Anti-war films depict the horrors and futility of armed conflict, often challenging glorified notions of war.

1. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Francis Ford Coppola‘s epic follows a captain sent to assassinate a renegade colonel during the Vietnam War.

Why it’s great:

• Surreal, hallucinatory depiction of war’s madness
• Powerful performances, especially Marlon Brando as Colonel Kurtz
• Iconic scenes and quotable dialogue

2. Paths of Glory (1957)

Stanley Kubrick‘s film depicts the dehumanizing effects of war through a story of French soldiers refused to continue a suicidal attack.

Why it’s great:

• Kirk Douglas‘s powerful performance as Colonel Dax
• Unflinching portrayal of military injustice
• Kubrick’s masterful direction and cinematography

3. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Based on Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, this film follows German soldiers in World War I.

Why it’s great:

• Groundbreaking depiction of war’s brutality
• Strong emphasis on the camaraderie among soldiers
• Powerful anti-war message that remains relevant

4. Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Kubrick’s satirical black comedy follows political and military leaders dealing with an impending nuclear apocalypse.

Why it’s great:

• Brilliant performances, especially Peter Sellers in multiple roles
• Sharp, biting satire of Cold War politics
• Darkly humorous take on mutually assured destruction

5. The Deer Hunter (1978)

This epic drama explores the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small Pennsylvania town.

Why it’s great:

• Powerful performances from Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep
• Unflinching portrayal of war’s psychological toll
• Iconic Russian roulette scenes.