10 Greatest War Movie Masterpieces of the Last 100 Years, Ranked

War is one of humanity's greatest flaws, and because of that, it is subject to many films, a lot of which are masterpieces. That is why this list will rank the ten best war movie masterpieces of the past one hundred based on story, acting, directing, influence, critical acclaim, how well it depicts the subject, originality, and overall quality.

10 ‘Dunkirk’ (2017)

Christopher Nolan is one of the best modern directors, and one of his most recent films went down in history as an instant classic. Dunkirk is a non-linear account of the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of France. It offers a look at three perspectives: the land, the sea, and the sky.

Dunkirk may not be Nolan’s most notable modern film, but it is still a masterpiece that defines the war genre. The split narrative is fascinating and covers a lot of bases, promoting the ticking clock and tension through characters' arcs. It is suspenseful, anxiety-inducing, and a testament to the real-life miracle.

9 ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ (1957)

This list will feature a mix of modern and classic films, and the first classic featured is The Bridge on the River Kwai. British prisoners are forced to build a railway bridge as it follows the soldiers and their commander, who is determined to build the perfect bridge, forgetting it aids the enemy.

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a psychological epic that highlights the absurdity of the military code and blind loyalty. The bridge itself is a tragic symbol of misplaced excellence, and an excellent theme for the film. This is a must-watch classic that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

8 ‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

This list features a handful of defining war movies, but perhaps the most notable is Saving Private Ryan. When three brothers die, the rangers are sent behind enemy lines to retrieve the last surviving brother to make sure the family line doesn’t die out.

Saving Private Ryan is the definitive World War Two movie, mainly for its disturbingly accurate depiction of D-Day and the Normandy landings. This realistic portrayal and the movie's visceral nature highlight the tragedy and horror of the war. Saving Private Ryan is a historic movie that will go down in history as one of the best.

7 ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

The Vietnam War is a common subject in film, and Apocalypse Now is perhaps the best example. When a rogue colonel declares himself the god of a local tribe, Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) is sent to terminate him, travelling through the rivers and jungles of Cambodia and Vietnam.

Francis Ford Coppola is an iconic director for a reason, and Apocalypse Now proves that. It is a psychedelic fever dream that captures the madness and chaos of the Vietnam War. The expressionism and chaotic nature provide a messy, yet clear picture that is visually overwhelming and narratively stimulating.

6 ‘Casablanca’ (1942)

War movies usually pair with other genres, but they're rarely romances. Casablanca is set in French Morocco at a nightclub, where its owner, Rick (Humphrey Bogart), must choose between the woman he loves and her husband, a resistance leader who leads the fight against the Nazis.

Casablanca is mostly remembered as a romance, but it is also a war masterpiece and a political awakening. Released while the Second World War was raging on, it is an essential piece of history. Casablanca depicts a transformative character arc that double acts as a fight against fascism, making it a classic and innovative war movie.

5 ‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

Steven Spielberg is another legendary director, so much so that he has two movies on this list, including Schindler’s List. Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), it follows the German businessman as he risks his life and business to employ 1,100 Jewish workers by employing them.

Using a stark black-and-white style, Schindler’s List feels like a documentary but has the narrative weight of an Oscar winner. It is a masterpiece of empathy that follows a beautiful character arc, depicting the few bright moments during a dark time rather than the horror of war, making it unique and timeless.

4 ‘Come and See’ (1985)

While most war films are Hollywood productions, war is universal, and there are phenomenal movies from every country, including Russia. Come and See is a terrifying Soviet film about a young boy in Belarus who eagerly joins the front line only to slowly realize the atrocities of the war.

Come and See is regarded as the most harrowing war film ever because of its visceral and surreal depiction of the Nazi invasion of Belarus. Rejecting the glory of war, it is a strong anti-war film that shows the loss of innocence in the blink of an eye. Come and See isn’t just a movie; it is an atrocity that fans experience, and the final scene will stick with fans forever.

3 ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)

Some of the best war movies are based on true stories, including Lawrence of Arabia, which follows T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole). The British officer is sent to unite tribes, but goes off on his own to lead the battle as he travels across the desert.

Lawrence of Arabia is unlike any other movie on this list, depicting a grand journey that is technically impressive. The use of color, the framing of shots, and the use of the screen create an immersive landscape that puts viewers into the thick of it. Lawrence of Arabia is an epic masterpiece that, while long, has only aged for the better.

2 ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)

All of the movies on this list have been live-action, but animation is also a creative medium with some amazing war stories, such as Grave of the Fireflies. Following the events of Hiroshima, two siblings wander the wasteland that was their former home, struggling to survive starvation and societal collapse.

Whoever says anime is a kids' medium has never watched Grave of the Fireflies, as it is one of the most gut-wrenching and tragic films ever. The story of the children is depressing, bleak, and hopeless, based on what the original author wished happened, hoping he also died instead of living with guilt. It is a masterful and essential anti-war movie and one of the best anime films that fans need to watch once, but won’t be able to stomach a second time.

1 ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (1930)

War movies span back centuries, but the oldest on this list, and the best of the last century, is All Quiet on the Western Front. Based on the novel of the same name, it follows Paul Bäumer (Lew Ayres), a German soldier who wants to serve the Fatherland, only to come face to face with the evil and horror they spread.

As the oldest film on this list, All Quiet on the Western Front holds a historic legacy that can’t be matched by other stories. It focuses on the dehumanization of young soldiers who realize their enemy is just like them. It is a tragic reminder that the generation that fights is the generation lost, creating a masterful war film that has gone down in history.