Some of the greatest films ever put to screen just so happen to feature War as their predominant subject. How could they not? Many of the greatest stories ever to grace history often utilized warfare as a backdrop or conflict, with great triumphs often coming with an immeasurable cost. With so many films and television shows coming out nowadays, it may be hard to keep up with the best War-focused content out there — especially when it comes with a growing price tag.
When it comes to vintage war films, the free streaming service Tubi is king. Taking place across a variety of settings, conflicts, and genres, these war films will broaden your horizons when it comes to war-based storytelling. These are 10 of the best War movies you can watch right now on Tubi. We’ll also be periodically updating this list with new content as well to reflect Tubi’s growing library of classic films.
10 All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
Before Netflix’s glitzy interpretation of this classic war epic, the 1930 adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front was originally seen as one of the most harrowing depictions of the Great War. We follow the perspective of a young man knee-deep in the trenches alongside his German comrades, with their initial excitement of being involved with the war effort slowly eroding. As the bodies of their friends pile up, and the explosive crashes of mortar fire creep ever closer, they can’t help but feel that their presence on the battlefield is all for naught.
Minus some small changes made when translating the book to the big screen, All Quiet on the Western Front is still as effective a war film as it was almost a century ago. Modern reviews for the film have noted several elements that make it feel ahead of its time, ranging from its editing to its cinematography. It’s an essential war film for its effective messaging and grim presentation.
9 Who Killed Captain Alex? (2010)
The story behind the creation of Who Killed Captain Alex? is arguably as interesting as the film itself. Produced by the Ugandan film studio Wakaliwood, this war-themed action film follows an investigation into the murder of Captain Alex, a well-regarded member of the Uganda People’s Defense Force. Believing that the heavily armed Tiger Mafia is to blame, an escalating conflict between the two forces may ultimately lead to an all-out war.
Who Killed Captain Alex? was made on a miniscule budget of under 200 USD, with the only remaining cut of the film being accompanied by a “video joker” commentary track. Despite this minuscule budget, however, there is an unprecedented level of effort present in every frame. It’s hard not to appreciate how much of a blast everyone is having on-screen, with the film receiving praise from critics and audiences alike for its unique entertainment value.
8 Downfall (2004)
April 1945: Nazi Germany faces the approaching Allied forces from both the Eastern and Western fronts, with supplies and morale dropping to precarious levels. Despite these troubles, Adolf Hitler maintained that the Third Reich would ultimately secure victory. However, by the end of the month, he would be found dead in the confines of his Fürherbunker.
2004’s Downfall takes a different approach in depicting World War II, focusing exclusively on the final days of Hitler’s reign during the tumultuous Battle of Berlin. Historical accounts, eyewitness reports, and personal memoirs were consulted in creating as authentic a representation of the period as possible. Though the film would be the subject of controversy due to its focus on Hitler, others have cited it as a brilliant historical drama whose accuracy is something to applaud.
7 A Farewell to Arms (1932)
You can never go wrong with an Ernest Hemingway novel, and the same can be said for the 1932 adaptation of Hemingway’s famous book, A Farewell to Arms. Co-starring Helen Hayes and Gary Cooper, this classic film tells a tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of the Great War. Frederic Henry and British and Catherine Barkley meet one faithful day as their careers intersect, but as the surrounding war continues to take its toll on their lives, the two will find themselves asking difficult questions when it comes to their budding relationship.
A Farewell to Arms is notable for significantly deviating away from the cynicism found in Hemingway’s story, opting instead for an incredible dose of romanticism. Its content and frank depictions of violence and romance were also noteworthy for the era it was made. It’s ultimately a terrific example of how an adaptation doesn’t have to necessarily stick closely to its source material.
6 Zulu (1964)
Due to being made before the era of widespread VFX, grandiose war epics like 1964’s Zulu still look impressive to this day. Based on the real-life Anglo-Zulu War that saw the British Empire clash with the Zulu Empire of South Africa, Zulu focuses exclusively on the Battle of Rorke’s Drift. This battle would see 150 British soldiers forced to defend their titular Naval outpost against thousands of Zulu warriors, with only 120 of the British still in combat-ready condition. As ludicrous as it sounds, this film focuses more on historical accuracy than blatant dramatization.
Zulu would act as the first major breakout role for Michael Caine, who played Lieutenant Bromhead. Caine would co-star alongside Stanley Baker (The Guns of Navarone), Jack Hawkins (Lawrence of Arabia), and Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Interestingly enough, Buthelezi is related by blood to the character he depicts in the film, King Cetshwayo.
5 Commandos (1968)
Lee Van Cleef may be well known for his Western roles, but between The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and Sabata, he would star in a 1968 war thriller named Commandos. Set amid World War II, Cleef stars as Sergeant Sullivan, an Italian-American soldier stationed in North Africa. To take a base held by the Italians, he and a group of soldiers will have to go undercover to covertly infiltrate the facility. However, even the most simple of jobs have a means of going terribly wrong.
Commandos has more going for it than just being a non-Western vehicle for Lee Van Cleef. Dario Argento, who would later go on to popularize his brand of horror-based storytelling, would be credited with a screenwriting role on Commandos. In addition to this, its bombastic finale caps off its tense plot with a brilliant collection of gunfights and explosions.
4 Paths of Glory (1957)
The Great War is often associated with the complete dissolution of romanticized warfare. There’s no glory to be found in disease-riddled trenches and bombed-out fields, and this mentality is reflected in the brilliant Stanley Kubrick film Paths of Glory. Thirty years before he would tackle the Vietnam War in Full Metal Jacket, Kubrick highlights the sheer insanity of World War I with Kirk Douglas playing the role of Colonel Dax. The Colonel, after refusing what would’ve been a suicide mission, finds himself as the sole defender of his men during the resulting court-martial.
Paths of Glory is a harrowing examination of humanity during the Great War. As terrifying as mustard gas and machine guns were on the battlefield, some would agree that the biggest threat lay within their misguided leadership. The ending of this war film in particular will leave you feeling hollow inside.
3 Tangerines (2013)
Tangerines is a 2013 war-themed drama that you may have missed out on. This Academy Award-nominated film sees Lembit Ulfsak playing the role of Ivo, an elderly man living on the outskirts of Abkhazia. Despite living in isolation on his farm, he’s more than happy to lend a hand to anyone who needs it. However, this mentality will be put to the test when an encroaching war sees two injured soldiers, one from each opposing side, taking refuge in Ivo’s home.
A gripping tale of morality and pacifism, Tangerines is a war story that examines the nature of conflict as a whole. You can expect to see the toil war inflicts on those not directly involved with it, as well as how its impact can make or break existing relationships. You can also expect several Georgian songs to punctuate the film’s emotional moments.
2 Damn the Defiant! (1962)
Damn the Defiant!, alternatively known as H.M.S. Defiant, is an appropriately titled film given its subject. Taking place on board the titular military frigate, this film focuses on the sudden mutiny that overtakes its operations. Despite attempts to keep the mutiny’s petition of grievances peaceful, escalating tensions may lead to the ocean running red with blood. Though the Defiant is a fictional vessel, the film is set in 1797, roughly around the same time as the Spithead mutiny undertaken by the Royal Navy.
Alec Guinness of Star Wars fame plays the role of our impromptu mediator, Captain Crawford, with Dirk Bogarde serving under him as the malicious Lieutenant Scott-Padget. If you ever wanted to taste the salty air of the sea in your action-packed war film, Damn the Defiant! is a terrific choice to go with. Its director, Lewis Gilbert, would even go on to direct several films in the James Bond franchise, including Moonraker and The Spy Who Loved Me.
1 Incendies (2010)
Before Dune, before Blade Runner 2049, and even before Sicario, Denis Villeneuve would stun the world with his 2010 war-themed drama film, Incendies. Based on the stage play of the same name, this touching film tells the story of Jeanne and Simon, a pair of twins who travel to a Levantine country to settle their late mother’s affairs. However, the ensuing journey will take them down a dangerous road as they discover their familial ties to a civil war.
Though the film is inspired by real events, it instead focuses on a fictional country to give more emphasis to its characters and plot. This is made even more effective due to its origins as a stage play, with some pretty dramatic reveals in store should you give it the time of day. Of course, any fan of Villeneuve’s other films should also give Incendies a watch as well.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
