War has been depicted numerous times on the big screen, with violent battles, moral conundrums, and harrowing deaths explored in different ways. Narratives about the First World War are not easy to portray in films — it takes talented directors to bring these stories to life in a meaningful way.
Simply known back then as the Great War, movies about WWI started coming out as early as 1917, even while the war was still being waged. Most films that received high IMDb scores didn’t come out until a bit later, from the '40s to the '60s. These movies delve into the difficult themes and hard questions about war and humanity, often giving viewers a raw look at the frontlines of WWI or its effects on soldiers and their families.
All Quiet On The Western Front (1930) – 8.1
All Quiet on the Western Front is an American anti-war film based on a book of the same name. Directed by Lewis Milestone, it tells the story of a group of German boys who are encouraged to enlist by their teacher. The group of friends finds that the frontlines are not what they expected. They would eventually understand the corporal's memorable first line: "You're going to be soldiers — and that's all."
The film is unapologetic in its portrayal of the brutality of war. Its harrowing depiction of what it’s really like on the frontlines is a stark contradiction to how war is often sold to young recruits. As viewers follow the journey of the optimistic boys who turn into dead or jaded men, they become just as repulsed as the protagonists who come home to cheering crowds and supporters of the war effort.
Forest Of The Hanged (1965) – 8.2
Helmed by the Romanian director, Liviu Ciulei, Forest of the Hanged takes audiences to the Austro-Hungarian front of the First World War. Here, Lieutenant Apostol Bologa struggles with his decision to execute a Czech soldier for desertion. He questions his own loyalty to the Habsburgs and contemplates deserting — the choice he makes eventually leads to one of the saddest moments in war films.
This movie takes a closer look at the individual instead of focusing on the grand chaos of war. Its honest take on the morality of desertion makes it one of the most intimate inward journeys into a soldier’s mind. Its raw depiction of the muddy landscape and bloody battles makes it hard to watch at times, but these scenes only help viewers see the unforgiving brutality of war.
The Great War (1959) – 8.2
The Italian film, The Great War, uses comedy to narrate the horrors of the trenches in WWI. It was directed by Mario Monicelli, who decided to focus on two unlikely friends who find themselves in the unfortunate position of being relay runners. It’s not long before they’re caught and tortured by a comedic villain, whose actions encourage them to stay loyal to their side.
While The Great War uses a comedic lens to look at the soldiers’ experiences in the trenches, it never takes away from the real horror of the situation. It deals with themes of loyalty and cowardice, highlighting how the cowardly (often seen as comedic) approach is sometimes the best option in the face of inexplicable violence and death.
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962) – 8.3
The critically-acclaimed film, Lawrence of Arabia, is a British historical drama that was directed by David Lean. It’s an epic film that follows the story of the rebellious Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence, who must embark on a dangerous mission to invade a heavily guarded Turkish base.
The movie’s impressive musical store, visually stunning shots, and exhilarating story make it one of the best war films of all time. Its grand depiction of war is difficult to match, but the protagonist’s brilliant character development throughout the movie is even harder to outdo. The scenes of T.E. Lawrence commanding troops through the sandy dunes are thrilling moments that viewers will never forget — even if they did have to sit for three hours to finish the film.
1917 (2019) – 8.3
1917 is a British war film that’s considered to be one of the best war movies of the last decade. Director and producer Sam Mendes masterfully depicts the journey of two British soldiers, Tom Blake and Will Schofield, who must cross into enemy territory to deliver a message that could save 1,600 of their fellow soldiers.
It’s a deceptively simple plot, but as viewers watch the film, it becomes apparent that it’s less about the important message and more about the journey to deliver it. It’s well-known for its single-take effect, with brilliant cinematographic techniques and clever editing making it feel like it’s one long continuous story. Its protagonist learns more about the nature of war as he goes from set piece to set piece.
The Great Dictator (1940) – 8.4
British comedian Charlie Chaplin was the star, director, writer, producer, and film composer of the comedy-drama, The Great Dictator. The first talkie of the usually silent comedian tackles a Jewish man’s difficult reintegration into society after recovering in a hospital for years following his service in WWI.
While not exclusively set in WWI, the film highlights the absurd and quick changes in society between the two wars. Its satirical portrayal of Adolf Hitler was bold for its time, as more countries were only beginning to join WWII. Its unapologetic humor and message about the absurdity of war make it Chaplin’s most political and possibly most important satirical work of his career.
Paths Of Glory (1957) – 8.4
The American war film, Paths of Glory, was one of director Stanley Kubrick’s first forays into the exploration of the military machine. The World War I film follows General Mireau and Colonel Dax as they lead their men on a suicide mission against an impenetrable German trench.
The anti-war movie highlights the absurdity of authority in the midst of war. Its treacherous and murderous commanders are portrayed as power-hungry careerists who are quick to kill anyone who gets in their way. The movie's brilliant pacing keeps audiences glued to the unfolding events, all masterfully framed by Kubrick.
Mars Na Drinu (1964) – 8.5
The Yugoslav film Mars Na Drinu or March on the Drina was written and directed by Žika Mitrović, who derived its title from the eponymous Serbian patriotic march by Stanislav Binički. The movie tells the story of an actual Serbian battle from WWI, known as the Battle of Cer. In the film, a small artillery section must win against all odds when their area is invaded by an army of Austro-Hungarian troops.
Mars Na Drinu explores themes of hope and despair in the direst situations in WWI. It brilliantly portrays the overarching narrative of the overwhelming invasion, while also taking enough time to tell the soldiers’ individual stories. From their motivations to their regrets, audiences get a clear picture of the contradictions between the troops’ sense of duty and their fear of death.
On Dangerous Ground (1917) – 8.6
Set at the outbreak of WWI, the American silent film, On Dangerous Ground, follows the misadventures of Howard Barton and his pretend-wife, Louise. Director Robert Thornby introduces the two in the most unusual way, with the neutral American Howard unexpectedly finding a woman’s suitcase in his hotel room in Germany. It turns out that the woman, just known as Louise, is a spy who’s desperate to escape the country.
The protagonists’ journey to freedom is exhilarating from start to finish, with each potential wrong turn driving viewers to the edge of their seats. Despite its romantic plot, On Dangerous Ground actually tackles deeper issues of patriotism and loyalty. It makes viewers think about the concept of trust during a war.
Arms And The Woman (1916) – 9.2
Helmed by French director George Fitzmaurice, Arms and the Woman is a silent film that tells the story of two Hungarian siblings, Rozika and Carl. The pair move to America before the start of WWI and Rozika unexpectedly falls in love with and marries an American man, David. Things get complicated when the war starts, as David is ordered to manufacture munitions to be used against Hungary, his wife and brother-in-law’s homeland.
The film is an intimate look at the complexity of familial and marital bonds and the war’s effects on them. It questions the concept of patriotism and probes at the unjustified sacrifices individuals and families make for the sake of their country. The sudden change from a lighthearted romance to a heartbreaking conflict is a jarring but necessary look at the effects of war.