9 Best War Movies: Vets Picks
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WAR, WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR...
...For great movies, that's what. Whether you love the old Hollywood propaganda films about killing the Reds and/or Gerry's, or love the cheesy fun of Stripes, one thing that is as constant in this world as war is the inevitablility that LA will churn out some heart pounding war movies every few years. I rarely write anymore about my time in the army, but having just completed Generation Kill, in my opinion one of the best collections of the authenticity of war, or what I went through in Iraq anyway, I present my list. Now I need to tell you that while I love many war movies, I only have room for 9 on this list. These movies best represent what I went through in the army and while in combat. Reminder, Band of Brothers, another favorite of mine, is a series, not a singular movie. So, with that, I call now to order, my top nine war movies.
9. Patton
How can Patton be number nine on my list? Well, I wasn't in World War II. Plus, I wasn't allowed to make my own uniform and walk around slapping my subordinates, though I wanted to. But it has arguably one of the most memorable openings of any movie, any genre and it just a kick ass movie about a great leader who helped put the Germans on their heels and ultimately open doors for us in Africa and Europe. George C. Scott was tremendous and won the best actor Oscar that year while Patton took home best picture. Bonus points for its iconic music which was lifted for the Police Academy movies.
8. Enemy at the Gates
I had the Great Escape on my list, as well as Empire of the Sun, two movies that for me tell tales about survival in different ways. Enemy at the Gates, based on a true story of a Soviet sniper who's heroic feats with his rifle helped an entire nation's hope survive during a time when the fall of Stalingrad meant the fall of their country, is one of those movies that snuck up on you and kept you thinking about one man's difference long after you left the theater. This movie helped propel Jude Law to movie star status and re-affirmed Ed Harris as a Hollywood bad ass. And yes, that's a pre-Hellboy Ron Pearlman with the shiny grill.
7. MASH
You'd be surprised by how many people don't know that the television series was a spin-off of this movie. You'd also be surprised by th enumber of people who wouldn't believe how true to real life MASHactually is. Though set during the Korean War at a mobile hospital camp, the movie and the series was actually a commentary against the Vietnam War. The surgeons, nurses, and staff were a bunch of cut-ups, pun intended, and spent their down time doing whatever they could to de-stress. MASH introduced us to Hawkeye, Trapper, Radar, and Hot Lips and kept America at attention for a decade on television.
6. Glory
Most of my picks on this list have the commen theme of brotherhood. Afterall, one of the first things you learn in the army is that the only people you can count on are the men on your left and right. Glory, another movie based on a true story, is all about brotherhgood. Matthew Broderickas the young Union Colonel who leads the first black regiment during the Civil War, is outstanding tale of courage, loyalty, and facing your fears. The movie doesn't shy away from racism, it embraces it to help mold the characters and give the audience a sense of what each character in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment was going through, black or white. This movie is often overlooked but you'd do well to remember that it won three Oscars, including Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actor for some guy named Denzel Washington. If you've seen Glory you'll never forget the scene that won Denzel the Oscar.
5. The Godfather I & II
What!? Those movies aren't about war. No? Then I direct you to dictionary.com because war is defined as: a conflict carried on by force of arms, as between nations or between parties within a nation; warfare, as by land, sea, or air. Take away the Mob and you still have a movie about family bonds, sacrifice, and plenty of warfare. From the Godfather we learned some very important lessons, like cannolis are more important than guns, keep your friends close but your enemies closer, and most importantly, never go against the family. I like part 2 better than 1, only because it spells some things out, but they are both classic movies in every sense. Oh, by the way, director Francis Ford Coppola knows a thing or two about war; he wrote Patton and did a little film called Apocalyspe Now.
4. Victory
No one would ever pick Victory for a best of war list. Except me. I told you at the beginning my list is comprised of movies that best define my time in the army. For 16 months I served in Iraq, and trust me when I say this, I played plenty of soccer in that country. Victory is set during WWII at an Ally POW camp. Michael Caine leads a bunch of friendlies in a friendly against Za Germans in occupied France. Made up of actual former pro-footballers (soccer players), the team prepares to win the game while planning their eventual escape. Sylvester Stallone starred as Hutch, the goal keeper, between filming Rocky II and III. And soccer legend Pele not only plays a part, but steals the show with his signature bicycle kick.
3. Full Metal Jacket
The movie that made R. Lee Ermey a star. Set during Vietnam, STanley Kubrick takes us on an adventure following the new Marine recruits from Basic Training to the streets of Saigon. Ermey as the foul-mouthed drill instructor, and of course, "Private 'Fuck Up' Pyle," (Law and Order's Vincent D'onofrio) who is teased and teased until he can't take it anymore. The movie is long on leadership, blood, guts, bigotry, and short on patience for the weak. Matthew Modine hitched his star to his role as "Joker" for as long as he could, but the movie ultimately lives on for its graphic violence and telling of one of America's worst wars.
2. We Were Soldiers...
From General Hal Moore and journalist Joe Galloway's book, We Were Soldiers Once...and Young, the movie is yet another told of America's chapter in Vietnam. Mel Gibson, as Moore, leads the 7th Cavalry Regiment, the first version of the Air Cavalry, into the Battle of Ia Drang, while Barry Pepper stars as the young and courageous/naive Galloway. The movie will be remembered for the bitter combat action, topped by the unprecedented danger-close air strike that Moore calls in. But for me it is that much more because of the small-unit leadership and courage the young sergeants and lieutenants display...plus I met Gen Moore and have emails from Mr. Galloway as inspiration.
Of note, I was going to put Good Morning Vietnam on the list, but ran out of room. For everything that movie is in terms of insubordination and shananigans by military personnel from top to bottom, I love it for its realism and heart. But now my number one pic:
1. Saving Private Ryan
Of course he picks that. Yep. Of course I do. From the opening scene to the denouement, Stephen Speilberg had the balls to tell a story about war and inlcuded all the things that nobody wanted to talk about. Bullshit orders. Bullshit mission - a small combat effective group goes blindly after a lone surviving brother whose three other brothers are killed during WWII. Incompetent and scared soldiers. Risking everything for the unknown. I loved it in 1998 and was appalled when Shakespeare in Love took home the Best Picture. However, it wasn't until I served that I was able to fully appreciate the movie, the story, the mission, and the actual acts of my grandfather and the heroes he served with. The direction was brilliant, and there wasn't a bad acting job across the board. Saving Private Ryan defines sacrifice above self and forges the bond of brotherhood like few other movies have. You'll never forget the opening battle and you'll never forget this movie.
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I agree with Rossman that it is tough to leave Mr Roberts off the list. Along with bogey's portrayer in Caine Mutiny they defined the post WWII retro view of war. Also the Hunt for Red October which some universities study in tandem with Moby Dick makes some lists...but overall I would say inclouding Godfather I and II is innovative and probably correct swince in costume, set design and overall "feel" from WWI and II to the fall of Castro's Cuba it gives the audience a slice of life of America in those times. Good job.
As I have said, hundreds of times, there are so many great war movies. I'd love to put The Dirty Dozen on th elist, but again, these are movies that I most closely associate with my time in the army for one reason or another. Kelly's Hereos is terrific, as you know, and it seem slike Donald Sutherland made nothing but good movies during the 60's and 70's. Romel, Bridge on the River Kwai, A Bridge Too Far, U-571, all good movies. But that is my list and I welcome any feedback.
Uncommon Valor? Platoon? You can't pick them all-good article-Your Victory choice is horrible, but i do like that movie. Good Morning Vietnam should be on there as well. Everyone is entitled to their opinion-I'm just glad you didn't put Rambo up there!
Dozens of great war flicks. I like almost all of them save for Tank Girl and In the Army Now. I can't rank them all.
GF I and II, not war movies. Victory is foolish. So, now that we have cleared up 2 spots on the list let's have a conversation. How do you leave out Dr. Strangelove, Schindler's List, Pan's Labrynth and a movie that I can't even bring myself to watch Life Is Beautiful? My fav war movies are of an earlier period, so I think that The Patriot, Last of the Mohicans, or even Braveheart if you go way back should have made the list. The cool thing about this article is that you listed some choices that most everyone will get behind and then some that most everyone will argue with. It got me to write a comment. Awesome article! I enjoyed reading it. Too bad I spank myself with a wire brush at night with the lights off. Does that knowledge make you not take my comments seriously? Or do you secretly like it? Sicko!
300 and Gladiator while not always historically accurate are entertaining. Spartacus is also good if you like the ancient world genre. I am not Spartacus by the way...
Chiseled, great comments. You. Are. A. Freak. But a freak who reads my stuff and posts comments, so I'm happy for that. I don't know how many times I can say this, ther are so many great war movies. my brother just mentioned 300 and Gladiator. You mentioned Braveheart, Life is Beautiful, and Last of the Mohicans. I like them all. But you have to remember I am guaging this article based on how these movies best interpret my time in the army. If I had to break down every movie I could make a case for anyone of them, but this was the list. I hope you keep reading all my stuff and post such spirited comments.
Mash was a movie? Ha, I'm suprised you didnt tell that to me when i looked at you weird and said, "But thats a TV series.." Good picks, some of which i havent seen, maybe ill check em out
I Here the list I would have come up with Stalag 17, Apocalypse now, Deer hunter, great escape, good morning vietnam, three kings, First Blood, Mash , Saving private ryan, platoon and Full metal jacket. I could not narrow it down any more. This is the first topic that has caught my attention. Keep it up.
Ha ha--You did play a lot of soccer over there! I'm assuming the Jessica Lynch movie didn't make the cut because it was made for TV, so I'll let it slide. Other than that, this was good.
We all know except for you that Full Metal Jacket is the best war movie ever made. Full Metal Jacket was the soul reason for many young men to join the Marine Corps. Placing Full Metal Jacket at on this joke of a list is unexceptable.
I'm confused by your comment, John Craft. I'm not sure if you meant it should be number one. I love Full Metal Jacket, but not as much as you. The movie, like Kubrick, fell apart in the later stages. Great opening, great set up. It is a classic for many reasons.
I still like the original All Quiet on the Western Front, Paths of Glory, Red Badge of Courage and Wings. The other movies are also great, but Godfather I & II???? Yes, it took place before, during & after WWII, right up to Cuba 1960, but a war flick?
Life is Beautiful also makes me weep for joy and sadness.
Great choices, great comments with additional flicks! Patton still ranks up there, as well, and that scene when he addresses the troops appologising for slapping the soldier takes place in La Granja, Spain, just outside of Segovia. I visited there shortly after the flick was made. Beautiful place!
Also, in Full Metal jacket, the scene depicted above, why are the Marines marching with both Right Shoulder and Left Shoulder? Seems to me in the Air Force we carried our rifles on our right shoulders, never the left. Anyone know why?
Thanks for the comments, Chef. I feel like re-doing the list, or writing a new one because there really are so many good ones. Thanks for reading.
Great Hub with a variety of different films and 'Saving Private Ryan' deserves No.1 slot. I'm glad that 'Chef Jeff' one mentioned 'Paths of Glory' as it's an incredible movie, especially considering how long ago Kubrick made it.
Glad you liked it. I should do updates to some of these.
Hi gk,
I would love to read Generation Kill.
Can you tell me how to buy it? My e-mail, screenply@yahoo.com
Look forward to hearing from you.
Rgds,
Hi, Generation Kill was written by Evan Wright, not me. Don't know if there is confusion there. His book is found in every major book retailer or go to Amazon. As for my book everything will have to wait. Only on Chapter 10. Thanks for reading the Hub.
Hi, your list reminds me that I still haven't seen "Full Metal Jacket," among others. Now, I plan to make sure I do.
I see that you are writing a book. My fiance' is a veteran of the Viet Nam war and career military and has many fascinating stories to tell. He does not want to write a book but I am considering doing it. Still learning the ropes, though. I want to make sure that I am able to do his memories justice if I do take on the task. I would be interested in hearing about your book writing, the process and your approach. Thanks for an interesting hub.
Panther, thanks for reading and commenting. Gosh, I am soooo not the person to ask for book writing advice. I have spent the last year procrastinating, writing, erasing, procrastinating more, having our first kid, and pretty much doing everything but moving forward with the book. What I can say is, try and get his thoughts or letters or stories in chronological order. If he has friends from his Nam days that he stays in touch with try and get info out of them, especially if they can corroborate or tell their side of stories. And of course the internet is a great tool. Best of luck.
Thank you for the suggestions. He doesn't keep in touch with old friends from the war, but I will ask him if it would be okay to try and find some of them. I had been thinking about that anyway. I bought a voice recorder because sometimes he just starts talking out of the blue. He has to be in the right frame of mind to "reminisce."
I just want to add, for anyone that cares, I LOVE Quentin Tarentino's Inglourious Basterds. I have seen it a dozen times and it gets better every time. On the contrary, O despise this years Best Picture winner, The Hurt Locker. I found it to be inaccurate and a terrible portrayal of US Soldiers. Glad Hollywood recoginez the Iraq War, just not thrilled with how they did it and glorified horrible and ridiculous story.
Loved the movie GLORY.Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington wonderful as always. Three of the best actors in the business, but I HAVE NEVER seen Matthew Laborteaux do any better.His finest.
I was about to write a hub on this and found your hub.AWESOME reviews!
EEEEEEEK! I am so embarrased! My son was talking about the movie GLORY today, and he told me it was Matthew BRODERICK that starred. I knew that. I knew the face, just wrote the wrong last name.Dunno why I typed in the wrong guy.
FACE is RED.
Excellent list and interesting to see one from a veteran's perspective. No surprise Saving Private Ryan is number one, it is mine too but it was good to see Glory on your list. Many, many people have missed that great flick! It would be on more lists like this if they had. Keep up the good work!
cool war movies.
Although Im N0t 100% Certain, ... I do believe that up until now i am the only Woman who has left 0R IS about to leave a comment. I can certainly understand that when faced with the challange to have to "Limit" oneself in ANy WAy (Content Aside) 0R should I say "Context"! ...???
To have to narrow ANy List, Especially about film (s) & the Subject matter of them is N0t in the least bit the Most Innocuous thing to due! Especially since "WAR" Itself is anything but!
Curious though, Why A Movie such as "HURT LOCKER" with the focal point of such a film being SERIOUSLY right about the Immediate times we are living in, as well as your time served (Most Recent) didnt make the list, 0R as how you've done in some cases even give it "HONORABLE"
Mention in your "Critique"! Shall I say a pretty damm good one at that, ... After all it did get me writing you, now didnt it!!!
My dad is the war movie buff in the family - Deer Hunter, Hamburger Hill and Black Hawk Down are some of his favorites. For me, Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most powerful war movies I've seen, despite the fact it's animated. Some of my other picks can be found at http://www.filmcrave.com/list_genre_movie.php?genr
Here are my top 10 favorite war movies-what do ya think:
10- Kellys Heros
9- Platoon
8- Hamburger Hill
7- We Were Soldiers
6- Dirty Dozen
5- Bridge on the River Kwai
4- Big Red One
3- Hurt Locker
2- Saving Private Ryan
1- Apocalypse Now
These were my favorite-as there are many more 2nd best movies, here are a few more:Glory, Deer Hunter,Black Hawk Down,Full Medal Jacket, Scheindlers List, And Hey My FAVORITE War series EVER-Hands Down- Band Of Brothers!!!
Interesting picks @gksquire9 I'm an "Apocalypse Now" guy, a few others are tied for 2nd. Since you added "The Godfather" for cryin out loud, I don't have to feel guilty about opening the hatch and letting "Crimson Tide," "The Hunt for Red October," "Das Boot ((The Boat)" and "Run Silent, Run Deep" flood the rest of the compartments here (yes I'm partial to sub flicks). HBO's "Tuskegee Airmen" make my list as will probably "Red Tails" after I go see it next week. Your "Full Metal Jacket" was great too, as was "Glory." Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna," and "Saving Private Ryan" round out my top-10.
Rossman 3 years ago
Merrill's Marauder's is often overlooked. The battle scenes are realistic and the movie addresses the effect of prolonged combat stress on the individual soldier.
Dog's of War with a young Christopher Walken is fiction but theme and storyline could easily be the cookie cutter model for any third world conflict of today.
You cannot have a list without Bridge Too Far, sorry. The cast is a who's who of 70's Hollywood and the Heroics depicted are real.
Black Hawk Down is not my favorite, but the story is real and the movie is probably a starting point for any post cold-war Hollywood lists.
Kelly's Heroes is total comedy but the leadership failures depicted are real.
Mr. Roberts, 1955 John Ford, is an incredibly acurate portrayl of deployed life. The story and mission is particularly unheroic-99.9% of normal combat duty-with the biggest enemy depicted is the enemy within.
Objective Burma is a WWII propaganda film with Errol Flynn. Flynn provides a very believable portrayl of a capable small unit military leader.
The Best Years of Our Lives touches war from a different angle; the homecoming. The movie provides a realistic snapshot of the challenges of readjustment following WWII or any war for that matter. It also won an Oscar.
Zulu, with a young Michael Caine is required reading for ANY military leader. The story is real and the acting is phenomenal.