If there’s one thing I can’t get enough of, it’s good war films. This can probably be credited to the vast amount of G.I. Joe I watched as a child, or my interest in military history in general. But one thing that’s been worrying me as of late, is the absolute lack of decent military films being produced.
Quantity? No issue there. Just take a peek through Netflix’s “action” category and you’ll find loads of military themed films, both old and new.
The problem? Quality. From my perspective, it appears certain segments of Hollywood no longer care about continuity, story depth, or making money.
There is so much garbage being pushed around on the streaming platforms, I decided I needed to make a list of my favorite war films made in the modern era to share with you all.
Why modern era though? Good question. And the answer is simple: because that’s what I wanted to do.
But really, it’s hard to compare the older films against the enhancements of modern technology, so I felt it’d be a disservice to the classics to sort them in this list.
And here they are:
Top 10 Action War Movies of the Modern Era
10. Tears of the Sun (2003)
Bruce Willis as a Navy Seal team leader? Yeah, count me in. I think this is the perfect film to start my Top 10 list with. Tasked with extracting a US citizen in civil war fueled Nigeria, Willis takes us through the African jungle as his team fights off the rebels that are chasing them. Throw in the fact they decide to also attempt evacuating an entire village, and the ensuing action will keep you pinned to your seat.
9. Jarhead (2005)
Leading in to the start of the Gulf War, this film follows a young Marine sniper (Jake Gyllenhaal) who finds himself in the desert and quickly learns the madness of war. Although this film lacks typical “war action”, I chose this because of its heavy presence of confusion, anticipation, and mental impact modern wars have brought to the military.
8. Flags of our Fathers/Letter From Iwo Jima (2006)
So, I’m kind of cheating here by putting two in the same entry, but they were very unique films. From director/bad-ass Clint Eastwood, these two films are based on perspectives from both sides of the long, intense fighting for the island Iwo Jima during World War II. It’s rare to get an alternate view of the other side in any story, especially in war, and Mr. Eastwood broke the mold by providing viewers with the human and personal aspect of soldiers fighting each other.
7. Lone Survivor (2013)
As it is with most films based on true stories, this action-packed flick deviates from the full story slightly, but it still makes sure to hit you with the heaviest parts. Follow Mark Wahlberg as he takes us through Marcus Luttrell’s unbelievable journey during one of the most intense Special Forces Operations and rescue attempts. You will have a new-found appreciation of Navy SEALS after watching this.
6. Dunkirk (2017)
A portrayal of the disaster-that-almost-was, Christopher Nolan takes a unique twist on traditional war filming in this recent production. The focus on stillness and isolation of entire battalions of soldiers is almost eerie as they await their undetermined fate. And Tom Hardy’s in it, so watch it.
5. Defiance (2008)
Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber…do I really need to say anything else? Well ok, it’s an awesome story of the Bielski brothers, who attempt to save hundreds of fellow Jews in the Eastern Europe forests during WWII. Daniel Craig, Live Schreiber….go.
4. The Patriot (2000)
Mel Gibson as a badass farmer-turned-blood-thirsty-militiaman? Count me in. I know this is a bit different than the rest of the list, but trust me…it belongs. Trying to keep his mysterious past behind him, Benjamin Martin (Gibson) gets pulled into the Revolutionary War after a bad confrontation with the British Army.
3. American Sniper (2014)
Honestly, the top 3 on this list were very hard to rank, but I guess I have my reasons. As one of the most popular was stories in recent years, this film follows the military path of American legend, Chris Kyle. From home to battlefield, then battlefield to home, director Clint Eastwood (no surprise here) shows us the complexity of being an active Navy SEAL sniper, while trying to maintain the role of loving Father and Husband. On personal note, I have never witnessed anything like the silence that fell over the theater as this film ended and attendees walked out of the building.
2. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Covering the disastrous Somalia military operation in 1993, this film brings to light how difficult it can be in the modern theatre of war to successfully accomplish a mission. Throw in one hell of a cast (Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Sam Shepard, Eric freaking Bana!!) and you’re all set for an amazing story of teamwork, heartbreak, and courage.
1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
If you haven’t seen this movie, then I’m not sure what to tell you, other than go set aside three hours and watch it this week. This film basically set the stage for every other mention in this list. When you have a Steven Spielberg as a director, you know there’s going to be magic, but he went 110% with this film. From special effects to authenticity, there isn’t a single dull moment in this drama, starring Tom Hanks himself. Also, this was the first time Matt Damon was lost on a mission and needed saving. Apparently, we never learned our lesson, i.e. The Martian, Interstellar….
Editor’s Note: Brandon and I just talked about our favorite war movies on the latest episode of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast! Check it out here:
Listen to “Ep. 54: War Movies” on Spreaker.Cadbury Pringlebatch is the Lead Motorcycle Guy, Investment Analyst, and Travel Blogger for The SoBros Network, but knows a little bit about everything. Known for frequenting Nashville YMCA steam rooms, he’s a firm believer that winning football is produced by moving the chains, and became a SoBro after mistaking one of our podcasts for an AA meeting. Follow on Twitter: @SoBroCadbury
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