The 12 best war films streaming on Netflix right now – No. 1 is a classic

Few genres are as gripping and emotionally powerful as war films. Whether they take us to the battlefields of World War II, the chaos of the Iraq War or the tense streets of conflict-torn Belfast, these films capture the brutal realities of war while telling deeply human stories.

Here, we take a look at the 12 most-streamed war films on Netflix right now, their plots and why you should watch them.

Whether you’re interested in true historical events, fictionalized accounts, or gripping war thrillers, there’s something for everyone.

12. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)

Set during World War II, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas tells the heartbreaking story of Bruno, the young son of a Nazi officer, who befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp.

Told through the innocent eyes of a child, this film offers a haunting depiction of the Holocaust and its horrors.

The poignant and emotional piece stars Asa Butterfield, Vera Farmiga, and David Thewlis, and is based on John Boyne’s best-selling novel of the same name, which has been translated into over 50 languages.

11. Troy (2004)

A sweeping epic inspired by Homer’s Iliad, Troy dramatizes the legendary battle between the Greeks and Trojans, focusing on the larger-than-life figures of Achilles and Hector. Brad Pitt stars as the fierce warrior Achilles, with Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom in supporting roles.

The film is packed with action and drama, blending historical fiction with stunning battle sequences, and its impressive set design earned it an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design.

10. Fury (2014)

Set in the final days of World War II, Fury follows a tank crew led by battle-hardened Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier (Brad Pitt) as they face overwhelming odds behind enemy lines. Known for its brutal realism, Fury paints a gritty portrait of war. Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, and Jon Bernthal also deliver standout performances.

9. Atonement (2007)

Based on Ian McEwan’s novel, Atonement tells the story of how a lie changes the lives of three people forever. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy star as lovers torn apart by war and betrayal, with the film’s centerpiece being an unforgettable five-minute tracking shot on the beaches of Dunkirk.

Atonement won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and was nominated for six others, including Best Picture.

8. Official Secrets (2019)

This gripping drama is based on the true story of whistleblower Katharine Gun (Keira Knightley again), who leaked classified information about illegal activities leading up to the Iraq War.

With a strong cast that includes Matt Smith and Ralph Fiennes, Official Secrets explores the cost of speaking out against power.

The film is based on Gun’s real-life story and her subsequent trial for breaching the Official Secrets Act.

7. Operation Mincemeat (2021)

Directed by John Madden, Operation Mincemeat tells the fascinating true story of a British intelligence operation during World War II that used a corpse with false documents to deceive Nazi forces.

The real operation inspired Ian Fleming, who was involved in British intelligence at the time, to create the character of James Bond.

Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen lead a top-tier cast in this captivating tale of espionage and strategy.

6. 1917 (2019)

1917 is a visually stunning war epic that follows two British soldiers on a seemingly impossible mission to deliver a message that could save thousands of lives. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is shot to appear as a single continuous take, creating an immersive and heart-stopping experience.

1917 won three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, and was nominated for Best Picture.

5. ’71 (2014)

Set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, ’71 follows a young British soldier (Jack O’Connell) who is accidentally left behind by his unit during a riot in Belfast. Alone and hunted by both sides, he must survive the night. The film is a tense and gripping thriller that captures the chaos of conflict.

The film was nominated for nine British Independent Film Awards, with Yann Demange winning Best Director.

4. The Imitation Game (2014)

Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician who cracked the Nazi Enigma code and helped turn the tide of World War II. The Imitation Game is a powerful drama about Turing’s genius, his struggles, and his tragic end, and has won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and received eight nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

3. The Six Triple Eight (2024)

This film tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II – the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas during the war. tasked with sorting a massive backlog of mail for U.S. troops in Europe, their mission was crucial to maintaining morale on the front lines.

The film’s featured song The Journey is nominated for Best Original Song at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards.

2. Number 24 (2024)

This Norwegian hidden gem tells the story of a young Gunnar Sønsteby , who decides to resist Nazi-Germany on the day of their invasion of his country, to later become the leader of the “Oslo-gang”. His acts set a new course for not only his future, but the future of his country, and made his Norway’s greatest war hero. The movie stars Sjur Vatne Brean, Erik Hivju, and Philip Helgar.

1. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

In first place, Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds is a bold, fictional reimagining of WWII. The film follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers led by Brad Pitt’s Lieutenant Aldo Raine as they plot to assassinate Nazi leaders in occupied France.

With standout performances from Christoph Waltz (who won an Oscar for his role), Mélanie Laurent, and Diane Kruger, Inglourious Basterds is an unforgettable blend of history and fantasy. The movie won Christoph Waltz the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and received eight nominations, including Best Picture.