15 Best Anti-War Movies Ever Made

Since the birth of cinema, war movies have acted as powerful vehicles for delivering gut-wrenching anti-war messages exploring the deteriorating effects of conflict. While some films may present themselves as being anti-warfare, in the process, they often end up glorifying battle, and bloodshed looks like a heroic act to be lauded and praised. However, there have been some truly effective anti-war films that showcased the soulless, unnecessary, and inhumane nature of allowing citizens to fight and die for political causes from which they will not even benefit.

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The greatest war movies of all time all echo themes around the need to end conflict, yet not all were entirely anti-war. Some of the most compelling anti-war movies were produced while conflicts were still ongoing and acted as pleas for those with the power to do so to end the needless violence and ensure soldiers were able to reunite with their families before facing unspeakable harm. With films that convey both the personal and the political, the best anti-war movies showcase the harrowing realism at the heart of all forms of violence.

15 Johnny Got His Gun (1971)

Directed by Dalton Trumbo

Johnny Got His Gun (1971) - Poster

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Johnny Got His Gun PGWarDrama

Joe Bonham, a young American soldier, suffers devastating injuries from an artillery shell on the last day of World War I, leaving him a quadruple amputee without the ability to see, hear, or speak. Trapped within his own mind, Joe battles to retain his sanity and find a way to communicate with the outside world. Using Morse code, he taps out messages on his hospital bed, pleading to be put on display as a living example of the true horrors of war.

Director Dalton Trumbo Release Date August 4, 1971 Writers Dalton Trumbo , Luis Buñuel Cast Timothy Bottoms , Kathy Fields , Marsha Hunt , Jason Robards , Donald Sutherland , Charles McGraw , Sandy Brown Wyeth , Don Barry Runtime 112 Minutes Main Genre War Expand

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The famed Roman Holiday screenwriter Dalton Trumbo adapted his own 1938 novel Johnny Got His Gun for one of the most terrifyingly bleak anti-war films ever made. Set in the midst of the First World War, this starred Timothy Bottoms as Joe Bonham, a young soldier who awoke to the discovery that after being hit by an artillery shell, he has lost eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and limbs. Yet, despite being unable to communicate, he remained conscious, a prisoner in his own body without the means to warn the world of the true price of warfare.

14 Born On The Fourth Of July (1989)

Directed by Oliver Stone

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Born on the Fourth of July RDramaWarBiography

Ron Kovic, driven by a strong sense of patriotism, enlists in the Marine Corps and is deployed to Vietnam. His life takes a drastic turn when he sustains a severe injury, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Returning to a nation divided over the war, Kovic struggles with his newfound disability and the disillusionment with his former beliefs. His path to recovery and self-discovery leads him to become a passionate anti-war activist, using his voice to advocate for peace and the rights of veterans, redefining his purpose and legacy.

Director Oliver Stone Release Date December 20, 1989 Studio(s) Universal Pictures , Ixtlan Writers Ron Kovic , Oliver Stone Cast Tom Cruise , Raymond J. Barry , Caroline Kava , Holly Marie Combs , Kyra Sedgwick Runtime 145 Minutes Budget 14000000.0 Main Genre Drama Expand
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Born on the Fourth of July was Oliver Stone’s powerful anti-war story that detailed the life of Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) over 20 years. While the young Kovic grew up with an unwavering desire to fight for his country, his military service during the Vietnam War left him paralyzed. This true story turned Kovic into a passionate anti-war activist as he could share with the world his own difficult experiences and the empty life of alcoholism and injury that awaited him when he returned home after trading his ability to walk to fight for a war he didn’t believe in.

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13 The Great Dictator (1940)

Directed by Charlie Chaplin

The Great Dictator (1940) - Poster - Charlie Chaplin As Hitler

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The Great Dictator NRComedyWar

The Great Dictator is a satirical comedy-drama film that tells the story of Adenoid Hynkel, a parody of Adolf Hitler, and a lookalike Jewish barber. Released in 1940, the film stars Charlie Chaplin, who also wrote and directed the project, as both Hynkel and the barber, in a commentary on the rise of fascism in Europe.

Director Charlie Chaplin Release Date October 15, 1940 Studio(s) Roy Export Company Establishment , United Artists , Charles Chaplin Productions Writers Charlie Chaplin Cast Charlie Chaplin , Paulette Goddard , Jack Oakie , Reginald Gardiner , Henry Daniell Runtime 125 Minutes Budget 2000000.0 Main Genre Comedy Expand

As the defining comedian of the silent age, it’s incredible to note that when Chaplin finally decided to open his mouth, he had something vital to say. The Great Dictator was a hilarious satire that showcased the true absurdity and egomania of the tyrannical leader Adolf Hitler as it poked fun at fascism, anti-semitism, and the Nazis. While Chaplin later said if he knew of the true extent of the Holocaust, he may not have made The Great Dictator (via BBC), it remains the most pressing example of the general public’s opposition to the war as it was happening.

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12 Platoon (1986)

Directed by Oliver Stone

platoon (1986)

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10/10 Platoon RDramaWar

Platoon is a war drama directed by Oliver Stone, featuring Charlie Sheen as a young soldier experiencing the harrowing realities of Vietnam. Released in 1986, the film chronicles his moral struggle within a divided platoon, led by the contrasting characters of Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger. Platoon offers a raw depiction of the harsh conditions and ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers, contributing to its critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.

Director Oliver Stone Release Date February 6, 1987 Writers Oliver Stone Cast Tom Berenger , Willem Dafoe , Charlie Sheen , Keith David , Forest Whitaker , Francesco Quinn , Kevin Dillon , John C. McGinley Runtime 120 Minutes Main Genre War Expand

Platoon was among the most realistic and pressing of all Vietnam War movies, whose harrowing ground-level view was made all the more effective due to writer and director Oliver Stone’s genuine war experiences. Stone was a veteran of the 25th Infantry Division from 1967 to 1968 and was twice wounded in action. He wrote Platoon based on his own wartime experiences. With a strong story elevated by fantastic performances from Charlie Sheen and Willem Dafoe, Platoon showcased the war in a way no one before him had and delivered an honest and powerful plea toward ending bloodshed.

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11 Schindler’s List (1993)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

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10/10 Schindler’s List RDramaHistoryWar

Schindler’s List is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, chronicling the efforts of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes, the film vividly portrays the atrocities committed during World War II while highlighting Schindler’s transformation from a profit-driven industrialist to a humanitarian savior.

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*Availability in US Director Steven Spielberg Release Date December 15, 1993 Studio(s) Amblin Entertainment Writers Thomas Keneally , Steven Zaillian Cast Liam Neeson , Ben Kingsley , Ralph Fiennes , Caroline Goodall , Jonathan Sagall Runtime 195 Minutes Budget 22000000.0 Main Genre Drama Expand

The true story of Oskar Schindler was one of the most inspiring of the entire Second World War, as he wielded his power as a factory owner to save the lives of thousands of Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this powerful anti-war drama signaled the director’s maturity as this Best Picture winner earned a reputation as one of the greatest movies of all time. With a poignant performance from Liam Neeson as Schindler and an astounding villainous turn from Ralph Fiennes as the soulless Nazi Amon Göth, Schindler’s List showed the horror and humanity of WWII.

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10 All Quiet On The Western Front (1930)

Directed by Lewis Milestone

All Quiet On The Western Front (1930) - Poster

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All Quiet on the Western Front PassedDramaWar Director Lewis Milestone Release Date August 24, 1930 Writers Erich Maria Remarque , Maxwell Anderson , George Abbott , Del Andrews Cast Lew Ayres , Louis Wolheim , John Wray , Arnold Lucy , Ben Alexander , Scott Kolk , Owen Davis Jr. , Walter Rogers Runtime 152 Minutes Main Genre War Expand

Despite being released nearly 100 years ago, All Quiet on the Western Front has remained among the most powerful anti-war movies ever, as its terror-inducing depiction of the First World War will forever be seared into viewers’ minds. With an astounding performance from Lew Ayres as Paul Bäumer, All Quiet on the Western Front showcased the shell-shocked nature of veterans of the conflict. As a gruesome and morbid tale of war, director Lewis Milestone made a document that would stand the test of time and has remained highly relevant, with an excellent 2022 remake even being made.

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9 The Deer Hunter (1978)

Directed by Michael Cimino

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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 showcased the deteriorating effects of the Vietnam War on the psychology of soldiers better than any other film. What started as a group of three tight-knit friends from Pennsylvania heading off to fight for their country quickly turned into a heartbreaking story of personal destruction best encapsulated by Christopher Walken as Corporal Nikanor Chevotarevich, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a veteran who’d rather stay in Vietnam and play underground Russian roulette than address the horrors he went through. At over three hours long, The Deer Hunter was a captivating and terrifying anti-war film.

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8 The Thin Red Line (1998)

Directed by Terrence Malick

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6/10 The Thin Red Line RDramaHistoryWar

The Thin Red Line is a war film directed by Terrence Malick, based on James Jones’ autobiographical novel. Released in 1998, it focuses on the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II, exploring the psychological toll of combat on soldiers. The ensemble cast includes Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, and Nick Nolte, among others, and delves into themes of survival, fear, and the impact of war on human nature.

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*Availability in US Director Terrence Malick Release Date December 23, 1998 Writers James Jones , Terrence Malick Cast Jim Caviezel , Sean Penn , Nick Nolte , Kirk Acevedo , Penelope Allen Runtime 171 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand

The Thin Red Line was Terrence Malick’s powerful adaptation of James Jones’s 1962 novel, which fictionalized the Battle of Mount Austen in World War II. With an impressive cast including Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, and George Clooney, this darkly philosophical film captured the emotional depth and harrowing intensity of those engaging in conflict. While The Thin Red Line underperformed at the box office and was overshadowed by the success of Saving Private Ryan the same year, it remains a vital document of anti-war cinema.

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7 Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

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10/10 Full Metal Jacket RWarDrama

Full Metal Jacket is a war movie directed by Stanley Kubrick where a group of young soldiers endure the brutal training regimen of U.S. Marine Corps drill sergeant Hartman (Lee Ermey) and fight in the Vietnam War. The film was highly acclaimed for its crude portrayal of the dehumanizing effects of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers.

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*Availability in US Director Stanley Kubrick Release Date July 10, 1987 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures , Columbia Pictures Writers Michael Herr , Stanley Kubrick , Gustav Hasford Cast Matthew Modine , Arliss Howard , Adam Baldwin , R. Lee Ermey , Vincent D’Onofrio Runtime 116 minutes Budget $30 million Expand

Director Stanley Kubrick made several incredible anti-war movies throughout his career, all tackling different aspects of conflict. Full Metal Jacket itself played out like two different movies as viewers were subjected to the rigorous challenges of army boot camp before being dropped right into the pure intensity of ongoing conflict in Vietnam. While the entire film boasted a powerful anti-war message, the most effective aspect of this film was Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Private Leonard “Gomer Pyle” Lawrence, an overweight and ridiculed recruit who suffered a mental breakdown and ended his own life before even making it to the war.

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6 Das Boot (1981)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

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Das Boot DramaWar

Das Boot is a 1982 German war film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The narrative follows the harrowing journey of a German U-boat crew during World War II, capturing the relentless tension and claustrophobia of underwater combat. With Jürgen Prochnow starring as the U-boat’s commanding officer, the film offers a stark, immersive portrayal of the psychological and physical challenges faced by the crew under extreme conditions.

Director Wolfgang Petersen Release Date September 17, 1981 Writers Wolfgang Petersen , Lothar G. Buchheim Cast Jurgen Prochnow , Herbert Grönemeyer , Klaus Wennemann , Hubertus Bengsch , Martin Semmelrogge , Bernd Tauber , Erwin Leder , Martin May Runtime 149 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand

The West German submarine movie Das Boot depicted both the excitement and tedious nature of life for the crew of the U-96 during the First World War. However, as the crew set out on a hazardous patrol in the Battle of the Atlantic, they experience the pure terror and claustrophobic nature of war at sea, where no matter where they turn, there’s no way to avoid the conflict of battle. As a grand and epic story, Das Boot captured the intensity of its conditions with a believability that most war movies never reach.

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5 Paths Of Glory (1957)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

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8/10 Paths of Glory ApprovedWarDrama

Paths of Glory, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a war film set during World War I. The movie stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, a French officer who defends three soldiers accused of cowardice in a court-martial. The film explores themes of military hierarchy, the futility of war, and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers and their leaders. Paths of Glory is notable for its critical portrayal of military bureaucracy.

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*Availability in US Director Stanley Kubrick Release Date December 25, 1957 Writers Stanley Kubrick , Calder Willingham , Jim Thompson , Humphrey Cobb Cast Kirk Douglas , Ralph Meeker , Adolphe Menjou , George Macready , Wayne Morris , Richard Anderson , Joe Turkel , Christiane Kubrick Runtime 88 Minutes Main Genre War Expand

The anti-military stance of Paths of Glory was highly controversial when it was first released in 1957, but this was the exact reason it has endured so well over these past decades. With Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, director Stanley Kubrick showed the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right as Dax refused to send his men on a suicidal mission. This refusal to engage in unnecessary bloodshed meant that Dax was court-martialed for cowardice in a development that highlighted with poignant precision the hypocrisy of war and the men behind the scenes who see human life as disposable.

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4 Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)

Directed by Isao Takahata

Grave of the Fireflies - Poster

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10/10 Grave of the Fireflies Not RatedAnimationDramaWar

Amidst the devastation of WWII, siblings Seita and Setsuko strive to survive in war-torn Japan after losing their mother. Facing starvation and cruelty, they cling to each other in a desperate bid for survival. As tragedy unfolds and hope dwindles, their poignant journey reveals the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable suffering, culminating in a hauntingly beautiful reunion beyond the realms of earthly sorrow.

Director Isao Takahata Release Date April 16, 1988 Writers Akiyuki Nosaka , Isao Takahata Cast Tsutomu Tatsumi , Ayano Shiraishi , Akemi Yamaguchi , Yoshiko Shinohara Runtime 89 Mins Main Genre Animation Expand

It’s rare for Western audiences to see the conflict of World War II from the Japanese perspective, which made the Studio Ghibli animated film Grave of the Fireflies all the more powerful. As the story of two orphaned siblings struggling to survive in the closing months of World War II, horror and heartache were on full display as this anime showcased the true cost of war to society’s most vulnerable citizens: children. With a chilling story that concluded with the death of a four-year-old child, Grave of the Fireflies did not shy away from presenting a sternly anti-war stance.

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3 Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

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10/10 Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb PGComedy

Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 black-and-white satire Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb parodies the growing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Starring Peter Sellers, the plot revolves around a US Air Force general who orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union against the wishes of the government.

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*Availability in US Director Stanley Kubrick Release Date January 29, 1964 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Terry Southern , Stanley Kubrick , Peter George Cast George C. Scott , Slim Pickens , Peter Sellers , Keenan Wynn , Sterling Hayden Runtime 95 minutes Budget $1.8 million Expand

The political satire Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb starred the unmatched comedian Peter Sellers playing three roles. As a satire of Cold War conflict and fears of an impending nuclear holocaust, Dr. Strangelove has come to be regarded as one of the finest comedies ever produced and among the most effective anti-war movies of all time. With razor-sharp humor that’s as relevant today as it was 60 years ago, Stanley Kubrick truly made an eternal time capsule exploring the ridiculousness of conflict with Dr. Strangelove.

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2 Apocalypse Now (1979)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

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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 Budget $31.5 million Main Genre War Expand

Francis Ford Coppola powerfully transferred the horror of Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness to the conflict-ridden landscape of the Vietnam War for his masterpiece of filmmaking, Apocalypse Now. As the winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, this timeless classic showcased the deteriorating effects of war as displayed by Martin Sheen’s impeccable performance as Captain Willard and Marlon Brando’s astounding turn as Colonel Kurtz. From iconic quotes like “I love the smell of napalm in the morning” to its classic “Ride of the Valkyries” helicopter sequence, Apocalypse Now tapped into the very heart of darkness.

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1 Come And See (1985)

Directed by Elem Klimov

Come And See (1985) - Poster

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Come And See NRDramaWar

Come and See is a 1985 Soviet war drama directed by Elem Klimov. The film follows a young Belarusian boy named Flyora as he witnesses and experiences the horrors of World War II. Through his eyes, viewers are exposed to the brutal realities of war and its devastating impact on humanity. Renowned for its stark portrayal of violence and suffering, the film is considered a powerful anti-war statement.

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*Availability in US Director Elem Klimov Release Date October 17, 1985 Studio(s) Belarusfilm , Mosfilm Writers Elem Klimov , Ales Adamovich Cast Aleksei Kravchenko , Olga Mironova , Liubomiras Laucevicius , Vladas Bagdonas , Jüri Lumiste Runtime 142 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand

While Hollywood has produced its fair share of influential anti-war movies, none ever achieved the gut-wrenching intensity of Elem Kilmov’s Soviet war drama Come and See. As the story of a child soldier named Flyora, Come and See did not shy away from portraying the intense and soul-destroying nature of life during the Nazi German occupation of Belarus. With a mix of hyperrealism and disorienting surrealism, Come and See was the most potent anti-war movie ever made, forcing viewers to confront its existential, psychological, political, and apocalyptic themes.

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Source: BBC