Depending on where one watches a war film, 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 like Virunga focuses 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 like The Darkest Hour have brought some memories of an era where its generation has largely died out, preserving an important part of history and heroism, albeit in a fictionalized manner. Netflix is 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.

26 Virunga (2014)

Virunga is 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, Virunga also has a lot of subtexts of political commentary and economic interference presented with a landscape of natural beauty that offers the viewer a glimpse into Africa’s beauty and 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.

25 The Silent War (2019)

The Silent War is a Spanish movie that’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 War offers 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.

24 Blood & Gold (2023)

Read Our ReviewWith WWII coming to an end and defeat seeming inevitable for the Nazis, Blood & Gold follows 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 & Gold provides 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 & Gold should be at the top of your viewing list.

23 Narvik (2022)

Narvik tells the daunting story of a Norwegian town of the same name, which suddenly becomes the center of attention in 1940 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 in order 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 in Narvik makes 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.

22 The Forgotten Battle (2020)

Another war movie set during WWII, The Forgotten Battle focuses 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 Battle authentically 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 Battle features some well-staged action sequences paired with the vast landscape of the Dutch countryside, transporting the viewer straight into the heart of the battle.

21 Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge is another classic on the list, which is certainly worth a watch. The film is based on Terry Benedict’s 2004 documentary The Conscientious Objector and 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 Ridge has violence on the peripherals but propagates a non-violent stance through its narrative vessel in Doss. Apart from winning multiple Academy Awards, Hacksaw Ridge is a watershed moment in Gibson’s directorial career as it solidifies his ability to extract performances that are conducive to the narrative and not just violence alone.

20 Triple Frontier (2019)

In Triple 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 Frontier captures 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.

19 Unbroken (2014)

Directed by Angelina Jolie and written by the Coen brothers, Unbroken follows 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, Unbroken shines 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.

18 Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom (2015)

Winter on Fire revolves 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 Fire is 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 Fire is a difficult yet moving documentary to watch.

17 The Imitation Game (2014)

A great film about the less famous nuances of WWII, The Imitation Game saw 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 to the 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.

16 The Shadow in My Eye (2021)

The Shadow in My Eye is probably one of the most traumatizing war films in recent times, putting forth its point by casting war’s shadow on helpless children. The plot follows an accidental bombing of a school at the hands of the British Royal Air Force, killing more than 80 children. While it was the intention to hit the headquarters of the Gestapo in Copenhagen, the British made one of the biggest and most horrible mistakes in history.

The Horrifying Consequences of War

Ole Bornedal’s tragic yet haunting portrayal of war features great visuals along with heartfelt performances, creating a film that’s moving and disturbing in equal measure. The narrative pace of the film might be a tad bit slow for some but it’s nothing the performances and ethos can’t salvage. Some stories need time to really sink in, and this is definitely one of them. If you’re a fan of Come and See, and The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, be sure to check this out.

15 Darkest Hour (2017)

Darkest Hour is a biographical war film that showcases the very best of Gary Oldman's outstanding talent as an actor. It features Oldman as Winston Churchill, depicting key events such as his refusal to sign a peace treaty with Nazi Germany and the 1940 war cabinet crisis. It was nominated for a string of awards, including six Oscars, with Oldman winning the award for Best Actor that year.

A Showstopping Performance

A brilliant rendition, Oldman's portrayal brought the iconic Prime Minister to life in a hauntingly vivid portrayal of him that even won him praise from Churchill's grandson. The film itself was an interrogation of the convoluted nature of politics during that era of history and showcased in amazing style why Gary Oldman is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of our generation.

14 The Siege of Jadotville (2016)

Among the plethora of films about more famous wars, like the two World Wars or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many lesser-known stories in wartime history often get overlooked. That's what made The Siege of Jadotville such a refreshing movie. Telling the story of a UN Peacekeeping mission in Congo, the film was a brilliant depiction of a vicious battle that became an infamous chapter in the history of conflict in the region.

A Faithful Portrayal of Real Events

Featuring Jamie Dornan in the lead, the film was an Irish-South African production and portrayed the experiences of an Irish unit that became directly involved in the Congolese conflict when they were besieged in a mining town. With tons of harrowing action, grit, and a poignant true story carrying it, this was a great film for war history buffs looking for something a little different from the more commonly depicted battles on film.

13 Operation Mincemeat (2022)

Operation Mincemeat centers on a real-life secret operation, in which the Allied forces use deception to invade Sicily in 1943 and stand strong against Hitler’s troops. The leading party of this deception is the British intelligence, but Ewen Montagu and Charles Cholmondeley are the brains behind the task. The two come up with a plan to dress a dead man’s body as an officer and let him float to the Spanish coast, carrying a letter that states Greece as the target of the invasion, in order to trick the Germans and lead them away from the real location, Sicily.

Well Cast and Expertly Paced

While the gruesome fights right at the front are often at the center of attention, this film takes a closer look at the shocking moves that are made behind the scenes. The tricks and schemes of the British intelligence are astonishing and daunting at the same time, revealing the dark depths of espionage and deception during a war. In addition to an intriguing storyline, Operation Mincemeat shines with dazzling performances by the main cast and even manages to add in some romance.

12 Thank You for Your Service (2017)

Miles Teller has earned himself a stellar reputation as an actor and has come a long way since the days when he used to make goofball teen comedies. Thank You for Your Service was a great example of the kind of depth and range he has as an actor. The film took a hard-hitting look at the suffering vets endure after sacrificing so much to serve their country. When a group of soldiers finally gets to return to their families, the reality of life after war and trauma hits them with full force and the daunting memories threaten to take even more from them than the war already has.

A Brutal Look at PTSD

With its honest portrayals of issues that plague vets, such as PTSD and difficulty adjusting back to normal life after war, it was also a sobering reminder of why service personnel deserve to be respected and assisted as much as possible. With a terrific performance from Teller driving it, the film fearlessly delves into the emotional complexities and psychological trauma experienced by so many vets.

11 Outlaw King (2018)

Scottish history is rich, and Outlaw King gives some insight into Robert the Bruce, King of Scots (Chris Pine). It is considered to be a follow-up to Braveheart, though it may pale in comparison to fans of the 1995 Best Picture-winning classic. Without speaking about how it weighs up against other films, Outlaw King is pretty good in its own right.

A Visually Stunning Exploration of Scottish History

Taking back their homelands, Robert Bruce leaves bloodshed behind wherever he goes to fulfill this quest. It is fast-paced, brutal, and more than sure to satiate the tastes of those even vaguely interested in the genre. To note, it is filled with good performances and direction, so it is much more than just a cheap fix. With its absolutely breathtaking views and incredible costume design, Outlaw King is visually pleasing and simply captivating.

10 Outside the Wire (2021)

Outside the Wire is an action film with science fiction elements that stars Damson Idris and Anthony Mackie in the lead roles. It received mixed reviews from critics, but there is a good story and message in this film if people stick around to allow it to be told. In the 2030s, a drone pilot (Idris) is punished when he makes a polarizing decision. As his punishment, he is given a new task to perform where the same mistakes cannot be made, where he meets and works under Captain Leo (Mackie).

A Story of Partnership in Times of War

The two wonder if they can even trust each other as the events play out and have to try their hardest to keep their partnership strong under great distress. Culturally relevant to the war in Ukraine, it may either be disturbing or tragically cathartic to the viewer, depending on their living situation.

9 War Machine (2017)

Brad Pitt and Anthony Michael Hall headline the 2017 satirical war comedy War Machine, appearing as the charismatic and quirky four-star General Glen McMahon, who is sent to Afghanistan on a mission to command NATO forces and smooth over the strained relations between the warring countries after eight years of continuous conflict. Based on Michael Hastings' non-fiction book The Operators, the film provides a fictionalized version of what happened during the war, with McMahon being based on real-life General Stanley McChrystal.

A More Comedic Take on the Subject

While War Machine as a whole failed to impress the masses, Pitt's lively and delightfully zany performance as the lead hero garnered appreciation from both critics and audiences. He managed to show off his undeniable charm and comedic side in the scathing satire, which still offers insights into the depths of wars.

8 Munich: The Edge of War (2022)

Munich: The Edge of War, based on Robert Harris's bestseller called Munich, dances between enemy lines at the beginning of World War II. The great espionage thriller is a co-production between Great Britain and Germany, and these locations are precisely where the film takes place. It began in 1932 when a group of British friends at Oxford University, who were German, said they needed to visit their friend in his homeland.

Nearly Unbearable Tension

However, this is during the rise of Nazi Germany and Hitler, so the movie transitions to six years later when this does occur in real life. While viewers often know how war films end due to history, Munich: The Edge of War is capable of reversing the slow anticipation for what’s to come, thus creating a movie that truly immerses you in its storylines. The film manages to keep up the intensity of the storyline from the beginning until the very end, and the excellent acting adds to the overall excitement.

7 Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Read Our ReviewDa 5 Bloods sheds light on a squad of Black soldiers during the Vietnam War. When these men were in combat, they hid gold bars they found in a cargo crash. Years later, they return to recover their bounty and find the remains of their leader. What they don't expect is that their plans will cause a catastrophic series of events that they thought they once left behind.

Unsurprisingly Brilliant Work From Spike Lee

This movie was one of the most-watched titles on Netflix to be nominated for an Oscar. Spike Lee returned in 2020 with Da 5 Bloods, which featured an all-star cast consisting of Chadwick Boseman (in his final film appearance before he died in 2020), Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, and many others. Da 5 Bloods renders a story that will certainly leave viewers feeling uncomfortable, tapping into the important topics of racism and exploitation, but this is exactly what makes this movie stand out.