War films are always enthralling to watch. Although they are fictionalized tales, these films offer a peek into the courage with which troops fight for their nation, the remarkable friendship amongst commanders, and the life in prisoner-of-war camps.

We’ve compiled a list of the best war movies that you should definitely add to your must-watch movies list.

Best Hollywood War Movies

Hollywood is known for its notorious war movies that are filled with some tear-jerk moments, along with some great action sequences. Check out our list of the best war movies on Netflix and other streaming platforms.

1. First They Killed My Father

• Director: Angelina Jolie
• Cast: Kompheak Phoeung, Socheata Sveng, Sreymoch Sareum, Dara Heng
• IMBd: 7.2/10
• Streaming on: Netflix

In 1975, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge rose to power in Cambodia, bringing with them a murderous revolution that has been the subject of few Hollywood films. Angelina Jolie, who fell in love with the nation during the filming of Tomb Raider, gives this terrifying yet sweet version of Loung Ung’s book the sheen of a big-budget film.

First They Killed My Father, like Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun, follows the Cambodian exodus from city life to military-run farm communes, again from the viewpoint of a 7-year-old boy named Loung. Jolie is a steadfast narrator of violence, observing it from a distance and escaping reality in moments of escapism.

As a result, First They Killed My Father is a touch too picture-perfect, knowing the dirt of life behind Pol Pot.

2. Outlaw King

• Director: David Mackenzie
• Cast: Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy Howle
• IMBd: 6.9/10
• Streaming on: Netflix

Robert the Bruce, a legendary Scottish rebel, is played by Chris Pine in this gritty period drama. In Braveheart, Robert, a character from another brutal historical work about a Scottish rebel, challenges the King of England, sparking a struggle for the ultimate fate of Scottish Freedom, which is ultimately lost.

When it opened at the Toronto Picture Festival, the film generated some excitement, mostly because it contains full-frontal nudity from Pine, but also because reviewers considered it so dull that Netflix chose to remove 20 minutes from the film before its distribution.

The outcome meanders less, and it’s far from an action-packed tale, but if you like medieval history and a grim Pine, you might as well charge for the Scottish highlands when you have nothing better to watch.

3. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

• Director: Andrew Adamson
• Cast: William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Liam Neeson
• IMBd: 6.9/10
• Streaming on: Disney + Hotstar

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, inspired by C. S. Lewis’s children’s classic book series follows the narrative of Lucy and her siblings as they discover a wardrobe that takes them to the mythical land of Narnia. To confront a wicked queen, they must now band together with Lion Aslan.

The film received generally good reviews, with many fans praising the action sequences and visual effects. The film features a captivating plot and fantastic epic fights that will keep you engaged for the duration of the film. You may even watch the full film with your family and children, and the magical environment will appeal to them.

4. Avengers: Endgame

• Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
• Cast: Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr.,
• IMBd: 8.4/10
• Streaming on: Disney + Hotstar

Avengers: Endgame, the 22nd movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a followup to 2018’s Infinity War, is filmed by Anthony and Joe Russo and resumes the tale of Infinity War, as the Avengers attempt to undo the devastation wrought by Thanos in the previous movie. Endgame is Marvel’s wonderful tribute to all of its fans. The movie is jam-packed with action and spectacular sequences that will have you doodling like a child.

Endgame, created on a $356 million budget, is one of the most costly films ever made, and one glance at the picture justifies the cost. The film’s CGI is some of the most spectacular ever seen in a film, and the incredible battle choreography never gets old, even after watching it multiple times.

5. Enemy at the Gates

• Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
• Cast: Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Bob Hoskins
• IMBd: 7.6/10
• Streaming on: Amazon Prime

‘Enemy at the Gate’ is a World War II film about two world-class shooters from the Russian and German sides who are trapped in the midst of a war-torn Stalingrad. The film, set in the early 1940s, depicts the heat and horror of the Battle of Stalingrad.

The Germans are on the verge of collapsing, and the Russians are fighting for just about every inch as well as every corner of their motherland. Vassili Zaitsev, a Russian shooter, chases down the Germans from hiding.

Each day, commanding officer Danilov brags about Zaitsev’s number of fatalities, which makes Zaitsev famous on both sides. However, the Germans dispatch König, one of their greatest snipers, to put an end to Zaitsev’s killing rampage.

What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse battle between two snipers with the ability to turn the tide of the conflict. Jean-Jacques Annaud directs ‘Enemy at the Gates.’ The film is inspired by William Craig’s 1973 book ‘Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad.’

While this movie may not be one of the best world war movies ever made, its amazing narrative and spectacular performances make it a definite must-watch.

Best Bollywood War Movies

Indian army movies usually instil a sense of patriotism in us. It informs us of all the sacrifices made by our military to keep the country secure. There is no greater day to remember their heroic service and sacrifices than August 15, which is honored every year as Army Day. With 15th August around the corner, here is a list of movies you must watch:

1. URI: The Surgical Strike

• Director: Aditya Dhar
• Cast: Paresh Rawal, Yami Gautam, Kirti Kulhari, Vicky Kaushal
• IMBd: 8.2/10
• Streaming on: ZEE5

If the title doesn’t give it all away, this movie is based on the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army after a gang of terrorists assassinated 23 troops. You should see this movie as it not only explains the assaults and their gory details, but also demonstrates how much preparation and pure bravery it requires to execute missions like these.

It would also help you realize the difficulties our army soldiers undergo in their personal lives, as well as their devotion to the country. Vicky Kaushal received a National Award for her performance in this film.

2. Raazi

• Director: Meghna Gulzar
• Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal
• IMBd: 7.8/10
• Streaming on: Amazon Prime

Alia Bhatt’s work in Raazi is one of her greatest to date. In this film, she portrays an undercover spy who married a Pakistani army soldier and passes on sensitive information to the Indian armed forces.

It is inspired by Harinder Sikka’s book Calling Sehmat, which chronicles the true story of Sehmat Khan. Despite the fact that she was not a uniformed soldier, she rescued the country from a number of security threats. Little-known information is that Sehmat Khan’s son became a commander in the Indian National Army.

3. Lakshya

• Director: Farhan Akhtar
• Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta
• IMBd: 7.9/10
• Streaming on: Netflix

Hrithik Roshan surprised us with his excellent dance movies and also his acting abilities in Lakshya. In this coming-of-age drama, the actor begins by playing an aimless adolescent to perfection. He enters the Indian Army since his buddies are doing so, despite the fact that he has no ambitions in life.

However, while there, the hard training prepares him for the lengthy struggle he would have to wage while stationed in Kargil.

4. Border

• Director: J. P. Dutta
• Cast: Sunil Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, Sunny Deol, Tabu
• IMBd: 7.9/10
• Streaming on: ZEE5

Border is a famous Indian army film that you may watch over and over. It is based on the true events of the Battle of Longewala. Throughout that period, the Pakistani army, accompanied by tanks, assaulted this location on the Rajasthan boundary. The 120 Indian troops deployed there were vastly outnumbered by the Pakistan army, yet they held their stand.

Even now, a memorial museum featuring damaged Pakistani tanks is located in the same location. If nothing else, see this great JP Dutta film only to see why it won three National prizes.

5. Kesari

• Director: Anurag Singh
• Cast: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra
• IMBd: 7.4/10
• Streaming on: Amazon Prime

This 2019 film will show you what our military forces were like before India became an independent nation. Despite the fact that we were under the British Raj, this video exemplifies the devotion individuals felt to their homeland at the time.

It is based on the real account of the Battle of Saragarhi, in which 21 Sikh warriors battled against an invasion of almost 10,000 Afghan invaders. While the story and captivating performances are great, what really puts Kesari on the map is the beautiful song Teri Mitti that is sure to touch your soul.

Conclusion

People often criticize war movies as it’s perceived that they encourage violence. However, any war movie lover will agree that these movies are so much more than just guns and fights. The storyline, the character build-up, and the sense of victory when the side you’re rooting for wins are all part of what makes the best war movie (figuratively, of course!).

So, grab some snacks and settle in for a war movie spree and go on a journey of finding something worth fighting for.