Shubhabrata Dutta
War is a vast genre in movies that covers various sub-genres, including romance, spy, action, and thriller. However, what makes war movies so appealing is the backdrop of a war that shows humanity at its worst while the plot addresses the good that still exists. Amidst all the tragedy we are subjected to, there lingers hope, which is what we cling to with all our might. And the more tightly we cling to it, the more influential the movie is. We can say that war movies are like life itself; we search for the positive among the negative. Hulu has a compelling collection of war movies that will change your perspective on life.
8. Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
Starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman, ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ is set during the Bosnian War (April 1992-December 1995). It follows US Navy Lieutenant Chris Burnett, whose plane is shot down by Serbian soldiers, and he has to fend for himself in enemy territory. Meanwhile, back at the base, his commanding officer, Leslie Reigart, wonders how to get Burnett out of there without compromising peace talks. ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ is a commendable attempt by debutant director John Moore, which is underscored by strong performances by Wilson and Hackman. You can watch the film here.
7. Pearl Harbor (2001)
Michael Bay’s war drama stars Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale. With a fictionalized depiction of the attack of the Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor (Honolulu, Hawaii) in December 1941 (World War II) as the backdrop, the film explores a love triangle between best friends Rafe (Affleck) and Danny (Hartnett), both of whom are pilots, and Evelyn (Beckinsale), a nurse.
The presumed death of Rafe on the battlefield brings his lover Evelyn close to Danny, who offers comfort. As love blooms, Rafe returns, and hatred takes shape, threatening to destroy his friendship with Danny and affection for Evelyn. The question is: can they afford personal issues when the country’s freedom is at stake? A must-watch for war fanatics, ‘Pearl Harbor’ is a quintessential war movie presented in Bay’s signature style and can be streamed here.
6. The Monuments Men (2014)
George Clooney’s ‘The Monuments Men’ masterfully crafts moral dilemmas of protecting art while people’s suffering escalates with each passing moment during World War II. The film is based on Robert M. Edsel and Bret Witter’s non-fiction book ‘The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History.’
The Nazis not only plunder millions of lives but also steal incredible pieces of art and hide them away. In 1943, when the Allies were successfully driving away the Axis powers, a team of art scholars, historians, and experts formed a unit to retrieve as many of the stolen masterpieces as possible. The film focuses on this mission, which becomes even more urgent when the team learns about Hitler’s “Nero Decree,” which is a nod to the destruction of the artworks if the Third Reich falls. ‘The Monuments Men’ effectively depicts the high-risk task of saving art in the middle of war-torn Europe. You can watch the film here.
5. Burial (2022)
This underrated war thriller is set in West Poland after the Fall of Berlin. It follows a group of Russian soldiers who have been tasked with taking Adolf Hitler’s remains to Moscow, where Joseph Stalin awaits. However, their journey is slowed down by their personal scruples, the Polish resistance and Nazi “werewolf” soldiers. Whether they manage to reach Moscow is what we find out in this ghoulish drama. Directed by Ben Parker, the ‘Burial’ cast includes Charlotte Vega, Tom Felton, Barry Ward, Dan Renton Skinner, and Harriet Walter. You can watch the film here.
4. The East (2021)
‘The East’ is a Dutch movie directed by Jim Taihuttu that is set against the backdrop of the Indonesian War of Independence (1945-1949) and deals with the immortal dilemma that has been addressed by many other movies, i.e., the conflict between duty and conscience. 20-year-old Dutch soldier Johan de Vries arrives with his squad to Indonesia, where they have to suppress a rebellion. But when they become a target, de Vries faces an overwhelming moral dilemma. The movie’s cast includes Martijn Lakemeier as soldier Johan de Vries, Marwan Kenzari, Pras Teguh, Jim Deddes, Denise Aznam, Joenoes Polnaija, and Jonas Smulders. You can check out the film here.
3. Medieval (2022)
Turning the wheel of time backward even further, we arrive in the 14th century and meet Jan Zizka, a Bohemian military commander who existed for real. Directed by Petr Jákl, it shows how Zizka became the commander he is today known as and what he had to endure to achieve this feat. This includes getting involved in dangerous politics, facing conflict, and showing courage in the face of fear. The movie’s cast includes Ben Foster as Jan Zizka, Michael Caine, Matthew Goode, Sophie Lowe, Til Schweiger, William Moseley, and Roland Møller. You can watch ‘Medieval’ here.
2. 3 Days in Malay (2023)
Directed by Louis Mandylor, ‘3 Days in Malay’ is inspired by events during the Guadalcanal Campaign (World War II). It shows how a group of U.S. Marines stationed at a Malay airfield took on an onslaught by Japanese forces, leading to a 3-day battle. With reinforcements unapproved, the odds are overwhelming, and the Marines give it their all to protect the innocents at the base. Evocative and compelling, ‘3 Days in Malay’ stars Mandylor, Donald Cerrone, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Kelly Lynn Reiter, Peter Dobson, and Kelly B. Jones. You can watch the film here.
1. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
The third installment of the Planet of the Apes reboot franchise, ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ serves as the sequel to ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ (2014) and is directed by Matt Reeves. Set two years after the events of ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,’ this film shows enhanced ape Caesar (voiced by Andy Serkis) taking up arms against the ruthless Colonel J. Wesley McCullough (Woody Harrelson) and his Alpha-Omega paramilitary faction after they kill Caesar’s eldest son Blue Eyes (voiced by Max Lloyd-Jones) and wife Cornelia (voiced by Judy Greer). Caesar has been trying to show his stand for peace, but unfortunately, his enemies aren’t willing to cooperate. He thus lets his feeling of vengeance take over and decides to take revenge for the death of his loved ones and all those he has lost. You can watch the film here.
Read More: Best War Movies on HBO Max
