READC ALSO: Best thriller movies / Best war movies / Best action movies / Best horror movies
The Exorcist (1973)
1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Saving Private Ryan is widely regarded as one of the best war movies ever made. Directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1998, the film tells the story of a group of soldiers tasked with locating and bringing home Private James Francis Ryan, whose brothers have been killed in action during World War II. The movie is known for its harrowing depiction of war, particularly the brutal realism of the D-Day invasion scene, which has become iconic in cinematic history.
What sets Saving Private Ryan apart from other war films is its commitment to showing the true horrors of war. The film doesn’t just focus on the glory of battle; instead, it emphasizes the emotional and physical toll on soldiers. The opening sequence, which depicts the storming of Omaha Beach, is one of the most intense and realistic battle scenes ever filmed. Spielberg’s use of handheld cameras, along with the chaotic sounds of gunfire and explosions, immerses viewers in the brutality of combat. The film also explores the deep bonds formed between soldiers and the personal sacrifices they make for each other.
The film’s portrayal of leadership, sacrifice, and brotherhood resonates deeply, making it more than just a war movie. It’s a poignant exploration of the human cost of conflict. Tom Hanks delivers a standout performance as Captain Miller, the leader of the mission to rescue Private Ryan, while Matt Damon’s portrayal of Private Ryan adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
Saving Private Ryan is often mentioned when discussing the best war movies because it does more than just depict a historical event; it humanizes the soldiers involved, showing their courage, fears, and humanity in the face of war. It is a film that leaves a lasting impact on its audience, reminding them of the true cost of war.
2. Schindler’s List (1993)
Schindler’s List, directed by Steven Spielberg, is another film that is often included in discussions of the best war movies. Released in 1993, this historical drama tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. The film is based on Thomas Keneally’s novel Schindler’s Ark and offers a stark and emotional portrayal of one of history’s darkest periods.
Unlike traditional war films, Schindler’s List focuses not on combat but on the atrocities committed during World War II. The movie depicts the horrific conditions in Nazi concentration camps and the genocide of millions of Jews. However, at its core, the film is about the one man’s ability to make a difference in the face of unimaginable evil. Schindler’s transformation from a war profiteer to a compassionate savior highlights the power of individual action, even in the midst of overwhelming horror.
The film is known for its incredible performances, particularly by Liam Neeson, who plays Schindler. Neeson’s portrayal of the complex character, torn between profit and morality, is both powerful and moving. Ralph Fiennes also delivers a chilling performance as Amon Goeth, a sadistic Nazi officer who is one of the film’s most memorable villains.
Schindler’s List is considered one of the best war movies not because of its depiction of traditional warfare but because it shows the human cost of war on an unimaginable scale. Spielberg’s use of black-and-white cinematography, combined with the emotional depth of the story, makes the film a masterpiece. It’s a haunting reminder of the capacity for both cruelty and kindness in times of war, earning its place among the best war movies of all time.
3. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket is a seminal film that continues to be regarded as one of the best war movies ever made. Released in 1987, the film offers a gritty and unflinching look at the Vietnam War through the eyes of a group of U.S. Marines. Based on Gustav Hasford’s novel The Short-Timers, Full Metal Jacket is divided into two distinct parts: the first focuses on the brutal training of recruits at Parris Island, and the second follows the soldiers as they experience the horrors of combat in Vietnam.
The film’s portrayal of military training is one of the most iconic aspects of Full Metal Jacket. The character of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, played by R. Lee Ermey, has become synonymous with the intense and often dehumanizing process of turning civilians into soldiers. The training sequences are harsh, but they also establish the psychological toll that war takes on individuals before they even set foot on the battlefield.
The second half of the film takes a different approach, showing the soldiers’ experiences in Vietnam. Kubrick’s trademark visual style, with its cold and detached cinematography, heightens the sense of alienation and futility that pervades the film. The soldiers are faced with the brutality of war, and the film does not shy away from showing the senseless violence and moral ambiguity of the conflict.
Full Metal Jacket is considered one of the best war movies because it challenges traditional notions of heroism and glory in war. Kubrick’s dark and cynical portrayal of the Vietnam War forces viewers to confront the psychological damage of warfare and the toll it takes on those who fight it. The film’s memorable dialogue, powerful performances, and haunting imagery ensure that it remains a timeless classic in the genre.
4. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now is widely regarded as one of the best war movies, and for good reason. Released in 1979, the film is an adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, but set during the Vietnam War. The story follows Captain Benjamin Willard, played by Martin Sheen, as he embarks on a mission to assassinate a rogue Colonel named Kurtz, played by Marlon Brando, who has gone insane and established his own kingdom in the jungle.
What makes Apocalypse Now stand out as one of the best war movies is its surreal and nightmarish depiction of war. The film goes beyond the typical battle scenes to explore the psychological impact of warfare on soldiers. As Willard journeys deeper into the jungle, he begins to lose his grip on reality, reflecting the madness and chaos that war can unleash on the human mind.
Coppola’s direction is masterful, using striking imagery, symbolic visuals, and a haunting soundtrack to create an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. The film is filled with unforgettable moments, from the iconic helicopter attack set to The Ride of the Valkyries to the eerie scene of Kurtz’s compound, where the line between sanity and madness becomes blurred.
Apocalypse Now is often cited as one of the best war movies because it transcends the genre’s typical focus on action. It is a meditation on the horrors of war, the psychological damage it inflicts, and the fine line between civilization and savagery. The performances, direction, and cinematography all contribute to its status as a classic, making it one of the most profound war films ever made.
5. The Pianist (2002)
The Pianist is another film that is often included in discussions of the best war movies. Directed by Roman Polanski and released in 2002, the film tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who survives the destruction of Warsaw during World War II. Based on Szpilman’s autobiography, the film depicts his struggle to survive the horrors of the Holocaust as his family is taken to a concentration camp, and he is left to navigate the war-torn city alone.
What sets The Pianist apart from other war movies is its focus on survival and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The film is not about large-scale battles or combat but rather about the personal struggle of one man trying to survive in a world that has been destroyed by war. Szpilman’s story is poignant and deeply moving, and Adrian Brody’s performance as Szpilman is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Pianist is considered one of the best war movies because it offers a different perspective on the war, focusing on the experiences of those who were affected by the conflict in more personal and intimate ways. Polanski’s direction, combined with the hauntingly beautiful music and the stark portrayal of life during the war, creates a film that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the devastating consequences of war.
Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary (2018) has become a 21st-century horror masterpiece. This psychological horror film follows the Graham family as they uncover sinister truths after Ellen’s death. As the family grieves, they learn startling ancestry facts that drive them nuts.
Grief, pain, and family dynamics give the film emotional depth rarely seen in horror films. Annie, the bereaved mother, is brilliantly played by Toni Collette. Her portrayal of a woman grieving her mother and the family’s strange background is genuine and heartbreaking.
Hereditary blends personal emotions with the otherworldly, setting it unique from other horror films. The family endures atrocities from their history and predecessors’ grim heritage. The film develops tension with each scene, ending in a surprising and devastating finale that leaves a lasting impression.
The film’s visual storytelling and atmospheric tension make it one of the best horror films. The audience is uneasy under Aster’s direction, which uses long shots and hushed fear. Hereditary’s frightening cinematography, sound design, and gradual unveiling of the family’s terrible secrets make it unforgettable.
Hereditary also addresses fate and inevitability. The family looks trapped by forces beyond their control, and escape attempts fail. This sense of foreboding permeates the film, contributing to its fear. Hereditary is a modern horror classic that blends psychological horror and supernatural elements.
The Shining (1980)
Many consider Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980) a masterpiece of horror. The film follows writer Jack Torrance, who becomes the winter caretaker of the remote Overlook Hotel, based on Stephen King’s novel. Jack’s wife Wendy and son Danny must survive his craziness as the hotel’s spooky history makes him aggressive.
Kubrick’s directing and attention to detail make The Shining memorable. The hotel’s labyrinthine passageways and bleak atmosphere create claustrophobia and isolation throughout the picture. The film uses wide shots and extended takes to create tension.
Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance is legendary in horror. The scary and compelling scene of a guy losing his mind, culminating in the words “Here’s Johnny!” Nicholson’s frantic intensity makes every moment with Jack Torrance feel perilous and disturbing.
Danny’s psychic powers and ability to glimpse the hotel’s tragic past give the film a spooky edge. Danny’s visions and Jack’s sanity disintegrating keep the viewers captivated. The Shining builds tension minute by minute until its frightening finale.
The Shining is currently considered one of the best horror films ever made after its original mixed reviews. This horror film uses psychological and atmospheric elements rather than gore or jump scares. Its legacy on horror continues to influence filmmakers and scare audiences decades later.
Get Out (2017)
Get Out (2017) is a pioneering horror film that blends social commentary with scary terror, making it one of the best of 2017. The film follows Chris, a Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family home and discovers a townwide conspiracy. Chris must battle for his life and escape the horrors once he realizes what is happening.
Get Out is unique for combining genre elements with a strong critique of American race relations. Peele employs horror to explore microaggressions, stereotypes, and latent racism in daily life. The horror in Get Out is not merely supernatural but also rooted in real-world issues, which makes it all the more horrifying.
Peele masterfully manipulates audience expectations from the first scene, creating tension. The slow-burn buildup and unsettling atmosphere keep viewers on edge as Chris’s interactions with the seemingly friendly white characters become more suspicious. Unease grows from the strange soundtrack and unsettling imagery.
Daniel Kaluuya’s portrayal of Chris’s mounting dread and powerlessness is outstanding. Supporting actors Allison Williams and Catherine Keener heighten the film’s intensity and unsettling mood. Get Out is one of the best horror films in recent years because it shows how horror can tell a captivating and thought-provoking story.
Peele’s direction also helped the film succeed. The film’s tension and horror are enhanced by his subtle imagery, symbolism, and sound design. The film’s shocking ending makes viewers horrified and think about its message. Get Out breaks the mold of horror, making it a must-see for fans and a worthy addition to the best horror movies list.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
One of the best horror films ever, Wes Craven’s 1984 A Nightmare on Elm Street defines the genre. Freddy Krueger, a malevolent spirit that kills teens in their nightmares, is introduced in the film. As they struggle to remain awake and escape Freddy, the adolescents must face their deepest fears and stop him.
The film’s premise is disturbing and unusual. The thought that dreams lead to death makes the horror unreal and horrific because reality no longer applies. Freddy Krueger, played by Robert Englund, is one of the most renowned horror villains of all time. His burned face, striped sweater, and bladed glove evoke horror, and his ability to penetrate victims’ dreams makes him much scarier.
A Nightmare on Elm Street uses creative special effects, especially in the dream sequences. The most haunting horror imagery are Craven’s combination of reality and surrealism. From the enormous Freddy glove emerging from the bed to Tina being dragged across the ceiling, the film has unforgettable scenes.
