War flicks have been storming Hollywood for years, and they continue to break the bank at the box office. With many old classics and many new ones, it might be hard to keep track of them all. While there are probably way more movies about the Second World War, there is definitely still a fair share of ones depicting the first. In case you’re looking for an action-packed, emotion-filled war movie, we’ve made a list.
With the new film, 1917, coming out later this December, we think you need to catch up on the best and worst WWI films out there. So, here are 5 movies based on WWI that are the best, and 5 that you should probably avoid, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Worst: Legends of the Fall (1994) - 57%
This war flick stars Brad Pitt, Aidan Quinn, and Anthony Hopkins, but clearly not even this stellar cast could get this rating about a 57%. This is one of those war drama romance movies and follows three brothers who live in Montana.
This film tells the story of their struggle within the war, and how history, betrayal, and love all affect their life in their remote home. It’s not a terrible flick, but definitely isn’t one of the best war dramas out there. We do love this cast, though.
Best: Testament of Youth (2014) - 84%
This is definitely an interesting take on the war and is still a fairly new and modern movie. This one tells the story of a British woman as she reflects on her youth, which took place during the first World War. This movie has romance, drama, but also tells her real and honest experience of life during these dark times.
Starring Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, and Taron Egerton, we definitely suggest this flick for a new and inspiring take on this war. Plus, 84% is definitely worthy of your time.
Worst: Passchendaele (2008) - 40%
This movie is directed by Paul Gross and stars the main man along with Michael Greyeyes and James Knot. Clearly, romance dramas should never be made about the war, because this is another one that kind of flopped on Rotten Tomatoes. This movie follows a veteran, his nurse girlfriend, and a young man, and how their lives intersect all the way to the battle of Passchendaele.
This is a momentous battle from the first World War, but this clearly this movie doesn’t do it any justice. However, if you’re looking for an interesting and romantic spin on the battle, here you go.
Best: A Farewell to Arms (1932) - 93%
This is clearly an old flick, but we couldn’t help but include some of the older gems that clearly still hold up today on Rotten Tomatoes. This one is actually a romance drama that did well with the critics. It follows the story of an American ambulance driver and an English nurse, who try to find love in Italy during the war.
Sure, it’s cliche, but it did pretty well in the eyes of the Tomatometer’s critics. Plus, who doesn’t love a classic flick based on a classic novel?
Worst: Flyboys (2006) - 33%
This movie stars the wonderful James Franco, Jean Reno, and Jennifer Decker. Though it’s a newer flick, it didn’t exactly do well on Rotten Tomatoes. This movie is definitely told more in the action, though, and charts the story of the Lafayette Escadrille: young American men who volunteer for the French military and become the country’s first fighter pilots.
Again, this movie is action-packed, and often riveting, but here’s a fair warning that it didn’t score super well.
Best: Beneath Hill 60 (2010) - 85%
This is probably a hidden gem that you haven’t heard of, but definitely should watch. It follows the story of the Australian Tunneling Company as they dig beneath German bunkers. Taking place in 1916, this flick will have you on the edge of your seat. Plus, for a 2010 war film, an 85% is pretty impressive for this type of movie.
We definitely suggest this movie that probably completely missed your radar. You can also find Brendan Cowell, Harrison Gilbertson, and Steve Le Marquand in the mix.
Worst: Deathwatch (2002) - 25%
This movie takes place in the middle of World War I. It follows a group of British soldiers that find themselves trapped behind German lines.
This movie clearly didn’t do great with the critics. It might still have you on the edge of your seat while this group fights for survival in the trenches, but this rating also tells you it definitely isn’t one of the best. However, you can find Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Laurence Fox, and many more in the film.
Best: The Spy in Black (1939) - 100%
We had to throw it back once more, to a movie that scored a whopping 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Michael Powell, this classic film all the way back from 1939 is definitely a thrilling war drama.
Taking place in 1917, this movie follows a German submarine that is sent to the Orkney Isles to sink the British fleet. For an old flick, we’re more than impressed, and this is a pretty spectacular film experience of the war. Plus, it’s definitely a classic.
Worst: In Love and War (1996) - 11%
This might be one you’ve definitely heard of, but we’re here to tell you it’s definitely not worth your time. Starring Sandra Bullock and Chris O’Donnell, not even these two brilliant actors could save this flick from its 11% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Of course, this flick is a love story between a writer and a nurse during the war, and how they keep their romance alive throughout the fight. Obviously, it didn’t quite hold up with the Tomatometer, and an 11% is pretty cringe-worthy.
Best: All Quiet on the Western Front (1979) - 100%
This is a remake of the 1930 film, and both of them managed to score 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. So whether you’re seeking a real classic or a bit more modern spin, we suggest either version of this movie.
Directed by Delbert Mann, this movie tells the story of a young soldier who finds himself completely disillusioned and struggling in the horrors of the First World War. It’s compelling and totally heartbreaking and is definitely deserving of the top spot on this list. If you’re looking for a fantastic WWI flick, look no further than this gut-wrenching and gripping film.
