Best War Adventure Movies
War adventure films combine the drama and tension of wartime settings with thrilling action sequences and often focus on specific missions or operations.
1. The Guns of Navarone (1961)
A team of Allied soldiers is sent on a mission to destroy massive German guns on a Greek island.
Why it’s great:
- Strong ensemble cast including Gregory Peck and David Niven
- Tense action sequences and espionage elements
- Epic scale and beautiful Mediterranean locations
2. Where Eagles Dare (1968)
British and American commandos infiltrate a German fortress in the Alps during World War II.
Why it’s great:
- Thrilling action sequences, including a famous cable car fight
- Chemistry between Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood
- Intricate plot with multiple twists and turns
3. The Dirty Dozen (1967)
A group of convicts is trained for a suicide mission behind enemy lines during World War II.
Why it’s great:
- Stellar ensemble cast including Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson
- Blend of action, drama, and dark humor
- Influential on subsequent “men on a mission” films
4. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino‘s alternate history World War II film follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers on a mission to assassinate Nazi leaders.
Why it’s great:
- Christoph Waltz‘s chilling performance as Hans Landa
- Tarantino’s signature dialogue and tension-building
- Blend of historical elements with pure cinematic fantasy
5. The Great Escape (1963)
Based on a true story, Allied prisoners of war plan a mass escape from a German camp.
Why it’s great:
- Stellar ensemble cast led by Steve McQueen
- Meticulous depiction of escape preparations
- Blend of tension, action, and humor.