War is hell, and it's been portrayed on the big screen for decades. From telling real-life events to centering on some of history's most iconic generals and tacticians, there's no shortage of films centering on war.
Here are my personal top ten war films, worst2first...
**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**
#10
Hacksaw Ridge
Following the journey of Desmond Doss, the first conscientious observer to receive the Medal of Honor during World War II, "Hacksaw Ridge" is an unrelenting look at a particular skirmish between American and Japanese forces. Played by Andrew Garfield (who received an Oscar nomination for his performance), the film at first focuses on Doss's life and then throws us - and him - into the throngs of war where we get to witness a true inspiration of a man who rescued soldiers without carrying a gun.
#9
Black Hawk Down
Centering on the Battle of Mogadishu - where the U.S. military entered Somalia to capture faction leader Mohamed Aidid - "Black Hawk Down" is a thrilling war epic directed by Ridley Scott with amazing action and tense moments, featuring a stellar standout cast including Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Hugh Dancy, Tom Hardy, Orlando Bloom, Sam Shepard, Eric Bana, William Fichtner and Jeremy Piven.
#8
Platoon
The first film to be written and directed by a Vietnam War veteran, Oliver Stone's "Platoon" is a deeply personal film because it chronicles his own experience as a soldier. Winning the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director, the film is filled with unflinching war violence and standout performances by Willem Dafoe and Charlie Sheen.
#7
Patton
Consisting of one of film's most iconic scenes (General Patton in front of a huge American flag), "Patton" focuses on the life of General George S. Patton, who was one of America's most powerful generals during World War II. Performed by the great George C. Scott (who earned an Oscar for his performance), the film is filled with tense moments and powerful dramatic performances, as the film earned seven Academy Awards.
#6
The Deer Hunter
Telling the story of three American soldiers (Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage) and how their lives were changed forever after fighting in Vietnam, "The Deer Hunter" is equal parts drama and action, highly controversial (especially the Russian roulette scene), and extremely memorable. Walken won an Academy Award for his performance, and this is the first time Meryl Streep received a nomination herself - not to mention the film itself winning Best Picture and Best Director.
#5
Glory
Telling the forgotten story of an entirely African-American military unit during the Civil War, "Glory" is highly dramatic and powerful, showcasing the unsung heroes who were lost to history. Featuring a strong cast including Denzel Washington (in his first Oscar-winning role), Morgan Freeman, Matthew Broderick and Cary Elwes, "Glory" is an important and powerful film.
#4
Full Metal Jacket
Directed by the great Stanley Kubrick, "Full Metal Jacket" tells the story of a platoon of Marines in training before being deployed to Vietnam and fighting in the Tet Offensive. The film is iconic and has several memorable lines, with a once-in-a-lifetime performance by the recently deceased R. Lee Ermey, who was also a real-life Marine drill instructor.
#3
Apocalypse Now
Directed, produced, and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola, "Apocalypse Now" centers on Michael Sheen's Captain Benjamin Willard, who was sent to the Vietnam War on a secret mission to assassinate renegade Army officer Colonel Kurtz. Plagued with behind-the-scenes issues, the film still managed to stand out and became one of the best films ever produced, with an iconic soundtrack, vivid cinematography, and amazing performances by Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall and Dennis Hopper.
#2
Braveheart
Telling the story of William Wallace - the 13th Century Scottish warrior who led the Scots to freedom - "Braveheart" is still heralded as a piece of cinematic genius. Winning five Academy Awards (including Best Picture and Best Director for Mel Gibson), the film is an epic tale of redemption, revenge, and a fight for freedom that includes several iconic moments still remembered today.
#1
Saving Private Ryan
Featuring one of the most talked about moments in modern film history, Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" is an unflinching look at World War II, and a band of soldiers (led by Tom Hanks) who go in search of a missing paratrooper behind enemy lines. The opening scene - the storming of Omaha Beach - is twenty-seven minutes of pure hell, and the film is only intensified by that moment as we follow the soldiers' trials and tribulations. Winning Spielberg his second Best Director Oscar, the film features a stellar cast including Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Vin Diesel, and Matt Damon as the titular character.
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