30 Best War Movies of All Time, Some Based on True Stories - Full of Emotion and Tension

Kapanlagi.com - For those of you who like war genre films, there are recommendations for the best war films of all time. Yes, these films have intense war stories and some can make you cry. These war film recommendations can certainly be one of your entertainment options.

Some of these war film recommendations are not just new films, there are also many old films from the 1970s. Although a bit old, these films are still very cool for you to watch and are some of the best war films.

Now, for those of you who want to know what the best war film recommendations are, here are the recommendations for war films of all time with intense and emotional stories. Let's check them out.

1. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)

Poster APOCALYPSE NOW (credit: imdb.com)

The first war movie recommendation is APOCALYPSE NOW. This film was first released on August 15, 1979, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It tells the story of Willard, played by Martin Sheen, who is tasked with assassinating a traitorous American colonel amidst the madness of the Vietnam War at that time.

There are many iconic scenes and dialogues in this film that are well-known in the film industry. Additionally, one of the songs titled Ride of The Valkyries from the opera by Richard Wagner was very popular at that time. You definitely shouldn't miss the excitement of APOCALYPSE NOW.

2. BRAVEHEART (1995)

Poster BRAVEHEART (credit: imdb.com)

Then the next recommended war film is titled BRAVEHEART. This film is the best historical war film of all time that you must watch, KLovers. Directed by Mel Gibson, this film was released on May 25, 1995, with the genres of biography, drama, and history.

This film tells the story of the Scottish warriors' struggle against the cruel English kingdom in the 13th century. The war film BRAVEHEART is very exciting to watch because it focuses on the story of the Scottish hero named William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson.

3. PEARL HARBOR (2001)

Poster PEARL HARBOR (credit: imdb.com)

PEARL HARBOR is one of the best Hollywood war films of all time, first released on May 25, 2021. Set against the backdrop of the war from the PEARL HARBOR attack by the Japanese army, this film is worth watching as a war film recommendation.

The film, directed by Michael Bay, tells the story of the friendship between Rafe, played by Ben Affleck, and Danny, played by Josh Hartnett, who become enemies due to romantic problems. PEARL HARBOR is also one of the best romantic films that shouldn't be missed.

4. THE PIANIST (2002)

Poster THE PIANIST (credit: imdb.com)

Contrary to its title, THE PIANIST is actually a film set during World War II, KLovers. This film tells the story of Germany's invasion of Poland, released in 2002. THE PIANIST film is directed by Roman Polanski.

Adapted from the novel by Wladyslaw Szpilman, THE PIANIST film successfully becomes an intriguing drama-biography that captures the attention of film enthusiasts to witness the other side of Germany's invasion of Poland during World War II. With a gripping yet touching story.

5. LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (2006)

Poster LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (credit: imdb.com)

Next, there is a fictional World War II war film titled LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA which is one of the best war film recommendations of all time. Unlike previous films, this film is in Japanese language even though it is directed by Clint Eastwood from the United States, KLovers.

The film LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA presents a different story from the World War II films often made by the United States. The film LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA tells the story of the desperate defense of the Japanese soldiers to defend the island of Iwo Jima from the American army.

6. THE HURT LOCKER (2009)

Poster THE HURT LOCKER (credit: imdb.com)

The best recommendation for war films of all time is THE HURT LOCKER. This film, awarded as the best Middle East war film, is directed by Kathryn Biglow. It is the best war recommendation film and it would be a shame for you to miss it.

This film, released on June 2, 2019, tells the story of William James, played by Jeremy Renner, who is tasked with leading a group of US soldiers in Iraq. James' leadership style is what makes his war journey thrilling until he retires as a soldier.

7. HACKSAW RIDGE (2016)

Poster HACKSAW RIDGE (credit: imdb.com)

Then there is HACKSAW RIDGE, which is a war film based on the true story of an American soldier named Desmond Doss played by Andrew Garfield. Released on November 4, 2016, this film directed by Mel Gibson tells the story of Doss.

He is a devout Christian who jumps into the brutal battlefield of World War II. Doss is reluctant to kill, hold a weapon, or harm anyone, even his enemies, until their forces are pressed and he has to fight back.

This film will give you an idea of Doss's struggle during the war and you can see how people were during that time. HACKSAW RIDGE is one of the best war film recommendations that you shouldn't miss.

8. DUNKIRK (2017)

Poster DUNKIRK (credit: imdb.com)

The film DUNKIRK is one of the best war film recommendations based on a true story in 1904. This film was released on July 21, 2017, directed by Christopher Nolan and belongs to the action, drama, and history genres.

DUNKIRK tells the story of the rescue of British soldiers who were cornered by the Allies during World War II. This film offers cinematography that will indulge its viewers, especially those who enjoy war films.

9. 1917 (2019)

Poster 1917 (credit: imdb.com)

1917 is the best war film directed by Sam Mendes, released on December 4, 2019. This film tells the story of two British soldiers named Blake, played by Dean Charles Chapman, and Schofield, played by George Mackey, on a special mission.

They both must warn the British troops of a German attack plan. 1917 is one of the best war film recommendations of all time that you shouldn't miss.

10. MIDWAY (2019)

Poster MIDWAY (credit: imdb.com)

If you like war movie recommendations with real stories, then the movie MIDWAY is Adapted from the next true story. The movie MIDWAY directed by Ronald Emmerich was released on November 8, 2019. And it is one of the best war movie recommendations of all time that you shouldn't miss.

This film tells the story of a major naval battle in the Pacific War during World War II. The movie MIDWAY falls into the action, drama, and history genres, which can be a recommendation for you to watch at home.

11. DA 5 BLOODS (2020)

Poster DA 5 BLOODS (credit: imdb.com)

The next recommended war film is DA 5 BLOODS, which is also the latest Netflix film directed by Spike Lee. The film DA 5 BLOODS was released on June 12, 2020, and is still relatively new. The film, starring Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, and Clarke Peters, tells the story of 4 Vietnam War veteran grandfathers who return to their home country. There, they search for their commander's body and the treasure they once hid in the forest.

12. GREYHOUND (2020)

Poster GREYHOUND (credit: imdb.com)

And the latest recommendation for the best war film of all time is a film titled GREYHOUND. GREYHOUND is the best war film in the action, drama, and history genres, starring veteran actor Tom Hanks. It is a highly recommended war film that you shouldn't miss.

Adapted from the best-selling novel by C.S Forester, this film tells the story of an American naval commander tasked with escorting a small warship named GREYHOUND. The commander, Ernest Krause, is then attacked by a powerful German submarine named U-Boat.

13. COME AND SEE (1985)

Poster COME AND SEE (credit: imdb.com)

If you are looking for a chilling and terrifying World War 2 film recommendation, please watch COME AND SEE. Based on a personal experience, this film takes place in Belarus in 1943. You will witness the story of Nazi cruelty during their invasion.

In general, this film focuses on a 14-year-old Belarusian child. His cheerful personality disappears when he is forced to witness the brutality of the Nazi invasion.

14. A HIDDEN LIFE (2019)

Poster A HIDDEN LIFE (credit: imdb.com)

A HIDDEN LIFE is also an interesting recommendation for World War II movies. This film tells the story of a man named Franz who refuses to fight alongside the Nazis. His refusal is met with torture and cruelty. Franz is known to have had a happy family before World War II. He wonders why there has to be war and the killing of innocent people.

15. FROM UP ON POPPY HILL (2011)

Poster FROM UP ON POPPY HILL (credit: imdb.com)

Next, there is a recommendation for a World War II film that is equally interesting. This film is presented in the form of anime and is set in the city of Yokohama in 1963. In general, the film titled FROM UP ON POPPY HILL tells the story of high school students who are intoxicated with love.

The story begins with a group of Yokohama students who struggle to save the school clubhouse so that it can remain standing during the preparations for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. While there, Umi and Shun develop an interest in each other. Gradually, love grows between them. However, challenges suddenly arise. Nevertheless, they continue to face these problems.

Now, they themselves are the first generation of Japan that has just finished World War II. This generation strives to obtain a more decent future so that they are not traumatized by the past.

16. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)

Poster SCHINDLER'S LIST (credit: imdb.com)

SCHINDLER'S LIST can be considered as one of Steven Spielberg's best works. Interestingly, this World War 2 war film recommendation is based on the story of Oskar Schindler. The character of Oskar is played by Liam Neeson. In essence, this film tells the story of a greedy businessman who tries to exploit Jewish labor with low wages.

However, he changes his mind after witnessing the brutality of the Holocaust. Of course, he does not continue his plan to exploit the workers. Instead, he bribes the Nazi officials to keep his employees away from the genocide. It is estimated that Oskar managed to save 1,100 people. Interested in watching it?

17. THE THIN RED LINE (1998)

Poster THE THIN RED LINE (credit: imdb.com)

Selanjutnya, ada rekomendasi film perang dunia 2 berjudul THE THIN RED LINE. Film ini menarik karena diadaptasi dari novel otobiografi James Jones yang dirilis pada 1962. Konflik dalam film ini berlatar Kampanye Guadalkanal, yang berlangsung pada Agustus 1942 hingga Februari 1943.

Film ini menampilkan perang antara Sekutu dengan Kekaisaran Jepang, yang berjalan dengan sengit di Pulau Guadalkanal. Tujuan atau misi dari perang tersebut adalah untuk merebut kembali Pulau Guadalkanal dari Jepang.

Misi ini memiliki banyak arti bagi masing-masing tentara. Ada yang membuat misi sebagai cara untuk mendapatkan promosi jabatan, aktualisasi diri, cinta pada negeri atau hanya untuk dapat kembali pada orang yang disayangi di rumah.

18. DAS BOOT (1981)

Poster DAS BOOT (credit: imdb.com)

There are still more interesting World War II war film recommendations to watch. The story in the film titled DAS BOOT focuses on the crew of the German U-Boat involved in the Battle of the Atlantic. The Battle of the Atlantic itself was the longest military campaign in World War II. The battle began in 1939 and ended after Germany's defeat in 1945.

The soldiers receive a war correspondent who is very ambitious despite not having enough experience in the field of war. His name is Leutnant Werner. His goal is to obtain material for articles and real war experiences. He quickly becomes close with the crew. So, what happens next? Just watch it yourself, KLovers!

19. 12 STRONG (2018)

Poster 12 STRONG (credit: imdb.com)

The movie 12 STRONG became one of the popular films in 2018 and is the recommended next war film. The film, based on Doug Stanton's non-fiction book Horse Soldiers, tells the story of the US Army Special Forces sent to Afghanistan shortly after the September 11 attacks.

The film 12 STRONG features various tensions in a war film as well as sadness and hope. In fact, the film 12 STRONG also successfully portrays a war film that not only focuses on the war, but also the struggles of the cast members in carrying out their national duties, consisting of 12 tough soldiers.

20. STALINGRAD (2013)

Poster STALINGRAD (credit: imdb.com)

The film titled STALINGRAD is also included in one of the next war film recommendations. Yes, this film, released in 2013, can definitely be one of the war films with a romantic atmosphere that accompanies you on the weekend.

This film STALINGRAD tells the story of a group of Russian soldiers fighting to defend an important building from German enemy attacks. Shortly after, they meet two women who have not had the chance to evacuate and a love story unfolds.

This war film not only provides tension, but also a very touching romantic story. It makes this film so dramatic and included in the next war film recommendations.

21. WHERE HANDS TOUCH (2018)

Poster WHERE HANDS TOUCH (credit: imdb.com)

Then there is the film WHERE HANDS TOUCH which is one of the recommended war films. This romantic drama film lasts for 118 minutes and is set during World War II in Berlin. Unlike other films, this film focuses more on the romance story wrapped in the tension of war.

Yes, this film focuses on the forbidden love story between Leyna, an Afro-German girl, and Lutz, Hitler's Youth son of a high-ranking official. This film will give you a romantic love story and the cruelty of wartime. And it is one of the recommended war films with a touch of romance that you shouldn't miss.

22. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (1997)

Poster LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (credit: imdb.com)

Film LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL tells the story of a father's struggle to protect his child. Guido Orefice is a young man who has successfully built his new life in the city of Arezzo, Italy. In the midst of the turmoil during World War II, Guido and Dora are forced to live in fear.

The climax occurs in 1944 when Nazi soldiers occupying Italy begin cleansing the Jewish people. Guido, his son Giosue, and his uncle Elisio are even taken to a concentration camp.

This film about family struggle and heartwarming story will make you feel deeply moved, KLovers. And the film LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL is one of the recommended war films that you shouldn't miss.

23. DOWNFALL (2004)

Poster DOWNFALL (credit: imdb.com)

Film DOWNFALL is also included in one of the recommended war films that you shouldn't miss. The film DOWNFALL itself tells the story of the Battle of Berlin in World War II. This film portrays the last 10 days of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's life.

The story is told by his personal secretary, Traudl Junge. This German and Russian language film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2005 Oscars. It is also included in the list of recommended war films that you shouldn't miss.

24. DARKEST HOUR (2018)

Poster DARKEST HOUR (credit: imdb.com)

The film DARKEST HOUR is also included in the list of other recommended war films. This film tells the story of Winston Churchill against the backdrop of the United Kingdom's war in 1940. Winston Churchill, who was the Prime Minister of England, was faced with difficult choices at that time.

He had to choose whether to make peace with Germany, led by Adolf Hitler at the time, or continue the war. Tension and politics fill this film. Overall, the film DARKEST HOUR has an exciting storyline that you shouldn't miss.

25. FURY (2014)

Poster FURY (credit: imdb.com)

And recommendation of war films, the latest is a film titled FURY in 2014. This film tells the story of an American soldier played by Brad Pitt. He is on the battlefield during World War II to fight against Germany.

This American soldier has an M4A3E8 Sherman tank named 'Fury'. In a mission, the tank is severely damaged but still operational. However, conflicts arise when there is a debate about whether the troops will abandon Fury or not.

26. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998)

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is the best recommended war film that should not be missed. This film, released on July 24, 1998, tells the story of a special military team. The team's mission is to save Ryan (Matt Damon) from the German attack, who is the main enemy of the United States.

This film, directed by Steven Spielberg, can be guaranteed in terms of quality as it received an Oscar nomination in the best category, carrying the drama and war genre.

27. JOJO RABBIT (2019)

Next, there is a recommendation for the best war film titled JOJO RABBIT. If you like a touch of comedy, this film is interesting to follow.

In general, this film tells the story of Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) who has a fascination with the Nazi regime. He even has an imaginary friend in the form of Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi). Problems arise when his mother hides a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic.

28. TOLKIEN (2019)

TOLKIEN is also one of the best and interesting war films. This film depicts the biography of J.R.R. Tolkien played by Nicholas Hoult.

In general, this film tells the story of a orphan boy named Tolkien. He searches for friends, companionship, love, and inspiration to write. However, he is forced to join the military which leads him to be involved in World War I.

29. THE KILL TEAM (2019)

If you are looking for a recommendation for the best and exciting war film, THE KILL TEAM is the one. This tension-filled film tells the story of a young soldier named Andrew Briggman (Nat Wolff) who experiences a moral crisis during the conflict in Afghanistan. The Kill Team itself is an adaptation of a documentary film with the same title.

30. THE BATTLE OF JANGSARI (2019)

THE BATTLE OF JANGSARI is the best war film recommendation from South Korea that is interesting to follow. Directed by Kwak Kyung Taek and Kim Tae Hoon, this film tells the story of a group of students trapped in the cruelty of the Korean War.

Interestingly, this story is based on the true story of 772 student soldiers who participated in the Battle of Incheon.

(kpl/gen/dhm)