War movies have been around since the earliest days of films. There is something about these stories of heroes and battles that has excited fans for decades and decades. Some of the best movies of all time come from the war genre, but some stand the test of time better than others.
The 2000s saw some high-profile war films being produced. Like all genres, there are some movies that didn't deserve the success and acclaim they received as well as some that were unjustly overlooked. Here are some overrated and underrated war films from the 2000s.
Underrated: Behind Enemy Lines
Owen Wilson might not seem like an obvious action hero, but he made good use of his role in Behind Enemy Lines. Wilson plays a Navy pilot who is shot down over enemy lines. Unable to be rescued, he makes his way throughout the war-torn land while being hunted.
The simple story makes for an exciting war-themed actioner. Wilson really does equip himself nicely in the lead role, and Gene Hackman is solid his superior officer trying to bring him home.
Overrated: The Hurt Locker
The Hurt Locker is the Oscar-winning modern war film starring Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie before their days in the MCU. Renner stars as a bomb disposal expert serving in Iraq whose reckless attitude puts him at odds with the rest of his team.
The film served as a comeback project for Kathryn Bigelow, who proves to still be an amazing action director. However, the small scale of the story is felt and the whole movie adds up to a message we've seen in plenty of other war movies.
Underrated: Enemy At The Gates
Enemy at the Gates is a rare World War II movie that doesn't deal with America's involvement in the war. Instead, the film tells of the Battle of Stalingrad and a Russian sniper who became a symbol of hope for the country. As his legend grows, the sniper finds himself in a deadly game with a skilled German sniper.
The movie failed to make much of an impact when it was released, but it is a great and intense film. The quiet patience of the sniper scenes are as thrilling as the big, brutal battle sequences.
Overrated: Jarhead
Sam Mendes just helmed the stunning World War I film 1917, but years earlier, he made a more modern war story. Jarhead is set during the Gulf War and stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a disillusioned soldier trying to make sense of a war in which he sees no action.
It is an interesting approach to the genre and Gyllenhaal gives a great performance. But the overall film is a mixed bag. The mix of philosophical seriousness and humor doesn't work always work. It's also difficult to connect to a bunch of bored soldiers who want to kill something.
Underrated: Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World
Master and Commander is another film that explores a side of war that is rarely seen in films. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Russell Crowe stars as the captain in the Royal Navy who pushes his ship and his men in pursuit of an enemy vessel on the high seas.
The film did decent business at the box office, then all but faded from memory. However, the unique setting provides a thrilling adventure with some great action while also providing some great character work.
Overrated: The Patriot
The Patriot is a rare big-budget take on the American Revolutionary War. Mel Gibson stars as a widowed family man who chooses to care for his children rather than fight. But when his family is targeted, he uses guerilla tactics to take on the British army.
The film was a big hit upon its release, but it's hard to see why. It is far from subtle, and the historical inaccuracies aren't even worth addressing. Despite some fun moments, the whole thing is a ridiculous story that boils the entire war down to one man's revenge.
Underrated: Kingdom Of Heaven
Following the success of his historical epic Gladiator, Ridley Scott took on the Crusades in this ambitious project. Kingdom of Heaven stars Orlando Bloom as a blacksmith who travels to Jerusalem and becomes the unexpected protector of the city and its people.
The film was widely dismissed during its theatrical release, but with the director's cut released shortly after, Scott's true vision became clear. The movie is a grand and thrilling adventure with more interesting story and character work than the original cut suggested.
Overrated: Cold Mountain
Cold Mountain is a romantic Civil War epic starring Jude Law and Nicole Kidman as lovers separated by the war. As Kidman's character tends to her family farm during the uncertain times, Law's soldier deserts his post and makes his way back home to his love.
The movie is a beautiful looking piece of work with fine performances. However, the Oscar-bait feel of the movie is hard to get past. The overall story is rather dull with some exciting moments thrown in here and there.
Underrated: U-571
U-571 is a little-seen submarine film starring Matthew McConaughey. He plays the second-in-command of a U.S. submarine tasked with acquiring a coding machine onboard a stranded German sub. After an unexpected attack, McConaughey is left in charge of the remaining crew who must use the damaged German sub.
Though there are plenty of historical inaccuracies to point out about this film, it is a thrilling and suspenseful film. It wonderfully captures the claustrophobia and terror of being inside a submarine in the depths of the ocean with enemy ships above.
Overrated: Flags Of Our Fathers
Clint Eastwood was on a massive winning streak with his directorial efforts when he made Flag of Our Fathers. The film is the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the six American soldiers who raised the flag that would become the iconic image seen around the world.
The film was well-received upon its release, but it made have been overpraising of Eastwood due to his recent successes. Upon revisiting the film, it is a somewhat empty and uninteresting experience that doesn't deliver much new to the genre.