War films took a pivotal turn in the 1970s, a decade that saw some of the best war films of all time ever created. Fresh out of the Vietnam War, the public and by extension, writers and directors looked at the war genre with a new lens and created a more gritty and realistic look at the action. Films started to incorporate more genuine visuals of the brutality of war and the psychological issues of the soldiers, before, during, and after the events that changed so many lives.
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1970s classics like Apocalypse Now and The Deer Hunter are war films that have defined the genre. They push the boat out in terms of storytelling and introspective character studies that show, on a human level, the impact of war. There were less sanitized and glamorous shots of war, instead replaced by the harsh realities suffered by those involved by directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Michael Cimino. The 1970s crafted some of the finest films about war ever made and set a new standard for war and action films going forward.
10 The Inglorious Bastards (1978)
Starring Bo Svenson And Fred Williamson
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Directed by Enzo G. Castellari, The Inglorious Bastards tells the story of a group of American soldiers who have been sentenced to death in France for their crimes during the war. On their way to the prisoner’s camp, the journey is interrupted by a Nazi air raid, and the gang takes the opportunity to escape, going on the run in occupied France before teaming up with the French Resistance and Nazi defectors to complete a mission to assault an armored train carrying a deadly V-2 missile.
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A fantastic war film not based on a true story allows the narrative to get creative and produce a fantastic ‘unlikely team on a mission’ film that is entertaining and intriguing to watch. While it plays the genre in a slightly more comic and adventurous way, such as the gang stumbling upon a group of naked German nurses at a river, the action and acting throughout is well-directed and paced. It has also influenced later films, infamously giving its name and basic concept to Quentin Tarantino’s 2009 film, Inglourious Basterds.
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9 Midway (1976)
Starring Charlton Heston And Henry Fonda
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Midway (1976) PGActionDramaHistoryWar
Midway is a war film directed by Jack Smight, focusing on the pivotal Battle of Midway during World War II. The film features an ensemble cast, including Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, and James Coburn, and centers on both the American and Japanese naval strategies. Utilizing actual combat footage, Midway offers a detailed depiction of the events that marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater.
Director Jack Smight Release Date June 18, 1976 Writers Donald S. Sanford Cast Charlton Heston , Henry Fonda , James Coburn , Glenn Ford , Hal Holbrook , Robert Mitchum , Toshiro Mifune , Cliff Robertson Runtime 132 Minutes Main Genre War Expand
A naval war film that tells the story of the Battle of Midway, a vital point in the Pacific Theater of Operations of World War II, six months after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and focuses on the U.S. Navy’s attempts to defeat the Japanese fleet. Midway features an ensemble cast including Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, and James Coburn, who all perfectly encapsulate their roles, spliced alongside genuine historical footage to create a uniquely blended war epic.
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The film, directed by Jack Smight, highlights the importance of the Navy during wartime and their ingenious use of communications and tactics to plan out military operations. It provides genuine insights into the battles and shows large-scale battle sequences that are the hallmark of some of the best naval war films ever made. The film is respectful to the history of the battle and portrays the continued action in a suspenseful and enjoyable way throughout.
8 Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
Starring Martin Balsam And So Yamamura
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Tora! Tora! Tora! GActionDramaHistory
Tora! Tora! Tora! is a historical war film directed by Richard Fleischer, Toshio Masuda, and Kinji Fukasaku. Released in 1970, the film offers a detailed account of the events leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The film aims to present both the American and Japanese perspectives, featuring a dual narrative that provides an in-depth look into the planning and execution of the attack.
Director Richard Fleischer , Kinji Fukasaku , Toshio Masuda Release Date September 23, 1970 Writers Larry Forrester , Hideo Oguni , Ryûzô Kikushima , Gordon W. Prange , Ladislas Farago , Akira Kurosawa Cast Martin Balsam , Sô Yamamura , Jason Robards , Joseph Cotten , Tatsuya Mihashi , E.G. Marshall , Takahiro Tamura , James Whitmore Runtime 144 Minutes Main Genre History Expand
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In the 1970 epic war film Tora! Tora! Tora!, the story chronicles the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, uniquely told from both the American and Japanese sides of the war-changing bombing. The American perspective, directed by Richard Fleischer, and the Japanese perspective, directed by Kinji Fukasaku and Toshio Masuda, perfectly intertwine to create a gripping narrative of the intricate events and decisions that led up to the attack occurring.
Featuring the iconic line from Commander Yamamoto: “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”
The film has been widely praised for both it’s historical accuracy and incredible attention to detail in its aim to provide an accurate account from both sides. The horrifying and destructive action sequence of the actual attack on Pearl Harbor is harrowing and is choreographed in such a realistic and visual spectacle. The balance used to tell the story, and the impact the actual events had on the war, makes this one of the best war films about World War II ever conceived.
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7 Waterloo (1970)
Starring Rod Steiger And Orson Welles
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Waterloo HistoryDramaWar
Waterloo, released in 1970, depicts the historic confrontation between Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington following Napoleon’s escape from Elba. The film highlights the strategic maneuvers of the Anglo Allied army as they prepare for a decisive battle against the French forces led by their charismatic leader.
Director Sergey Bondarchuk Release Date October 26, 1970 Studio(s) Mosfilm , Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica Writers H.A.L. Craig Cast Christopher Plummer , Rod Steiger , Orson Welles , Jack Hawkins , Virginia McKenna , Dan O’Herlihy , Rupert Davies , Philippe Forquet , Gianni Garko , Ivo Garrani , Ian Ogilvy , Michael Wilding , Terence Alexander , Donal Donnelly , Oleg Vidov , Charles Borromel , Peter Davies , Veronica De Laurentiis , Vladimir Druzhnikov , Willoughby Gray , Roger Green , Orso Maria Guerrini , Richard Heffer , Orazio Orlando , John Savident Runtime 134 minutes Main Genre History Expand
Directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, Waterloo is an epic and expansive tale of the last battle of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Bonaparte is played to perfection by Rod Steiger, and his clash with the Duke Of Wellington (Christopher Plummer) at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, is shown in all its brutality and glory, with cannon fire, brigading, and cavalry charges that see uncountable deaths and destruction in the march to victory.
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As well as the incredible cast, cinematography, and overall directing and pacing, Waterloo has one of the best battle scenes in the history of the genre. The film toes the line right down the middle, exploring the military ranks and positions of both sides and the minute events that make up the war effort at large. The visual spectacle of the film is mind-blowing, with 15,000 authentically dressed and choreographed extras who took part in the battle scenes and completed them without any special effects. Truly one of the most stunning and captivating action sequences in all of cinema.
6 A Bridge Too Far (1977)
Starring Dirk Bogarde And James Caan
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A Bridge Too Far PGDramaHistoryWar
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A Bridge Too Far is a 1977 war film directed by Richard Attenborough that chronicles the failed World War II operation, Market Garden, a massive Allied attempt to capture key bridges in the Netherlands. Featuring an ensemble cast including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Anthony Hopkins, the film explores the intense battles and strategic mishaps that resulted in one of the war’s most significant setbacks.
Director Richard Attenborough Release Date June 15, 1977 Writers Cornelius Ryan , William Goldman Cast Dirk Bogarde , James Caan , Michael Caine , Sean Connery , Edward Fox , Elliott Gould , Anthony Hopkins , Gene Hackman , Hardy Krüger , Laurence Olivier , Ryan O’Neal , Robert Redford , Maximilian Schell , Liv Ullmann , Siem Vroom , Marlies van Alcmaer , Erik van ‘t Wout , Wolfgang Preiss , Hans von Borsody , Josephine Peeper , Paul Maxwell , Walter Kohut Runtime 175 Minutes Main Genre War Expand
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In A Bridge Too Far, the film follows the true story of a failed Allied Forces attempt to capture key bridges and strongholds in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. ‘Operation Market Garden’ involved training and airlifting 35,000 men behind enemy lines in the Netherlands and focuses on the historical facts of the situation and everything that played into the ultimate failure of the mission, with Britain taking thousands of losses and failing to secure any of the targeted areas.
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The 10 Best 1970s War Films On This List: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
The Inglorious Bastards (1978) |
6.5/10 |
|
Midway (1976) |
6.8/10 |
|
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) |
7.5/10 |
|
Waterloo (1970) |
7.3/10 |
|
A Bridge Too Far (1977) |
7.4/10 |
|
Kelly’s Heroes (1970) |
7.6/10 |
|
Cross of Iron (1977) |
7.4/10 |
|
Patton (1970) |
7.9/10 |
|
The Deer Hunter (1978) |
8.1/10 |
|
Apocalypse Now (1979) |
8.4/10 |
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The film’s cast is completely star-studded, with icons like Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Robert Redford to name a few. The film explores many themes of war and encapsulates the ambition and bravery of the units, and also some of the issues and miscalculations from above that can cost men their lives while carrying out the missions. The destruction scenes of the bridges and the intense battle sequences are beautifully choreographed, and A Bridge Too Far has been hailed for its spectacular scale and its range of various special effects.
5 Kelly’s Heroes (1970)
Starring Clint Eastwood And Telly Savalas
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10/10 Kelly’s Heroes PGAdventureComedyWar
Kelly’s Heroes is a war comedy film set during World War II, directed by Brian G. Hutton. Starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, and Donald Sutherland, the film follows a group of American soldiers who, upon discovering information about a hidden cache of Nazi gold, embark on a rogue mission to retrieve it. Balancing humor with action, Kelly’s Heroes offers a unique take on the war genre.
Director Brian G. Hutton Release Date June 22, 1970 Studio(s) Katzka-Loeb , Avala Film , Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Writers Troy Kennedy Martin Cast Clint Eastwood , Telly Savalas , Don Rickles , Carroll O’Connor , Donald Sutherland Runtime 144 Minutes Main Genre Adventure Expand
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Clint Eastwood stars in Kelly’s Heroes as Private Kelly, a former lieutenant who was scapegoated for a botched assault by his infantry. He captures Colonel Dankhopf of Wehrmacht Intelligence and, after interrogation and a night of drinking, learns about a cache of Nazi gold worth $16 million just over German lines. Kelly then forms a rag-tag group of soldiers who he enlists in his mission to make it to the town behind enemy lines and steal the gold for themselves.
Directed by Brian G. Hutton, the film has a somewhat more light-hearted take on the war, focusing on a small, motley crew who go AWOL in search of a golden fortune. The film is not without its gruesome war moments, with several of the gang being blown up or shot to death in a minefield, with action that would rival any of the best World War II films. The plot of Kelly’s Heroes is unique and intriguing, and the chemistry between the cast, particularly through Eastwood’s character, makes it an exciting and adventurous look into lesser-seen parts of the war.
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4 Cross Of Iron (1977)
Starring James Coburn And Maximilian Schell
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Cross of Iron RDramaWar
Cross of Iron, a film directed by Sam Peckinpah, is set in 1943 amidst the German army’s retreat from the Russian front. The narrative focuses on the conflict between the aristocratic Captain Stransky, who desires the Iron Cross, and Corporal Steiner, a non-conformist soldier prioritizing the safety of his men.
Director Sam Peckinpah Release Date May 20, 1977 Writers Willi Heinrich , James Hamilton , Walter Kelley , Julius J. Epstein Cast James Coburn , Maximilian Schell , James Mason , David Warner , Klaus Löwitsch , Vadim Glowna , Roger Fritz , Dieter Schidor Runtime 119 Minutes Main Genre War Expand
Cross of Iron, directed by Sam Peckinpah, is set on the Eastern Front in WWII and follows the story of two high-ranking military officers who form an intense, bitter rivalry. Corporal Rolf Steiner (James Coburn) is a veteran soldier and leader of his battalion before Captain Stransky (Maximilian Schell) is transferred to his unit from his cushier previous post in hopes of finding glory and winning the Iron Cross award. The two clash throughout the film, with both having different plans and strategies and fighting over leadership and decisions.
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The film is noted for having a bleak and anti-war tone throughout its narrative, featuring many instances of death, sexual assault, grueling battles, and graphic violence that, at times, can be hard to watch. Coburn’s performance as Steiner is electric, and while Cross of Iron was overshadowed by Star Wars being released a few months later, it has garnered much appreciation in later years. Quentin Tarantino has stated he used it as inspiration for Inglourious Basterds, and Orson Welles called it “the best war film he had seen about the ordinary enlisted man since All Quiet on the Western Front.”
3 Patton (1970)
Starring George C. Scott And Karl Malden
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Patton PGBiographyDramaHistoryWar
Patton is a biographical war film that chronicles the career of General George S. Patton during World War II. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the 1970 film stars George C. Scott as the controversial and outspoken military leader. The story provides a detailed account of Patton’s triumphs and troubles within the U.S. Army, highlighting his leadership in key battles and his complex personality.
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*Availability in US Director Franklin J. Schaffner Release Date April 2, 1970 Writers Ladislas Farago , Omar N. Bradley , Francis Ford Coppola , Edmund H. North Cast George C. Scott , Karl Malden , Stephen Young , Michael Strong , Carey Loftin , Albert Dumortier Runtime 172 Minutes Main Genre Biography Expand
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A film that chronicles the life and career of U.S. General George S. Patton (George C. Scott), one of the most revered yet divisive figures in U.S. military history. It starts back in World War II when General Patton is placed in command of the II Corps and begins to assert his authority on the downtrodden group of soldiers. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, with a screenplay inspired by Patton: Ordeal and Triumph by Ladislas Farago and General Omar Bradley’s memoir, A Soldier’s Story.
George C. Scott won the Best Actor for his portrayal, though he declined the award.
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Scott’s portrayal of General Patton has gone down as one of the best and most realistic of a non-fictional character ever. The incredible opening monologue that Scott delivers with the Stars and Stripes flowing behind him is an all-time iconic image and monologue in cinematic history. Patton went on to win an amazing seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay to confirm it as one of the best war films ever produced, not just from the 1970s.
2 The Deer Hunter (1978)
Starring Robert De Niro And John Cazale
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The Deer Hunter RDramaEpicWar
The Deer Hunter is a 1978 war drama film by director Michael Cimino that centers on three men in a small steel mill town in Pennsylvania during the Vietnam War. The film explores the effects of the war on small-town workers, with the trio of Russian-American friends bonding over one last hunting trip. Holding onto the hope of bringing home militaristic glory back to their friends and families, their reality quickly comes crashing down when they experience the war in Vietnam firsthand.
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*Availability in US Director Michael Cimino Release Date February 23, 1979 Studio(s) EMI Films Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Deric Washburn , Michael Cimino , Louis Garfinkle , Quinn K. Redeker Cast Robert De Niro , John Cazale , John Savage , Meryl Streep , Christopher Walken , George Dzundza Runtime 184 Minutes Expand
The Deer Hunter, directed impeccably by Michael Cimino, follows a trio of Slavic-American steelworkers from a town in Pennsylvania whose lives are changed forever as they prepare to leave for military service in Vietnam and experience the true horrors of War. The three would-be soldiers are played by Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, and the film perfectly captures their descent into hell during and after their time away in one of the most compelling and intense war films ever made.
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The directing is sympathetic and mature, and it features one of the most recognizable and powerful scenes in film history, showing Nick (Walken)
playing Russian Roulette after being diagnosed with PTSD.
A regular occurrence when discussing the best films of all time, The Deer Hunter has been celebrated since its release, with most of the spotlight being shone on the incredible leading cast, who all give beautiful, heartbreaking performances. The directing is sympathetic and mature, and it features one of the most recognizable and powerful scenes in film history, showing Nick (Walken) playing Russian Roulette after being diagnosed with PTSD. The Deer Hunter was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor.
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1 Apocalypse Now (1979)
Starring Marlon Brando And Robert Duvall
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10/10 Apocalypse Now RDramaWarMystery
In Francis Ford Coppola’s classic Vietnam War film, loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, an army Captain is tasked with assassinating a rogue Colonel who has created a cult-like compound in the Cambodian jungle and is currently waging his own war outside the army’s purview. Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando star as Captain Willard and Colonel Kurtz respectively, with an ensemble cast that includes Robert Duvall, Laurence Fishburne, and Dennis Hopper.
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*Availability in US Director Francis Ford Coppola Release Date August 15, 1979 Studio(s) United Artists Distributor(s) United Artists Writers Joseph Conrad , John Milius , Francis Ford Coppola , Michael Herr Cast Marlon Brando , Martin Sheen , Robert Duvall , Frederic Forrest , Sam Bottoms , Laurence Fishburne Runtime 147 minutes Main Genre War Expand
Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now is widely regarded as the best war film of all time, and for good reason. It follows the story of Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) as he is tasked on a mission to assassinate Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando) as he has left his post and set up a base for himself in the jungle. Kurtz is commanding a squad of American, Montagnard, and local Khmer troops in a brutal war against the Viet Cong and other hostiles who view him as a demigod in a surreal and epic tale within the brutal confines of the Vietnam War.
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Apocalypse Now is a nightmarish, haunting take on the war genre, with a full exploration into the human condition in horrifying circumstances. In a film that can be viewed in multiple different versions and cuts without losing anything, it transcends the typical war film, with instances of violence and beauty of shots like the helicopter assaults and the destruction of nature. The cinematography, acting, directing, and soundtrack all combine to create a cinematic experience that is truly unforgettable. Not just the best war film of the 1970s, but Apocalypse Now is the best war film of all time.
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