The 10 best war films released in the last 10 years

war films continue to be a powerful means for exploring the complexities of conflict, heroism and sacrifice – and some of the best were released in the last decade. Whether films show historical events or modern-day combat, they offer profound reflections on the human cost of war. Each leaves a lasting impression with its powerful storytelling, remarkable performances, and exceptional filmmaking style.

Over the past decade, filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of storytelling, offering new perspectives and intense portrayals of wartime experiences. From the courageous realism of 1917 and Dunkirk to emotional depth Summit of the mountain and American sniper, These films captivated audiences with their raw depictions of the impact of war on soldiers and civilians. There are so many different ways to tell a war story. Whether through brutal realism, introspective thinking, or a complete departure from the horrific reality of combat, each view is important and valid.

10

American Sniper (2014)

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Courageous and very intense, American sniper is based on Chris Kyle's memoir (played in the film by Bradley Cooper), a US Navy SEAL. The film shows the chaotic and harrowing nature of urban warfare in Iraq. The tight shots and the use of moments of silence take the audience straight to the conflict zone. Tense, high-stakes battle sequences showcase not only Kyle's remarkable precision and sniping skills, but also the constant danger ground troops face.

While the film highlights Kyle's heroism and dedication, it also confronts the moral aspects of his role. It raises questions about PTSD, the justification for war, and the costs of blind patriotism, which is expertly presented by Clint Eastwood. In addition to receiving six Oscar nominations, it grossed US$547 million worldwide (via Mojo Box Office), becoming one of the highest-grossing war films of all time. The film stands out for its balance between action and introspection, although American sniperinaccuracies prevent it from being ranked higher.

9

Ally (2016)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Ally is a romantic war drama set during World War IImixing espionage, action and emotional struggles. Although it takes place in times of war and features combat elements, the film focuses on suspense and distrust in the relationship between Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard's characters. Ally combines its war narrative with a story of love, betrayal and sacrifice. The romance between Max and Marianne unfolds amid life-threatening missions, emphasizing how personal bonds are tested in the extreme conditions of war.

Zemeckis emphasizes the historical setting, channeling the era's aesthetic through wartime costumes, locations, and sweeping visuals. This attention to detail increases the film's immersion in the context of World War II. Like a war movie, Ally it has less to do with combat on the battlefield and more to do with all the clandestine operations and emotional battles fought behind the scenes. It captures the human cost of war, showing how love and trust can be a strength and a vulnerability. It's not as powerful or brutal as other recent war films, but it resonates all the same.

8

Saw Ridge (2016)

Directed by Mel Gibson

Summit of the mountain tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a devoted U.S. Army doctor who served during World War II without carrying a weapon. It shows a unique view of war, focusing on themes of pacifism, faith, and extraordinary courage amid the horrific realities of combat. Andrew Garfield plays Doss with great care and attention, showing his courageous choice to save lives rather than take them, despite being constantly surrounded by danger and violence.

Gibson's direction sheds a terrifying light on the horrors of war, especially during the Battle of Okinawa. The film juxtaposes moments of quiet determination with sequences of relentless violenceusing this contrast to heighten the emotional impact. Summit of the mountain received several Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. It is clearly among the best war films of the last 10 years, although there are valid criticisms of its use of CGI and some lesser moments. believable ones that keep it on the lower end.

7

Jojo Coelho (2019)

Directed by Taika Waititi

Jojo Coelho is a satirical dark comedy and coming-of-age story with an unconventional take on World War II. Set in Nazi Germany during the final years of the conflict, the film follows Johannes “Jojo” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), a young man whose worldview is shaped by propaganda. In the midst of everything happening around him, he invents an imaginary friend who takes the form of Adolf Hitler. He is portrayed with absurdist humor by Waititi himself. The film constantly balances sharp satire with a depth that delivers a harsh critique of indoctrination, hatred and war.

The boy's journey of self-discovery begins when he discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie), in their home. Through their relationship, the film explores the power of love and kindness that ultimately dismantles their deep-rooted prejudice. Comedy scenes are contrasted by harrowing moments, such as when Jojo sees his mother's shoes hanging in the square. With a well-deserved Oscar win for Best Adapted Screenplay, this film offers a completely different take on war – although not as powerful as more serious war narratives.

6

Dunkirk (2017)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Intensely engaging, Dunkirk avoids traditional character-driven narratives. Instead, it presents a visceral experience of the chaos, fear and resistance involved in one of the most crucial moments of the Second World War: the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk, France, in 1940. Won three Oscars for editing, sound mixing and sound editingand was nominated for Best Film and Best Director.

Nolan uses a really innovative way of structuring the narrative. The film focuses on three sections: The Mole (one week), The Sea (one day) and The Air (one hour). These three vignettes create a tense, layered picture of different aspects of the evacuation for viewers to see different perspectives. His unconventional approach redefined the war genre. Despite featuring a stellar cast that includes Tom Hardy, Harry Styles and Barry Keoghan, Dunkirk emphasized the collective experience of conflict rather than individual heroism. Unfortunately, this results in less memorable characters.

5

1917 (2019)

Directed by Sam Mendes

Set during the First World War, 1917The most striking feature of is its continuous shooting illusion, designed to make it appear as if events are unfolding in real time. This approach puts viewers directly in the shoes of the soldiers, increasing the tension, urgency and stakes of their mission. It was a pioneering and difficult idea to execute, but in Mendes' skilled hands the film was appreciated by both critics and the general public. Unlike traditional war films that show large-scale battles and multiple stories, 1917 narrows its scope to a single journey, which effectively becomes an intense survival thriller.

The film portrays the war through the eyes of ordinary soldiers, rather than offering a broad historical or strategic overview of this global conflict.. This brings an intimate and human dimension to the narrative, filled with constant danger and unpredictability. The audience feels the claustrophobia of the trenches as well as the frightening wilderness of no man's land, and in the end comes away with a deeper understanding of the physical and psychological risks faced by soldiers.

4

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Directed by Edward Berger

Based on the classic novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque All Quiet on the Western Front has been brought to the screen several times before. However, this modern retelling is one of the more brutally realistic iterations. In every retelling, it's a harrowing anti-war story, and this adaptation stands out for its visceral realism. The grim reality of the futility and horrors of the First World War eliminates any notion of glory or heroism. Focusing on the brutality of combat and its dehumanizing effects on the soldiers, audiences can feel the desperation in every scene.

The film explores the loss of innocence and the erosion of hope. Mud, blood and the relentless sound of artillery dominate the battlefield scenes, capturing the raw, unforgiving brutality of combat. The 1930 film is considered one of the greatest war films ever made and won the Oscar for Best Picture. But the 2022 adaptation brought renewed acclaim, winning several awards, including an Oscar for Best International Feature Film. It remains a powerful story, topped only by even more unique explorations of war and its devastating impact.

3

Beasts Without a Nation (2015)

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga

Based on the novel by Uzodinma Iweala, this visceral war film explores the brutal reality of child soldiers in an unnamed African country torn apart by civil war. Offers a deeply personal and unflinching portrait of the impact of war on those most vulnerable: children. Beasts without a nation examines themes of power, indoctrination, and loss of innocence. Agu (Abraham Atta) is a boy forcibly recruited into a rebel militia after his family was killed. Through their young eyes, the audience experiences the horrors of war, emphasizing the cost of violence on those least equipped to process it.

The film avoids the specific context of the conflict, choosing instead to focus on the lived experiences of those caught up in its chaos. Fukunaga's direction combines stunning cinematography with an unrelenting sense of tension and dread. It uses naturalistic visuals and hauntingly beautiful landscapes to juxtapose the horrors of war with the surrounding natural beauty. Although it is difficult to watch, it is an important story that must be seen. This places it among the top three war films released in the last decade, although some are even more influential.

2

Oppenheimer (2023)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Oppenheimer focuses more on “art of war” instead of taking viewers directly to the battlefield. Oppenheimer explores the creation of the atomic bomb during World War II. The focus is on the psychological and intellectual exploration of the moral dilemmas, political intrigues, and personal costs surrounding one of history's most significant wartime achievements. Set in a laboratory rather than in the trenches, the film shows the race against time to create a weapon that can end the war or destroy all humanity. Viewers learn how science has become a critical tool of war, blurring the lines between innovation and destruction.

The film was widely praised for its ambitious narrative, as well as riveting performances from Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. He won seven Oscars among his many awards and nominations. It transcends the traditional boundaries of the war film genre by focusing on the intellectual, ethical, and emotional dimensions of war rather than physical combat. As a war film, it is unconventional, focusing on the creation and consequences of a weapon rather than the fighting itself. The emphasis given to the scientific and ethical dilemmas of war makes Oppenheimer one of the most interesting additions to the genre.

1

The Zone of Interest (2023)

Directed by Jonathan Glazer

Inspired by the novel of the same name by Martin Amis, THE Zone of Interest It's disturbing and unconventional. Unlike traditional war films that show battles or heroic resistance, it focuses on the banality of evil during the Holocaust. With a chillingly detached look at the lives of Nazi officers and their families, it juxtaposes their normal home life with the atrocities of a concentration camp, even beyond their own four walls. It received immense acclaim, winning two Oscars at the 2024 ceremony.

The film explores how ordinary people can commit or normalize such horrific crimes. The Höss family is so disturbingly ordinary, living their lives while all these atrocities happen out of sight. While it keeps the violence off-screen, the presence of the camp is felt through the sound design. This forces the audience to deal with their own psychological horrors. There are no battlefields, soldiers in combat or heroes. Instead of, The zone of interest declares itself the best war film of recent years, examining the consequences of war crimes from a disturbingly observational point of view.