War. What is it good for? Well, it’s at least theperfect setting for an immersive movie. Over the years,war movieshave been a staple of many people’s viewing habits, with simplysome of the best films in cinema history hailing from the battlegrounds and trenches of warfare.However, as everything does, war has evolved; with it, so has the war movie. So, with that in mind, here’s a rundown of the best modern war movies currently available to stream on Netflix.
Want to try something else? Why not try Collider’s list of thebest war shows on Netflix? Or, for something completely different, how about thebest British detective shows?
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Land of Bad
Co-written and directed byWilliam Eubank,Land of Badfollows the simple yet effective premise of a team of Delta Force soldiers who, after a mission goes wrong, must use an Air Force drone pilot as their eyes in the sky to help them survive in the harshest of conditions. One of the newest modern war movies on Netflix,Land of Badis a visceral viewing experience that ticks many of the war movie boxes. From immersive ensemble performances including not one but twoHemsworthbrothers to breathless tension throughout, this is one you definitely won’t want to miss. -Jake Hodges
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‘Black Hawk Down’ (2001)
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 7.7/10
Black Hawk Down
This classic of the modern war genre is set in October 1993 and follows the 160 US troops dropped into the jaws of battle in Mogadishu, Somalia. What unfolds is a desperate, brutal battle to the death as the horrors of war rear their ugly, unflinching heads. Jam-packed with affecting, war-based content to keep you both engaged and entertained,Black Hawk Downis a wonderful example of this genre perfected. Not only is it accurate, but it is also bursting with impressive action set-pieces — the sort that would help this movie to its triumphant double Oscars win at the 2002 Academy Awards ceremony. -Jake Hodges
‘Sand Castle’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 50% | IMDb: 6.3/10
Sand Castle
A war drama perhaps cruelly underrated upon first arrival,Fernando Coimbra’sSand Castlefollows Matt Ocre (Nicholas Hoult), a young man who enlists in the army with more hope than he has skill. When tasked with restoring water to an Iraqi village, what begins as a seemingly simple mission evolves into hardship via the harsh conditions of a war-torn world. Featuring a moving central performance from Hoult,Sand Castlepulls no punches in its attempt to bring honesty and grit to the retelling of this sadly true tale. The usual action-packed nature of war movies is instead replaced by moving, realistic depictions of combat in a movie for anyone seeking truth in their war stories. -Jake Hodges
‘Thank You For Your Service’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Thank You For Your Service
This biographical war story follows the journey of a group of troops post-battle as they struggle to reintegrate with modern society following the hell of war in Iraq. With memories of the war still haunting their nightmares, the hardest battle of these veterans sadly lays in wait after the war itself. Featuring a star-studded ensemble including the likes ofMiles Teller,Haley Bennett, Joe Cole,Amy Schumer,Beulah Koale, and many more,Thank You For Your Serviceis a touching ode to a part of life as a soldier that movies often seem disinterested in. Not for the faint-hearted,Thank You For Your Servicewill hit you in your core. -Jake Hodges
‘War Machine’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 48% | IMDb: 6.0/10
War Machine
Co-written and directed byDavid Michôd,War Machinefollows the journey of four-star General Glen McMahon (Brad Pitt) to Afghanistan to try and recover a spiraling team of troops amidst a war that has far exceeded its sell-by date. However, when he arrives, the situation is much worse than he could’ve imagined, with almost every angle of this war seeming hopeless. Among a sea of modern war movies intent on accurately portraying the horrors of battle,War Machinetakes a satirical stick and pokes fun at the very subject. Witty, entertaining, and featuring a wonderful central performance from Pitt,War Machineis well worth your time. -Jake Hodges
‘Mosul’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 6.1/10
One of the more critically acclaimed modern war offerings on Netflix,Mosulfollows the ISIS occupation of the titular Iraqi city between 2014 and 2017. Intent on freeing their people from ISIS insurgents, an elite team of Iraqi SWAT soldiers are sent to the very limits of their capabilities as the city they love collapses around them. A visceral viewing experience that thrusts you right into the middle of the battlefield,Mosulpulls no punches in its depiction of a terrifying real event. Powerful and sometimes uplifting,Mosulwill put a fire in your belly and a tear in your eye. -Jake Hodges
