10 Best War Movies You Forgot About

War It combines elements of disorder, drama, and valor. This has offered storytellers a boundless source of inspiration. Since the dawn of film, directors have utilized the atrocities and challenges of war to create some of the most impactful and significant cinematic works ever made. The war genre has provided us with undeniable masterpieces. like Apocalypse Now , Saving Private Ryan , and The Red Thin Line These films have left an indelible mark on our shared awareness.

However, alongside each timeless classic, numerous exceptional war films quietly slip into obscurity. These might have been overlooked due to poor timing, insufficient promotion, or perhaps they were masterpieces in languages other than English that failed to gain global recognition.

Regardless of the cause, these 10 excellent war films have slipped through the cracks for many cinema enthusiasts, and it's high time they receive the recognition they truly merit.

'Rescue Dawn' (2006)

In the midst of the Vietnam War, an American-German aviator called Dieter Dengler faces a harrowing ordeal when his aircraft goes down over hostile lands. Captured by the Pathet Lao forces, he ends up at a prisoner-of-war camp where he suffers immense torment along with fellow captives. Under dire circumstances and brutal treatment, this experience stirs within Dengler an unyielding will to survive. He secretly devises a bold plan for freedom, braving dense forests, battling hunger, and dodging recapture as he makes his perilous journey toward safety.

A Tale of Endurance and Remorse

Werner Herzog brings Dengler's true-story experience to the big screen with raw intensity, making his journey of survival one of the most unforgettable stories of war. Unlike traditional war movies that center on battle strategies and grand combat scenes, Rescue Dawn thrives on intimate narratives and displays of human resilience. Herzog’s directing style, celebrated for its realistic approach, merges seamlessly with Christian Bale’s metamorphic portrayal, resulting in a compelling watch.

'Zulu' (1964)

In 1879, during the time of the Anglo-Zulu War, this film dramatizes the Battle of Rorke’s Drift. Here, only about 150 British troops face off against a massive onslaught of 4,000 Zulu fighters. With mounting anxiety among the defenders and anticipation building up before the inevitable clash, viewers witness an intense battle lasting several hours—a confrontation pitting steadfast discipline against raw power.

Display of Power and Brilliance

Zulu is an expansive historical saga featuring grandiose battle sequences. It portrays the draining social dynamics, highlighting the mental and bodily strain endured by all parties involved. Rather than just glorifying British heroism , it respects the tactical brilliance of the Zulu warriors as well. Despite its age, every scene hums with intensity. Plus, Stanley Baker and Michael Caine deliver thrilling performances.

'Soldier of Orange' (1977)

Playing out like an intriguing political thriller, this war film follows a group of Dutch students who find their lives altered by the horrors of war as the Nazis tighten their grip on the Netherlands. What begins as a youthful protest suddenly becomes a story about survival and sacrifice, with friendships being tested by ideologies. Some join the resistance, others side with the enemy, and a few remain neutral.

A War Movie with a Spy Thriller Twist

Paul Verhoeven directs this gripping tale with meticulous attention to historical accuracy, propelling viewers through the rapidly changing landscape of wartime. Featuring intense spy scenarios alongside intimate portrayals of internal struggles, the film masterfully weaves these elements together from the perspective of everyday individuals. Character arcs such as Rutger Hauer’s portrayal of Erik Lanshof add significant depth to this overlooked gem of cinema. Soldier of Orange .

'The Unknown Soldier' (2017)

The Unknown Soldier The story unfolds from the viewpoint of an imaginary Finnish Army machine gun unit stationed at the Karelian front during their involvement in the Continuation War against the Soviet Union. As these soldiers advance through icy woodlands and battle-scorched battlegrounds, internal moral conflicts gradually erode their humaneness due to the harsh truths of warfare.

Hidden Treasure Grounded in Humaneness

This overlooked and neglected Finnish indie war film stands out for its impressive visuals and epic battle scenes. Instead of centering on one hero’s journey, it intertwines multiple stories from various characters within its ensemble cast. It portrays war not as a victory, but as a struggle for survival. The Unknown Soldier not only became the costliest war film produced up until then with a price tag of €7 million, but it also also turned into the most successful The Finnish film of the year earned a domestic box office of €13.5 million.

'The Odd Angry Shot' (1979)

Choosing to avoid traditional battle stories, The Odd Angry Shot presents an authentic depiction of Australian troops deployed in Vietnam, focusing not on epic combat scenes, but on the mundane routine of life at base camp when they're not engaged in battles. Here, they pass time playing cards, tending to their injuries, drinking beer, and exchanging jokes with their American counterparts. Despite enduring sweltering conditions, periods of idleness, and sporadic turmoil, camaraderie emerges as their most potent defense.

A Harsh Glance at Warfare

Directed by Graema Clifford, The Odd Angry Shot sets itself apart through its subtle style, which captures two kinds of scenes—one marked by laughter and drinks, the other by surprise attacks and sorrow. Instead of portraying Vietnam as a tactical game of strategy, it shows it as a location where soldiers endured long waits, engaged in combat, suffered losses, and for many, never fully came back home mentally. View it for its gritty realism, along with the compelling performances by Graham Kennedy and John Hargreaves, and the gentle humor woven throughout.

"The Siege of Firebase Gloria" (1989)

The Attack on Firebase Gloria Follows a Marine platoon commanded by Sgt. Maj. Bill Hafner during the intense Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War. Trapped in a tiny fortress under relentless assault from an overwhelming enemy force, these troops fight for survival with all their strength and military expertise at hand.

Depicts the Terrors of Warfare

Long neglected yet delightfully direct The film features R. Lee Ermey in the leading role alongside Wings Hauser and Nick Nicholson in supporting parts. Despite the fact that both the performances and combat scenes lack authenticity, rather than delving into the wider political aspects of warfare, the movie places its characters in an environment where survival seems improbable. The intense and nail-biting narrative makes this one of the most gripping Vietnam War films from its time period.

'Guy Ritchie's The Covenant' (2023)

Alternatively recognized for helming high-octane, rapid-fire action suspense movies like Snatch , The Man from U.N.C.L.E. , and the live-action Aladdin , Guy Ritchie demonstrates a bit more control in Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant , a film centered around Sergeant John Kinley forming an unexpected partnership with Ahmed, a local translator, amidst the Afghanistan conflict. After being gravely wounded in an attack, Ahmed bravely puts himself at risk to carry both Sergeant Kinley and the U.S. soldiers through dangerous territory to reach safety.

Blends Gritty Realism with Stylish Action

Ritchie’s distinctive touch is what makes the film stand out in the war genre. It shines the spotlight on those caught in the crossfire, like civilians and interpreters, who end up becoming unsung heroes. Within a larger conflict, this deeply personal story emphasizes trust over command. Anchored by a talented ensemble cast, including the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal , Dar Salim, and Antony Starr, The Covenant Is a war movie deserving of another watch?

'Bullet in the Head' (1990)

John Woo penned, helmed, and generated this war drama. The story revolves around three Hong Kong buddies—Ben, Frank, and Paul—who venture into Vietnam with dreams of capitalizing on the conflict. However, they find themselves ensnared in a maelstrom of violence, treachery, and fierce battles. Eventually, they are seized by the Viet Cong and subjected to indescribable torments, culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion.

A Heartfelt War Movie

Woo’s Bullet in the Head This is an epic movie that combines intense warfare scenes with a deep, character-focused storyline. The powerful acting by Tony Leung, Jacky Cheung, and Simon Yam enhances the film, highlighting how their characters' bond disintegrates due to greed and traumatic experiences. Although the movie might be less recognized compared to John Woo’s other renowned action films, its flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes speaks volumes about its quality. Bullet in the Head nearly achieves masterful status."

'Jarhead' (2005)

In 1989, Anthony Swafford enlisted in the Marine Corps hoping to discover direction for his life, yet he soon found himself deployed during the Gulf War. Positioned amidst the expansive deserts, he along with his comrades experienced an overwhelming monotony, growing irritation, and deep-seated anxiety. The true strain lay not within combat encounters, but rather in anticipation. Time dragged on endlessly without any battles or triumphs—just the relentless scorch of the desert sun enveloping them all.

A Tale of Conflict Unbound From Battle

With Jarhead , Director Sam Mendes subverts expectations By creating a war movie without actual battle sequences, the story focuses inwardly; characters wrestle with mental turmoil far earlier than engaging in physical conflict. Enhanced by the remarkably captivating acting from Jake Gyllenhaal portraying Swofford, alongside strong support from actors like Jamie Foxx, Peter Sarsgaard, Lucas Black, and Chris Cooper, coupled with the evocative cinematography by Roger Deakins, this film stands out subtly yet powerfully.

'9th Company' (2005)

Inspired by actual incidents that took place at Hill 3234 during early 1988, 9th Company Follows several Soviet conscripts caught in Afghanistan's harsh landscape during the concluding phase of the Soviet-Afghan War. While enduring rigorous training and constantly facing the danger of enemy attacks, these soldiers must grapple with the grim realities of warfare. Consequently, their initial innocence and self-assuredness transforms into a more somber reality.

Depicts the Soviet-Afghan Conflict

Fyodor Bondarchuk creates a compelling portrayal where youthful ideals collide with harsh realities. The characters undergo profound changes marked by tragedy, and these elements are depicted with unvarnished grace in the movie. Additionally, the film features highly engaging combat scenes as the troops confront an unavoidable final confrontation, intensifying the tension and making each casualty deeply felt. In Russia, 9th Company gained widespread recognition, yet on an international scale, it remains a lesser-known treasure.