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Home Just For Fun

Top Ten Tuesday: The Best War Films of All Time

Plus a bonus list: The Best War Films of the 21st Century

Mark Johnson by Mark Johnson
November 12, 2024
in Just For Fun, Top Ten
2
Top Ten Tuesday: The Best War Films of All Time
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Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.

No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?

Belated Veterans Day wishes to all. We deeply appreciate your service, courage, and the sacrifices you’ve made to protect our freedoms.

In honor of those who have served, we’re ranking the greatest war films ever made. War movies often highlight the heroism, camaraderie, and valor of soldiers, while also confronting the personal costs of service. This list is our tribute to those who’ve given so much in defense of our country.

One rule this week: there has to be at least one battle scene, with war being a central plot point. So great movies like Casablanca (1942), Schindler’s List (1993), or The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) – which are war-era or post-war films – would not be eligible for this list. A movie like Lincoln (2012), which includes a few battle-related scenes, is mostly about politics, and therefore not a film I considered for my lists.

Here are the ten best war films of all time:

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10. The Thin Red Line (1998)

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9. Full Metal Jacket (1987)

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8. Paths of Glory (1957)

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7. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

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6. Platoon (1986)

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5. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

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4. The Deer Hunter (1978)

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3. Apocalypse Now (1979)

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2. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

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1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

 

Added Bonus: Here are the ten best war films of the 21st century:

10. Beasts of No Nation (2015)

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

8. Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)

7. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

6. Black Hawk Down (2001)

5. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

4. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

3. Dunkirk (2017)

2. The Hurt Locker (2008)

1. 1917 (2019)

What do you agree/disagree with? What is the best war film of all time? What is the best war film of the 21st century?

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Tags: Top Ten TuesdayWar movies
Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson has been a prominent voice in film coverage and the Oscar race since 2009. He launched his career with his own website, Award Contenders, before joining forces with Clayton Davis at Awards Circuit from 2011 to 2020. After continuing his insightful work at Awards Daily from 2020 to 2024, Mark now contributes to both The Contending and AwardsWatch. A member of the Critics Choice Association, Mark regularly attends major film festivals, including Telluride, Nantucket, and Middleburg, offering in-depth analysis and predictions throughout awards season.

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Comments 2

  1. For UnjustOther says:
    7 months ago

    Thank you for the list AND the bonus list which Includes Letters From Iwo Jima (2006).
    While Lawrence of Arabia (1962) is unbeatable, I have to say the surprising angle (Still can't believe it was made by the same director as Flags of Our Fathers) and emotional impact of of Letters has stayed with me the most. So both all time and 21sh century's choice for me is Letters From Iwo Jima (2006).

    And if you'd permit me, I'd like to add Paisan (1946), Attack And Retreat (1964) and Mr Bondarchuk's War & Peace (1965 – 1967) as honorable mentions.

    • Mark Johnson says:
      7 months ago

      All good choices. I am not familiar with Attack and Retreat. I'll look for it, thanks!

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