coverups, Loyalties under conflict, Duty versus vengeance, Arms dealing conspiracy, Casualties of war

Available on

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

198. Incendies

Incendies
Drama War Mystery Coming-of-Age Drama Modern Conflicts
8.3
20102h 11minCanada, France
Director: Denis Villeneuve

Overview

A mother's last wishes send twins Jeanne and Simon on a journey to Middle East in search of their tangled roots. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad's acclaimed play, Incendies tells the powerful and moving tale of two young adults' voyage to the core of deep-rooted hatred, never-ending wars and enduring love.

Themes

Betrayal and complicity, Familial legacy trauma, War induced displacement, Survival across borders, Moral ambiguity under conflict, Cyclical violence

Available on

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

199. Sarah's Key

Sarah's Key
Drama War Historical Drama World War II
7.5
20101h 51minFrance
Director: Gilles Paquet-Brenner

Overview

On the night of 16 July 1942, ten year old Sarah and her parents are being arrested and transported to the Velodrome d'Hiver in Paris where thousands of other jews are being sent to get deported. Sarah however managed to lock her little brother in a closet just before the police entered their apartment. Sixty years later, Julia Jarmond, an American journalist in Paris, gets the assignment to write an article about this raid, a black page in the history of France. She starts digging archives and through Sarah's file discovers a well kept secret about her own in-laws.

Themes

Family secrets, Moral responsibility, Intergenerational memory, Survivor's guilt, Archive ethics, Historical memory

Available on

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

200. Restrepo

Restrepo
War Documentary Modern Conflicts Social & Political Documentary
7.4
20101h 33minUnited States
Director: Tim Hetherington

Overview

Directors Hetherington and Junger spend a year with the 2nd Battalion of the United States Army located in one of Afghanistan's most dangerous valleys. The documentary provides insight and empathy on how to win the battle through hard work, deadly gunfights and mutual friendships while the unit must push back the Taliban.

Themes

Sacrifice and memory, Brotherhood under fire, Isolation and duty, Trust with local communities, Leadership under hardship, Endurance through danger

Available on

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