The Best 5 War Movies of the Century — So Far

Great military films are not just a creation of the 20th century. There have been some wonderful ones so far in the 21st.

What makes for a great war movie?

I was once at a screening of Saving Private Ryan (1998) at the Pentagon, sitting next to Lewis Millett. Colonel Millett received a Medal of Honor during the Korean War for leading what may have been the last bayonet charge in American military history. During the scenes of the Americans storming Omaha Beach on D-Day, I looked over and Millett was griping the arm of his seat so hard I could see the white of his knuckles.

That is powerful war cinema, when the humanity of the inhumanity of battle is so powerful that it jumps off the screen and wells up in your throat and makes your heart pound. Honestly, that was one of the issues I had with the recent remake of All Quiet on the Western Front (2022). For all the extraordinary cinematography and soaring and memorable musical score, and the many awards the film received—the movie was mostly boring. Great war movies are not boring.

So here is my list of the top movies of modern time that really make the grade as the best new war movies.

#5 Dunkirk (2017)

It is hard to not admire any Christopher Nolan film. What makes this war film particularly remarkable is that there is no actual battle in the movie of the retreat of British forces from France in the opening battles of World War II.

Yet, the story is riveting and unforgettable. Nolan is well known for playing with narrative structure in his films. He does it here with special brilliance. Real war is chaotic and confusing, intermixing boredom and misery with panic, terror, and misery. You watch this film, and you feel like you have been in a real war.

#4 Darkest Hour (2018)

The story of British Minister Winston Churchill’s leadership in the early days of World War II, including the disastrous evacuation from Dunkirk, makes this movie a nice companion for Nolan’s film.

Darkest Hour, however, earns a spot on the list in its own right. War is fought by individuals at the sharp edge of battle, but the role of leaders is equally important. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Churchill is both accurate and incredibly moving. No wonder he won an academy award.

#3 Hurt Locker (2008)

Listing this film reminds that we should all wish Jeremy Renner a complete recovery after his recent terrible accident.

This movie, about an explosive disposal expert, in Iraq showed what an incredible actor he is. This film does an extraordinary job portraying how individuals react to war and how they are able to do what they do and how it affects them. It could have been about any country, any war, anywhere, any time. Really, it’s a gem of a gem.

#2 Fort Bliss (2014)

Here is a sleeper choice that probably would not make most lists. The story of a sergeant and how extended tours in Afghanistan affect her, her family, and her unit.

It is all Michelle Monaghan who delivers an underappreciated performance that is as honest and authentic as anyone wearing a uniform on the silver screen ever.

#1 The Outpost (2020)

Without question the best battle movie of modern times is the recreation of the battle of COP Keating in Afghanistan.

One reason this film is so incredible is because it accurately portrays a real battle that bordered on the too incredible to believe. Every soldier at the outpost should have been slaughtered to a man. That they survived is just too much to believe.

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