The 2000s were an incredible decade for filmmaking in general, but particularly for the war genre, which saw many modern classics being released. Many directors continued the traditions from the best war movies from generations past, pushing films about war to their limits with grand action sequences and intimate personal narratives on the battlefields. War films, by nature, lend themselves to epic, action-filled tales that feature some of the best and worst characteristics of human behavior and psychology.
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Some of the best war films of all time were released in the 2000s, such as the haunting The Pianist and the captivating Inglourious Basterds, both of which represent how unique and different films in this genre can be. The Pianist is a harrowing story that follows one man’s realistic journey through the Holocaust in heart-wrenching and authentic scenes, while Tarantino’s epic takes a fictionalized look at an alternate reality of the war that is as funny as it is disturbing. The war genre can capture every aspect of our nature, and the 2000s provided many of cinema’s most iconic war films that stand up to the test of time.
10 Jarhead (2005)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal And Peter Sarsgaard
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Jarhead RWarBiographyDrama
Jarhead is a war drama directed by Sam Mendes, based on Anthony Swofford’s memoir about his experiences as a Marine sniper during the Gulf War. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Swofford, the film explores the psychological challenges faced by soldiers amidst the monotony and anticipation of combat. The movie also features performances by Peter Sarsgaard and Jamie Foxx, capturing the often-overlooked emotional turmoil of military life in a desert war.
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*Availability in US Director Sam Mendes Release Date November 4, 2005 Writers William Broyles Jr. , Anthony Swofford Cast Jake Gyllenhaal , Jamie Foxx , Lucas Black , Scott MacDonald , Peter Sarsgaard , Mingo Lo , Kevin Foster , Brian Geraghty Runtime 125 Minutes Main Genre War Expand
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Jarhead is a biographical war film and adaption of U.S. Marine sniper Anthony Swofford’s memoir of the same name that chronicles his experiences during the Persian Gulf War. The film follows Swofford, played to perfection by Jake Gyllenhaal, as he is out on active duty in the Arabian Peninsula and, rather than being overcome with the weight of combat, is bored with endless drills and training with no military action. It shows a unique perspective on war, focusing on the solider’s mundane routines outside the firefights and explosive action that can lead to mental fatigue and their own internal battles.
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Directed by the acclaimed Sam Mendes (Skyfall), the performances up and down the cast are exceptional, with Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, and Lucas Black all delivering note-perfect portrayals. It is an introspective look at an area of war that is rarely touched, with soldiers trained, drilled, and taught to focus on one thing while then being told to wait and abstain from their very purpose. While it is more slow-paced and subdued than many other war films, it’s the lack of combative action that also gets to the characters and creates a brilliant film that mirrors the reality of the audience.
9 Troy (2004)
Starring Brad Pitt And Eric Bana
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9/10 Troy RDrama
Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen and released in 2004, is a historical epic based on Homer’s Iliad. The film chronicles the legendary Trojan War, focusing on the conflict between Achilles, played by Brad Pitt, and Hector, portrayed by Eric Bana. Starring Orlando Bloom as Paris and Diane Kruger as Helen, it explores themes of honor, betrayal, and the fates of the warriors involved in the siege of Troy.
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*Availability in US Director Wolfgang Petersen Release Date May 14, 2004 Writers Homer , David Benioff Cast Brad Pitt , Eric Bana , Orlando Bloom , Julian Glover , Brian Cox , Nathan Jones , Adoni Maropis , Jacob Smith Runtime 163 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy is the expansive tale of the legendary Trojan War, which is inspired by one of the most famous literary works in history, Homer’s Iliad. It follows the story of the warrior Achilles (Brad Pitt) as he leads his legion of Myrmidons and the Greek army to invade the city of Troy, guarded by Crown Prince Hector’s (Eric Bana) Trojan army, in an epic historical battle. The film takes on a lot of historical elements and aims to fit many years of history into a shorter time period that would be easier to digest for the average film-goer.
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As with many of his films, Pitt is the star of the show, with many lingering shots and heroic actions that see him put in one of the most nuanced and authentic portrayals of his career. The ensemble cast all combine to create many moments of brilliance, and the sweeping visuals, incredible battle sequences, and Roger Pratt’s beautiful cinematography are all woven together to create a historical masterpiece. Though there was a bit of critique about its pacing and use of its source material, Troy still managed to become a spectacle that has gained a loyal following throughout the years.
8 Black Hawk Down (2001)
Starring Josh Hartnett And Ewan McGregor
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Black Hawk Down RWarDramaHistory
Black Hawk Down recounts the harrowing true story of a U.S. military mission gone awry in Somalia. Tasked with capturing a warlord, elite soldiers find themselves in a fierce battle against Somali militia forces.
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*Availability in US Director Ridley Scott Release Date January 18, 2002 Writers Ken Nolan Cast Jason Isaacs , Eric Bana , Josh Hartnett , Ewan McGregor , Tom Sizemore , Tom Hardy , Hugh Dancy , Orlando Bloom Runtime 144 minutes
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Black Hawk Down, directed by the talented hand of Ridley Scott (Gladiator), tells the true story of a failed 1993 U.S. Army mission in Mogadishu, Somalia. The film is based on the non-fiction work of journalist Mark Bowden and recounts what the soldiers of a Black Hawk helicopter went through after it was shot down and crashed landed in enemy territory. The film features the definition of an ensemble cast, with stars like Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Eric Bana, and Tom Sizemore, to name but a few, who all provide their own unique aspect to a gritty and relentless plot.
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The film isn’t just an incredibly authentic and, at times, gut-wrenching film; it also takes the usual war genre tropes and turns them around, telling a story of a failure that cost many U.S. soldiers their lives. The direction from Scott, the nuanced performances, the visceral action and injuries, as well as the never-ending movement and fast-paced camera work, all combine to create a non-stop, thrilling film. Though the film focuses less on the characters and developing their backstories, the action and realism of the events make it a must-watch film for any war buff.
7 Enemy At the Gates (2001)
Starring Joseph Fiennes And Jude Law
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Enemy At The Gates RWarDramaHistoryRomance
Enemy at the Gates is a war film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, set during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. It follows a tense confrontation between a Russian sniper, Vassili Zaitsev, and a German sniper, Major König, as they engage in a strategic game of cat-and-mouse.
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*Availability in US Director Jean-Jacques Annaud Release Date March 16, 2001 Writers Jean-Jacques Annaud , Alain Godard Cast Jude Law , Joseph Fiennes , Rachel Weisz , Ed Harris , Bob Hoskins , Ron Perlman , Eva Mattes , Gabriel Thomson , Matthias Habich , Alexander Schwan , Lenn Kudrjawizki , Gennadi Vengerov , Dan van Husen , Ivan Shvedoff , Sophie Rois , Mario Bandi , Hans Martin Stier , Clemens Schick , Hendrik Arnst , Claudius Freyer , Dietmar Nieder Runtime 131 Minutes Main Genre War Expand
An adaptation of William Craig’s 1973 Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad, the film tells the story of two snipers on opposite sides, caught in a deadly standoff. Jude Law plays Vasily Zaitsev, a Soviet sniper who faces off against German sniper school director Major König (Ed Harris), after Zaitsev becomes infamous for picking off German soldiers, König is tasked with putting a stop to him and restoring Hitler’s veil of supremacy in all areas of the war.
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The film is set against one of the most brutal battles in World War II and goes in-depth into themes of survival and the psychology of battle as the two try and get the upper hand.
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Focusing on two snipers allows the pace of the film to slow and the intensity to ramp up, as the nature of the slow and methodical work helps punctuate the action when it occurs. Law and Harris provide two excellent but very unique depictions of their roles, and they create a gripping intensity that barely lets up from minute one. The film received a little pushback for its romantic subplot that some deemed unnecessary, but overall, Enemy at the Gates provides a unique narrative that creates edge-of-your-seat tension throughout.
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6 The Hurt Locker (2008)
Starring Jeremy Renner And Anthony Mackie
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The Hurt Locker RThrillerWarDrama
From director Kathryn Bigelow comes The Hurt Locker, the 2008 oscar winning war thriller film that follows Jeremy Renner as Sergeant William James and his bomb disposal team as they navigate beyond enemy lines during the Iraq War. The movie explores the trauma and stresses the soldiers face as they attempt to disarm active explosives on the field, with the repercussions beginning to take their toll on the squadmates.
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*Availability in US Director Kathryn Bigelow Release Date July 31, 2009 Studio(s) Summit Entertainment Distributor(s) Summit Entertainment Writers Mark Boal Cast Jeremy Renner , David Morse , Guy Pearce , Anthony Mackie , Ralph Fiennes , Christian Camargo , Evangeline Lilly , Brian Geraghty Runtime 131 minutes Expand
The Hurt Locker, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, is a film that puts a spotlight on the nerve-wracking work of a bomb disposal unit in post-invasion Iraq. It stars Jeremy Renner as Sergeant William James, a trained bomb specialist who is addicted to the thrill of his work, and his unorthodox and unique methods of disposal continually place himself at risk. It’s another war film that increases the tension over time to unbearable levels, with the defusing of bombs obviously providing a nerve-wracking and exhilarating viewing experience that showcases the psychological pressure and strength of those involved.
The Hurt Locker
was the first Best Picture winner directed by a woman (Kathryn Bigelow). The film grossed $49.2 million worldwide.
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Successful from its opening weekend, The Hurt Locker enjoyed commercial and critical success, seeing it nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning six, including Best Picture and Best Director. It became a standout in modern war cinema, using every aspect of film, from editing, pacing, direction, score, acting, and cinematography, to create an immersive view of one of the most high-pressure situations in all combat. The Hurt Locker is one of those films that can be watched dozens of times, and even though the ending is known, it can still leave the viewer in a state of awe every single time.
5 Waltz With Bashir (2008)
Starring Ari Folman
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Waltz with Bashir RDocumentaryAnimationBiographyDramaWar
Waltz with Bashir is an animated documentary directed by Ari Folman. The film explores Folman’s search for lost memories of his experiences as a soldier in the 1982 Lebanon War. Combining animation with actual interviews, it delves into themes of memory, trauma, and the impact of war on the human psyche. The film was highly acclaimed for its unique storytelling technique and emotional depth.
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*Availability in US Director Ari Folman Release Date June 12, 2008 Writers Ari Folman Cast Ron Ben-Yishai , Ronny Dayag , Ari Folman , Dror Harazi , Yehezkel Lazarov , Mickey Leon Runtime 90 Minutes Main Genre Documentary Expand
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In one of the best-animated war films of all time, Ari Folman’s Waltz With Bashir sees him write, direct, and produce a unique documentary about his memories of the 1982 war in Lebanon. The film recounts Folman’s time serving as an infantry soldier and his repressed memories of the events, which leads him to interview his fellow veterans in a bid to spark his own recollections. Even though it is an animated film, the war footage and action sequences are no less impactful, in fact, the stylized graphics can produce an even more poignant and haunting visual of events.
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The 10 Best War Films From The 2000s On This List: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
Jarhead (2005) |
7.0/10 |
|
Troy (2004) |
7.3/10 |
|
Black Hawk Down (2001) |
7.7/10 |
|
Enemy At the Gates (2001) |
7.5/10 |
|
The Hurt Locker (2008) |
7.5/10 |
|
Waltz With Bashir (2008) |
8.0/10 |
|
Downfall (2004) |
8.2/10 |
|
Letter From Iwo Jima (2006) |
7.8/10 |
|
Inglourious Basterds (2009) |
8.4/10 |
|
The Pianist (2002) |
8.5/10 |
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The film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and was met with huge critical acclaim, being praised for its technical skill as well as its political and personal messages. Folman’s approach to the genre and to filmmaking as a whole is entirely unique, with an exceptional score, animation, and story arc that make the horrifying events feel that much more thought-provoking and emotional. His search for meaning and memories of the Sabra and Shatila massacre makes the viewer question whether it is better to remember or not in an exceptional film that raises as many questions as it answers.
4 Downfall (2004)
Starring Bruno Ganz And Alexandra Maria Lara
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9/10 Downfall RDramaHistoryWar
Downfall is a historical drama depicting the final days of Adolf Hitler in his Berlin bunker during April 1945. The film explores the collapse of the Third Reich as the Russian Army advances, showcasing the tension among Hitler’s inner circle as they face inevitable defeat. Released in 2004, it provides a detailed portrayal of Hitler’s last moments.
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*Availability in US Director Oliver Hirschbiegel Release Date September 16, 2004 Cast Alexandra Maria Lara , Bruno Ganz , Corinna Harfouch , Ulrich Matthes , Juliane Köhler , Heino Ferch , Christian Berkel , Thomas Kretschmann , Ulrich Noethen , Birgit Minichmayr , Rolf Kanies , Justus von Dohnányi , Michael Mendl , André Hennicke , Christian Redl , Götz Otto , Thomas Limpinsel , Thomas Thieme , Donevan Gunia , Matthias Habich , Alexander Held , Devid Striesow , Dieter Mann , Bettina Redlich , Heinrich Schmieder Runtime 155 minutes Expand
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In a film that commands the viewer’s attention from minute one, Oliver Hirschbiegel’s Downfall recounts the final, haunting days of Hitler and his time in his bunker in Berlin. Bruno Ganz gives the performance of his life as the dictator who is close to the brink, with resources dwindling, tactics failing, and the Allies all but at the door, further approaching the bunker with every second that passes. It provides an authentic and genuine portrayal of a tyrant who knows his country and his beliefs are on the precipice of destruction, and who is literally trapped by his own thoughts.
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The filming took place on location in Berlin, Munich, and Saint Petersburg, providing another grounding layer of realism that helps further solidify the brilliance and accuracy of the depiction. With all good films, there are so many elements that need to come together, and Ganz’s stunning portrayal (with his infamous rant scene), combined with the claustrophobic cinematography and the desperate, vicious dialogue, all sew together to create something truly one-of-a-kind. Although the subject matter may be challenging, it’s not just a war film, but an intense character study that reaches into the very depths of the dictator’s soul.
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3 Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)
Starring Ken Watanabe And Kazunari Ninomiya
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Letters from Iwo Jima RDramaActionAdventure
Letters from Iwo Jima, directed by Clint Eastwood, offers a unique perspective on the World War II battle for Iwo Jima, depicting the struggle from the viewpoint of Japanese soldiers. Released in 2006, the film serves as a companion piece to Flags of Our Fathers, highlighting different wartime experiences.
Director Clint Eastwood Release Date February 2, 2007 Writers Iris Yamashita , Paul Haggis , Tadamichi Kuribayashi , Tsuyoko Yoshido Cast Ken Watanabe , Kazunari Ninomiya , Tsuyoshi Ihara , Ryo Kase , Shido Nakamura , Hiroshi Watanabe , Takumi Bando , Yuki Matsuzaki Runtime 141 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Clint Eastwood directs Letters From Iwo Jima, a film that recounts the Battle of Iwo Jima, where the USMC and USN landed on and captured the island from the Imperial Japanese Army. It stars Ken Watanabe, who fronts an exceptional ensemble cast, as General Kuribayashi, who leads his troops into battle with honor and grace despite fighting seemingly insurmountable odds against a better-equipped enemy. The film does an excellent job of humanizing both sides of the battle, and as it’s shown from the Japanese perspective, it provides a unique insight into the different versions of events.
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Letters From Iwo Jima is a companion piece to Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers, released in the same year, and tells the alternate American viewpoint of the same battle. This unique concept is actually incredibly well pulled off, and both films are elevated when viewed as a collective, with the juxtaposition of both versions of events helping explain and contrast the other. The film is masterfully directed, with exceptional performances from Watanabe and Kazunari Ninomiya and graphic action scenes that really leave an insightful impression.
2 Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Starring Brad Pitt And Christoph Waltz
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9/10 Inglourious Basterds RDramaWarAdventure
In Nazi-occupied France, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “The Basterds” execute a mission to terrorize the Third Reich. Simultaneously, a young Jewish cinema owner plots to kill Nazi leaders attending a premiere at her theater. Both plans converge in a high-stakes showdown filled with action and revenge.
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*Availability in US Director Quentin Tarantino Release Date August 21, 2009 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Quentin Tarantino Cast Brad Pitt , Diane Kruger , Mélanie Laurent , Christoph Waltz , Eli Roth , Michael Fassbender , Daniel Brühl , Til Schweiger Runtime 153 minutes Main Genre War Expand
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Inglourious Basterds is Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to the war genre as he works with an ensemble cast featuring greats like Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, and Michael Fassbender to create a film unlike any that came before. The film tells an alternate timeline of history that sees two converging plots to assassinate Hitler and weave together seamlessly, one featuring a woman’s plans of personal revenge and the other a group of Jewish-American soldiers tasked with executing their operation. Though it’s a film with deeply dark and disturbing sequences, it’s also punctuated with Tarantino’s trademark witty dialogue and sharp, dark humor.
The film’s title was adapted from Enzo G. Castellari’s 1978 Euro War film
The Inglorious Bastards
.
Inglourious Basterds has a collection of unforgettable characters, memorable dialogue, and a unique, fictional timeline of events that sees Hitler murdered in a film theatre. Waltz gives an Oscar-winning performance in a cast fighting for the accolade, in part due to the opening scene, which is one of the most tense and heart-stopping sequences in all cinema. From the cast’s stellar work to Tarantino’s direction and the subversion of many war tropes, Inglourious Basterds is a film that breaks the mold of something it was never intended to fit in.
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1 The Pianist (2002)
Starring Adrien Brody And Thomas Kretschmann
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The Pianist RBiographyDramaMusic
The Pianist is a historical drama directed by Roman Polanski, featuring Adrien Brody as Władysław Szpilman, a Jewish pianist in Warsaw during World War II. The film follows Szpilman’s harrowing journey of survival amidst the horrors of the Holocaust, capturing his struggles and resilience. The Pianist showcases the impact of war on individuals and art, emphasizing themes of perseverance and human spirit.
Director Roman Polanski Release Date March 28, 2003 Writers Ronald Harwood , Wladyslaw Szpilman Cast Adrien Brody , Thomas Kretschmann , Frank Finlay , Emilia Fox , Michal Zebrowski , Ed Stoppard , Maureen Lipman , Jessica Kate Meyer Runtime 150 Minutes Main Genre Biography Expand
It’s no secret that Roman Polanski’s The Pianist is one of the best and most acclaimed World War II films of all time, telling the legitimately harrowing real-life story of Władysław Szpilman (Adrien Brody). Szpilman is a Jewish pianist who is attempting to survive the Holocaust by avoiding the labor camps and waiting for the Nazis to be defeated in the Warsaw Uprising. It provides a devastating and brutal look into what would have been the reality for many Jewish people at the time, choosing between either being murdered, hiding in hellish conditions, or being forced into a concentration camp.
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The Pianist, despite its heavy subject and gruesome authenticity, was a critical and commercial success, being nominated for seven Oscars, and winning for Best Director and Actor. It has many sequences of unspeakable evil, but it is also punctuated with beauty, such as the “Ballade No. 1 in G minor” scene, when Szpilman plays for his life to a Nazi officer. It is an exceptional work of art that displays the wonder and horror of what humans are capable of, and the work in front of and behind the camera makes it the best war film of the 2000s.