5 Must-Watch War Movies and Miniseries on Netflix

July 23, 2024 01:00 AM

Netflix boasts an extensive library spanning various genres, from dramas and comedies to riveting war movies and miniseries. Their collection is particularly rich in World War II content, so much so that it could almost warrant its own dedicated service.

These films and series cover diverse time periods, countries, and perspectives. Below, we've curated a selection of noteworthy war movies and series currently available for streaming on Netflix:

1. Born on the Fourth of July Directed by Oliver Stone, a Vietnam veteran himself, this film solidified Tom Cruise's status as a leading actor and earned him an Oscar nomination. Cruise portrays Ron Kovic, a U.S. Marine from Long Island who enlists during the Vietnam War. Severely wounded and paralyzed, Kovic returns home to grapple with his injuries and haunted memories of war. His journey towards becoming a peace activist, culminating in a speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, is based on Kovic's own memoir, offering a poignant portrayal of war's enduring impact.

2. The Woman King Starring Viola Davis as Nanisca, the leader of Dahomey's Agojie, an elite female military unit in 1820s Africa, this film explores their battles with neighboring kingdoms and their role in the European slave trade. Despite Nanisca's reputation as a fierce warrior, she advocates for a shift towards peaceful pursuits like palm oil production. The film also delves into the training of new recruits, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women soldiers in combat roles.

3. Band of Brothers Regarded as one of the greatest WWII projects ever, this miniseries originally aired on HBO and follows Easy Company, 101st Airborne paratroopers, from their training camp through pivotal battles like D-Day and the conclusion of the European theater. Adapted from Stephen Ambrose's book and produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the series is acclaimed for its authenticity, stellar production values, and compelling portrayal of camaraderie amidst wartime challenges.

4. All Quiet on the Western Front Based on Erich Maria Remarque's novel and set during World War I, this German-language epic portrays a group of idealistic German teenagers swept up in the fervor of war. As they confront the brutal realities of trench warfare, the film poignantly illustrates the disillusionment and trauma experienced by soldiers on the front lines. Its unflinching portrayal serves as a powerful anti-war statement, emphasizing the tragic futility of conflict.

5. Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story This documentary explores the life and contributions of Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-born actress who fled the Nazis to Hollywood in 1937. During WWII, she leveraged her fame to support the war effort, co-inventing frequency hopping technology with composer George Antheil. Although initially overlooked, their invention later laid the groundwork for modern technologies like Wifi and GPS. The documentary sheds light on Lamarr's remarkable intellect and her significant, albeit underrecognized, impact during WWII and beyond.

These selections not only entertain but also provide profound insights into the human experiences of war, showcasing courage, resilience, and the enduring quest for peace amid tumultuous times.