From patriotic films and public service announcements to retellings of historical events, the subject of war in cinema has evolved into a genre of its own and is now an important artistic expression of people and politics. But why are war movies so popular among viewers, filmmakers, and critics alike? It’s not because anyone wants to see the atrocities that wars bring with them but because we want to see the story behind the scenes and be somewhere we haven’t been or learn something that no one should ever have to experience directly in real life.
Most of the time,war moviesgain popularity among fans not just for the heroism or the glorified portrayal of events but for the atmosphere they create. War movies, as grim as they might be, are a way of turning the most horrific acts of human society into a compelling and immersive work of art. It recreates history for future generations and evokes empathy, pushing us to be better as a species. Stories of war make its machinations more humanized for us, bring us closer to things we often distance ourselves from, and give us a different perspective.
This genre of movies has a very special place in filmmaking and finds fans across all categories. So, we did some digging and found these titles that you cannot miss. Here’s a list of the best war movies you can watch onNetflixright now. In this list, there are heroic sacrifices, psychological struggles, political conspiracies,historical events, and more. Whether you are a history buff or just eager to learn about the past, these Netflix war movies are sure to fulfill all your entertainment goals.
Editor’s note: This article was updated January 2025 to include The Six Triple Eight.
‘The Six Triple Eight’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 54% | IMDb: 6.7/10
The Six Triple Eight
Written, directed, and produced byTyler Perry,The Six Triple Eightis a war drama film that reveals the story of an all-Black, all-female World War II battalion, based onKevin M. Hymel’s 2019 article “WAC Corporal Lena Derriecott and the 6888th Central Postal Battalion.” The film focuses on the first and only battalion of women of color who served during WWII, tasked with delivering a massive backlog of undelivered mail while dealing with mass discrimination and the lack of basic amenities in a war-torn Europe.Kerry Washingtonleads the ensemble cast, which includesEbony Obsidian,Milauna Jackson,Kylie Jefferson,Shanice Shantay, and more, withSusan Sarandon,Dean Norris,Sam Waterston, andOprah Winfreyappearing in supporting roles.
The Six Triple Eightwas released in select theaters on August 15, 2025, ahead of a streaming debut on Netflix. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Kerry Washington’s compelling performance as unit leader Major Charity Adams. While the movie’s writing and direction are a bit uneven,The Six Triple Eightis ultimately a necessary and inspiring history lesson brought to life by a superbly talented cast.
Watch on Netflix
‘Uprising’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 82% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Co-written by the geniusPark Chan-wook,Uprisingtells the tale of two former friends whose community split by a terrible war leaves the pair enemies. With one an impressive martial artist and the other the scion of Joseon’s most important military family, their rivalry is one with high stakes. Bursting with impressive action sequences and stunning cinematography,Uprisingis much more than just a war film, with this flick perfectly capturing the tone of its historical setting through a clever script and brilliant set design. Innovative in shooting action and full of heart,Uprisingis one of the best South Korean offerings on Netflix. -Jake Hodges
Rotten Tomatoes: 68% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Land of Bad
This action thriller, co-written and directed byWilliam Eubank, follows a US Army Delta Force team on a rescue mission in the southern Philippines and the drone support offered by Captain Eddie “Reaper” Grimm (Russell Crowe) and Staff Sergeant Nia Branson (Chika Ikogwe). Packed full of one-liners and explosive action,Land of Baddoesn’t sugarcoat what it’s attempting to be. A testosterone-fueled, no-holds-barred war thriller, plenty of the movie’s central stars are given a chance to shine, but it is certainly Crowe who steals the show as the no-nonsense Reaper. For anyone looking for a war movie bursting with thrills ready to take their mind off the real conflict of the world,Land of Badmore than does the job. -Jake Hodges
‘1917’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 8.2/10
Set during World War I,1917is a British war film directed bySam Mendes, who also co-wrote the screenplay withKrysty Wilson-Cairns. The movie follows British soldiers as they risk their lives to deliver an important message to another battalion — with the lives of 1,600 men on the line. The film starsGeorge MacKayandDean-Charles Chapman, withMark Strong,Andrew Scott,Richard Madden,Claire Duburcq,Colin Firth, andBenedict Cumberbatchin supporting roles. When it first hit theaters in 2019,1917became both a massive commercial success and a critical darling. The film went on to receive several accolades as well, earning three Academy Awards out of ten nominations and the Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director. Presenting a moving story of heroism through a thoroughly immersive audio-visual experience,1917is everything you want a war movie to be and then some.
‘Unbroken’ (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Based onLaura Hillenbrand’s 2010 non-fiction bookUnbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption,Unbrokenwas directed byAngelina Joliefrom a script written by theCoen Brothers,Richard LaGravenese, andWilliam Nicholson. The film follows the story of American soldier and Olympian Louis Zamperini (Jack O’Connell), who survives a plane crash during World War II only to then be captured by Japanese forces and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. Besides O’Connell, the movie also starsMiyavi,Domhnall Gleeson,Garrett Hedlund, andFinn Wittrock. WhileUnbrokenhad a mixed reception from critics, the film did quite well at the box office, with a worldwide gross of over $160 million. The movie has been praised for Jolie’s direction and the performances of its ensemble cast, as well as for the gorgeous cinematography courtesy of the iconicRoger Deakins(1917). Sure, the script can be quite predictable, but it’s those performances and visual brilliance that makeUnbrokensuch an engaging watch. In 2018, the film also got a sequel,Unbroken: Path to Redemption.
‘Megan Leavey’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Megan Leavey
In the emotionally charged dramaMegan Leavey,Kate Maraembodies the eponymous marine on a journey of redemption. Mara delivers a heartfelt performance as she forges an unbreakable bond with her combat dog Rex. This inspiring true story, directed byGabriela Cowperthwaite(Blackfish), delves into the connection between a soldier and her loyal companion.
‘Outlaw King’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 63% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Outlaw King
If you need a slice of Scottish history served to you in bloody fashion,Outlaw Kingis a great follow-up toBraveheart. Anyone who sawMel Gibson’s Best Picture-winning epic knows how the rebel leader William Wallace perished during the conflict against the English crown, andOutlaw Kingpicks up with a subsequent rebel movement led by Wallace’s close ally, Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine). Bruce gathers a group of loyal lords, and they gradually take back their homeland castle-by-castle. As you might expect, there’s no shortage of brutal combat. Pine re-teamed with hisHell or High WaterdirectorDavid Mackenziefor this fast-paced historical thriller. —Liam GaughanWatch on Netflix
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.8/10
All Quiet on the Western Front
Edward Bergerdirects the Academy Award-winning epic war dramaAll Quiet on the Western Front, adapted from the timeless novel byErich Maria Remarque.StarringFelix Kammereras a naively idealistic soldier thrown into the explosive final days of World War I,All Quiet on the Western Frontexposes the harsh foundation of battle. Featuring a stellar performance fromFalcon and the Winter Soldier’sDaniel Brühl, as well as a parallel storyline exploring the war-ending armistice negotiations,All Quiet on the Western Frontcleverly veers from the original story in Remarque’s books, allowing for hope alongside the brutal horrors of war.– Yael TygielWatch on Netflix
‘Outside the Wire’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 37% | IMDb: 5.4/10
Outside the Wire
Outside the Wireis a science-fiction military film that seems little more than an action-packed romp, but it has so much more to say. Set in the near future,Damson Idrisplays drone pilot Harp who makes a tactical decision and is subsequently punished for it. For his crimes he’s redeployed and assigned to work with Captain Leo (Anthony Mackie), who is secretly a highly sophisticated android super-soldier. Much of the film rides on Idris and Mackie’s banter and frenemy chemistry. Neither can really trust each other, and it isn’t clear if the audience can either. As most action films of this kind go, there’s a grander conspiracy at play, which is revealed slowly. IfOutside the Wireis guilty of anything, it’s that it thoroughly buries the lede! This film has a very important message to send but doesn’t get to it till well into the third act. It’s highly recommended to stick around because the denouement is rewarding. We do suggest caution as this fictional story is set in Ukraine and can be upsetting given the current war in the country. –Monita MohanWatch on Netflix
‘The King’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Though based on and made as an epic,The Kingis technically a movie about a historical war. The story is based onWilliam Shakespeare’sHenriad. Adapted from three different plays about Henry IV and Henry V, the plot focuses on Henry V, the eldest son of King Henry IV of England. The prince is an emotionally distant and disenchanted individual, who experiences a turnaround of life and character after his father’s death. Henry must navigate his emotions, royal politics, and the adversaries that his father left behind and become the rightful king that his kingdom expects him to be.
The tone ofThe Kingis very classic Shakespearean, as you would imagine. While there’s no constant sword-crossing, there area couple of significant and historical battleswhich are quite brutal and make this movie fit well into the war genre.Watch on Netflix
