The 11 best war films streaming on Amazon Prime right now – full list

Whether they transport us to the trenches of World War II, the frozen landscapes of the Eastern Front, or the turmoil of 20th century revolutions, war films capture the brutal realities of battle while telling deeply human stories.

Here are the 11 most popular war films streaming on Amazon Prime Video right now, ranked and ready to watch. No matter if you’re after intense combat sequences or emotionally charged narratives, this list has something for every war film fan.

11. The Messenger (2009)

The Messenger offers a poignant look into the emotional toll of war beyond the battlefield. Directed by Oren Moverman, the film stars Ben Foster as Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery, a soldier assigned to the Army’s Casualty Notification service upon returning from Iraq. Teamed with Captain Tony Stone, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, Montgomery faces the harrowing task of delivering tragic news to families of fallen soldiers. Harrelson’s performance was particularly lauded, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

10. The Grandmaster (2013)

Directed by Wong Kar-wai, The Grandmaster is a visually stunning portrayal of the life of Ip Man, the legendary martial artist who trained Bruce Lee. Set against the backdrop of 1930s China, the film stars Tony Leung as Ip Man and Zhang Ziyi as Gong Er, exploring themes of honor, legacy, and the impact of historical upheaval on personal lives. The Grandmaster received critical acclaim, with The Hollywood Reporter noting its “sumptuous visuals and action choreography.”

9. Battle for Sevastopol (2015)

Battle for Sevastopol tells the compelling true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a young Soviet woman who became one of World War II’s deadliest snipers. Portrayed by Yulia Peresild, Pavlichenko’s journey from a student to a celebrated sniper is both inspiring and harrowing. The film highlights her bravery during the sieges of Odessa and Sevastopol and her subsequent role in advocating for support against the Nazi invasion. The film also shows Pavlichenko’s friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt.

8. The Promise (2016)

Set during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, The Promise centers on a love triangle amidst the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide. Oscar Isaac stars as Mikael, an Armenian medical student, alongside Charlotte Le Bon as Ana, and Christian Bale as American journalist Chris. Directed by Terry George, the film brings attention to a historical tragedy often overlooked in cinema. Despite its box office challenges, The Promise was praised for its earnest storytelling and commitment to shedding light on a dark chapter in history.

7. Instrument of War (2017)

Instrument of War is based on the true story of American bomber pilot Clair Cline, who was captured and held in a German POW camp during World War II. The film explores Cline’s resilience and ingenuity as he builds a violin from scratch, providing hope and solace to himself and fellow prisoners. The film received positive reviews for its heartfelt portrayal of perseverance.

6. The Ascent (1977)

Directed by Larisa Shepitko, The Ascent is a Soviet film that delves into the moral dilemmas faced during wartime. Set during World War II, it follows two Soviet partisans in Belarus who are captured by German forces. Its profound narrative and cinematography earned it the Golden Bear at the 27th Berlin International Film Festival.

5. Hope and Glory (1987)

John Boorman’s semi-autobiographical film, Hope and Glory, offers a unique perspective on World War II by depicting it through the eyes of a young boy in London during the Blitz. The film balances the horrors of war with moments of humor and nostalgia, capturing the resilience of a family amidst chaos. Hope and Glory was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

4. Bat*21 (1988)

Bat*21 is based on the true story of Lieutenant Colonel Iceal “Gene” Hambleton, portrayed by Gene Hackman, whose plane is shot down during the Vietnam War. Behind enemy lines, Hambleton relies on his wit and the assistance of Captain Bartholomew Clark, played by Danny Glover, to navigate the perilous terrain to safety. The film highlights themes of survival, camaraderie, and the harrowing realities of war.

3. The Edge of Love (2008)

Set during World War II, The Edge of Love explores the complex relationships between poet Dylan Thomas, his wife Caitlin, and their friends Vera and William. Starring Matthew Rhys, Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, and Cillian Murphy, the film delves into themes of love, friendship, and the emotional toll of war on personal lives.

2. The Invisibles (2017)

The Invisibles tells the true story of four Jewish survivors who managed to escape Nazi persecution by going into hiding in Berlin during World War II. Directed by Claus Räfle, the film uniquely blends documentary elements with dramatized reenactments, offering a gripping and deeply personal perspective on survival. Through the eyes of Hanni Lévy, Cioma Schönhaus, Eugen Friede, and Ruth Arndt, it showcases their incredible resilience as they navigate the city in plain sight, relying on the kindness of strangers and their own resourcefulness.

1. The Best of Men (2012)

Topping the list is The Best of Men, a powerful war drama that tells the true story of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, a German-Jewish neurologist who revolutionized the treatment of paraplegic soldiers in Britain during World War II. Played by Eddie Marsan, Dr. Guttmann arrives at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in 1944, where he challenges outdated medical practices and introduces sports therapy as a means of rehabilitation.

His groundbreaking work not only transformed the lives of injured soldiers but also laid the foundation for what would later become the Paralympic Games.