There is no doubt that with the increase in streaming services, every platform must fight to create a compelling database of movies and television shows that not only feature an epic story but are diverse in genres. In the past couple of years, Hulu has quietly amassed an impressive collection of movies ranging from comedies and crime dramas to slice-of-life and high-octane action flicks.
However, its library of war movies from all eras is what makes it stand out. From tense dramas to thrilling historical docs, Hulu has an array of wartime tales available to stream. While it may not have as flashy an interface as some competitors, buried within Hulu’s deep archives are cinematic war masterpieces. Whether it’s a recent thriller like Dunkirk or a more comedic take like The Death of Stalin, these movies can transport viewers to the exact environment of the time.
They offer fascinating glimpses into key moments in history and celebrate the unsung heroes. Several movies secure their place in the category of innovative filmmaking as well. Here are the 8 best war movies on Hulu to watch right now.
‘The Death of Stalin’ (2017)
This hysterical political satire from Veep creator Armando Iannucci is a star-studded riot that has many logical complaints about bureaucracy. When Soviet leader Joseph Stalin passed away, everyone in his inner circle scrambled for the power he had now lost. It’s absurd, witty, and timeless. Though the film is set in Soviet Russia, all the characters speak plain English without accents, making this stylish wartime comedy film a fantastic overall package.
Cutting Jabs and Ridiculous Backstabbing
The Death of Stalin, like all of Iannucci’s works, is talky, and that’s a good thing. Iannucci is a master of mixing well-versed government talk with hilarious insults that seem to come from a more modern time. The phenomenal cast includes Steve Buscemi, Jason Isaacs, Andrea Riseborough, and Paddy Considine, who are all perfectly cast. Political intrigue and military power struggles are given a breath of fresh air with constant wordplay and infectiously memorable punchlines.
‘Medieval’ (2022)
Director Petr Jákl fashions a bold and brutal movie, Medieval, that gives audiences a harsh look at the concept of power through the rise and fall of a Czech icon and warlord of the early 15th century — Jan Žižka. Filmed on location in the Czech Republic, the movie boasts brilliant cinematography but lacks historical accuracy. It immerses viewers in muddy battlefields, rich romance, and the political betrayals of the time.
A War Epic That Pulls No Punches
Ben Foster plays the character of Žižka with deep sincerity, communicating just how severe the clashes between warlords and brothers can be. Medieval portrays the era in a visceral and grounded way, with poignant commentary on violence and the deep scars it leaves behind. With a close and intimate feel, it’s a deeply affecting war story.
‘Black Site’ (2022)
Michelle Monaghan, Jason Clarke, and Jai Courtney teamed up to headline the action thriller Black Site, which follows fierce CIA agent Abby Trent as she races against the clock to catch and capture the brilliant and dangerous detainee known as Hatchet (Clarke), who is being held at a top-secret government facility in Jordan and manages to escape his confinement. Abby teams up with former Marine and CIA contractor Raymond Miller (Courtney) to locate Hatchet before he can carry out his nefarious plot.
No Nonsense Popcorn Flick
Black Site is a straightforward B-movie that delivers exactly what fans of the genre want: pulse-pounding action sequences, exciting twists and turns, and a high-stakes cat-and-mouse pursuit with innocent lives hanging in the balance. Though by no means a groundbreaking cinematic experience, the thriller is a perfect popcorn flick with an interesting lead heroine and a fun way to spend the evening.
‘Lee’ (2024)
The British biographical film Lee follows Kate Winslet as Lee Miller, an American model-turned-photographer who becomes an integral voice in reporting the events of World War II from the frontline. The movie shows Lee at the forefront to capture iconic and harrowing images from the Blitz, the liberation of Paris, and the Dachau concentration camp. At the same time, the movie explores the long-lasting importance of her work and breaking down gender norms through flashbacks and interviews with her son, Antony Penrose (played by Josh O’Connor).
Giving Kate Winslet a career-defining performance, Lee saw the actor getting praise for the ability to capture the fierce spirit and resilience of the wartime reporter. The film also balanced the emotional weight of war with harrowing action scenes, approaching the subject from different angles with the insight from the pseudo-interview with Lee Miller’s son, offering great depth to her story. Despite many praising Winslet’s performance as one of the best of the year, the movie fell under the radar and remains a hidden gem for fans to discover on Hulu.
‘Resistance’ (2020)
Resistance follows the plight of Marcel Marceau (played by Jesse Eisenberg) through World War II before he established himself as a world-renowned mime artist. Notably, the Jonathan Jakubowicz film chronicles Marceau’s attempt to save thousands of Jewish orphans from the concentration camps using his theatrical skills to build strong relationships. His subsequent role in the French Resistance shows his transformation from aspiring actor to war hero.
From Artist to Hero
A flawed yet honorable attempt, Resistance remains a must-watch film for its thoughtful and eye-opening portrayal of Marcel Marceau’s courage. Backed by a strong performance by Jesse Eisenberg, the film gets by on being a compelling character study and a highlight of a lesser-known heroic figure during WWII. The heart is there, and fans should overlook its 57% Rotten Tomatoes score, particularly in an era where we need more touching hero stories in the face of fascism.
‘Pearl Harbor’ (2001)
Childhood friends, Rafe McCawley (Ben Affleck) and Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett), both grow up to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. The movie unfolds against the backdrop of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, with the film showing the perspective of the events through the two pilots. The movie also features an integral subplot in which the two men are both pining for the same woman, Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale).
American Sensationalism at Its Biggest and Loudest
Michael Bay’s historical drama will likely remain the most revered of the controversial director’s work, which still stands at a less-than-stellar Rotten Tomatoes score of 24%. Still, fans of Bay’s work have been much kinder to the film, championing its epic scale and big-budget action backed by an ensemble cast. This is not one of those war films you approach for accuracy, but for those who love the spectacle of the genre, Pearl Harbor remains one of the biggest and loudest war movies ever made.
‘Benediction’ (2021)
Terence Davies’ Benediction shone a spotlight on the well-known British poet and World War I veteran Siegfried Sassoon (played by Jack Lowden). The film begins in 1914 with Sassoon’s early life and experience with the War, to his return from the front lines after injury and protest against the continued war efforts—notably, his activism, which led him to be institutionalized and meet fellow silenced poet Wilfred Owen.
A Dangerous Form of Activism
Benediction would offer a profoundly emotional and engaging portrait of the artist and activist Siegfried Sassoon, which was met with critical acclaim; it currently holds a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A strong performance from Jack Lowden, who successfully balanced the complexities of his character, including the struggles he faced as a queer individual in early 20th-century Britain. Benediction is a significant work of modern biographical/drama cinema that Hulu subscribers should not overlook.
‘The Thin Red Line’ (1998)
The Thin Red Line focuses on the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theater, and the experiences of the soldiers involved, including Private Witt (Jim Caviezel), Captain Staros (Elias Koteas), and Colonel Tall (Nick Nolte). Less focused on action, the film instead offered an introspective look at the mental and emotional toll of war through those on the front lines.
A Timeless Masterpiece
Terrence Malick’s masterpiece, based on the 1962 novel by James Jones, is considered one of the best war movies ever made. The cinematography is breathtaking, contrasting beauty with chaos; the film raises philosophical quandaries about the nature of war, and is emotionally poignant and engaging. It also features a phenomenal cast, making it a long-time favorite among cinephiles and war movie fans alike.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
