10 Best War Romance Movies Ever Made

While some war movies prefer to showcase the horrors that occur on the battlefield, others choose to present devastating love stories. The best war movies capture the impact such a massive conflict has on individuals, both those engaging in battle and those watching from the sidelines. Great war movies that involve romance show two individuals drawn to one another during a tumultuous time in history. While it’s nice to assume such stories would be lighthearted, that’s rarely the case.

Happy endings can never be guaranteed in the genre, and the characters in these films are aware of this, too. Characters in films like Cold Mountain and A Farewell to Arms acknowledge the possibility that they or their romantic partner could be killed during the war. In fact, most war romance films end in tragedy, whether it’s by death or a forced farewell when one is called to fight for their country. With war romances, it’s best to go in with the assumption that the film’s ending is going to be emotionally devastating.

10

Charlotte Gray (2001)

Directed by Gillian Armstrong

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Charlotte Gray

PG-13

Drama

History

Romance

War

Release Date

December 28, 2001

Runtime

121 minutes

Director

Gillian Armstrong

Writers

Jeremy Brock

Producers

Douglas Rae, Elinor Day, Hanno Huth, Paul Webster, Robert Bernstein

Cast

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  • Headshot OF Billy Crudup

    Billy Crudup

    Julien Levade

  • Headshot Of Cate Blanchett In The Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Fall/Winter

    Cate Blanchett

    Charlotte Gray

  • Headshot Of Michael Gambon

    Michael Gambon

    Levade

  • Headshot Of Rupert Penry-Jones In The Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards

    Rupert Penry-Jones

    Peter Gregory

Charlotte Gray is a World War II drama set in Nazi-occupied France. The film follows a young Scottish woman, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, as she collaborates with the French Resistance to rescue her missing lover, an RAF pilot. The story is based on the novel by Sebastian Faulks.

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While the 2001 film may not be the best effort to adapt Sebastian Faulks’ 1999 novel of the same name, Charlotte Gray is still an intense war drama sprinkled with a bit of romance. Cate Blanchett plays the title character, who joins Britain’s Special Operations Executive and completes missions in Nazi-occupied France. Charlotte’s primary reason for taking up missions in France is in hopes of reuniting with her MIA lover, Flight Lieutenant Peter Gregory.

This leads to Charlotte Gray feeling a bit disconnected at times, though Blanchett does her best to anchor the film with her dramatic performance.

Charlotte’s participation in a French resistance mission to destroy a Nazi train containing soldiers and weapons is a stark contrast to the film’s romantic plot points. This leads to Charlotte Gray feeling a bit disconnected at times, though Blanchett does her best to anchor the film with her dramatic performance. Blanchett is also supported by actors Billy Crudup, Rupert Penry-Jones, and Anton Lesser.

9

Allied (2016)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

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Allied

R

Thriller

Action

Documentary

Romance

War

ScreenRant logo

7/10

Release Date

November 17, 2016

Runtime

124minutes

Director

Robert Zemeckis

Writers

Steven Knight

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Raffey Cassidy

    Raffey Cassidy

  • Headshot Of Brad Pitt In The Babylon Premiere

    Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star in this Romantic War and Drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Steven Knight. The 2016 film sees two intelligence agents sent to assassinate a German Ambassador during World War II. The duo is set to pose as a married couple but end up falling for one another during the stunt.

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There are many comparisons to be made between Allied and Casablanca. Allied stars Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard as a Canadian intelligence officer and a French Resistance fighter, respectively, who are paired together under orders to assassinate a German ambassador. Whilst posing as a married couple, the two wind up falling for one another, which complicates their mission. The 2016 film doesn’t shy away from its references and shared plot points with Casablanca, and it presents itself as a remake at times.

Unfortunately, the similarities between the two have led to a mixed critical response over the years, with many preferring the 1942 film. Still, there are redeeming qualities to Allied that make it one of the better war romance movies. Through its performances, direction, and costuming, the film captures the feeling of a classic Hollywood war film, making for a feel-good watch.

8

Cold Mountain (2003)

Directed by Anthony Minghella

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Cold Mountain

R

Drama

Adventure

Documentary

History

Romance

War

Release Date

December 24, 2003

Runtime

153 minutes

Director

Anthony Minghella

Writers

Charles Frazier, Anthony Minghella

Cast

  • Headshot Of Jude Law

    Jude Law

  • Headshot Of Nicole Kidman In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's 'A Family Affair'

    Nicole Kidman

  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Eileen Atkins

In the final days of the American Civil War, a wounded soldier embarks on a perilous journey back to Cold Mountain, North Carolina, to find his girlfriend.

Main Genre

Drama

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Providing Jude Law with his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor is the war romance film Cold Mountain. The film takes place near the end of the American Civil War and sees Law’s W. P. Inman, a Confederate deserter, make a treacherous journey back to the love of his life, Ada (Nicole Kidman). The war splits them apart for some time, but no matter what obstacles come his way, Inman is determined to reunite with Ada.

Cold Mountain has a typical, sweeping love story that touches on the desire for human connection during such difficult times.

The film is elevated thanks to its wonderful performances, especially those of Law and Kidman. Inman’s trek back home isn’t easy, and Law captures every bit of the character’s determination and bravery deftly. Cold Mountain balances the harsh reality of war well with its main love story and has an ending guaranteed to make audiences teary-eyed.

7

A Farewell To Arms (1932)

Directed by Frank Borzage

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A Farewell to Arms

NR

Drama

Romance

War

Release Date

December 8, 1932

Runtime

89 minutes

Director

Frank Borzage

Writers

Benjamin Glazer

Cast

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    Gary Cooper

    Lt. Frederic Henry

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Helen Hayes

    Catherine Barkley

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Adolphe Menjou

    Major Rinaldi

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Mary Philips

    Helen Ferguson

A Farewell to Arms is a 1932 romantic drama set during World War I, featuring the love story between American ambulance driver Lt. Frederic Henry and British nurse Catherine Barkley. Their relationship faces numerous obstacles and difficult decisions as they navigate the turmoil and separation of wartime.

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The deep romantic connection and heartbreak one associates with war romance films is seen in A Farewell to Arms. The film is the first adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s semi-autobiographical novel. The story follows Gary Cooper’s American ambulance driver, Frederic, who comes across the English nurse Catherine (Helen Hayes) during World War I. A romantic connection immediately forms between the two, but Frederic’s duties in the war split the pair apart.

A Farewell to Arms beautifully depicts Frederic and Catherine’s longing to be with one another as they are forced to be apart and live with the fear that either of them will be killed amidst the war. Though the film doesn’t have much originality compared to the many war romance movies that followed, its unexpected plot twists, suspense, and portrayal of love will have audiences invested in its story regardless.

6

A Very Long Engagement (2004)

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet

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A Very Long Engagement

R

Drama

Mystery

Romance

War

Release Date

October 26, 2004

Runtime

133 minutes

Director

Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Writers

Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Guillaume Laurant

Cast

  • Headshot OF Audrey Tautou

    Audrey Tautou

    Mathilde

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Gaspard Ulliel

    Manech

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Dominique Pinon

    Sylvain

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Chantal Neuwirth

    Benedicte

Jeunet’s romantic World War I film starring Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, and the director’s beloved regular, Dominique Pinon.

Main Genre

Drama

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Based on Sébastien Japrisot’s 1991 novel of the same name, A Very Long Engagement has a bit of everything —a murder mystery, a corrupt government, romance, and the standard conflict in war. The film centers around Mathilde (Audrey Tautou), who is determined to uncover the truth about her fiancé’s supposed death. Mathilde’s fiancé is among a group of French soldiers who attempted to avoid military service and were reportedly killed as a result.

Mathilde’s investigation begins as a mission to reunite with her fiancé but leads to the discovery of the corrupt nature of the French government. Tautou is a captivating lead and delivers one of the best performances of her career. A Very Long Engagement stands apart from most war films, both in its direction and depicted drama, and is gratifying in all senses —particularly in its visuals and emotional storytelling.

5

Testament Of Youth (2014)

Directed by James Kent

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Testament Of Youth

PG-13

Drama

Biography

History

Release Date

January 16, 2015

Runtime

129 Minutes

Director

James Kent

Writers

Juliette Towhidi, Vera Brittain

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Alicia Vikander

    Alicia Vikander

  • Headshot Of Kit Harington In The Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall

    Kit Harington

  • Headshot Of Taron Egerton

    Taron Egerton

  • Headshot Of Dominic West

    Dominic West

Testament of Youth is a historical drama directed by James Kent, based on Vera Brittain’s memoir of the same name. Set during World War I, the film stars Alicia Vikander as Brittain, who postpones her studies at Oxford University to serve as a nurse, experiencing firsthand the horrors of war. Kit Harington co-stars as Roland Leighton, her fiancé. The story explores themes of love, loss, and resilience.

Main Genre

Drama

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Vera Brittain is a famous English feminist and pacifist whose best-selling memoir, Testament of Youth, provided the story for the 2014 drama. Alicia Vikander leads the film as Vera, who, at the start of World War I, volunteers as a nurse and is eager to see her brother and his friends join the army. It isn’t until Vera sees the horrific nature of war up close that she has a change of heart.

Testament of Youth differs from Vera’s memoir in a few ways but remains an effective drama film that makes note of the sheer ruthlessness of war.

While the film isn’t necessarily uplifting, it’s inspiring at times to see Brittain transform into the person she’d become best known as. Much of the film acts as a coming-of-age story for Vera, and her hopeful romance with a man named Roland is moving and bittersweet. Testament of Youth differs from Vera’s memoir in a few ways but remains an effective drama film that makes note of the sheer ruthlessness of war.

4

The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946)

Directed by William Wyler

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The Best Years of Our Lives

Not Rated

Drama

Romance

War

6.3/10

Release Date

December 25, 1946

Runtime

171 Minutes

Director

William Wyler

Writers

MacKinlay Kantor, Robert E. Sherwood

Cast

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Dana Andrews

    Fred Derry

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Fredric March

    Al Stephenson

The Best Years of Our Lives is a 1946 drama directed by William Wyler, focusing on the post-World War II experiences of three veterans. Fredric March, Dana Andrews, and Harold Russell portray the struggles of adjusting to civilian life upon returning home. The film depicts the personal and societal challenges they face, highlighting themes of reintegration, trauma, and shifting relationships in the aftermath of war.

Main Genre

Drama

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The readjustment to civilian life after war is rarely easy for veterans to make. Though many popular war films do highlight the issues faced by these veterans, one of the first to do it was The Best Years of Our Lives. The film follows three men who return home after World War II and have a difficult time adjusting to civilian life and the changes within American society.

The Best Years of Our Lives isn’t solely focused on the men’s romantic relationships, but this is a part of their life that they have to settle back into after being away for so long. One relationship that stands out is that of Homer Parrish and his soon-to-be wife Wilma, who continues to reaffirm her love for him after Homer’s convinced she wouldn’t want to marry him due to his war-inflicted injuries. Earning love from audiences and critics, The Best Years of Our Lives took home seven Academy Awards in 1947, including Best Picture.

3

The English Patient (1996)

Directed by Anthony Minghella

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The English Patient

R

Romance

Drama

War

Release Date

December 6, 1996

Runtime

162 Minutes

Director

Anthony Minghella

Writers

Michael Ondaatje, Anthony Minghella

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Ralph Fiennes

    Ralph Fiennes

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Jaliette Binoche

  • Headshot Of Willem Dafoe

    Willem Dafoe

  • Headshot Of Kristin Scott Thomas

    Kristin Scott Thomas

In the aftermath of World War II, a critically burned patient in an Italian monastery recounts his tragic love affair with a married woman. As memories unfold, the complexities of their romance and the secrets of the past come to light, intertwining with the present and revealing poignant truths.

Main Genre

Romance

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Considered to be one of Ralph Fiennes’ best movies, The English Patient tells a moving love story in the form of flashbacks. Fiennes plays the title character in the film, a British man burned beyond recognition and unable to remember many details from his past. Through a series of flashbacks, audiences learn he is a fictionalized version of Hungarian explorer László Almásy.

Almásy’s life depicted in the flashbacks takes place before the war and details his affair with the married Katharine Clifton. Like most war romances, The English Patient has a heartbreaking ending. The tragic end of their relationship is likely to stick with audiences for some time, which explains why the movie was such a hit following its release. The film had impressive box office numbers and won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

2

Atonement (2007)

Directed by Joe Wright

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Atonement

tv-ma

War

Romance

Release Date

September 7, 2007

Runtime

123 Minutes

Director

Joe Wright

Writers

Ian McEwan, Christopher Hampton

Cast

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  • Headshot Of James McAvoy

    James McAvoy

  • Headshot Of Keira Knightley

    Keira Knightley

  • Headshot Of Saoirse Ronan In The  27th Palm Springs International Awards

    Saoirse Ronan

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Romola Garai

Atonement is a romance and war drama released in 2007 by director Joe Wright. The film stars Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, and Romola Garai. The film takes place in 1930s England, spanning multiple years afterward as a man is wrongfully incarcerated and then must face a war, all while wanting to get back to the girl he loves.

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With titles to his name such as Anna Karenina and Pride & Prejudice, director Joe Wright has proved to be a trusted head of period fiction. His film Atonement is based on Ian McEwan’s eponymous novel and follows the ruined relationship between Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), the housekeeper for the Tallis family. When Cecilia’s sister wrongfully accuses Robbie of rape, he is sent to prison, then forced to join the war —effectively tearing him and Cecilia apart.

Collage of Cecilia and Robbie walking together by the sea in Atonement while an older Briony smiles

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Atonement Ending, Explained

Atonement’s final scenes jump across timelines and question reality for a tear-jerking conclusion to Joe Wright’s movie based on Ian McEwan’s novel.

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The writing and direction throughout the film are effortlessly captivating, with audiences having a difficult time not being engrossed by Knightley and McAvoy’s chemistry or being frustrated with a young Saoirse Ronan, who causes trouble due to her misleading testimony. As is the case with most war romance movies, audiences are left feeling the emotional effects of Atonement‘s heartbreaking ending for quite some time after the credits roll.

1

Casablanca (1942)

Directed by Michael Curtiz

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Casablanca

PG

Drama

Romance

ScreenRant logo

10/10

9/10

Release Date

January 15, 1943

Runtime

102 minutes

Director

Michael Curtiz

Writers

Howard Koch, Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein

Producers

Hal B. Wallis

Cast

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Humphrey Bogart

    Rick Blaine

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Ingrid Bergman

    Ilsa Lund

Casablanca is a classic film set in December 1941, starring Humphrey Bogart as a cynical American expatriate in Morocco. When he encounters a former lover, portrayed by Ingrid Bergman, complicated personal and political tensions arise amidst the backdrop of World War II.

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Casablanca is often considered to be one of the best films of all time and certainly the best war romance movie. American expat and nightclub owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) is surprised to see his former lover Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) after she had previously left him with no explanation. The film uses the rising tensions during World War II as the backdrop for the pair’s doomed romance and creates one of cinema’s most iconic love triangles.

Casablanca boasts some memorable quotes and sees Bogart and Bergman each at a high point in their careers. By showcasing the effects of war on individuals, the film has held up incredibly well over the years and has continued to gain praise for its distinct style, theme song, writing, and performances. Despite its dated release and war-related themes, Casablanca is easily accessible for audiences, as many have a hard time not being entertained and fully engrossed in the Hollywood classic.