War films often involve intense action, violence, and high-stakes drama, and maybe that’s why millions of people love them. Some movies are better than others, but there is still plenty of choice regardless. One modern war film that’s earned huge praise from critics and fans is The Hurt Locker, and it’s now available to stream on Prime Video.
The 2008 film, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by journalist Mark Boal, follows a team of bomb disposal experts during the Iraq War. It focuses on their dangerous missions and the psychological toll the job takes. The movie stars Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Guy Pearce, and is based on Boal’s real-life experiences while embedded with US troops.
The Hurt Locker has a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 287 critic reviews. It also has a score of 95 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Viewer reviews describe it as an “absolute must-watch war film.” One said: “Incredible acting and excellent direction make The Hurt Locker an absolute must-watch war film.”
Another wrote: “This is a really great movie. You are there. Renner and Mackie both shine. Love this film.”
A third added: “This is a great film. It shows the seriousness and intensity of what soldiers have to go through in hostile foreign countries. Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie give great performances, the rest of the cast is good too.
“There are a lot of intense moments and quite some emotional ones that will make you tear up. Definitely worth watching if you’re into war films.”
Another review read: “Great war storytelling. The film has to be amongst the best I have ever watched.”
One person admitted they waited years to see it, writing: “Another movie I put off seeing for a decade and I suppose it was worth the wait.
“Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie are fantastic in their roles bringing the messiness of Iraq in those years we were over there.”
The Hurt Locker was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Bigelow made history as the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director. The film also won six BAFTAs, including Best Film, and swept several top critics’ awards.
While some Iraq veterans criticised the movie for inaccuracies in how it portrayed army life, it remains one of the most celebrated war films of the 21st century.
In 2020, it was selected for preservation by the US Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
The Hurt Locker is available to rent or buy now on Prime Video.