The Best Movies About Historical Battles

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Updated March 14, 2024 81.1K views
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Over 1.7K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies About Historical Battles

Some ancient battles are ones for the history books - and the historical films. The best historical war battle movies make the horrors and triumphs of war more immediate by spotlighting individual characters fighting for their lives. This is a list of the top movies about epic historical wars coming out of Hollywood including everything from Braveheart to The Bridge on the River Kwai to 300.

What films will you find on this list of the best period movies about historical battles? In Saving Private Ryan, the Invasion of Normandy comes to breathtaking life. Tom Hanks leads an all-star cast - including Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Vin Diesel and more - in this Steven Spielberg-directed hit. World War II is a popular choice for filmmakers: Pearl Harbor also focuses on this conflict, and The Longest Day follows a group of soldiers during the time leading up to D-Day. Other good movies featured here include Ben Hur, Kingdom of Heaven, and Letters from Iwo Jima.

This list is far more than just the top ten historical war movies. Vote up your favorites and vote down any that you never want to watch again. When you're done, be sure to check out our best WW1 movies list.

 

  • Gettysburg
    1

    Gettysburg

    Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Stephen Lang
    159 votes
    At the heart of Gettysburg, a historical war drama, lies the infamous Civil War battle. The film puts General Robert E. Lee (Martin Sheen) under the spotlight, as he leads his Confederate army into Pennsylvania. Among the Union's defenders is Colonel Joshua Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), a man of great courage and resolve. The movie, laden with authentic period detail, won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Drama Miniseries. A depiction of American history, Gettysburg unravels the complexities of war, leadership and destiny.
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  • The Longest Day
    2

    The Longest Day

    John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Henry Fonda
    283 votes
    The Longest Day, an iconic film of 1962, is a war epic that takes viewers into the heart of D-Day. The movie, directed by Ken Annakin and Andrew Marton, showcases the events of June 6, 1944, through a tapestry of perspectives. Notable characters include Brigadier General Norman Cota (Robert Mitchum), Major John Howard (Richard Burton), and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (Werner Hinz). This film won two Academy Awards, featuring a sprawling ensemble cast renowned for their performances. The Longest Day is an accurate yet compelling cinematic rendering of World War II's most significant day.
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  • A Bridge Too Far
    3

    A Bridge Too Far

    Dirk Bogarde, James Caan, Michael Caine
    186 votes
    In the epic war film A Bridge Too Far, Operation Market Garden, an ambitious World War II military strategy, is meticulously brought to life. Led by Lieutenant General Browning (Dirk Bogarde), the plan aims to seize a series of bridges in the Netherlands to outflank German defenses. Colonel Frost (Anthony Hopkins) and Major Cook (Robert Redford) play key roles in this daring mission. However, as the title suggests, their reach may have exceeded their grasp. Directed by Richard Attenborough, this star-studded spectacle won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor and showcases both strategic brilliance and human folly in equal measure.
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  • Saving Private Ryan
    4

    Saving Private Ryan

    Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore
    419 votes
    Saving Private Ryan, a war film directed by Steven Spielberg, is a harrowing depiction of World War II. Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks), a hardened yet compassionate soldier, leads a group of eight men from the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the United States Army through enemy lines. Their mission? Find and safely return paratrooper Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three brothers have been killed in combat. Set against the backdrop of the brutal Normandy invasion, this gripping tale won five Academy Awards, including Best Director for Spielberg. It explores themes of sacrifice and duty, leaving its mark as an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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  • Letters from Iwo Jima
    5

    Letters from Iwo Jima

    Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara
    277 votes
    Letters from Iwo Jima, a war drama directed by Clint Eastwood, peers into the battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective. The narrative pivots around the experiences of General Tadamichi Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe) and Saigo (Kazunari Ninomiya), a low-ranking soldier. Their lives intertwine in the heat of conflict, offering an intimate glimpse into wartime struggles. The film's stark portrayal of human resilience against overwhelming odds garnered it an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing in 2007. Eastwood's directorial prowess, combined with the poignant performances of Watanabe and Ninomiya, make Letters from Iwo Jima a compelling cinematic experience.
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  • All Quiet on the Western Front
    6

    All Quiet on the Western Front

    Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray
    225 votes
    The film follows a group of German schoolboys, talked into enlisting at the beginning of World War I by their jingoistic teacher. The story is told entirely through the experiences of the young German recruits and highlights the tragedy of war through the eyes of individuals.
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  • Tora! Tora! Tora!
    7

    Tora! Tora! Tora!

    Martin Balsam, Sô Yamamura, Joseph Cotten
    50 votes
    This dramatic retelling of the Pearl Harbor attack details everything in the days that led up to that tragic moment in American history. As United States and Japanese relations strain over the U.S. embargo of raw materials, Air Staff Officer Minoru Genda (Tatsuya Mihashi) plans the preemptive strike against the United States. Although American intelligence agencies intercept Japanese communications hinting at the attack, they are unwilling to believe such a strike could ever occur on U.S. soil.
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  • Zulu
    8

    Zulu

    Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson
    67 votes
    In 1879, the Zulu nation hands colonial British forces a resounding defeat in battle. A nearby regiment of the British Army takes over a station run by a missionary (Jack Hawkins) and his daughter (Ulla Jacobsson) as a supply depot and hospital under the command of Lieutenant John Chard (Stanley Baker) and his subordinate Gonville Bromhead (Michael Caine). Unable to abandon their wounded soldiers even in dire circumstances, the regiment defend their station against the Zulu warriors.
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  • Gallipoli
    9

    Gallipoli

    Mark Lee, Mel Gibson, Bill Kerr
    178 votes
    Archy (Mark Lee) and Frank (Mel Gibson) are two young Australian sprinters who want to join the army to fulfill their sense of duty. Turned down because they are too young, the pair hop a freight train to Perth, where they are allowed to join up. They board a troop ship headed to Cairo and, after training in the shadows of the Great Pyramids, the boys are finally sent to the front line, where their speed makes them candidates for messengers in one of the war's bloodiest battles.
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  • Zulu Dawn
    10

    Zulu Dawn

    Peter O'Toole, Burt Lancaster, John Mills
    117 votes
    Sir Henry Bartle Frere's (John Mills) vastly outnumbered garrison makes a stand against natives at Isandhlwana in 1879.
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  • Flags of Our Fathers
    11

    Flags of Our Fathers

    Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach
    32 votes
    In Flags of Our Fathers, director Clint Eastwood delves into the gritty realities of war. The film, based on a true story, follows the lives of six soldiers - John Doc Bradley (Ryan Phillippe), Rene Gagnon (Jesse Bradford), and Ira Hayes (Adam Beach) among them - thrust into fame as the men who raised the flag on Iwo Jima, a potent symbol of victory during World War II. However, their experiences on the battlefield tell a different tale. This historical drama explores themes of heroism and the harsh truths behind glorified images of war.
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  • The Bridge on the River Kwai
    12

    The Bridge on the River Kwai

    William Holden, Alec Guinness, Sessue Hayakawa
    233 votes
    Set against the backdrop of World War II, The Bridge on the River Kwai is an epic war film. It narrates the tale of British POWs, commanded by Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness), who are forced by their Japanese captors to construct a strategic railway bridge. Under extreme conditions, they must grapple with questions of duty and honor. The film's climax unfolds around an American commando mission led by Major Shears (William Holden) to destroy the bridge. Noteworthy for its memorable performances and gripping narrative, the film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
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  • Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
    13

    Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

    Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Billy Boyd
    68 votes
    An epic maritime adventure unfolds in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. The film features Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) at the helm, steering his ship, HMS Surprise, through treacherous seas during the Napoleonic wars. The determined Dr. Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) serves as ship's surgeon, a contrasting character to the fiery captain. Together, they face French warship Acheron in a high-stakes naval chase across two oceans. Directed by Peter Weir, this historical drama won two Academy Awards for Cinematography and Sound Editing.
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  • Glory
    14

    Glory

    Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman
    293 votes
    Glory is a historical war drama that delves into the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the Union Army's first African-American regiment in the American Civil War. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), who leads this group of soldiers in their fight against prejudice and for freedom. Private Trip (Denzel Washington) and Sergeant Major John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) play pivotal roles in this struggle. The movie, known for its stark portrayal of war and racial tensions, won three Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington.
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  • Platoon
    15

    Platoon

    Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen
    46 votes
    In the gritty war drama Platoon, we follow Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), an American soldier thrust into the horrors of the Vietnam War. As he navigates this brutal landscape, Chris finds himself torn between two sergeants: the morally corrupt Barnes (Tom Berenger) and the righteous Elias (Willem Dafoe). Directed by Oliver Stone, this film offers an unflinching portrayal of warfare's dehumanizing effects. The movie was lauded for its realism and earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It stands as a chilling testament to the savagery of conflict and the toll it takes on those who endure it.
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  • 1917
    16

    1917

    George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong
    46 votes
    In the heart-pounding war film 1917, two young British soldiers, Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), embark on a seemingly impossible mission during World War I. Tasked with delivering a message deep in enemy territory, they must traverse treacherous landscapes and evade deadly traps to prevent their comrades, including Blake's brother, from walking into a fatal ambush. Directed by Sam Mendes, this thrilling epic won multiple awards including three Oscars for its technical prowess. A blend of drama, action and history, 1917 offers a gripping depiction of courage and determination amidst the horrors of war.
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  • Gladiator
    17

    Gladiator

    Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen
    364 votes
    In the spellbinding epic Gladiator, Russell Crowe embodies Maximus, a Roman general betrayed and reduced to slavery. Joaquin Phoenix plays Commodus, the treacherous emperor who orchestrates Maximus's downfall. Ridley Scott's masterful direction brings ancient Rome to life in this historical drama that brims with breathtaking battle sequences and political intrigue. The movie, a critical darling, won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. Gladiator is an intense journey of vengeance and redemption set against a backdrop of imperial decadence.
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  • The Last of the Mohicans
    18

    The Last of the Mohicans

    Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, Russell Means
    48 votes
    In the stirring historical drama, The Last of the Mohicans, protagonist Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) navigates the perilous landscape of 1757 colonial America. Amidst the chaos of the French and Indian War, he embarks on a mission to rescue two daughters of a British colonel. The film intricately weaves an entrancing tale of love, honor, and survival against a backdrop of all-consuming war. Directed by Michael Mann, it received an Academy Award for Best Sound. Its poignant narrative and striking cinematography make it a cinematic masterpiece that immerses viewers in a tumultuous era long past.
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  • Spartacus
    19

    Spartacus

    Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons
    191 votes
    Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), a Thracian slave, leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman Republic. His rebellion, fuelled by the brutalities he and his fellow slaves suffer, sets in motion one of history's most legendary uprisings. The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is an epic historical drama that showcases the struggle for freedom against tyranny. Spartacus's love interest, Varinia (Jean Simmons), adds a touching human element to the tale. The movie won four Academy Awards and is renowned for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances.
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  • Hacksaw Ridge
    20

    Hacksaw Ridge

    Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey
    53 votes
    The true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), who won the Congressional Medal of Honor despite refusing to bear arms during WWII on religious grounds. Doss was drafted and ostracized by fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance but went on to earn respect and adoration for his bravery, selflessness and compassion after he risked his life -- without firing a shot -- to save 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa.
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  • The Siege of Jadotville
    21

    The Siege of Jadotville

    Jamie Dornan, Mark Strong, Jason O'Mara
    69 votes
    An Irish commander and his battalion of 150 men withstand a siege by 3,000 Congolese troops led by French and Belgian mercenaries working for mining corporations.
  • 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
    22

    13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

    James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini
    40 votes
    13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, directed by Michael Bay and released in 2016, dramatizes the real-life events of the 2012 Benghazi attack on a US diplomatic compound in Libya. The film focuses on a small team of CIA contractors - former military personnel who take it upon themselves to mount a desperate defense when militants assault the compound. With intense action sequences, the narrative explores themes of bravery, duty, and the chaotic nature of modern warfare. The cast includes James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, and Max Martini, who shoulder their roles with a gritty realism that underscores the harrowing ordeal faced by those involved during the siege.
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  • Hamburger Hill
    23

    Hamburger Hill

    Anthony Barrile, Michael Boatman, Don Cheadle
    36 votes
    Over the course of 10 days in May 1969, an infantry squad led by Lt. Frantz (Dylan McDermott) and composed of both seasoned troops and new recruits, attempts to take a hill during the Vietnam War. In between attacks, the squad members deal with the other psychological stresses of the war, including the effect on morale of the antiwar movement back home and flashes of racial hostility between white and African-American soldiers, all mediated by the cool-headed medic, Doc (Courtney B. Vance).
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  • Heartbreak Ridge
    24

    Heartbreak Ridge

    Clint Eastwood, Marsha Mason, Everett McGill
    47 votes
    Marine Sgt. Thomas Highway (Clint Eastwood) is a decorated veteran of two wars. On his last posting before retirement, he is surrounded by officers with no combat experience who view him as an odd, even dangerous, holdover. Highway is assigned to train a group of undisciplined recruits including Cpl. Stitch Jones (Mario Van Peebles), a slick hustler who has previously encountered Highway. As the old soldier prepares his men for a war they don't believe will come, the U.S. invades Grenada.
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  • The Dirty Dozen
    25

    The Dirty Dozen

    Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson
    42 votes
    In the heart of World War II, Major Reisman (Lee Marvin) is tasked with an impossible mission in The Dirty Dozen. His orders: to mould twelve hardened criminals into a cohesive fighting unit. The eclectic crew, notable for characters like arrogant Robert Jefferson (Jim Brown) and psychopathic Archer Maggott (Telly Savalas), must infiltrate an enemy chateau to assassinate high-ranking Nazi officials. A gripping blend of war film and suspense thriller, this 1967 classic earned four Academy Award nominations. As the tension mounts, it's clear - success isn't guaranteed, and survival hangs by a thread.
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  • Braveheart
    26

    Braveheart

    Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan
    334 votes
    Braveheart is a historical war drama directed by Mel Gibson, who also stars as the film's protagonist, William Wallace. Set in late 13th century Scotland, the narrative follows Wallace's life from his childhood to his role in leading the Scottish against their English oppressors. The movie features an ensemble cast with notable performances from Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle and Patrick McGoohan as King Edward I. Braveheart won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, distinguishing itself for its epic battle scenes and compelling storytelling.
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  • Kingdom of Heaven
    27

    Kingdom of Heaven

    Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Jeremy Irons
    249 votes
    In Kingdom of Heaven, Balian (Orlando Bloom), a blacksmith turned knight, embarks on a journey to Jerusalem during the 12th century Crusades. Upon arrival, he finds himself in the midst of political intrigue and war. King Baldwin (Edward Norton) is trying to maintain peace, while Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas) pushes for conflict with Saladin (Ghassan Massoud). Director Ridley Scott's historical drama is an epic tale of courage and redemption set against the backdrop of religious strife. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Sound Mixing.
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  • Apocalypse Now
    28

    Apocalypse Now

    Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall
    203 votes
    Apocalypse Now, a war drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, plunges its audience into the heart of darkness that is the Vietnam War. Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) receives an unorthodox mission to eliminate Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a decorated officer who has allegedly gone rogue deep in the Cambodian jungle. Accompanied by a small crew aboard a patrol boat, Willard's journey evolves into an introspective odyssey filled with surreal encounters and moral ambiguity. The film garnered eight Academy Award nominations for its striking portrayal of war's madness, further solidifying Coppola's place among cinema's greats.
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  • The Alamo
    29

    The Alamo

    Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Patric
    48 votes
    In 1836 Gen. Sam Houston (Dennis Quaid) organizes a rebel army to liberate Texas from the brutal rule of Mexican dictator General Santa Anna (Emilio Echevarría). Though vastly outnumbered, Gen. Houston's volunteer army includes such folkloric figures as Jim Bowie (Jason Patric) and Davy Crockett (Billy Bob Thornton). As Santa Anna's forces advance on San Antonio, the legendary general and his men prepare for a final heroic standoff at a battle-worn mission called the Alamo.
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  • The Patriot
    30

    The Patriot

    Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson
    245 votes
    In the historical drama The Patriot, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a peaceful farmer in South Carolina, is thrust into the chaos of the American Revolutionary War after his family suffers a devastating loss. Driven by revenge and love for his remaining children, he forms a militia and engages the British army's brutal Colonel Tavington (Jason Isaacs). This film, directed by Roland Emmerich, weaves together moments of stark violence with nuanced family dynamics, offering an intense depiction of one man's struggle during a pivotal time in history. The Patriot earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
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