War movies typically do well at the box office; their action and drama appeal to American movie audiences. Each year there are a number of war movies made, some are memorable, and some not. The best are those that combine action with a compelling story, or even with a touch of humor. Of the many war movies that have been released over the past ten years, a few stand out as having achieved this objective. They contain enough action to satisfy the action junkies, but also either have a profound message, or are really humorous.
Following are the all time best ten war movies shown in American movie theaters in the past ten years:
Letters from Iwo Jima. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Ken Watanabe, this film tells the story of the epic battle for Iwo Jima from the point of view of the Japanese defenders.
Flags of Our Fathers. This film, also directed by Eastwood, starred Ryan Phillippe and Neal Mcdonough, was based on a book by one of the Iwo Jima flag raisers. It shows the horrors of battle from a very personal perspective.
Charlie Wilson’s War. Technically not a traditional war film, this movie stars Tom Hanks as the controversial Texas congressman Charlie Wilson who supported the resistance to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Black Hawk Down. The story of America’s ill-fated mission in Somalia; stars Ewan McGregor and Josh Hartnett.
Courage under Fire. Oscar winner Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan star in this drama about an officer’s conflict between his duty and his personal feelings.
Memphis Belle. The story of a World War II bomber crew, based on actual events. Mathew Modine and Eric Stoltz star.
Tropic Thunder. An hilarious spoof of Vietnam War films starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey, Jr.
Hotel Rwanda. Don Cheadle stars in this fact-based film about a Rwandan hotel owner who sheltered Tutsis during the murderous genocide in Rwanda. Though not a military movie in the strictest sense of the word, it shows war in all its horror and waste.
Inglorious Basterds. A 2009 release, a story about a group of Jewish-American GI’s in World War II, spreading terror among Nazi troops in France. Stars Brad Pitt.
Braveheart. Mel Gibson stars as a Scottish warrior fighting against English domination.