Some people just dig war movies while others find them either too gory or very depressing. Either way, if you are just interested to know which war movies created such a huge impact in the blockbuster, here is a list that you should dig:
10. The Imitation Game
Total Gross: $90,944,741
This historical thriller released in 2014 is loosely based on the biography of British cryptanalyst named Alan Turing, who solved the Enigma code during World War II. He was later prosecuted for being a homosexual. The film was directed by Morten Tyldum. Graham Moore did the screenplay. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, among others.
9. Zero Dark Thirty
Total Gross: $90,944,741
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this war film is an action thriller that dramatizes the 10-year hunt for terrorist Osama Bin Laden, which later led into a war. The film stars Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Jennifer Ehle, and Joel Edgerton, among others. This is second war film of Kathryn Bigelow, the first one being critically acclaimed The Hurt Locker.
8. Schindler’s List
Total Gross: $96,065,768
Steven Spielberg directed and co-produced this American war drama based on Thomas Keneally’s novel, Schildler’s Ark. It features the life of German businessman Oskar Schindler who saved thousands of Polish-Jewish refugees during World War II. It stars Liam Neeson in the lead role with Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley and Amon Goeth in the support roles.
7. Black Hawk Down
Total Gross: $108,638,745
Adapted from the book of the same title written by Mark Bowden, Ridley Scott created this American-British war film. It focused on the raid of Mogadishu that happened 1993. The raid was carried out in the intention of capturing faction leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The film stars Josh Hartnett, Eric Bana, and Ewan McGregor, among others.
6. Unbroken
Total Gross: $115,637,895
This biographical war drama directed and produced by actress Angelina Jolie is based on the non-fiction book written by Laura Hillenbrand. The film revolved around the life of athlete and USA Olympian Louis Zamperini who was sent to World War II. He survived a bombing and hid in a raft for 47 days, only to be captured and taken into different prisoner of war camps. The film stars Jack O’Connell and Domhnall Gleeson.
5. Inglourious Basterds
Total Gross: $120,540,719
Of the war films listed here, this must be the lightest one to watch. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film is a war black comedy film starring Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent and Christoph Waltz. It tells about the story of the two plots formulated to assassinate the head of the Nazi government. This film is well-acclaimed by critics.
4. Lone Survivor
Total Gross: $125,095,601
This 2013 warm film is based on the non-fiction book of the same title written by Patrick Robinson and Marcus Luttrell. The film dramatizes the failed Operation Red Wings, which is a US Navy SEALs counter insurgent mission, tasked to track down and kill Ahman Shah, the leader of the Taliban. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Taylor Kitsch.
3. Pearl Harbor
Total Gross: $198,542,554
Pearl Harbor is a 2001 war film with strong action and romance elements. Directed by Michael Bay, it casts Ben Affleck, John Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale. The film is a dramatic retelling of the Japanese attack on Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor. The film was a well accepted by critics, as shown in its performance in the Academy awards.
2. Saving Private Ryan
Total Gross: $216,540,909
This war film is another war film directed by Steven Spielberg. Written by Robert Rodat, it is a notable, graphic, and realistic portrayal of war. It stars Tom Hanks as US Army Ranger Captain John H. Miller, who is out on a mission to rescue Private First Class James Francis Ryan, who turn is played by Matt Damon. This film also performed well in the Oscars.
1. American Sniper
Total Gross: $347,211,277
As the top war movie of all time, American Sniper is a story about the deadliest marksman in the history of the US military. The movie is a memoir for US Navy SEAL Christ Kyle. The film was written by Jason Hall and stars Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller. Clint Eastwood directs. This is the highest-grossing American war film to date, with a lot of citizens paying homage to the greatest military man that ever saved the nation.
Amber is passionate about health and lifestyle and loves to write and share her knowledge. Amber has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and she loves to travel, read and watch movies.
