Top 9 War Movies that Captured the Realism of Battle

1. The Heroism of Hacksaw Ridge

Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson, tells the true story of Desmond Doss, an American pacifist combat medic during World War II. The movie received praise from military historians for its accurate depiction of Japanese battle tactics, weapons, and the intense violence of the war.

Andrew_Garfield_in_a_military_uniform_in_Hacksaw_Ridge

2. Black Hawk Down: A Glimpse of Chaotic Battle

Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down portrays the U.S. military's 1993 raid in Mogadishu and has been lauded for its realistic depiction of the 'violence of action.' The movie's accuracy was acknowledged by a retired Delta Force operator and author Steven J. Rubin.

Screencap of Tom Hardy as SPC Lance Twombly in Black Hawk Down. Twombly is taking cover next to a pillar, with his name written on his DBDU-covered helmet.

3. Das Boot: A Claustrophobic Journey

Das Boot, a West German war film, offers a claustrophobic look at soldiers aboard a WWII submarine. Praised for its accuracy, the movie's production went to great lengths to simulate depth charge attacks and train the actors as submariners.

The cast of Das Boot assembled in the submarine

4. We Were Soldiers: A Realistic Portrayal of Battle

We Were Soldiers, directed by Randall Wallace, dramatizes the Battle of la Drang during the Vietnam War. The action closely adheres to actual events and has been praised for its realism by veterans and experts.

Mel Gibson staring at the ground in We Were Soldiers.

5. Glory: Realistic Depiction of Civil War Combat

Glory depicts the soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and offers one of the most realistic depictions of American Civil War combat. The movie's portrayal of the assault on Fort Wagner and the aftermath is praised for its realism.

Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and the rest of the Black soldiers gathered in Glory

6. Dunkirk: A Tense and Realistic Thriller

Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk has been praised for its realistic representation of the historical evacuation. The movie accurately depicts the desperation of British soldiers and the civilian population's unawareness of the war.

Tom Hardy in Dunkirk piloting a fighter plane wearing helmet and oxygen mask, pressing a gloved hand to the mask

7. Lone Survivor: Harrowing True Story of Soldiers

Lone Survivor, directed by Peter Berg, portrays the harrowing true story of soldiers trapped in hostile territory during the war in Afghanistan. The movie's realistic combat scenes and reenactments have garnered praise.

Mark Wahlberg and Ben Foster helping Emile Hirsch in Lone Survivor

8. Full Metal Jacket: A Glimpse into Military Training

Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket accurately portrays the training of U.S. Marines, earning recognition for its authenticity from veterans and those with military experience.

R Lee Ermey yells at a cadet in Full Metal Jacket

9. Platoon: Nightmarish Experiences in Vietnam

Oliver Stone's Platoon, based on his own experience, offers a nightmarish portrayal of a young soldier's experiences in Vietnam. The movie's battle sequences, weapons, and tactics are praised for their accuracy.

Willem Defoe with is arms up in Platoon.