09 Highest-Rated Movies to Watch if You Have Interest In War & History

For cinephiles with a passion for war and history, the silver screen offers a treasure trove of captivating narratives. 

From gritty portrayals of battlefield struggles to nuanced explorations of political machinations, these films transport us to different eras and immerse us in the complexities of human conflict. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be enthralled by these 09 critically acclaimed movies:

1. Schindler’s List (1993):

Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who risked his life to save over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. This harrowing yet essential film is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness. 

2. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957):

This British drama delves into the psychological complexities of war through the story of British prisoners of war forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors in Southeast Asia. Alec Guinness delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a conflicted British officer struggling to maintain his dignity and sanity amidst the horrors of war.

3. Dunkirk (2017):

Christopher Nolan’s masterfully crafted war film recreates the harrowing evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, during World War II. The film’s immersive blend of action, suspense, and human drama makes it a truly visceral experience. 

4. Glory (1989):

This historical drama follows the story of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first all-black regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance as Private Trip, a defiant soldier who challenges racial prejudice and fights for his freedom and that of his brothers-in-arms. 

5. 1917 (2019):

Sam Mendes’s innovative one-shot war film plunges viewers into the heart of the trenches during World War I. Two young British soldiers are tasked with delivering a crucial message that could save hundreds of lives, embarking on a perilous journey against time and through the ravaged landscape of the Western Front. 

6. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003):

Russell Crowe stars as Captain Jack Aubrey, a brilliant and daring Royal Navy officer during the Napoleonic Wars. The film captures the thrilling high seas battles and intricate naval tactics of the era, while also exploring themes of leadership, friendship, and the cost of war.

7. Cold Mountain (2003):

This sweeping historical drama tells the story of a Confederate soldier (Jude Law) who deserts his post to return home to his sweetheart (Nicole Kidman) amidst the chaos of the American Civil War. The film beautifully captures the hardships and heartbreak of war, as well as the enduring power of love and hope.  

8. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006):

Clint Eastwood’s companion piece to his film Flags of Our Fathers tells the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers. The film offers a nuanced and often heartbreaking portrayal of the human cost of war on both sides. 

09. The Wind Rises (2013):

Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece tells the fictional story of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane used by the Japanese during World War II. The film explores themes of ambition, passion, and the devastating consequences of war, all within the stunningly beautiful animation for which Studio Ghibli is renowned.  

These are just a few of the many excellent war and history films out there. So, delve into these critically acclaimed masterpieces and prepare to be moved, challenged, and inspired by the stories they tell.