From sweeping historical epics to powerful personal dramas, war films offer some of cinema’s most compelling stories. Disney Plus UK boasts a strong line-up of acclaimed titles that explore the brutality of conflict, the complexities of duty and loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit.
These five films (picked according to IMDB scores) are critically the best on the platform, and represent a range of eras and genres – from medieval Scotland’s struggle for freedom to World War II’s moral challenges.
5. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
IMDb Score: 7.5
Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a grand seafaring epic that immerses viewers in the perilous world of early nineteenth-century naval warfare. Directed by Peter Weir (known for “The Truman Show” and “Dead Poets Society”), the film adapts Patrick O’Brian’s much-loved Aubrey-Maturin novels – with particular focus on blending action-packed spectacle with meticulous period detail.
Russell Crowe stars as Captain Jack Aubrey, a seasoned Royal Navy officer tasked with pursuing a formidable French privateer, the Acheron, across two oceans. Alongside him is Paul Bettany as Dr Stephen Maturin, ship’s surgeon and naturalist – whose friendship with Aubrey is at the heart of the story.
The film’s attention to authenticity earned it widespread critical praise – so much that it won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography (Russell Boyd) and Best Sound Editing (Richard King), with eight other Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Director.
4. The Book Thief (2013)
IMDb Score: 7.5
Adapted from Markus Zusak’s internationally bestselling novel, The Book Thief offers a poignant perspective on World War II through the eyes of a child in Nazi Germany. Directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey), the film follows Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse), who finds herself uprooted from her family and sent to live with foster parents Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson).
As Liesel struggles to adjust to her new life under an oppressive regime, she discovers solace in books – stealing them when necessary – and sharing their stories with others as acts of quiet resistance. Her world changes further when her foster family hides Max, a Jewish refugee, in their basement – a dangerous act that brings both hope and fear into their home.
The performances are moving throughout: Nélisse brings depth to Liesel’s transformation; Rush is warm yet understated as Hans; Watson delivers a nuanced portrayal as Rosa. John Williams’ evocative score earned an Academy Award nomination—the film’s music heightening its emotional resonance.
3. The Thin Red Line (1998)
IMDb Score: 7.6
Terrence Malick’s adaptation of James Jones’ novel explores not only combat but also soldiers’ inner worlds during one of World War II’s pivotal battles – the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre.
The ensemble cast includes Jim Caviezel as Private Witt, Sean Penn as Sergeant Welsh, Adrien Brody as Corporal Fife, Nick Nolte as Lieutenant Colonel Tall, George Clooney in a brief but memorable role, Woody Harrelson and John Cusack among others. Each character wrestles with fear, duty, love for home or country – and ultimately what it means to survive or perish in war.
The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director – testament to its artistic ambition – and won the Golden Bear at Berlin Film Festival.
2. Jojo Rabbit (2019)
IMDb Score: 7.9
Taika Waititi’s satirical black comedy Jojo Rabbit offers an audacious take on Nazi Germany through the eyes of Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), a lonely ten-year-old whose imaginary friend happens to be Adolf Hitler (played by Waititi himself). Based on Christine Leunens’ novel “Caging Skies,” this film blends absurdist humour with genuine pathos.
Jojo’s world unravels when he discovers his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie), a Jewish girl, in their attic – a revelation that forces him to confront Nazi propaganda he has internalised since childhood. As Jojo forms an unlikely bond with Elsa, he begins questioning everything he has been taught about loyalty and hate.
Johansson received an Oscar nomination for her performance, and the film won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay plus nominations for five others including Best Picture.
1. Braveheart (1995)
IMDb Score: 8.3
Mel Gibson directs and stars in this sweeping historical epic about Scottish warrior William Wallace’s fight for independence from English rule in late thirteenth-century Scotland. Braveheart is celebrated for its stirring depiction of rebellion against tyranny – combining romance, political intrigue and large-scale battle sequences that have become iconic within cinema.
Gibson leads an international cast featuring Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle, Patrick McGoohan as King Edward I and Catherine McCormack as Wallace’s ill-fated wife Murron.
Famed for its rousing speeches (“They may take our lives but they’ll never take our freedom!”) and James Horner’s moving score, Braveheart swept major awards ceremonies upon release – winning five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director for Gibson and Best Cinematography along with BAFTA recognition for costume design.