From 'Saving Private Ryan' to 'American Sniper,' Prime Video is streaming some of the big screen's most acclaimed war films.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
Embarking into the world of cinematic treasures on Prime Video, a captivating array of war films awaits, spanning stories of soldiers' camaraderie on the battlefield to the exceptional and genuine tests of human perseverance amidst adversity. These movies skillfully capture the fundamental essence of wartime narratives.
As characters navigate moral dilemmas and confront the dangerous realities of combat, their tales stand as a tribute to the unbreakable human spirit prevailing through the darkest moments.
Within this remarkable selection of war movies, the backdrop of conflict becomes a canvas for exploring enduring themes that transcend professions, providing diverse audiences an opportunity to engage with the intricacies of war. Here are the best war movies on Prime Video.
Editor's note: This article was updated September 2023 to include 1944.
American Sniper (2014)
Run Time: 2 hours 12 minutes | Director: Clint Eastwood
In American Sniper, Bradley Cooper shines as Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, vividly portraying the raw intensity of war. Sienna Miller (Layer Cake) delivers a poignant performance as his wife, Taya, offering a heartrending glimpse into the strains of military life. This Clint Eastwood-directed drama fearlessly examines heroism and the toll of duty-driven decisions, leaving an indelible impact.
Run Time: 1 hr 40 min | Genre: History, Drama | Director: Elmo Nüganen
Cast: Kaspar Velberg, Kristjan Üksküla, Maiken Pius
1944 is a World War II drama by Estonian director Elmo Nüganen, who crafts a narrative that focuses on the distinct perspective of the Estonian citizens who were torn between the Soviet Union and the German Army, placing communities on opposing sides of the conflict. Despite being full of large, sweeping battle scenes that depict the horrors of war, the film narrows in on the internal struggles of the soldiers who are forced to kill their fellow Estonians for a cause they don’t really believe in. It’s a grounded and emotional journey that never glorifies war or creates an illusion of valor for these reluctant soldiers.
Run Time: 2 hours 29 minutes | Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper
Amidst the chaos of World War II, Captain John Miller Tom Hanks leads a team on a perilous mission to locate Pvt. James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon). Steven Spielberg’s masterful direction, reminiscent of Jurassic Park, creates a vivid backdrop for Hanks to shine. Through the challenges of enemy fire and internal uncertainties, the soldiers' expedition showcases their unwavering dedication to duty in Saving Private Ryan.
Run Time: 1 hour 56 minutes | Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Cast: Kate Mara, Ramon Rodriguez, Tom Felton, Bradley Whitford, Common
In the emotionally charged drama Megan Leavey, Kate Mara embodies the eponymous marine on a journey of redemption. Mara delivers a heartfelt performance as she forges an unbreakable bond with her combat dog Rex. This inspiring true story, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish), delves into the connection between a soldier and her loyal companion.
Run Time: 1 hour 36 minutes | Directors: David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud
Cast: Mike Boettcher, Carlos Boettcher
In a documentary set against a backdrop of conflict, Mike Boettcher (Dateline NBC), a fearless war correspondent, embarks on a perilous journey alongside his son Carlos, capturing the relentless pulse of battle in The Hornets Nest. Directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud immerse audiences in the raw intensity of their harrowing journey, depicting the resolute determination of those who reveal the stark realities of combat in Afghanistan.
Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes | Director: John Irvin
Cast: Dylan McDermott, Steven Weber, Courtney B. Vance, Michael Boatman, Don Cheadle
In the intense war drama Hamburger Hill, Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda) portrays Pvt. Johnny Washburn, is a soldier battling in the midst of the Vietnam War. Cheadle’s gripping performance adds depth to the camaraderie and struggles of the soldiers who fight to seize control of a hill. Directed by John Irvin (The Dogs of War), the film provides a harrowing and emotional journey that exposes the relentless brutality of war.
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes | Director: Peeter Rebane
Cast: Tom Prior, Oleg Zagorodnii, Diana Pozharskaya, Nicholas Farrell, Kristjan Üksküla
Venturing into the realm of historical drama, director Peeter Rebane helms Firebird, a tale of love and courage. Tom Prior (Kingsman: The Secret Service) portrays Sergey, immersing himself in a captivating love triangle that unfolds between a male fighter pilot and his female counterpart. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Firebird delves into the complexities of love, identity, and society.
Run Time: 1 hour 59 minutes | Director: Robert Schwentke
Cast: Max Hubacher, Milan Peschel, Frederick Lau, Alexander Fehling, Samuel Finzi
Navigating the landscape of historical drama, director Robert Schwentke introduces us to The Captain. This gripping tale of morality and survival finds its heart through the performance of Max Hubacher as Willi Herold. Hubacher, recognized for his role in Foster Boy, captures the transformation of a young soldier, masquerading as a captain, into a deceitful and dangerous figure. The Captain explores human nature's descent into megalomania and an individual's struggle with identity amidst wartime chaos.
Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Paul Gross, Clark Johnson, Allan Hawco, Christine Horne
In the realm of military drama, Hyena Road, directed by Paul Gross, takes us on a gripping journey. Ryan Sanders (Rossif Sutherland) is a soldier confronting the harsh realities of war from the perspective of a sniper whose decisions mean life or death. Sutherland's talent shines as he navigates the complexities of duty and brotherhood. Gross weaves a narrative that delves into the resilience of soldiers and the unbreakable bonds they forge amidst adversity.
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes | Director: Gavin Hood
Cast: Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan Rickman, Barkhad Abdi, Phoebe Fox
As a suspenseful thriller, Eye in the Sky skillfully navigates ethical dilemmas. Directed by Gavin Hood, the film stars Helen Mirren as Colonel Katherine Powell, an unwavering military officer. Mirren delivers a gripping performance as she wrestles with the moral complexities of modern warfare and the use of drone strikes. With a stellar supporting cast, including Aaron Paul, the film challenges perceptions and raises probing questions about the toll of decision-making.
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes | Director: Aleksey Sidorov
Cast: Alexander Petrov, Viktor Dobronravov, Vinzenz Kiefer, Irina Starshenbaum, Anton Bogdanov
Under the guidance of director Alexey Sidorov, T-34 introduces Nikolay Ivushkin (Alexander Petrov), a fearless tank commander in World War II. Petrov delivers a captivating portrayal as he leads his crew against formidable odds in a weathered old tank. With the skilled young mechanic Vasiliy (Viktor Dobronravov) by his side, the film immerses audiences in a high-stakes battle for survival.
Run Time: 2 hours 32 minutes | Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Laurent, Eli Roth, Michael Fassbender, Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl
Genre-blending maestro Quentin Tarantino weaves his trademark storytelling magic in a gripping WWII saga, Inglourious Basterds. Brad Pitt leads the charge as the charismatic Lt. Aldo Raine, channeling his Tyler Durden (Fight Club) energy. As the Basterds carve a path of vengeance through occupied France, Christoph Waltz, whose chilling performance as Hans Landa echoes his iconic role in Django Unchained, steals scenes. Tensions rise, bullets fly, and history is rewritten in this explosive cinematic masterpiece.
Run Time: 1 hour 29 minutes | Director: Doug Liman
Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, John Cena, Laith Nakli, Spencer Thomas, Roman Mitichyan
In a war thriller helmed by director Doug Liman, Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Sergeant Isaac, while John Cena, takes on Staff Sergeant Matthews. The suspense tightens as these soldiers find themselves pinned down by an unseen enemy. Laith Nakli'sintense performance as Juba, whose chilling voice taunts them, adds to the gripping intensity.
Run Time: 1 hour 53 minutes | Director: Morten Tyldum
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Allen Leech
Directed by Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game is a historical war drama that recounts the real-life story of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), an extraordinary mathematician and cryptanalyst during World War II. He’s recruited by the British intelligence agency to crack the German Enigma code – a nazi code. The film explores Turing’s ups and downs of being a brilliant war hero and an exposed gay man during a time when homosexuality was illegal. Overall, this film is a compelling depiction of one man’s remarkable achievements and impact on modern science and technology.
