10 Best WW1 Movies That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best WW1 Movies

Numerous films have been made on World War One, but which one is the finest, according to IMDb?

Violent fights, moral dilemmas, and horrifying fatalities have all been depicted in various ways in films about war. A talented filmmaker is needed to bring the stories of the First World War to life in a meaningful way in films.

As early as 1917, movies about World War I were being released, even as the conflict was still going on. IMDb’s highest-rated films were typically released between 1940 and the 1960s, when the industry was in its infancy. These films explore the challenging issues and questions of war and humanity, frequently providing audiences a visceral look into the frontlines of WWI or the effects of the war on soldiers and their families.

10. All Quiet On The Western Front (1930) – 8.1

All Quiet On The Western Front (1930)

It is an American anti-war film based on a novel of the same name. A group of German boys are pushed to enlist by their instructor in this film by Lewis Milestone. Their expectations were shattered when they arrived on the battlefield. “You’re going to be soldiers — and that’s all,” the corporal said in his opening statement.

The film makes no apologies for depicting the horrors of war. Harrowing portrayal of what it’s like in combat contrasts starkly with how young men and women are pushed war as a career choice. Viewers become just as horrified as the characters who return home to cheering audiences and supporters of the war effort as they follow the journey of the hopeful boys who develop into dead or jaded men.

9. Forest Of The Hanged (1965) – 8.2

Liviu Ciulei, a Romanian filmmaker, directs Forest of the Hanged, a World War I film set on the Austro-Hungarian front. Lieutenant Apostol Bologa tries to come to terms with his decision to put a Czech soldier to death for desertion in this scene. It is one of the darkest moments in war films when he decides to desert the Habsburgs, questioning his own devotion to them.

Instead than focusing on the great chaos of battle, this film takes a closer look at the individual. One of the most in-depth looks into the mentality of a soldier is provided by this book’s candid treatment of the morality of desertion. Even while its depiction of the muddy landscapes and violent fights is difficult to watch at times, it helps viewers appreciate the ruthless reality of war.

8. The Great War (1959) – 8.2

The Great War (1959)

To convey the horrors of the trenches in WWI, the Italian film The Great War used comedy. In Mario Monicelli’s film, two unlikely buddies are forced to run a relay for a group of people they don’t know. As soon as they’re captured and tormented by an amusing villain, their loyalty to their side grows stronger.

Even while The Great War employs a light-hearted approach to depicting the horrors of the trenches, it never diminishes or trivializes them. Loyalty and cowardice are topics that are explored in this film, illustrating how the cowardly (often comical) approach is sometimes the greatest option in the face of unfathomable brutality and death.

7. Lawrence Of Arabia (1962) – 8.3

David Lean directed the critically acclaimed British historical drama Lawrence of Arabia. In this epic film, the narrative of T.E. Lawrence, an outspoken lieutenant who must risk his life to raid a well fortified Turkish stronghold, is told.

One of the greatest war pictures of all time thanks to its excellent musical collection, aesthetically beautiful visuals, and intense narrative. Its depiction of conflict is impressive, but the character growth of the protagonist throughout the film is much more impressive. Even if they had to sit for three hours to watch the film, audiences will never forget the sequences of T.E. Lawrence guiding troops through the sand dunes.

6. 1917 (2019) – 8.3

1917 (2019)

One of the best war films of the last decade is the British production 1917. Tom Blake and Will Schofield, two British troops who must penetrate into enemy territory to deliver a message that could rescue 1,600 of their comrades, are masterfully depicted by director and producer Sam Mendes.

With a deceptively straightforward premise, the film gradually reveals itself to be less about the message and more about how it’s delivered. As a result, it’s famed for its single-take effect, which is achieved by excellent cinematography and clever editing. As he moves from scene to scene, the film’s protagonist learns more and more about the essence of conflict.

5.The Great Dictator (1940) – 8.4

The Great Dictator was a comedy-drama directed, written, produced, and scored by British comedian Charlie Chaplin. A Jewish man’s tough reintegration into society after spending years in a hospital following his service in WWI is the subject of the first talkie by the usually silent comedian.

Even though it isn’t set during World War I, the film shows how quickly and absurdly society changed between the two wars. When it was out, it was groundbreaking in terms of its satirical depiction of Adolf Hitler, as additional countries were just beginning to join World War II. Chaplin’s most political and perhaps most important satirical work, The Great Dictator, is characterized by its unrepentant comedy and message about the futility of war.

4. Paths Of Glory (1957) – 8.4

Paths Of Glory (1957)

For the first time, director Stanley Kubrick delved into the military machine in Paths of Glory, an American war drama. On a suicide expedition against an impregnable German trench, General Mireau and Colonel Dax lead their men.

During the course of the film, the absurdity of authority is highlighted. Treacherous and ruthless leaders are shown as careerists who will go to any lengths to gain power. As the events progress, Kubrick expertly frames them in a way that keeps the audience riveted.

3. Mars Na Drinu (1964) – 8.5

As a tribute to the Serbian national song “Mars Na Drinu” (March on the Drina), the Yugoslav film Mars Na Drinu or March on the Drina was titled after it. The film portrays the narrative of the Battle of Cer, a real-life Serbian battle from World War I. Against all obstacles, a small group of artillerymen must defeat an army of Austro-Hungarian troops in the film.

Hope and despair are examined in Mars Na Drinu, which takes place during World War I. It brilliantly depicts the overarching narrative of the overwhelming assault, while simultaneously taking the time to recount the individual experiences of the men involved. From their reasons to their regrets, the audience can clearly see the conflict between the men’ feeling of duty and their fear of death.

2. On Dangerous Ground (1917) – 8.6

On Dangerous Ground (1917)

It is set at the beginning of World War I. On Dangerous Ground is an American silent film that recounts Howard Barton and Louise’s exploits. They are introduced in an unconventional manner, with the neutral American Howard finding a woman’s suitcase suddenly in his hotel room in Germany by director Robert Thornby. The woman, who goes by the alias Louise, turns out to be a spies trying to flee the nation.

It is exhilarating to watch the heroes’ quest to freedom, with each potential wrong step keeping the audience on its toes. On Dangerous Ground, although its romantic narrative, deals with deeper questions of patriotism and commitment. It elicits thoughts about the need of trust in wartime.

1. Arms And The Woman (1916) – 9.2

Rozika and Carl are two Hungarian siblings whose story is shown through the eyes of George Fitzmaurice, a French film filmmaker. Both Rozika and David migrate to America before WWI begins, where Rozika falls in love and marries David, an American guy. When the war begins, David is ordered to produce armaments for use against Hungary, the homeland of his wife and brother-in-law.

Family and marriage relationships are examined in depth in the film, which examines how conflict affects these relationships. Individual and family sacrifices for the sake of their country are examined in this film. ‘Patriotism’ One can’t help but be shocked by the abrupt transition from pleasant romance to sad strife.