“All Quiet on the Western Front” is Netflix’s best war movie, followed closely by “The Six Triple Eight” and “Da 5 Bloods.”
If you’re craving historical epics, psychological thrillers, or documentaries, Netflix delivers outstanding war cinema that’ll satisfy any film enthusiast.
As a huge war movie fan, I’ve watched every single one available on the platform. In this article, I’ll break down the top 25 war films you can stream right now, covering everything from brutal WWI dramas to modern military thrillers that’ll keep you glued to your screen.
Top 15 War Movies on Netflix 2025 (Most Recommended)
The following fifteen films showcase the best of war cinema currently on Netflix. Each one provides a unique view on conflict, heroism, and human resilience.
| Rank | Title | Director | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All Quiet on the Western Front | Edward Berger | 2022 |
| 2 | The Six Triple Eight | Tyler Perry | 2024 |
| 3 | Da 5 Bloods | Spike Lee | 2020 |
| 4 | Beasts of No Nation | Cary Joji Fukunaga | 2015 |
| 5 | The Siege of Jadotville | Richie Smyth | 2016 |
| 6 | Sand Castle | Fernando Coimbra | 2017 |
| 7 | The King | David Michôd | 2019 |
| 8 | Outlaw King | David Mackenzie | 2018 |
| 9 | 1917 | Sam Mendes | 2019 |
| 10 | Dunkirk | Christopher Nolan | 2017 |
| 11 | They Shall Not Grow Old | Peter Jackson | 2018 |
| 12 | The Forgotten Battle | Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. | 2020 |
| 13 | The Photographer of Mauthausen | Mar Targarona | 2018 |
| 14 | Triple Frontier | J.C. Chandor | 2019 |
| 15 | The Siege of Pinchgut | Harry Watt | 1959 |
I will continue all 25 movies in the detailed list. Let’s get a closer look at each movie and see which one is next on your hitlist!
1. All Quiet on the Western Front
Holy grail, this movie hits HARD! Follows a young German soldier who goes from excited recruit to traumatized veteran in WWI.
| Director | Edward Berger |
| Runtime | 148 minutes |
| Cast | Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Aaron Hilmer, Moritz Klaus, Sebastian Hülk |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 90% |
| IMDB | 7.8/10 |
The trench warfare scenes are absolutely brutal but incredibly well-done with stunning cinematography.
It’s beautiful and horrifying at the same time, and it definitely earned those Oscar nods. Be ready for some serious emotional damage, though; this one stays with you!
2. The Six Triple Eight
Tyler Perry knocked it out of the park with this one! It’s about an all-Black, all-female WWII battalion that nobody talks about but absolutely should.
| Director | Tyler Perry |
| Runtime | 127 minutes |
| Cast | Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 83% |
| IMDB | 7.2/10 |
These women were absolute heroes, maintaining communication lines across war-torn Europe under incredibly dangerous conditions.
The performances are incredible, and it’s about time these forgotten heroines got their story told. Netflix really delivered here with something special!
3. Da 5 Bloods
Spike Lee does what he does best with this Vietnam epic that’s both personal and political. Four Black veterans return to Vietnam decades later for their fallen friend’s remains and some buried treasure.
| Director | Spike Lee |
| Runtime | 154 minutes |
| Cast | Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Chadwick Boseman |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 92% |
| IMDB | 6.5/10 |
The way it jumps between past and present is genius, and Lee’s bold directing choices make it feel totally unique.
Heavy stuff but brilliantly made with incredible performances throughout. Military families who want to enjoy great cinema might appreciate knowing about Netflix’s military discount options.
4. Beasts of No Nation
Warning: this one’s tough to watch but absolutely necessary viewing. It follows a young boy forced into being a child soldier in West Africa with unflinching realism.
| Director | Cary Joji Fukunaga |
| Runtime | 137 minutes |
| Cast | Abraham Attah, Idris Elba, Ama K. Abebrese, Grace Nortey, David Dontoh |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 91% |
| IMDB | 7.7/10 |
The kid who plays the lead is incredible; you’ll feel every moment of his horror and transformation.
It’s disturbing as hell, but shot beautifully with moments of unexpected grace. Definitely not a popcorn movie, but incredibly important storytelling.
5. The Siege of Jadotville
This hidden gem tells the true story of 150 Irish soldiers holding off 3,000 Congolese troops in 1961, talk about being outnumbered! The action is intense and the political intrigue keeps you hooked throughout.
| Director | Richie Smyth |
| Runtime | 108 minutes |
| Cast | Jamie Dornan, Jason O’Mara, Mark Strong, Michael McElhatton, Mikael Persbrandt |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 68% |
| IMDB | 7.2/10 |
It’s crazy that this story was forgotten for so long, and these brave soldiers never got recognition.
Great mix of thrills and real history that deserves way more attention than it got.
6. Sand Castle
Set during the Iraq War, this Netflix gem follows soldiers trying to fix a water pump in hostile territory while dealing with moral ambiguity.
| Director | Fernando Coimbra |
| Runtime | 113 minutes |
| Cast | Nicholas Hoult, Henry Cavill, Logan Marshall-Green, Tommy Flanagan, Glen Powell |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 64% |
| IMDB | 6.3/10 |
What makes it special is how it shows the psychological toll of modern warfare and the messy relationship between soldiers and civilians.
Nicholas Hoult is fantastic as a soldier questioning everything he’s doing and why he’s there in the first place. For those sharing accounts with family members overseas, understand how to navigate Netflix household restrictions.
7. The King
Timothée Chalamet as Henry V? Yes, please! This medieval epic shows his rise to power with some seriously intense battle sequences and political scheming.
| Director | David Michôd |
| Runtime | 140 minutes |
| Cast | Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Lily-Rose Depp, Robert Pattinson |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 71% |
| IMDB | 7.3/10 |
The Battle of Agincourt sequence is absolutely nuts, medieval combat at its most visceral and realistic.
Chalamet proves he can do action alongside the drama with a commanding performance. The political intrigue keeps you glued to the screen throughout this epic tale.
8. Outlaw King
Chris Pine plays Robert the Bruce in this Scottish independence epic, and he’s totally committed to the role with a fierce performance. It’s got that perfect mix of big battles and personal moments that make you care about the characters.
| Director | David Mackenzie |
| Runtime | 121 minutes |
| Cast | Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, Billy Howle, Tony Curran |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 60% |
| IMDB | 6.9/10 |
The Scottish countryside looks absolutely stunning too, making it a visual feast!
9. 1917
Mind-blowing cinematography that makes you feel like you’re right there with the soldiers running through No Man’s Land! Two British soldiers have to deliver a crucial message across enemy territory in what feels like real-time.
| Director | Sam Mendes |
| Runtime | 119 minutes |
| Cast | George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 89% |
| IMDB | 8.2/10 |
The “single-take” style is incredible, and the trench warfare feels terrifyingly real and immersive.
This is filmmaking at its finest, technical brilliance meets emotional storytelling perfectly with unforgettable results.
10. Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan does Dunkirk from three different perspectives, and it’s absolutely brilliant filmmaking at its peak. The sound design will have you on the edge of your seat throughout every tense moment.
| Director | Christopher Nolan |
| Runtime | 106 minutes |
| Cast | Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 92% |
| IMDB | 7.8/10 |
The way he tells the story from land, sea, and air creates this incredible puzzle of heroism and survival.
Less talking, more visceral experience, classic Nolan genius that puts you right in the middle of the action.
11. They Shall Not Grow Old
Peter Jackson worked absolute magic with this WWI documentary that brings history to vivid life. He took century-old footage and made it look like it was filmed yesterday with full color and crystal-clear sound.
| Director | Peter Jackson |
| Runtime | 99 minutes |
| Cast | Documentary featuring WWI veterans’ voices |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 99% |
| IMDB | 8.2/10 |
Hearing actual veterans’ voices over restored footage is incredibly powerful and moving.
It’s like time travel, you feel like you’re actually there with these soldiers experiencing their reality firsthand.
12. The Forgotten Battle
This Dutch film about the Battle of the Scheldt is surprisingly great and definitely underrated! Nobody’s painted as pure good or evil, which makes it feel more realistic and human.
| Director | Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. |
| Runtime | 124 minutes |
| Cast | Gijs Blom, Jamie Flatters, Susan Radder, Jan Bijvoet, Tom Felton |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 75% |
| IMDB | 7.1/10 |
It shows the conflict from multiple perspectives. Dutch resistance, German soldiers, and Allied forces all get their due.
The battle scenes are top-notch, and the performances really draw you in with authentic emotion throughout.
13. The Photographer of Mauthausen
This Spanish film tells the incredible true story of Francisco Boix, who secretly photographed Nazi war crimes at a concentration camp while risking his life. It’s part historical drama, part thriller, and completely gripping from start to finish.
| Director | Mar Targarona |
| Runtime | 110 minutes |
| Cast | Mario Casas, Richard van Weyden, Alain Hernández, Adrià Salazar, Stefan Weinert |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 72% |
| IMDB | 6.7/10 |
The way it shows the power of photography as evidence is fascinating and important.
Heavy subject matter but told with incredible skill and respect for the victims.
14. Triple Frontier
Technically a heist movie, but it’s really about veterans struggling after military service and finding their place in civilian life. Great moral complexity throughout that keeps you thinking long after it ends.
| Director | J.C. Chandor |
| Runtime | 125 minutes |
| Cast | Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, Pedro Pascal |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 71% |
| IMDB | 6.4/10 |
The Former Special Forces guys try to rob a drug lord in the South American jungle, which is thrilling to watch.
The action is solid and the cast is great, but what makes it special is how it explores what happens to soldiers when they come home.
15. The Siege of Pinchgut
This classic Australian film is about a convict who takes over a harbor fort in 1950s Sydney in a desperate bid for freedom. The pacing is tight, and the tension is real throughout every scene.
| Director | Harry Watt |
| Runtime | 104 minutes |
| Cast | Aldo Ray, Heather Sears, Neil McCallum, Victor Maddern, Carlo Justini |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 65% |
| IMDB | 6.8/10 |
While not exactly a war movie, it’s got all the military tactics and desperation you’d want from a good thriller.
Cool glimpse into post-war Australian society with some genuine thrills and solid character development.
16. War Machine
Brad Pitt plays a fictional general based on Stanley McChrystal in Afghanistan and he’s perfectly cast for this satirical take.
| Director | David Michôd |
| Runtime | 122 minutes |
| Cast | Brad Pitt, Anthony Michael Hall, Topher Grace, Anthony Hayes, John Magaro |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 56% |
| IMDB | 6.0/10 |
It’s a satirical take on modern warfare that’s both funny and deeply critical of military bureaucracy.
The dark comedy really works, and it’s not afraid to question everything about how we think about war heroes and military success. Pitt’s performance is perfectly absurd and completely committed to the bit.
17. The Little Prince
This animated gem is primarily a family film, but it’s got serious war themes from Saint-Exupéry’s pilot experiences during WWII. It’s a gentle way to introduce kids to wartime themes while being genuinely moving for adults, too.
| Director | Mark Osborne |
| Runtime | 108 minutes |
| Cast | Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, Bud Cort, Marion Cotillard |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 93% |
| IMDB | 7.7/10 |
The animation is absolutely gorgeous, and the voice cast brings real emotion to the story with incredible performances.
Perfect balance of whimsy and deeper meaning that works on multiple levels. Students, dive into this masterpiece and explore Netflix’s student discount options to make their subscription more affordable.
18. Age of Heroes
British commandos infiltrating Nazi-occupied Norway to steal radar technology, sign me up for this exciting adventure! While it doesn’t break new ground, it delivers exactly what you want from a WWII action film with style.
| Director | Adrian Vitoria |
| Runtime | 90 minutes |
| Cast | Danny Dyer, Sean Bean, Izabella Miko, James D’Arcy, John Standing |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 42% |
| IMDB | 5.6/10 |
It’s got solid action sequences and great camaraderie between the soldiers under extreme pressure.
The historical operations that inspired it are pretty fascinating too, making it both entertaining and educational.
19. The Resistance Banker
This Dutch film tells the amazing true story of a guy who ran an underground bank to finance the resistance during WWII. Shows how ordinary people fought back against Nazi occupation in ways you never think about.
| Director | Joram Lürsen |
| Runtime | 123 minutes |
| Cast | Barry Atsma, Jacob Derwig, Laura de Boer, Fockeline Ouwerkerk, Pierre Bokma |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 80% |
| IMDB | 7.1/10 |
It’s like a financial thriller mixed with wartime drama way more interesting than it sounds, trust me!
The tension builds perfectly as the stakes get higher and the risks become more dangerous.
20. Come and See
Fair warning: this Soviet masterpiece will absolutely wreck you emotionally and stay with you for days. It follows a young boy during the Nazi occupation of Belarus, and it’s considered one of the greatest war films ever made.
| Director | Elem Klimov |
| Runtime | 142 minutes |
| Cast | Aleksei Kravchenko, Olga Mironova, Liubomiras Laucevicius, Vladas Bagdonas |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 98% |
| IMDB | 8.4/10 |
The imagery is surreal and nightmarish, but it’s an essential viewing experience that changed cinema forever.
This is anti-war filmmaking at its most powerful and uncompromising. Prepare to be devastated.
21. The Monuments Men
Art historians and curators trying to recover stolen artwork during WWII? It’s way more entertaining than it sounds, seriously! The stellar cast brings charm to this lighter take on war films with perfect chemistry throughout.
| Director | George Clooney |
| Runtime | 118 minutes |
| Cast | George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 31% |
| IMDB | 6.1/10 |
While not as heavy as most war movies, it explores important themes about preserving culture during wartime.
These unlikely heroes are pretty inspiring, and the mission is absolutely fascinating to watch unfold.
22. Apocalypse Now
Coppola’s Vietnam epic is a trippy journey into the heart of darkness that’s unlike anything else ever made. Captain Willard’s mission to assassinate a rogue colonel becomes this surreal meditation on war’s psychological impact.
| Director | Francis Ford Coppola |
| Runtime | 147 minutes |
| Cast | Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, Harrison Ford |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 98% |
| IMDB | 8.4/10 |
The visuals are spectacular, and the philosophical depth is incredible throughout this masterpiece.
The production was as chaotic as the movie itself, legendary filmmaking that pushed everyone involved to their absolute limits!
23. Full Metal Jacket
Kubrick’s two-part Vietnam film is split between brutal boot camp and urban warfare, both equally intense. The first half is darkly hilarious and terrifying, while the second half gets into the real combat.
| Director | Stanley Kubrick |
| Runtime | 116 minutes |
| Cast | Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D’Onofrio, Adam Baldwin, Dorian Harewood |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 91% |
| IMDB | 8.3/10 |
Kubrick’s meticulous direction creates this complex portrait of military culture that’s both entertaining and deeply unsettling.
Absolutely essential viewing that showcases Kubrick’s genius for psychological warfare on film.
24. Platoon
Oliver Stone’s autobiographical Vietnam film is based on his own experiences, and it shows in every brutal detail. The jungle combat feels incredibly realistic, and the moral complexity is fantastic throughout.
| Director | Oliver Stone |
| Runtime | 120 minutes |
| Cast | Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker, Francesco Quinn |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 88% |
| IMDB | 8.1/10 |
Young soldier’s journey from innocence to experience is perfectly handled with raw authenticity.
Multiple Academy Awards, and it influenced war cinema for decades; there’s a reason it’s considered a classic that defined the genre.
25. Born on the Fourth of July
Tom Cruise absolutely kills it as paralyzed veteran Ron Kovic, who transforms from patriotic soldier to anti-war activist with incredible courage. The physical and emotional journey is incredibly moving, and Cruise’s commitment is remarkable throughout.
| Director | Oliver Stone |
| Runtime | 145 minutes |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Bryan Larkin, Raymond J. Barry, Caroline Kava, Josh Evans |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 89% |
| IMDB | 7.2/10 |
Stone balances personal drama with political commentary perfectly without being preachy.
The veteran issues it explores are still incredibly relevant today, making it a timeless and powerful storytelling. Check out Netflix’s current pricing to see which plan works best for your viewing habits.
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Conclusion: “All Quiet on the Western Front” Is The Best War Movie On Netflix!
After diving deep into Netflix’s war movie catalog, “All Quiet on the Western Front” clearly dominates with its four Academy Awards and brutal WWI authenticity.
From Tyler Perry’s forgotten heroes in “The Six Triple Eight” to Spike Lee’s Vietnam masterpiece “Da 5 Bloods,” these 25 films offer incredible variety across different conflicts and perspectives.
Start with my top picks and prepare for some serious emotional impact!
FAQs
“All Quiet on the Western Front” (2022) holds the highest ratings with 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.8 on IMDB.
Several including “The Six Triple Eight,” “The Siege of Jadotville,” and “The Photographer of Mauthausen” are based on real events.
“All Quiet on the Western Front” won four Academy Awards including Best International Feature Film and Best Cinematography.
“They Shall Not Grow Old” is a revolutionary documentary that colorizes and restores WWI footage for modern audiences.
“The Six Triple Eight” is among the newest additions, highlighting the untold story of an all-Black female WWII battalion.
