8 best war movies to watch on Netflix

Netflix has some of the greatest war movies of all time for the perfect long weekend watch. As July 4 comes upon us, it is a time to reflect on the stories of war and sacrifice, including some of the great movies that have explored various conflicts throughout history.

Netflix continues to be the most popular streamer with a wide selection of movies, including some key war movies coming in July. Some of these movies deal with true stories of the war, while others explore the war through fictional accounts. With actors like Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, and Matthew McConaughey, as well as directors like Oliver Stone and Spike Lee, these are the perfect war movies to watch on Netflix this weekend.

Born on the Fourth of July

After Oliver Stone created one of the most acclaimed Vietnam War movies of all time with Platoon, he returned to this point in history to tell a much different story. Born on the Fourth of July stars Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic, a young man who seeks glory in the war only to become paralyzed, disillusioned, and one of the prominent anti-war activists of the era.

Cruise delivers one of his best performances, following Kovic’s intense and harrowing journey. It is a difficult and emotional movie to experience, yet it explores an essential conversation about the war and how soldiers can be reshaped by their experiences.

U-571

While U-571’s depiction of real World War II events is filled with historical inaccuracies, it still makes for a captivating and tense war thriller. Matthew McConaughey stars in the movie as a young second-in-command on a US submarine tasked with intercepting a damaged German U-boat carrying a decoder machine. However, when the Americans’ ship is destroyed, they are forced to survive aboard the German vessel.

Submarine movies are always effective at conveying the claustrophobic intensity of being in such a vessel. It is a riveting ride filled with terrific scenes of suspense that make for an underrated war movie from the 2000s.

Hacksaw Ridge

There are a number of war movies that explore real-life heroes of past wars, but Hacksaw Ridge deals with an unexpected type of hero. Andrew Garfield stars in the World War II drama as Desmond Doss, a military medic who fought for his right not to carry a weapon into battle yet still managed to save dozens of his comrades' lives.

Director Mel Gibson crafts a touching examination of a compassionate and brave soldier while also delivering a brutal war movie. Garfield delivers a powerful performance that carries the movie, while the battle sequences almost make it feel like a horror movie at times.

1917

Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes created one of the most unique and acclaimed modern war movies with 1917. The movie follows two young British soldiers during World War I who are tasked with traveling to the front lines to warn the army that they are about to charge into a trap.

While the premise might sound rather simple, it is shot as if it is one continuous take, taking the audience along on this perilous journey. It is a powerful and intense experience unlike any other war movie. George McKay makes for a terrific lead, while more established actors like Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, and Benedict Cumberbatch make cameos that shape the story.

Atonement

While war is not central to Atonement as some of these other movies, it still uses World War II to devastating effect in this romantic period piece. The movie stars Keira Knightley as a wealthy young woman who falls in love with a working-class man, played by James McAvoy. However, when a lie splits them apart, they go on their separate and tragic journeys during World War II, hoping to unite.

Atonement is an epic romance that is sweeping and heartbreaking all at once. Knightley and McAvoy are excellent, as is young Saoirse Ronan in her breakout role. One highlight of the movie is another impressive one-take shot that follows McAvoy around the chaos of Dunkirk.

All Quiet on the Western Front

While there are not many World War I movies told from the perspective of the German army, the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front uses this perspective to powerful effect. The movie follows young soldiers as they join the army with ideas of fighting for their country, only for those heroic notions to be undone by the realities of war.

It is a strong depiction of the disconnect between those who are fighting and dying on the frontlines and those who are sending them to their deaths from the comfort of their offices. It makes for an effective anti-war movie that shows how useless the conflict can really be.

Nuremberg

While Nuremberg actually takes place after the war, it is a thrilling look at the aftermath of the atrocities of World War II and the fight to hold those responsible on the world stage. The movie explores the interesting dynamic between the imprisoned Nazi official Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) and a young psychiatrist (Rami Malek) sent to evaluate him before the Nuremberg trials.

The movie is partially a gripping courtroom drama, but it functions even better as a battle of wits between these two men. It is also a glimpse into how the world dealt with the revelations of the war and coming to terms with how this evil could exist.

Da 5 Bloods

While there are many movies that tell worthwhile and important stories about war, there are also certain groups of soldiers that get overlooked by Hollywood and history. Oscar-winner Spike Lee examined the role Black soldiers played in the Vietnam War in his wild, funny, and haunting movie Da 5 Bloods.

The movie follows a group of Vietnam vets who reunite decades later to find the remains of their former commander as well as the gold they left behind. The movie balances its different genres effectively while also featuring standout performances from Delroy Lindo and Chadwick Boseman in one of his final performances.

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