Depending on where one watches awarfilm, a particular brand or tradition lingers in the storyline or characters. American war films may focus on World War II or the Civil War from a Western angle, but a war film likeVirungafocuses on other equally ferocious wars that might be forgotten in the current climate of the world. Globally, war films offer contemporary perspectives on how war and cruelty are viewed, but they are a slippery slope when it comes to how the opposing side is seen.
While they can bring empathy for survivors and victims of war, the way war movies are framed can also be just as divisive and harmful. Regardless, movies likeThe Darkest Hourhave brought some memories of an era where its generation has largely died out, preserving animportant part of history and heroism, albeit in a fictionalized manner.Netflixis one of the largest streaming platforms in the world and is home to iconic war movies as well as its own originals.
Updated on Mar. 29th, 2024, by Patricia Scheer-Erb:This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
26Virunga (2014)
Virungais a touching documentary set in the Virunga National Park in eastern Congo. It highlights the importance of keeping the homes of the last mountain gorillas safe and follows those who, in the process, put their lives at risk. Four brave characters are at the center of the story, protecting the park from poaching and oil exploitation, as the violent M23 Rebellion starts a war at the beginning of 2012 and threatens the balance of this beautiful place.
An Intimate and Informative Documentary
The documentary offers a tender approach to empathy amid a vast and violent backdrop, painting a picture that consists of themes of darkness and light. It offers incredible shots of the park’s nature and lets the audience dive straight into the beauty of it. Additionally,Virungaalso has a lot of subtexts of political commentary and economic interference presented with a landscape of natural beauty that offers the viewer aglimpse into Africa’s beautyand the faces that try to exploit it. The movie tells an inspiring story of bravery and how a handful of people risk their lives to fight against corporate greed and for the lives of mesmerizing creatures.
25The Silent War (2019)
The Silent Warisa Spanish moviethat’s set against the backdrop of the Spanish Revolution in 1944. Adapted from David Muñox and Rayco Pulido’s graphic novel,Sordo,the film has a fusion of fictitious moments along with some real-life events. When a rebel tries to escape prosecution, he has to fight his way through a war-stricken country. Making his whole situation even more difficult is the fact that he is left deaf after an incident gone wrong.
A Compelling Narrative Based on Real Events
When the world was celebrating the victory of WWII, a few Spanish guerrilla troops decided to overthrow Franco the dictator, and ended up losing their lives in the bargain.The Silent Waroffers a melancholic yet brave look into the lives of soldiers, charting their highs and lows, ending on a bitter note that plays to the tune of life isn’t always fair and poetic justice doesn’t always suffice. The entire cast provides a captivating performance and the camera movement as well as the scenery of the entire film create a daunting yet mesmerizing atmosphere.
24Blood & Gold (2023)
Read Our ReviewWithWWII coming to an endand defeat seeming inevitable for the Nazis,Blood & Goldfollows a German soldier and a handmaid, Elsa, who lock heads with an SS troop looking for a hidden Jewish treasure that can serve as their ticket out of the brutal war. Trying to find his daughter, the German soldier, Heinrich, is willing to go to great lengths in order to reunite with her. However, greed and secrets are the best foundation for chaos to unfold, and what follows is a horrendous bloodbath.
An Unconventional, Visceral WWII Story
Blood & Goldprovides a fresh take on the WWII genre with plenty of blood and gore, the performances from Hacke Maaser and Scheer are genuine and deeply convincing but it’s the film’s atypical approach to the genre that gives it all its stripes. If you’re a fan of the WWII genre and want something that’s fresh and unconventional,Blood & Goldshould be at the top of your viewing list.
23Narvik (2022)
Narviktells the daunting story of a Norwegian town of the same name, which suddenly becomes the center of attention in1940 during the Second World War. As one of the hubs for iron ore, Norway’s small port town, Narvik, was occupied by Hitler’s German troops to use the substance for their machinery. Ingrid, a translator at a hotel, her husband, a Corporal named Gunnar, and their young son are quickly caught between the German occupiers and the British, who are aiming to cut off iron ore transportation. Death and destruction haunt the town of Narvik as decisions of serious consequences have to be made.
Shedding Light on a Little-Known Part of History
While not many have heard about the events that occurred in Narvik, it marks an important point in history. The tragic events that took place there in 1940 are regarded as the biggest battles in Norway and are actually considered Hitler’s first, even if small, defeat during the war. The important historical background inNarvikmakes it a must-watch for history geeks and war movie lovers alike. However, apart from the spine-chilling storyline, the movie also stands out with its cinematography. Viewers can indulge in the breathtaking Norwegian scenery, while they are caught in a whirlwind of worry and suspense.
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22The Forgotten Battle (2020)
Another war movie set during WWII,The Forgotten Battlefocuses on the Battle of the Scheldt while highlighting the struggles of soldiers on both sides as they intersect with each other on a human level, but differ on an ideological one. Amid the darkness and death hanging onto their every day, the only thing that is on everyone’s mind and becomes the goal of every soldier is to finally taste the sweetness of freedom again.
A Bloody Battle
The Forgotten Battleauthentically portrays the battle to take Walcheren Island and realistically depicts the war crimes the Germans caused against the Dutch people when they cut off supplies, causing famine and widespread anguish. With grim and gory undertones,The Forgotten Battlefeatures some well-staged action sequences paired with the vast landscape of the Dutch countryside, transporting the viewer straight into the heart of the battle.
21Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Hacksaw Ridge
Mel Gibson’sHacksaw Ridgeis another classic on the list, which is certainly worth a watch. The film is based on Terry Benedict’s 2004 documentaryThe Conscientious Objectorand follows the real-life experiences of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), who is an American medic and received the Medal of Honor for his bravery. Due to his religion, he refused to carry or wield a firearm during his service and was strictly against killing a human being.
One of Garfield’s Best Performances
Owing to Gibson’s propensity towards violence,Hacksaw Ridgehas violence on the peripherals but propagates a non-violent stance through its narrative vessel in Doss. Apart from winning multiple Academy Awards,Hacksaw Ridgeis a watershed momentin Gibson’s directorial careeras it solidifies his ability to extract performances that are conducive to the narrative and not just violence alone.
20Triple Frontier (2019)
Triple Frontier
InTriple Frontier,a group of ex-members of the Special Forces reunites to go on a rather special mission. Turning a police mission into their own, the adventure-seeking group is setting out to rob one of South America’s most notorious drug kingpins. When the five friends embark on their trip, their will to succeed is high, but it doesn’t take long until the group’s undertaking takes an unexpected and life-threatening turn. Life-changing decisions and moral-testing situations follow as their plan is crushed from one second to the other.
Twists and Turns Abound
Triple Frontiercaptures the audience’s attention from the very first moment onward by allowing for a close connection to the entire cast. While the beginning of the film is dedicated to the group’s planning of the heist, there is never a dull moment, since the well-paced dialogue and intriguing character-building keeps the action alive. The film offers an exciting setting, considering that the drug lord’s mansion is located in the middle of the jungle. This movie exceeds expectations with stellar performances and a number of curveballs which create especially thrilling and jaw-dropping moments.
19Unbroken (2014)
Directed by Angelina Jolieand written by the Coen brothers,Unbrokenfollows the incredible story of Louis Zamperini. Zamperini, who is an Olympic athlete, experiences a plane crash which nearly takes his life. After surviving the crash as well as spending over a month on a raft, he is captured by the Japanese and becomes a prisoner of war. Set against the backdrop of WWII,Unbrokenshines a light on the courageous nature of the human spirit refusing to cower down to the demands of situational fate.
Jawdropping Feats of the Human Spirit
Led by an incredible Jack O’Connell, Jolie’s film fires on all cylinders as it takes the backdrop of war and conflict to highlight the power of the human spirit. Watching this masterpiece, it is almost hard to believe that this is a true story, but it makes the storyline even more touching and captivating. The movie manages to convey the importance of perseverance and loyalty and works as a reminder of how much one human can endure. If you’re in the mood for an entertaining yet emotionally moving film, be sure to give this one a watch.
18Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom (2015)
Winter on Firerevolves around the civil rights protest in Ukraine that led to a violent revolution ultimately ending in the resignation of prominent government leaders. Evgeny Afineevsky’s film consists of a range of moments and emotions ranging from stoicism to scenes of harrowing terror, providing an eerie prelude to the nation’s courage and resistance in the face of impending catastrophe.
Devastating and Intense
Given the current political climate of the Russian-Ukraine landscape,Winter on Fireis a documentary that gives the viewer an insight into life inside Ukraine along with a taste of the moral fabric of the country. Based on the actual events of a protest that then led to a full-scale revolution causing the resignation of the Ukrainian president and a new election,Winter on Fireis a difficult yetmoving documentary to watch.
17The Imitation Game (2014)
The Imitation Game
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A great film about the less famous nuances of WWII,The Imitation Gamesaw Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead as the famous mathematician and cryptanalyst, Alan Turing. Recruited during the war, Turing used his skills to help crack German codes and intercept their messages, providing invaluable assistance tothe British War effort. While he is caught up in the depths of his tricky job, the troubles of his private life are slowly creeping up to him.
A Personal Take On a Global Event
In a supporting role, Keira Knightley played Joan Clarke, a female Cambridge graduate who ignores the wishes of her family as she’s brought on to help with the process. Joan’s input and her personality win over the notoriously obstinate Turing as they work on deciphering the German’s infamous Enigma machine. The pair would later platonically marry since Turing was a closeted gay man. Critically acclaimed, the film was nominated for eight Oscars and won one of them.
