The 1960s proved to be an incredible time period for cinema, with the decade producing some of the most acclaimed and widely celebrated films ever made, regardless of genre. From seminal spaghetti Western outings in the vein of The Good, The Bad and the Ugly and nerve-jangling horrors like Psycho all the way to mind-bending science fiction offerings such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, the decade played host to a number of iconic and culturally influential movies that have stood the test of time to earn status as undisputed cinematic classics.
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War movies were decidedly not exempt from this status quo, an unsurprising state of affairs given the social climate of the 1960s. The decade witnessed the debuts of several wildly successful and influential war films, many of which are widely regarded as some of the best war movies of all time. Producing an immersive snapshot of armed conflict that thrills and appalls in equal measure, these films vary in terms of style and messaging but all share one common trait; they are all masterful war outings that hold up in terms of quality and watchability to this day.
10 The Great Escape (1963)
Directed By John Sturges
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One of the war genre’s most seminal offerings, 1963’s The Great Escape depicts a heavily dramatized account of the mass escape of British prisoners of war from German prison camp Stalag Luft III. Boasting one of the most impressive casts of all time featuring the likes of Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough, John Sturges’ picture is a timeless classic; a near flawless piece of war film making that gets better with every watch.
Related The True Story Of The Great Escape From Stalag Luft III In Masters Of The Air Episode 7 (Yes, THAT One)
Masters of the Air’s Stalag Luft III was a real camp for Allied prisoners of war, and The Great Escape is the camp’s most important historical event.
From The Great Escape’s rich tapestry of characters to the film’s explosive action sequences, there is little to find fault with in this iconic action number. A name that is frequently brought up in discussion surrounding the best war movies ever made, there are few offerings that can rival the McQueen-led movie in terms of lasting success or cultural impact.
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The Great Escape ApprovedAdventureDramaThriller
The Great Escape is a World War II film directed by John Sturges, featuring an ensemble cast including Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough. Set in a German POW camp, the story follows the coordinated efforts of Allied prisoners attempting a mass escape. Inspired by a true story, the film captures themes of resilience, camaraderie, and ingenuity under duress. Released in 1963, it remains an iconic adventure drama.
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*Availability in US Director John Sturges Release Date July 4, 1963 Cast Steve McQueen , James Garner , Richard Attenborough , Charles Bronson , James Donald , Donald Pleasence , James Coburn , Hannes Messemer Runtime 172 Minutes Writers Paul Brickhill , James Clavell , W.R. Burnett Main Genre Adventure Expand
9 Dr Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (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 Cast George C. Scott , Slim Pickens , Peter Sellers , Keenan Wynn , Sterling Hayden Runtime 95 minutes Studio(s) Columbia Pictures Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Terry Southern , Stanley Kubrick , Peter George Expand
Widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever conceived regardless of genre, Stanley Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb is a masterful war comedy of the highest order. The 1964 black and white film chronicles the desperate attempts to prevent a nuclear war that ensue after a deranged US general orders a preemptive nuclear strike on the Soviet Union.
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Providing a satirical take on the Cold War and mutually assured destruction that never ceases to entertain, Kubrick’s film is regarded as one of the most successful and influential films of all time. Earning an impressive four Academy Award nominations, Dr. Strangelove is a legitimately sidesplitting and timeless war comedy, a razor-sharp satire of epic proportions that holds up in terms of quality and laughs to this day.
8 The Longest Day (1962)
Directed By Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, and Bernhard Wicki
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10/10 The Longest Day GActionDramaHistoryWar
The Longest Day is a 1962 war film that chronicles the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, from both the Allied and German perspectives. The ensemble cast includes John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and Richard Burton, among others. Directed by multiple filmmakers, the film focuses on the planning and execution of the operation, offering a detailed and multi-faceted view of one of World War II’s pivotal moments.
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*Availability in US Director Ken Annakin , Andrew Marton , Bernhard Wicki , Darryl F. Zanuck Release Date October 4, 1962 Cast Eddie Albert , Paul Anka , Arletty , Jean-Louis Barrault , Richard Beymer , Hans Christian Blech Runtime 178 minutes Writers Cornelius Ryan , Romain Gary , James Jones , David Pursall , Jack Seddon Main Genre History Expand
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An epic historical war drama produced on a scale unlike anything cinema had ever seen before, The Longest Day is an international production concerning the 1944 D-Day landings at Normandy. Utilizing multiple directors, the film also boasts a remarkable international ensemble cast, with Sean Connery, Robert Mitchum, and John Wayne being just a few of the standout names associated with the 1962 picture.
Receiving five Academy Award nominations and positive reviews from critics, The Longest Day is regarded as a seminal war film and one of the finest black-and-white genre offerings out there. In addition to the movie’s glowing critical response, The Longest Day also proved to be a smash hit at the box office, grossing an impressive return of more than $50 million against a budget of $7.75 million.
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7 Where Eagles Dare (1968)
Directed By Brian G. Hutton
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14 9.9/10 Where Eagles Dare PGWarActionAdventure
Where Eagles Dare is a gripping action thriller set during World War II, following a group of Allied commandos on a daring mission to rescue an American general held captive in a mountaintop fortress. Battling treacherous weather and enemy forces, the team must navigate deception and betrayal in a high-stakes operation. The film blends intense combat sequences with strategic espionage, delivering a suspenseful and engaging wartime adventure.
Director Brian G. Hutton Release Date March 12, 1969 Cast Richard Burton , Clint Eastwood , Mary Ure , Patrick Wymark , Michael Hordern , Donald Houston , Peter Barkworth , William Squire , Robert Beatty , Brook Williams , Neil McCarthy , Vincent Ball , Anton Diffring , Ferdy Mayne , Derren Nesbitt , Victor Beaumont , Ingrid Pitt Runtime 155 Minutes Writers Alistair MacLean Main Genre War Expand
A war thriller based on the works of legendary Scottish novelist Alistair MacLean, 1968’s Where Eagles Dare has garnered classic status over the years. Starring Hollywood big hitters Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton in the leading character roles, the movie chronicles a perilous Allied mission to rescue a captured American General from a German mountain fortress accessible only by cable car.
Steven Spielberg has cited
Where Eagles Dare
as his favorite war film of all time.
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Where Eagles Dare is a first-rate war movie, one that notably benefits from a top-tier score from Ron Goodwin. Burton and Eastwood are excellent in the lead roles, while the film’s electric action sequences and intricate plot combine to produce a classic staple of the genre. Lauded by many critics as one of the greatest war films ever conceived, Hutton’s picture is a beloved blend of adventure and excitement that is just as watchable in 2024 as it was in 1968.
6 Battle of Britain (1969)
Directed By Guy Hamilton
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Battle of Britain (1969) GWarHistoryAction
Battle of Britain is a 1969 war film directed by Guy Hamilton. The film depicts the events of the Battle of Britain during World War II, focusing on the efforts of the Royal Air Force to defend the United Kingdom against Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe. The ensemble cast includes Michael Caine, Laurence Olivier, and Christopher Plummer, showcasing the bravery and strategy that played pivotal roles in this historic air conflict.
Director Guy Hamilton Release Date September 15, 1969 Cast Michael Caine , Trevor Howard , Harry Andrews , Curd Jürgens , Ian McShane , Laurence Olivier , Christopher Plummer , Kenneth More Runtime 132 Minutes Writers Derek Dempster , Derek Wood , James Kennaway , Wilfred Greatorex Main Genre War Expand
A genre offering that spared no expense during production, Guy Hamilton’s Battle of Britain dramatizes the battle for aerial supremacy in the skies over Britain that was fought between the Luftwaffe and the RAF during the summer of 1940. Notorious for an array of spectacular flying sequences, Hamilton’s 1969 film boasts an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Michael Caine, Laurence Olivier, and Christopher Plummer, to name a few.
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Battle of Britain
requisitioned so many period aircraft for shooting that the film unofficially owned the 35th largest air force in the world during production.
Somewhat remarkably, given the film’s subject matter, star-studded cast, and the eye-watering cost of production, Battle of Britain isn’t the most electrifying war film of the 1960s in terms of action. With that being said, it’s still a polished piece of war film making, as well as a remarkable testament to the sheer scale and attention to detail that went into production.
5 The Guns Of Navarone (1961)
Directed By J. Lee Thompson
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The Guns Of Navarone NRWarAdventureThrillerAction
The Guns of Navarone is a war film directed by J. Lee Thompson. Released in 1961, it follows a team of Allied soldiers tasked with destroying a pair of German guns on the Greek island of Navarone to rescue trapped British troops. Starring Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn, the film is an adaptation of Alistair MacLean’s 1957 novel of the same name.
Director J. Lee Thompson Release Date June 22, 1961 Cast gregory peck , David Niven , Anthony Quinn , Stanley Baker , Anthony Quayle Runtime 158 Minutes Studio(s) Highroad Productions , Columbia Pictures Writers Carl Foreman , Alistair MacLean Main Genre War Expand
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Based on Alistair MacLean’s novel of the same name, 1961’s The Guns of Navarone chronicles a perilous mission to blow up a seemingly impregnable German fortress and the enormous titular guns housed within it during WWII. Starring the big name likes of Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn, J. Lee Thompson’s thrilling film is just as exciting as the book upon which the film is based.
A suspense-loaded race against time that partially inspired Star Wars, The Guns of Navarone is a WWII offering that eschews the relentless realism associated with its contemporaries for an emphasis on adventure, aided by some lively action sequences and an array of charismatic bows from the movie’s gifted cast. Thompson’s film leverages the taut atmosphere of its narrative to maximum effect, producing a thrilling war movie that holds up under modern scrutiny.
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4 The Train (1964)
Directed By John Frankenheimer
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The Train ApprovedActionThrillerWar
The Train is a 1964 war film directed by John Frankenheimer, starring Burt Lancaster as a French Resistance fighter tasked with preventing a German colonel, portrayed by Paul Scofield, from transporting stolen art treasures out of France during World War II. The film’s suspenseful narrative and action-packed sequences explore themes of war, resistance, and the cultural value of art.
Director John Frankenheimer Release Date March 7, 1965 Cast burt lancaster , Paul Scofield , Jeanne Moreau , Suzanne Flon , Michel Simon , Wolfgang Preiss , Albert Remy , Charles Millot Runtime 133 Minutes Writers Franklin Coen , Frank Davis , Rose Valland Main Genre Action Expand
A showcase of Burt Lancaster’s dramatic chops and John Frankenheimer’s gripping style of direction loosely inspired by real events, 1964’s The Train follows Paul Labiche. A member of the French resistance during WWII, Lancaster’s Labiche is tasked with derailing the Nazis’ plans to move an array of stolen art masterpieces to Germany by train, a mission that sees him go head-to-head against Paul Scofield’s dastardly Colonel von Waldheim.
A riveting black and white war film that leverages Lancaster’s star power and charisma to maximum effect, The Train features an array of action sequences that were years ahead of their time in terms of scale and spectacle. Lancaster performed all of his own stunts during production on the film, while multiple real train wrecks and explosions were implemented to cultivate an unshakable air of realism.
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3 The Night of the Generals (1967)
Directed By Anatole Litvak
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The Night of the Generals NRCrimeMysteryThrillerWar
The Night of the Generals is a WWII thriller that follows a German intelligence officer investigating a prostitute’s murder in Warsaw. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue, the film implicates three Nazi generals, two of whom are also conspiring to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Released in 1967.
Director Anatole Litvak Release Date January 29, 1967 Cast Omar Sharif , Peter O’Toole , Tom Courtenay , Donald Pleasence , Joanna Pettet , Philippe Noiret , Charles Gray , Coral Browne , John Gregson , Nigel Stock , Juliette Gréco , Yves Brainville , Raymond Gérôme , Nicole Courcel , Véronique Vendell , Charles Millot , Patrick Allen , Gordon Jackson , Christopher Plummer , Sacha Pitoëff , Pierre Mondy , Eléonore Hirt , Jenny Orléans , Gérard Buhr , Michael Goodliffe Runtime 148 minutes Writers Gore Vidal , Joseph Kessel Expand
Spearheaded by Peter O’Toole in the leading role, 1967’s The Night of the Generals is an engrossing murder mystery set against the backdrop of Germany towards the end of WWII. The film chronicles an investigation into the brutal murder of a prostitute in Warsaw, where the three suspects in the case are revealed to be high-ranking German generals; two of whom just so happen to be plotting to kill Adolf Hitler.
Swiftly morphing into an intricate spider’s web of deceit and subterfuge, The Night of the Generals is the rare example of a first-rate mystery film that happens to double as an excellent war movie. Cultivating a thrilling atmosphere of suspense and intrigue from start to finish, Anatole Litvak’s picture leverages a gripping narrative and an excellent cast to produce an underappreciated diamond in the rough for the wider genre.
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2 The Dirty Dozen (1967)
Directed By Robert Aldrich
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The Dirty Dozen ActionAdventureWar
On the eve of D-Day, an American Army Major is assigned to train a unit of 12 convicted criminals for a suicide mission behind enemy lines in France in exchange for a pardon for their crimes.
Director Robert Aldrich Release Date June 15, 1967 Cast Lee Marvin , Ernest Borgnine , Charles Bronson , Jim Brown , John Cassavetes , Richard Jaeckel , George Kennedy , Trini López Runtime 150 min Writers E.M. Nathanson , Nunnally Johnson , Lukas Heller Main Genre Adventure Expand
Chronicling a suicide mission against the backdrop of WWII perpetrated by twelve convicts, later offerings in the vein of Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad owe a debt of thanks to 1967’s The Dirty Dozen. Robert Aldrich’s picture has served as the genesis for practically every cinematic offering featuring an unlikely band of rag-tag undesirables tasked with a seemingly impossible mission, a state of affairs that can be attributed to the excellent quality of film making that can be found in The Dirty Dozen.
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Sacrificing strict historical accuracy to produce a thrilling adventure set against the backdrop of a war film, the Lee Marvin-led outing derives its success from an array of explosive action sequences and a compelling cast of lovable miscreants. A memorable outing that received four Academy Award nominations, The Dirty Dozen stands as one of the finest war films ever made, let alone one of the best genre offerings to come out of the 1960s.
1 Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Directed By David Lean
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While it may not strictly be a war film in the traditional sense, Lawrence of Arabia features enough elements from the genre to merit inclusion, considering what a seminal piece of cinema David Lean’s film is. Starring Peter O’Toole as the eponymous character T.E. Lawrence, the 1962 film depicts Lawrence’s experiences during the First World War and is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made.
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Related Lawrence Of Arabia TV Series In The Works: Title, Season Plans & Script Update Revealed By Roland Emmerich
A new Lawrence of Arabia TV series is officially in the works, and director Roland Emmerich reveals the title, season plans, and a script update.
An awe-inspiring epic laden with beautiful visuals, Lawrence of Arabia’s incredible performances and stunning cinematography combine for one of cinema’s most inimitable viewing experiences. O’Toole is superb in the leading role, with the late actor’s rousing performance complemented by an array of strong bows from the movie’s enviable supporting cast. A glorious score from Maurice Jarre serves as the cherry on the cake for one of cinema’s most beloved offerings.