For fans ofwarmovies,Maxis a must-have streaming service, as the combined film libraries of HBO and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), with some Criterion Collection masterpieces sprinkled in as well, provide several great choices. Among the over 2,200 films currently available to stream on Max are some classic films of the genre, including several from the American Film Institute’sTop 100 Films of All Time. They include war films from Hollywood’s golden age, as well as modern masterpieces by legendary directors.
War films are a famously difficult genre to pull off, as they require deftly blending action and drama, alongside sometimes incorporating biographies and historical context. However, at their best, war films feel unlike any other genre, and offer both exhilaration and moral reflection. So, without further ado, here are some of the best war movies available to stream on Max right now.
27Civil War (2024)
Civil Warimagines a dystopian future and, in a startling turn of events, pits the citizens of the United States against one another. Torn by internal affairs and ruled by a tyrannical government facing resistance from a band of rebels, the nation is on the brink of collapse. Amidst it all, a team of war journalists travel from New York City to Washington D.C. to interview the president before the rebels take over the White House.
Thought-Provoking War Drama
Lauded by critics as “a gripping close-up look at the violent uncertainty of life in a nation in crisis,”Civil Warportrays warfare in a futuristic setting, thus sparking discussions aboutthe effectiveness of its message. Directed by Alex Garland and starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Nick Offerman, the movie was A24’s most expensive film at the time. And the masterful direction, visual effects, and war elements are testament to the depth and power it brings on the big screen.
26The Zone of Interest (2023)
The Zone of Interest
Directed by Jonathan Glazer,The Zone of Interestis a historical war drama adapted from the 2014 novel of the same name by Martin Amis. It offers a chilling look at life inside a Nazi extermination camp as well as the high-ranking German Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss, who lives with his wife Hedwig and their children in a home right next to the camp.
Shines Light on the Dark Corners of History
The Zone of Interestchallenges our collective perception of war and forces us to reckon with the most horrific aspects of it. As Höss tries to maintain normalcy for his children, the movie presents the starkly contrasting and brutal conditions of the concentration and extermination camps. Its critical response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the bold narrative and Christian Friedel’s turn as Rudolf Höss alongside Sandra Hüller’s performance as Hedwig Höss.
25How I Live Now (2013)
How I Live Now
InHow I Live Now, we follow a young American girl named Daisy, otherwise disaffected by the world around her, who is sent to the English countryside to stay with her cousins when she finds herself swept up in the throes of war as terrorists detonate a nuclear bomb in London, killing thousands. Daisy goes from being a self-absorbed teenager to a determined survivor fighting for her life and the lives of those she holds dear.
Emotional Coming-of-Age War Story
Combining elements of coming-of-age drama with the tension of a global crisis,How I Live Nowdelivers a unique narrative. Directed by Kevin Macdonald with a keen eye for both the devastating realities of war and the tender moments of personal growth, it is a truly unforgettable movie. Also worth praising isSaoirse Ronan’s compelling performanceas Daisy, who single-handedly elevates the storytelling. A must-see for fans of war dramas.
24Act of Valor (2012)
Act of Valor
Act of Valorbegins with a fairly simple plot where an elite team of Navy SEALs embarks on a covert mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative. In the process, they discover an imminent threat that could potentially alter the fate of the entire country. As they work to neutralize the threat, the movie delves into the lives of America’s most skilled soldiers and showcases their courage and sacrifice.
Pays Tribute to the Unsung Heroes
Offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the world of special operations, the movie sets itself apart with its use of real-life Navy SEALs as well as active-duty U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen in lead roles. The level of realism it brings is unmatched. Add the visceral action scenes and precise direction by Mouse McCoy and Scott Waugh and what you get is a genuine and poignant war movie.
23Ugetsu (1953)
Call it a war film or a period fantasy drama,Ugetsuis a richly emotive and introspective movie that tells two gripping stories of peasants, Genjūrō and Tōbei. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s civil war–torn Azuchi–Momoyama period in a small farming village, it follows Genjūrō, a potter who seeks fortune by selling his pottery, and Tōbei, who yearns to become a valiant samurai. Their ambitions lead them into a world of supernatural encounters and tragic consequences.
A Rare but Significant War Film
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi,Ugetsuseamlessly combines elements of war with a mythical storyline. It’s not as much about combat as it is about people driven by ambition, love, and loss. Which is still hauntingly beautiful to witness. Recognized for its artistic direction and compelling narrative, it earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design, Black and White, and won several other awards for sound, direction, and cinematography.
22The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)
The Tuskegee Airmen
Widely considered one of the best made-for-TV films ever,The Tuskegee Airmendepicts the true story(albeit with some fictionalized elements) of the titular squad division from WWII, the first ever all-African-AmericanAir Force Squadron. Most of the story is told from the perspective of young squad pilot Hannibal Lee (the great Laurence Fishburne), and the reticence his division faces from their white superior officers.
Moving and Inspiring
Gradually, as the airmen prove their worth, they develop a reputation as one of the most fearsome and reliable squadrons in the army. The cast is absolutely stacked, with seasoned veterans, newcomers, and underrated character actors including Cuba Gooding Jr., Mekhi Phifer, John Lithgow, Courtney B. Vance, and Andre Braugher. If it’s a somewhat predictable viewing, it’s also a moving and inspiring one.
21Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)
Ghosts of Abu Ghraib
Rory Kennedy’shaunting war documentarygives the viewers an insight into life inside one of the world’s most notorious prisons: Iran’s Abu Ghraib. A haunting film to experience,Ghosts of Abu Ghraibutilizes the narratives of perpetrators, victims, and witnesses in an effort to probe into the effects of the infirmary. Highlighting a plethora of torture schemes ranging from sexual humiliation to physical abuse, Kennedy’s film pulls no punches and is very critical of America’s hand and credibility in the Iraqi prison ecosystem.
Difficult But Essential
Ghosts of Abu Ghraibis definitely a film that cannot be seen on an empty stomach as its haunting images linger in the bylines of memory much after the credits have rolled. Despite that, the film deserves to be on everyone’s movie list, serving as a reminder of the brutality humans are capable of.
20When Trumpets Fade (1998)
Highlightingthe mental trauma of war,When Trumpets Fadefollows Pvt. David Manning, the sole survivor in the aftermath of the battle of Hürtgen Forres. Crumpled by shock and trauma, Manning requests to leave but instead is promoted to sergeant and tasked with leading his men into battle despite being thoroughly unqualified for the position.
An Emotionally Turbulent Journey
When Trumpets Faderuns on the emotional chaos that’s caused by war, it leaves its effect on everyone who’s put through the experience. This change is evident in Manning’s case as he gradually numbs to war’s harsh realities as the film progresses, taking the viewer with him on a turbulent journey both inward and outward.
19The Tin Drum (1979)
The Tin Drum
The Tin Drum,adapted from Günter Grass’ novel of the same name, follows a young boy who purposely refuses to accept the reality of the adult world by banging on his tin drum as a form of protest against the Nazis and war.
A Political Rebellion Seen Through Youth
Upon its release, Volker Schlöndorff’s film was a sensation,winning the prestigious Palme d’Oraward at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival along with the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. With an abundance of symbolic messaging and themes of youth and adulthood,The Tin Drummerges political rebellion with childlike stubbornness, creating a film for warring adults, led by a small boy.
23 Best War Movies on Tubi to Watch Right Now
Dramatic stories from the past and present can be found in the best war movies on Tubi.
18Westfront 1918 (1930)
Westfront 1918
Westfront 1918is a touching drama that manages to immediately capture the viewers’ attention by following the style of a documentary. It highlights the experiences of a group of German soldiers, whose lives are changed forever when they are sent to fight at the frontline in France. Karl, one of the soldiers, is briefly sent home, where he finds his home and family struggling with poverty.
Between the Frontlines and a Poverty-Stricken Home
Westfront 1918exceeds the limitations of filmmaking at that time and delivers an authentic portrayal of the horrors of war. It specifically focuses on the fight for life and death at the frontlines but also sheds light on the daunting conditions in the soldiers' home country. It reveals that war impacts every single person, as its terrors can come in different, horrendous ways.Westfront 1918stands out with compelling storytelling, making it a must-watch.
