
War epics are large-scale productions that often cover extended periods or multiple storylines within a war.
1. The Longest Day (1962)
This epic depicts the D-Day landings from multiple perspectives.
Why it’s great:
- Massive scale, covering multiple aspects of the invasion
- All-star international cast
- Attention to historical detail and accuracy
2. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Steven Spielberg‘s World War II epic follows a group of soldiers sent to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have all been killed in action.
Why it’s great:
- Groundbreaking, visceral depiction of combat, especially the D-Day opening
- Strong ensemble cast led by Tom Hanks
- Thoughtful exploration of sacrifice and duty
3. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
While not strictly a war film, this epic biopic follows T.E. Lawrence’s experiences in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I.
Why it’s great:
- Peter O’Toole‘s iconic performance as Lawrence
- Breathtaking cinematography of desert landscapes
- Epic scope and runtime allowing for deep character development
4. War and Peace (1966)
Sergei Bondarchuk’s Soviet adaptation of Tolstoy‘s novel is one of the most ambitious war epics ever made.
Why it’s great:
- Massive scale, with thousands of extras in battle scenes
- Meticulous attention to period detail
- Comprehensive adaptation of Tolstoy’s sweeping narrative
5. A Bridge Too Far (1977)
This epic war film depicts Operation Market Garden, the failed Allied attempt to break through German lines in 1944.
Why it’s great:
- All-star cast including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Gene Hackman
- Balanced portrayal of both Allied and German perspectives
- Spectacular battle sequences and attention to military detail.