While the War movie has been a staple of cinema since the beginning of that art form the definition of that genre is rather vague as to what constitutes such a movie. While some delight in the visceral reality of war others use it as an anti-war statement and even a few use it as a more general statement on society’s woes. Some concentrate on the home front and the battle for hearts and minds there while there are many instances of a movie about one war acting as either a rallying cry or a censure for another. There is even more discussion as to what constitutes a war; some worthy struggles for independence are denied that imprimatur by their oppressors. Thankfully there are many comic takes on the futility and surrealism of all wars. If we cannot agree on what constitutes the genre and how much of a war must feature in a film to qualify then there could not be much agreement on a list.

Unfortunately there is so much material to choose from, testament to the ease throughout history with which humankind resorts to greatest war, that a TOP 100 would do more justice to the genre. The hardest thing in compiling this top ten list is as to what to leave out.  Read more »