Close Menu
    Movies

    Best War Movies on HBO Max to Watch Right Now

    AdminBy
    Best War Movies on HBO Max to Watch Right Now

    For fans of war movies, Max is a must-have streaming service, as the combined film libraries of HBO and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), with some Criterion Collection masterpieces sprinkled in as well, provide several great choices. Among the over 2,200 films currently available to stream on Max are some classic films of the genre, including several from the American Film Institute’s Top 100 Films of All Time. They include war films from Hollywood’s golden age, as well as modern masterpieces by legendary directors.

    War films are a famously difficult genre to pull off, as they require deftly blending action and drama, alongside sometimes incorporating biographies and historical context. However, at their best, war films feel unlike any other genre, and offer both exhilaration and moral reflection. So, without further ado, here are some of the best war movies available to stream on Max right now.

    27

    Civil War (2024)

    Civil War imagines a dystopian future and, in a startling turn of events, pits the citizens of the United States against one another. Torn by internal affairs and ruled by a tyrannical government facing resistance from a band of rebels, the nation is on the brink of collapse. Amidst it all, a team of war journalists travel from New York City to Washington D.C. to interview the president before the rebels take over the White House.

    Thought-Provoking War Drama

    Lauded by critics as “a gripping close-up look at the violent uncertainty of life in a nation in crisis,” Civil War portrays warfare in a futuristic setting, thus sparking discussions about the effectiveness of its message. Directed by Alex Garland and starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Nick Offerman, the movie was A24’s most expensive film at the time. And the masterful direction, visual effects, and war elements are testament to the depth and power it brings on the big screen.

    26

    The Zone of Interest (2023)

    Zone of Interest 2023 Movie Poster

    Release Date

    December 15, 2023

    Runtime

    105 Minutes

    Cast

    Christian Friedel
    , Sandra Hüller
    , Ralph Herforth
    , Luis Noah Witte
    , Johann Karthaus

    Directed by Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest is a historical war drama adapted from the 2014 novel of the same name by Martin Amis. It offers a chilling look at life inside a Nazi extermination camp as well as the high-ranking German Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss, who lives with his wife Hedwig and their children in a home right next to the camp.

    Shines Light on the Dark Corners of History

    The Zone of Interest challenges our collective perception of war and forces us to reckon with the most horrific aspects of it. As Höss tries to maintain normalcy for his children, the movie presents the starkly contrasting and brutal conditions of the concentration and extermination camps. Its critical response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the bold narrative and Christian Friedel’s turn as Rudolf Höss alongside Sandra Hüller’s performance as Hedwig Höss.

    25

    How I Live Now (2013)

    Release Date

    September 10, 2013

    Runtime

    101 minutes

    In How I Live Now, we follow a young American girl named Daisy, otherwise disaffected by the world around her, who is sent to the English countryside to stay with her cousins when she finds herself swept up in the throes of war as terrorists detonate a nuclear bomb in London, killing thousands. Daisy goes from being a self-absorbed teenager to a determined survivor fighting for her life and the lives of those she holds dear.

    Emotional Coming-of-Age War Story

    Combining elements of coming-of-age drama with the tension of a global crisis, How I Live Now delivers a unique narrative. Directed by Kevin Macdonald with a keen eye for both the devastating realities of war and the tender moments of personal growth, it is a truly unforgettable movie. Also worth praising is Saoirse Ronan’s compelling performance as Daisy, who single-handedly elevates the storytelling. A must-see for fans of war dramas.

    24

    Act of Valor (2012)

    Act of Valor Movie Poster

    Release Date

    February 24, 2012

    Runtime

    111 minutes

    Cast

    Alexander Asefa
    , Drea Castro
    , Jason Cottle
    , Aurelius DiBarsanti
    , Timothy Gibbs
    , Carla Jimenez

    Act of Valor begins with a fairly simple plot where an elite team of Navy SEALs embarks on a covert mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative. In the process, they discover an imminent threat that could potentially alter the fate of the entire country. As they work to neutralize the threat, the movie delves into the lives of America’s most skilled soldiers and showcases their courage and sacrifice.

    Pays Tribute to the Unsung Heroes

    Offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the world of special operations, the movie sets itself apart with its use of real-life Navy SEALs as well as active-duty U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen in lead roles. The level of realism it brings is unmatched. Add the visceral action scenes and precise direction by Mouse McCoy and Scott Waugh and what you get is a genuine and poignant war movie.

    23

    Ugetsu (1953)

    01445183_poster_w780.jpg

    Ugetsu

    Release Date

    September 7, 1954

    Runtime

    96 Minutes

    Cast

    Machiko Kyo
    , Mitsuko Mito
    , Kinuyo Tanaka
    , Masayuki Mori
    , Eitaro Ozawa
    , Sugisaku Aoyama
    , Mitsusaburo Ramon
    , Ryosuke Kagawa

    Call it a war film or a period fantasy drama, Ugetsu is a richly emotive and introspective movie that tells two gripping stories of peasants, Genjūrō and Tōbei. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s civil war–torn Azuchi–Momoyama period in a small farming village, it follows Genjūrō, a potter who seeks fortune by selling his pottery, and Tōbei, who yearns to become a valiant samurai. Their ambitions lead them into a world of supernatural encounters and tragic consequences.

    A Rare but Significant War Film

    Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, Ugetsu seamlessly combines elements of war with a mythical storyline. It’s not as much about combat as it is about people driven by ambition, love, and loss. Which is still hauntingly beautiful to witness. Recognized for its artistic direction and compelling narrative, it earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design, Black and White, and won several other awards for sound, direction, and cinematography.

    22

    The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

    the-tuskegee-airmen-1995-poster-laurence-fishburne-as-a-navy-soldier.jpg

    The Tuskegee Airmen

    Release Date

    August 26, 1995

    Runtime

    106 Minutes

    Widely considered one of the best made-for-TV films ever, The Tuskegee Airmen depicts the true story (albeit with some fictionalized elements) of the titular squad division from WWII, the first ever all-African-American Air Force Squadron. Most of the story is told from the perspective of young squad pilot Hannibal Lee (the great Laurence Fishburne), and the reticence his division faces from their white superior officers.

    Moving and Inspiring

    Gradually, as the airmen prove their worth, they develop a reputation as one of the most fearsome and reliable squadrons in the army. The cast is absolutely stacked, with seasoned veterans, newcomers, and underrated character actors including Cuba Gooding Jr., Mekhi Phifer, John Lithgow, Courtney B. Vance, and Andre Braugher. If it’s a somewhat predictable viewing, it’s also a moving and inspiring one.

    21

    Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)

    Rory Kennedy’s haunting war documentary gives the viewers an insight into life inside one of the world’s most notorious prisons: Iran’s Abu Ghraib. A haunting film to experience, Ghosts of Abu Ghraib utilizes the narratives of perpetrators, victims, and witnesses in an effort to probe into the effects of the infirmary. Highlighting a plethora of torture schemes ranging from sexual humiliation to physical abuse, Kennedy’s film pulls no punches and is very critical of America’s hand and credibility in the Iraqi prison ecosystem.

    Difficult But Essential

    Ghosts of Abu Ghraib is definitely a film that cannot be seen on an empty stomach as its haunting images linger in the bylines of memory much after the credits have rolled. Despite that, the film deserves to be on everyone’s movie list, serving as a reminder of the brutality humans are capable of.

    20

    When Trumpets Fade (1998)

    Highlighting the mental trauma of war, When Trumpets Fade follows Pvt. David Manning, the sole survivor in the aftermath of the battle of Hürtgen Forres. Crumpled by shock and trauma, Manning requests to leave but instead is promoted to sergeant and tasked with leading his men into battle despite being thoroughly unqualified for the position.

    An Emotionally Turbulent Journey

    When Trumpets Fade runs on the emotional chaos that’s caused by war, it leaves its effect on everyone who’s put through the experience. This change is evident in Manning’s case as he gradually numbs to war’s harsh realities as the film progresses, taking the viewer with him on a turbulent journey both inward and outward.

    19

    The Tin Drum (1979)

    the-tin-drum-1979-poster.jpg

    The Tin Drum

    Release Date

    April 11, 1980

    Runtime

    142 Minutes

    Cast

    Mario Adorf
    , Angela Winkler
    , David Bennent
    , Katharina Thalbach
    , Daniel Olbrychski
    , Tina Engel
    , Berta Drews
    , Roland Teubner

    The Tin Drum, adapted from Günter Grass’ novel of the same name, follows a young boy who purposely refuses to accept the reality of the adult world by banging on his tin drum as a form of protest against the Nazis and war.

    A Political Rebellion Seen Through Youth

    Upon its release, Volker Schlöndorff’s film was a sensation, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival along with the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. With an abundance of symbolic messaging and themes of youth and adulthood, The Tin Drum merges political rebellion with childlike stubbornness, creating a film for warring adults, led by a small boy.

    Best War Movies on Tubi to Watch Right Now

    Related


    23 Best War Movies on Tubi to Watch Right Now

    Dramatic stories from the past and present can be found in the best war movies on Tubi.

    18

    Westfront 1918 (1930)

    westfront-1918.jpg

    Westfront 1918

    Release Date

    May 23, 1930

    Runtime

    97 Minutes

    Cast

    Fritz Kampers
    , Gustav Diessl
    , Hans-Joachim Moebis
    , Claus Clausen
    , Gustav Püttjer
    , Vladimir Sokoloff
    , Jackie Monnier
    , Hanna Hoessrich

    Westfront 1918 is a touching drama that manages to immediately capture the viewers’ attention by following the style of a documentary. It highlights the experiences of a group of German soldiers, whose lives are changed forever when they are sent to fight at the frontline in France. Karl, one of the soldiers, is briefly sent home, where he finds his home and family struggling with poverty.

    Between the Frontlines and a Poverty-Stricken Home

    Westfront 1918 exceeds the limitations of filmmaking at that time and delivers an authentic portrayal of the horrors of war. It specifically focuses on the fight for life and death at the frontlines but also sheds light on the daunting conditions in the soldiers’ home country. It reveals that war impacts every single person, as its terrors can come in different, horrendous ways. Westfront 1918 stands out with compelling storytelling, making it a must-watch.

    17

    Conspiracy (2001)

    Starring Kenneth Branagh and Stanley Tucci, Conspiracy is a made-for-TV film that dramatizes the events of the Wannsee Conference, the famous Nazi meeting meant to debate the “Final Solution” of “The Jewish Question”. Featuring uncannily believable dialogue, the film uses the actual transcripts of the conference, while also successfully delving into the frightening psychology of the Nazi mindset.

    Essential and Still Relevant

    Given its horrific subject, the film is a powerful one portraying the completely insidious intention of the Nazi Party. As depicted in the film, the discussions candidly include options like mass sterilization and genocide — giving us a chilling reminder of why such mindsets should never be tolerated again. With terrific performances from the lead actors, this is a must-see film given how much of the same rhetoric is still so prevalent today.

    Split Image of The Covenant, The Tomorrow War, and Hamburger Hill on Prime Video

    Related


    18 Best War Movies on Prime Video to Watch Right Now

    Prime Video has some of the best war films of all time in their massive collection that you can stream right now.

    16

    Monos (2019)

    monos-2019-poster.jpg

    Monos

    Release Date

    August 15, 2019

    Runtime

    102 Minutes

    Cast

    Sofia Buenaventura
    , Julián Giraldo
    , Karen Quintero
    , Laura Castrillón
    , Deiby Rueda
    , Paul Cubides
    , Sneider Castro
    , Moises Arias

    Winner of the World Dramatic Special Jury Award at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, Monos is far from an easy watch, but it’s a captivating one. Taking inspiration equally from William Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the film takes place in Colombia, centering around a group of child soldiers tasked with watching over a hostage before an ambush drives them into the jungle.

    Nightmarish and Unforgettable

    As the group struggles to survive, their bonds are put to the test, and the film takes on a much more surrealistic bent, utilizing nightmarish visuals and a haunting score by Mica Levi to illustrate how the characters are affected by their surroundings. It’s both hugely disturbing and unforgettable.

    15

    Path to War (2002)

    path-to-war-2002-poster.jpg

    Path To War

    Release Date

    May 18, 2002

    Runtime

    165 Minutes

    A top-tier biographical TV film, Path to War was the last film directed by the great John Frankenheimer, best known for films like The Manchurian Candidate (1962). The movie utilizes the viewpoint of President Lyndon B. Johnson and his cabinet to depict several key historical moments of the Vietnam War.

    Inescapably Political and Wonderfully Cast

    Path to War successfully highlights both the inescapably political nature of the Vietnam War and the difficult decision-making processes that surrounded it. The film is elevated by a terrific performance from Michael Gambon in the lead as President Johnson, but the veteran actor is backed up wonderfully by a supporting cast including Donald Sutherland and Alec Baldwin.

    14

    The Cold Blue (2018)

    01384109_poster_w780.jpg

    The Cold Blue

    Release Date

    May 23, 2018

    Runtime

    74 minutes

    Cast

    William Wyler

    The Cold Blue is a documentary made out of footage filmed by director William Wyler in 1944 for his own documentary, The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress. The 2018 film is a tribute to the members of the 8th Air Force, who went on numerous, incredibly dangerous missions flying their B-17 bombers during the Second World War. It shows a glimpse into the terrors of war and how trauma and youth become blurred.

    The Cold Blue is a must-watch for anyone interested in war movies, since it includes incredible, real footage and combines it with a captivating storyline. Additionally, this film stands out with its inclusion of recollections of some veterans, which adds even more weight to the already intense topic. It is a monumental masterpiece, working as a reminder of the outstanding sacrifices that were made by young soldiers during the war.

    13

    Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)

    01192311_poster_w780.jpg

    Jim: The James Foley Story

    Release Date

    January 23, 2016

    Runtime

    111 minutes

    Cast

    Ben Chase
    , Diane Foley
    , James Foley
    , John Foley
    , Michael D. Joseph
    , Magnus Tonning Riise
    , Brian Oakes

    Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, Jim: The James Foley Story is a hard-hitting work about the life of photojournalist and war correspondent, James Foley. Depicting the innocent casualties of war, it primarily focuses on his time covering the Syrian Civil War, during which time he was later kidnapped on Thanksgiving Day in 2012.

    The Rise of ISIS

    He would remain missing for two years. In 2014, in response to US airstrikes in Iraq, the world watched in horror as a video went viral, in which terrorists beheaded Foley. His tragic murder acted as the world’s first major introduction to the new threat that emerged in the wake of Al-Qaeda’s losses, as the now infamous ISIS began seizing more power in the region.

    12

    Henry V (1944)

    Helmed by the legendary Laurence Olivier, who also took the title role, Henry V was maybe the first Shakespeare film adaptation to receive both critical and popular acclaim. The British government partially funded the movie, as Olivier famously took the project to boost the morale of British troops during the final stretch of WWII.

    A Gorgeously Shot Triumph

    A cinematic triumph, the film sweeps through the famous battles as seen through the eyes of Shakespeare, and it looks simply gorgeous, with landscapes and battles depicted with astonishing visual clarity, shot in Technicolor. Olivier received a special Academy Award for his outstanding achievement with the film, further proof of why he’s such a screen legend. The film was also nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director for Olivier.

    The 30 Best War Movies of All Time, Ranked including Matt Damon in Saving Private Ryan, Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now, and Andrew Garfield in Hacksaw Ridge

    Related


    The 50 Best War Movies of All Time, Ranked

    War films are a difficult genre to tackle, but these are the 50 greatest ever made, from The Big Parade to Saving Private Ryan.

    11

    Casablanca (1942)

    casablanca-movie-poster.jpg

    Release Date

    January 23, 1943

    Runtime

    102 minutes

    More than 80 years on, Casablanca is still widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Featuring the immortal talents of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, to this day, the film still holds up remarkably considering its success has had one of the most lasting legacies in cinematic history. The movie takes place in the titular city, at a nightclub attracting all kinds of patrons, including the likes of both Nazi officials and refugees.

    An All-Time Great

    Rick, the club’s owner and an expat, takes a neutral stance against the currently unfolding war. However, when an old flame that he still loves arrives, he must choose between his love for her and helping her husband, a Czech resistance leader, escape. Filled with legendary setpieces and some of the best dialogue in cinematic history, the film is still widely regarded as the greatest war film ever.

    10

    Gone with the Wind (1939)

    gone-with-the-wind-movie-poster-e1591752131480.jpg

    Release Date

    December 15, 1939

    Cast

    Thomas Mitchell
    , Barbara O’Neil
    , Vivien Leigh
    , Evelyn Keyes
    , Ann Rutherford
    , George Reeves
    , Hattie McDaniel

    Runtime

    238 minutes

    Another film regularly cited as one of the greatest in history, Gone with the Wind is a 1939 epic that remains gorgeous and involving to this day, even eighty-five years after its original release. Set in the American South, while the country was on the brink of the Civil War, the film is a sweeping tale that spans years and shows a change slowly transforming America to its core.

    A Controversial Classic

    Scarlet O’Hara (Vivien Leigh), falls for the wealthy Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), but Butler is soon drafted into the army, and the social upheaval brought about by the Civil War slowly but surely changes its characters’ lives along the way. Even though the film is still regarded as a classic, it remains controversial for its depictions of slavery and whitewashing, and for arguably romanticizing the harsh realities the South faced. Nonetheless, the film earned 13 Academy Award nominations and won eight of them, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Leigh for Best Actress.

    9

    Taking Chance (2009)

    Release Date

    September 21, 2009

    Cast

    Kevin Bacon
    , Tom Aldredge
    , Nicholas Art
    , Blanche Baker
    , Tom Bloom
    , Guy Boyd

    Taking Chance is a compelling and heart-wrenching true story that highlights a US Army officer’s touching journey with a deceased comrade. As an escort officer, Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl is given the task of bringing the body of Chance Phelps back home. Strobl leads the last journey of a 19-year-old Marine who died in combat and the importance of camaraderie and respect is highlighted.

    Heart-Breaking Closure

    Considering the fact that Taking Chance is based on a true story, the film is filled with numerous tough moments. The film is a reminder that so many courageous men lose their lives amid the chaos of a battlefield and the hope of their safe return diminishes. Taking Chance, however, shows that while their journey as a living person is over, their last trip is still of incredible importance. Bringing fallen soldiers back home is an extremely heart-breaking yet valuable side of the army, which deserves to be mentioned and respected.

    8

    The Battle of Algiers (1966)

    The Battle of Algiers

    Release Date

    September 20, 1967

    Cast

    Brahim Hadjadj
    , Jean Martin
    , Yacef Saadi

    Runtime

    2hr 1min

    Gillo Pontecorvo’s The Battle of Algiers is more than a film, it’s a deep dive into the reality of bloodshed, oppression, and revolution. Revolving around the Algerian war, Pontecorvo’s film goes for authenticity above all else, using actual locations from the conflict, and the camerawork and editing create a feeling akin to a documentary in how visceral it is.

    Humanistic and Difficult

    Primarily fought between the Algerian rebels and civilians, and the French government oppressing its people, The Battle of Algiers wisely refrains from being a propaganda film or from simplifying the story on hand. Its ultimate stance on the conflict is neutral, offering a humanistic perspective on both parties involved in the war, and truthfully depicting the difficulties that guerrilla figures face in starting and maintaining a rebellion.

    Originally Published Here.

    Share.

    Related Posts