This article contains references to war crimes.
The 1980s witnessed the debuts of some of the most celebrated and influential war movies of all time. Following in the footsteps of acclaimed productions from the 1970s such as Apocalypse Now, Cross of Iron, and The Deer Hunter, the decade played host to several standout entries, moving viewers with their authentic depictions of war, explorations of the intricate social impact of armed conflict, and evocative narratives.
While the desolating landscape of WWII serves as the backdrop for several of the decade’s most acclaimed genre offerings, many of the 1980s war movies focus on the more recent Vietnam War. The heavy human cost of the conflict meant that many films from the 1980s chose to cultivate anti-war rhetoric, highlighting the devastating social ramifications of war while simultaneously paying tribute to the heroics and personal sacrifices of those involved in the fighting.
10 Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Directed By Barry Levinson
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Good Morning, Vietnam, directed by Barry Levinson, stars Robin Williams as Adrian Cronauer, a radio DJ assigned to the Armed Forces Radio Service in Vietnam. His comedic broadcasts quickly gain popularity among the troops, but his unconventional humor faces pushback from military superiors.
Director Barry Levinson Release Date December 23, 1987 Writers Mitch Markowitz Cast Robin Williams , Forest Whitaker , Tung Thanh Tran , Chintara Sukapatana , Bruno Kirby , Robert Wuhl Runtime 121 Minutes
Loosely based on the real-life story of Adrian Joseph Cronauer, the war-comedy Good Morning, Vietnam is a glorious blend of riotous humor and philosophical musings on the nature of war. Carried by the late, great Robin Williams in one of his most celebrated roles, Barry Levinson’s picture was universally acclaimed by fans and critics alike, lending a much-needed air of levity to one of the darkest social periods in American history.
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Good Morning, Vietnam‘s success and lasting cultural impact is largely due to Williams’ incredible lead performance, made all the more impressive by the revelation that large portions of the actor’s radio broadcasts within the film were almost entirely improvised. Receiving an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination for his bow as Cronauer, Williams’ infectious energy serves as the cornerstone for one of the decade’s most celebrated offerings, irrespective of genre.
9 Casualties Of War (1989)
Directed By Brian De Palma
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Casualties of War, directed by Brian De Palma, follows a soldier in the Vietnam War who becomes isolated from his squad after they kidnap a female villager. The film explores the moral conflicts and ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers during wartime.
Director Brian De Palma Release Date August 18, 1989 Cast Michael J. Fox , Sean Penn , Don Harvey , John C. Reilly , John Leguizamo , Thuy Thu Le , Erik King , Jack Gwaltney Runtime 113 Minutes Writers Daniel Lang , David Rabe
While Casualties of War stands as one of the finest war films of the 1980s, it is decidedly not an easy watch. The 1989 title is a war film based on the notorious true story of the rape and murder of a young Vietnamese woman perpetrated by a squad of U.S. Army soldiers; a horrifying incident that invoked an international outcry. Carried by a pair of powerhouse performances from leading duo Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn, in addition to impeccable direction from Brian De Palma, Casualties of War is an unflinching depiction of the darkest aspects of the Vietnam War.
Penn particularly shines in his role as revolting war criminal Sergeant Tony Meserve, the film’s chief antagonist and foil to Fox’s naively principled Private Eriksson. The Academy Award winner lends terrifying authenticity to his morally devoid charge, carrying De Palma’s poignant commentary on the visceral actions of soldiers during wartime with the strength of his raw performance.
8 Gallipoli (1981)
Directed By Peter Weir
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Gallipoli (1981) DramaAdventureHistoryWar
Gallipoli is a war drama directed by Peter Weir, focusing on two Australian soldiers, Archy Hamilton and Frank Dunne, who enlist during World War I and are sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign. Starring Mel Gibson and Mark Lee, the film explores themes of camaraderie and the tragic futility of war, highlighting the historical Battle of Gallipoli.
Director Peter Weir Release Date August 28, 1981 Cast Mel Gibson , Mark Lee , Bill Kerr , Harold Hopkins , Charles Lathalu Yunipingu , Heath Harris , Ron Graham , Gerda Nicolson Runtime 110 Minutes Writers David Williamson , Peter Weir , Ernest Raymond
Set against the backdrop of one of the First World War’s most devastating and costly military campaigns, 1981’s Gallipoli is a seminal piece of Australian cinema. Peter Weir’s film follows a pair of idealistic young sprinters who enlist in the Australian armed forces in search of glory and adventure, only to see their dreams of battlefield heroics swiftly dashed by the brutal reality of wartime.
One of the best World War I movies ever made, Gallipoli also opts for powerful anti-war rhetoric, aided by a pair of raw performances from leading duo Mel Gibson and Mark Lee that perfectly capture the destruction of innocence brought about by armed conflict. While certain aspects of the film have been criticized for a lack of historical accuracy, Weir’s picture remains a poignant and moving tribute to the bravery of the countless Anzac soldiers who died in the conflict that rarely fails to elicit an emotional response.
7 Born On The Fourth of July (1989)
Directed By Oliver Stone
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Ron Kovic, driven by a strong sense of patriotism, enlists in the Marine Corps and is deployed to Vietnam. His life takes a drastic turn when he sustains a severe injury, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Returning to a nation divided over the war, Kovic struggles with his newfound disability and the disillusionment with his former beliefs. His path to recovery and self-discovery leads him to become a passionate anti-war activist, using his voice to advocate for peace and the rights of veterans, redefining his purpose and legacy.
Director Oliver Stone Release Date December 20, 1989 Cast Tom Cruise , Raymond J. Barry , Caroline Kava , Holly Marie Combs , Kyra Sedgwick Runtime 145 Minutes Writers Ron Kovic , Oliver Stone
Earning eight Academy Award nominations and featuring Tom Cruise in one of his most lauded dramatic roles to date, 1989’s Born on the Fourth of July is based on the remarkable life of Ron Kovic. A United States Marine Corps sergeant who was left paralyzed from injuries sustained in the Vietnam War, Kovic’s subsequent disillusion with the war led him to become a prominent anti-war activist who frequently clashed with his own government.
One of acclaimed director Oliver Stone’s best movies, Born on the Fourth of July underlines the intense physical and psychological toll that armed conflict exacts upon its participants, highlighted by Kovic’s substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder upon his return to civilian life. Placing a desolating emphasis on war’s aftermath, Stone’s direction and Cruise’s visceral lead performance combine for a cinematic experience that inspires and devastates in equal measure.
6 Come And See (1985)
Directed By Elem Klimov
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Come And See (1985) DramaWar
Come and See is a 1985 Soviet war drama directed by Elem Klimov. The film follows a young Belarusian boy named Flyora as he witnesses and experiences the horrors of World War II. Through his eyes, viewers are exposed to the brutal realities of war and its devastating impact on humanity. Renowned for its stark portrayal of violence and suffering, the film is considered a powerful anti-war statement.
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*Availability in US Director Elem Klimov Release Date October 17, 1985 Cast Aleksei Kravchenko , Olga Mironova , Liubomiras Laucevicius , Vladas Bagdonas , Jüri Lumiste Runtime 142 Minutes Writers Elem Klimov , Ales Adamovich
Contentiously one of the most harrowing war films ever made, Elem Klimov’s Come and See is the quintessential example of a near-flawless war film that most viewers can only bring themselves to watch once. The director pulls zero punches in bringing one of the most disturbing experiences in the history of cinema to life, chronicling an array of wartime atrocities through the eyes of a young boy who joins the Belarusian partisans after his family is murdered by the Nazis.
Aged 14 at the time of the film’s production, Russian actor Aleksei Kravchenko is central to the film’s success and lasting impact, turning in a haunting bow that stands as one of the most impressive child performances in the history of the cinema. The film’s intensely powerful narrative, nuanced philosophical musings, and graphic depiction of war crimes combine for a devastating tale that remains imprinted on the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.
5 The Big Red One (1980)
Directed By Samuel Fuller
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The Big Red One is a World War II film directed by Samuel Fuller, chronicling the experiences of the 1st Infantry Division, also known as “The Big Red One.” Starring Lee Marvin as a tough, seasoned sergeant and Mark Hamill as one of the young soldiers in his unit, the film follows their grueling and perilous journey from North Africa to Europe, vividly depicting the harsh realities and comradeship of war.
Director Samuel Fuller Release Date July 18, 1980 Cast Lee Marvin , Mark Hamill , Robert Carradine , Bobby Di Cicco , Kelly Ward , Stéphane Audran , Siegfried Rauch , Serge Marquand , Charles Macaulay , Alain Doutey , Maurice Marsac , Colin Gilbert , Joseph Clark , Ken Campbell , Doug Werner , Perry Lang , Howard Delman , Marthe Villalonga Runtime 113 Minutes Writers Samuel Fuller Expand
One of the most ambitious and impressive WWII films ever conceived, Samuel Fuller’s The Big Red One stands as one of the more underrated genre offerings out there. Chronicling the experiences of a U.S. Army squad from the arid deserts of North Africa to their harrowing discoveries at Falkenau concentration camp, Fuller’s picture harbors legitimacy from the very get-go; hardly surprising, given the fact that the film is partly based on the director’s real-life experiences as a soldier during the war.
The Big Red One’s
title is inspired by the distinctive red numeral “1” patches that adorned the 1st Infantry Division’s shoulders during WWII.
In addition to an array of explosive action sequences, the film’s sense of gritty realism is aided by a standout performance from fellow veteran Lee Marvin in the film’s leading role as the squad’s unnamed Sergeant. A well-acted and deftly paced depiction of the average infantry soldier’s experience during WWII, Fuller’s outing stands as a hidden gem for the genre to this day, as well as one of the 1980s’ most underrated war films.
4 Empire Of The Sun (1987)
Directed By Steven Spielberg
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Empire of the Sun follows the story of young Jamie “Jim” Graham, played by Christian Bale, as he faces the challenges of internment in a Japanese prison camp in World War II-era China. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on J.G. Ballard’s semi-autobiographical novel, the film explores Jim’s journey from a privileged British expatriate child to a resourceful and resilient survivor of the conflict.
Director Steven Spielberg Release Date December 25, 1987 Cast Christian Bale , John Malkovich , Miranda Richardson , Nigel Havers , Joe Pantoliano , Leslie Phillips , Masatô Ibu , Emily Richard , Rupert Frazer , Peter Gale , Takatarô Kataoka , Ben Stiller Writers Tom Stoppard , J.G. Ballard , Menno Meyjes
Featuring a 12-year-old Christian Bale in his first major role, Empire of the Sun is one of cinema’s quintessential coming-of-age stories, in addition to one of the finest war films of the decade. Steven Spielberg’s 1987 picture chronicles the story of a young boy caught up in the Japanese invasion of China during WWII, capturing an evocative snapshot of the conflict through the innocent eyes of a child.
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Empire of the Sun eschews the bloody carnage typically associated with WWII in favor of a hauntingly introspective commentary on the loss of innocence precipitated by armed conflict. Aided by an incredible score from John Williams and another one of the most impressive child roles in cinematic history from the aforementioned Bale, Spielberg’s picture never fails to tug on the heartstrings and stands as one of his most criminally unappreciated offerings to this day.
3 Das Boot (1981)
Directed By Wolfgang Peterson
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Das Boot DramaWar
Das Boot is a 1982 German war film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The narrative follows the harrowing journey of a German U-boat crew during World War II, capturing the relentless tension and claustrophobia of underwater combat. With Jürgen Prochnow starring as the U-boat’s commanding officer, the film offers a stark, immersive portrayal of the psychological and physical challenges faced by the crew under extreme conditions.
Director Wolfgang Petersen Release Date February 10, 1982 Cast Jurgen Prochnow , Herbert Grönemeyer , Klaus Wennemann , Hubertus Bengsch , Martin Semmelrogge , Bernd Tauber , Erwin Leder , Martin May Runtime 149 Minutes Writers Wolfgang Petersen , Lothar G. Buchheim
A gripping account told from the perspective of a German U-boat crew, Wolfgang Peterson’s Das Boot isn’t just one of the best genre offerings from the 1980s, but one of the most celebrated and influential war films ever conceived. Earning six Academy Award nominations, Peterson’s claustrophobic 1981 epic captures the aura of WWII submarine warfare in a manner that has never been successfully replicated. It’s a war movie steeped in realism, with the director’s laser-focused attention to detail producing one of the most immersive cinematic experiences of all time.
Complemented by an utterly gripping narrative, nerve-wracking combat sequences, and an array of superb performances from the cast, Das Boot is an indispensable entry for any connoisseur of the genre. An utterly devastating conclusion to proceedings serves as a poignant capstone for one of the most influential war films ever seen on the silver screen.
2 Platoon (1986)
Directed By Oliver Stone
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10/10 Platoon DramaWar
Platoon is a war drama directed by Oliver Stone, featuring Charlie Sheen as a young soldier experiencing the harrowing realities of Vietnam. Released in 1986, the film chronicles his moral struggle within a divided platoon, led by the contrasting characters of Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger. Platoon offers a raw depiction of the harsh conditions and ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers, contributing to its critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.
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*Availability in US Director Oliver Stone Release Date February 6, 1987 Cast Tom Berenger , Willem Dafoe , Charlie Sheen , Keith David , Forest Whitaker , Francesco Quinn , Kevin Dillon , John C. McGinley Runtime 120 Minutes Writers Oliver Stone
Arguably Stone’s most impressive picture, and undoubtedly one of the greatest films concerning the Vietnam War ever made, it’s hard to overstate the lasting cultural impact of Platoon . Spearheaded by a trio of incredible performances from Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger, the 1986 war movie received a glowing critical response and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
A Vietnam veteran himself, Stone’s real-life experiences of the war are expertly channeled into Platoon, underlined by the grounded nature and realism of the war film’s battle sequences, in addition to the immersive cinematography that it utilizes. The end result is an unsettling commentary on the futile nature of armed conflict that breathes authenticity and an epic battle between the concepts of morality and reality that is universally regarded as one of the genre’s most seminal offerings.
1 Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Directed By Stanley Kubrick
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Full Metal Jacket is a war movie directed by Stanley Kubrick where a group of young soldiers endure the brutal training regimen of U.S. Marine Corps drill sergeant Hartman (Lee Ermey) and fight in the Vietnam War. The film was highly acclaimed for its crude portrayal of the dehumanizing effects of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers.
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*Availability in US Director Stanley Kubrick Release Date July 10, 1987 Cast Matthew Modine , Arliss Howard , Adam Baldwin , R. Lee Ermey , Vincent D’Onofrio Runtime 116 minutes Writers Michael Herr , Stanley Kubrick , Gustav Hasford
A nihilistic masterpiece from Stanley Kubrick, Full Metal Jacket is a desolating commentary on the Vietnam War that also stands as one of the most acclaimed war films in the history of cinema. The film is split into two distinct portions, beginning with a platoon’s experiences during boot camp and concluding with a deep dive into the average foot soldier’s experience of the Vietnam War.
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Kubrick’s direction and an array of award-worthy performances from the cast capture the moral ambiguity and air of futility that has become synonymous with the wider conflict in unflinching fashion. Full Metal Jacket is darkly funny at times but is depressing enough to make viewers weep at others. Kubrick’s endlessly rewatchable war movie is as engrossing as it is grueling, a showcase of the director’s inimitable style of filmmaking that stands as the decade’s finest war film.