The Most Unforgettable War Movies of the 2020s You Need to See Now!

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Is there a decline in interest for war movies in the 2020s? Unlike earlier decades, popular directors like Steven Spielberg, Sam Mendes, Clint Eastwood, and other prominent filmmakers known for creating war-themed films have not shown an inclination towards this genre in the current decade. So far, it seems that only Guy Ritchie is maintaining the flame within the industry.

It’s surprising that despite being produced by a renowned director and a significant studio, backed by a substantial budget, war movies don’t always secure awards during the award season. One might wonder if there are no more compelling stories left to tell. However, due to the contentious nature of the War in Ukraine and lack of major global events, it seems few are willing to tackle such subjects. Yet, some directors have still found ways to create intriguing narratives for audiences in this decade.

Here are the best war movies of the 2020s so far.

10
‘Benediction’ (2021)

The Benediction is a biographical account focusing on Siegfried Sassoon, a well-known British poet and battle-hardened World War I veteran, who gained notoriety for his anti-war views. Renowned for composing poetry that vividly depicted the grim realities of trench warfare, Sassoon eventually faced confinement in a mental health institution as retribution.

War Shouldn’t be Celebrated

The movie effectively blends the emotional depth of Sassoon’s narratives with the dramatic flair of cinema. Director Terence Davies skillfully portrays the protagonist’s inner turmoil by contrasting the bleakness of war against the soldier’s romantic pursuits, which are bathed in a golden hue. The environment, colors, sounds, and lighting are all expertly used to evoke different emotions in the audience. Additionally, this war biopic delves into sensitive topics such as nationalism and Catholicism.

9
‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’ (2020)

During the Bosnian War, the film Quo Vadis, Aida? portrays the tragic incidents surrounding the Srebrenica massacre, where Serbian soldiers brutally murdered over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys and forced more than 25,000 Bosniak civilians to flee. The story unfolds from the perspective of Aida (Jasna Đuričić), a teacher who is also working as a translator for the United Nations.

Remembering a Dark Era

Jasmila Žbanić’s gripping, powerful film “Quo Vadis, Aida?” stands among the top non-American war movies. Comparisons to Kathryn Bigelow are not unwarranted for Žbanić, as she masterfully portrays the heartrending impact of war on individuals. It’s only natural to wonder what she could achieve with Hollywood’s financial backing. In this movie, Žbanić effectively conveys the devastating emotional cost of war. Rightfully so, it was recognized at the Oscars as a Best International Feature Film contender and awarded Best Film at the European Film Awards.

8
‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant’ (2023)

The film “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant” revolves around U.S. Army Sergeant John Kinley (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) and his Afghan translator, Ahmed (portrayed by Dar Salim). After Kinley is wounded during a mission, Ahmed bravely takes the risk to transport him to safety. Later on, Kinley recovers in America but feels compelled to revisit Afghanistan once he learns that Ahmed’s family is in peril and needs rescuing.

Man Must Help

This outstanding war-themed thriller underscores the timeless custom of repaying debts. As with many of Guy Ritchie’s productions, the film carries an authentic flair from the 2000s era and repeatedly emphasizes the importance of honoring noble individuals who are willing to sacrifice everything for others. Notably, Ritchie seems compelled to brand his work, and much like other directors, he excels in creating breathtaking action scenes.

7
‘Greyhound’ (2020)

The movie centers around Greyhound, which chronicles Commander Ernest Krause (Tom Hanks) navigating a fleet of 37 warships through the North Atlantic during World War II. Trouble arises as they venture into an area known as the “Black Pit,” a region devoid of air cover, leaving the servicemen exposed to potential attacks by German U-boats.

Hell in the Ocean

Tom Hanks once again delivers a powerful performance as the resolute commander with an unwavering desire for no soldier to perish. Shelly Johnson handles the cinematography, and he truly outdoes himself, making viewers feel like they’re watching a Spielberg production. However, Greyhound unfortunately struggled at the box office during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, it’s always possible to catch up on movies now, isn’t it?

6
‘Warfare’ (2025)

In a military context, a Navy SEAL team conducting a reconnaissance operation in Iraq, unexpectedly finds themselves in a life-threatening situation when they’re ambushed and trapped within a house. The narrative unfolds in real-time, drawing heavily on actual experiences shared by the soldiers involved.

No Way Out

In every case, you can count on authenticity when viewing a war film that’s been crafted by a veteran director like Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza (a former SEAL). The movie, titled “Warfare,” is jointly directed by these two talented individuals. This gripping production showcases the outstanding skills of actors such as Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, and Charles Melton, all of whom have poured their heart and soul into their roles. Although every aspect of it is impressive, it’s the pulse-pounding action scenes that are sure to capture your interest the most.

5
‘Blitz’ (2024)

During “The Blitz,” which was a bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against the United Kingdom from September 7, 1940, to May 11, 1941, nine-year-old George (Elliott Heffernan) is sent away to the countryside by his mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), for safety reasons. However, George, who is of mixed race, decides to escape the train and attempts to return home in defiance, longing to be reunited with his mother. Will the family find each other again before the end of “The Blitz”?

Safer with Mommy

Up for the Outstanding Film category at the British Academy Film Awards, this movie delves into challenging themes reflective of tumultuous periods. Acting as both a gripping and melancholic thriller, Blitz provokes complex discussions on whether parenting involves enduring hardships together or striving for your child’s optimal well-being. Elliott Heffernan delivers a stellar performance as the brave young protagonist. Regrettably, it was overlooked by the Oscars. In essence, this movie stimulates thought and resonates emotionally, making it a must-see!

4
‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ (2024)

In war, it’s common to restrict enemy access to resources and supplies as a tactic. This strategy was employed in the fictionalized portrayal of the Churchill-approved Operation Postmaster, depicted in the film titled “The Ministry of Unconventional Warfare.” This operation, authorized by Winston Churchill, aimed to covertly acquire Italian and German submarines, thereby leaving the Axis Powers at a disadvantage.

Combining Intelligence and Force

In “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” Alan Ritchson and Henry Cavill bring a robust dose of machismo to the forefront. As is typical in a Guy Ritchie production, the visuals are stunning, and the dialogue sparkles with wit. It seems they’re not content with just ruling the world; they also want to dominate the kitchen! At one point, a character complains about the Nazi diet: “It’s all sausage, cabbage, and black bread.” What a hoot!

3
‘Da 5 Bloods’ (2020)

Five Friends, All Veterans of Vietnam War, Reunite Decades Later in Vietnam to Retrieve Their Fallen Squad Leader’s Remains and Unearth a Stashed Trove of Gold. The gold was meant as compensation for the Lahu tribe’s aid in battling the Viet Cong. Unsurprisingly, challenges surface while executing this mission.

Revisiting Dark Times

In this movie, Spike Lee skillfully preserves the emotional intensity of ’70s and ’80s Vietnam War films, mirroring their poetic expression in portraying the desperate struggles of soldiers, propelled solely by courage, aspirations, and ideals. Chadwick Boseman delivers an excellent performance in his final role on screen, while Terence Blanchard, the renowned Jazz trumpeter, truly brings out the best in the film’s soundtrack. It’s no wonder that the film received a nomination for Best Original Score at the Oscars.

2
‘Land of Bad’ (2024)

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that the title of this movie, “Land of Bad,” is rather off-putting, but don’t let it deter you from experiencing the gripping action unfolding on the screen. Starring Russell Crowe and the less renowned Hemsworth brothers, Liam and Luke, this war action thriller takes us on a heart-pounding journey. The plot revolves around a Delta Force team, led by these talented actors, who find themselves ambushed in an unnamed Asian country while attempting a daring rescue mission for a CIA agent. As the soldiers battle against overwhelming odds to survive, Captain Eddie “Reaper” Grimm (Crowe), the dedicated drone pilot, works tirelessly behind the scenes to aid their cause.

Crowe Is Outstanding

In a captivating manner, the movie titled “Land of Bad” deeply penetrates and infuriates you due to its raw emotional intensity. This anger arises from the portrayal of Reaper’s colleagues who seem utterly incompetent, often engrossed in television and other distractions, while lives are at stake out in the field. A striking scene involves Crowe’s character, instead of leisurely shopping for vegetables, abandoning his groceries and rushing back to the base upon learning a soldier is in danger. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving this powerful film a watch.

1
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)

During World War I, the novel “All Quiet on the Western Front” unfolds the tale of Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer), an enthusiastic young German resident who joins the military alongside his friends, dreaming of becoming a hero. However, the harsh truths of war quickly become apparent to him as he is thrust into a struggle for survival.

Jingoism Doesn’t Pay?

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for “All Quiet on the Western Front,” a 1929 novel adaptation by Erich Maria Remarque (the third rendition of this powerful book). This movie is more than just a firecracker; it’s an explosive piece that garnered nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. What sets this film apart from its predecessors is the inclusion of a secondary narrative focusing on the peace negotiations to end the war, amplifying the anti-war messages even further. The acting performances are nothing short of stellar.

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2025-05-18 21:04