10 World War I Movies For History Buffs

When it comes to the great wars, World War II tends to get more attention in movies. Most people know about Nazi Germany and are very aware of the countries that formed the Allied forces which fought the Axis powers. Although not as deadly as its sequel, World War I, at the time called the “Great War” or the “War to End all Wars,” was still a massive global conflict that led to the mobilization of more than 70 million military personnel, and resulted in the deaths of about 40 million people.

Numerous films have dealt with the Great War, most of them focusing on the war effort and main battles. Through the lens of cinema, modern audiences can learn about the circumstances leading to and surrounding the war, understanding why it ranks as one of the deadliest conflicts in history.

10 War Horse (2011)

Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring an ensemble cast led by Jeremy Irvine in his feature film debut, War Horse tells the story of Joey, a bay thoroughbred who begins his life under the care of a British teenager before being bought by the British Army. Thus, he begins a journey throughout Europe, experiencing first-hand the horrors and complexities of war.

Equal parts visceral and emotional, War Horse is an epic to the tee: sentimental, traditional, and uplifting. Like most World War I films, it takes a definitive pro-Triple Entente approach, demonstrated by its British protagonist. The movie is a technically-accomplished exploration of war throughout Europe, and one of Spielberg’s most shamelessly idealistic efforts.

9 A Very Long Engagement (2004)

A Very Long Engagement is a French romantic film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. It follows a young woman, played by Audrey Tautou, as she desperately attempts to find her fiancé, who might have been killed in action. The film is based on the 1991 novel of the same name by Sébastien Japrisot.

The film opened to positive reviews, particularly towards its production value. A Very Long Engagement is remarkable for its portrayal of the French countryside after the war, as well as the corrupt and brutal French military system and the harsh punishments it inflicted upon deserters.

8 Testament Of Youth (2014)

Based on the memoir of the same name by Vera Brittain, Testament of Youth tells the story of Vera, a headstrong young woman who abandons her studies at Somerville College and leaves her traditional family behind to become a war nurse. The film stars Alicia Vikander as Vera, and the cast also includes Kit Harington, Colin Morgan, and Taron Egerton.

A quintessential British period piece, Testament of Youth might not add anything new to the crowded and well-defined genre. However, Vikander’s strong performance helps ground the film, and the narrative, seen from the eyes of a nurse who parts with each of the men in her life, offers a sufficiently refreshing twist and a new and valuable point of view to the war.

7 1917 (2019)

The latest WWI drama, 1917 was directed by Sam Mendes, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns, based on the stories his grandfather, a WWI veteran, told him. The plot follows two soldiers as they attempt to deliver an important message to call off a doomed offensive attack.

Critically praised and considered to be one of the best films of the year, 1917 received numerous accolades, including three Oscars. The film employs long takes to make it seem as if the entire thing were two continuous shots, adding to the element of realism. Its depiction of war is immersive and effective, resulting in a raw and captivating portrayal of the brutal action behind the trenches.

6 The Red Baron (2008)

Manfred von Richthofen, also known as “The Red Baron,” was a fighter pilot with the German Air Force during WWI. One of the most widely-known pilots of all time, he is considered the ace-of-aces of the war. The film, loosely based on his life, follows von Richthofen, played by Matthias Schweighöfer, as he falls in love with a British nurse, played by Lena Headey, and reconsiders his role in the war.

Although the film takes many creative liberties and completely fabricates the affair between the pilot and the nurse, it remains an interesting, albeit fully romanticized exploration of the life of one of the most famous figures in WWI history.

5 The Trench (1999)

Starring a pre-Bond Daniel Craig, The Trench follows a group of young British soldiers as they prepare for the Battle of the Somme, one of the most controversial and deadliest conflicts in the War. Paul Nicholls, James D’Arcy, Cillian Murphy, and Ben Whishaw co-star in the William Boyd-directed film.

History hasn’t been kind to the Battle of the Somme. Indeed, the debate continues to this day over its necessity and significance. The film paints a visceral portrayal of the soldier’s emotions, which range from anxiety and anticipation to despair and even boredom. Taking place, as its title would suggest, in the trenches, the film is claustrophobic and unnerving, effectively capturing the soldiers’ own restlessness before the battle.

4 Oh, What A Lovely War (1969)

Musicals and war aren’t two genres that usually go together. However, Oh, What a Lovely War manages to mix them quite successfully, creating a shrewd and biting satire of war. Helmed by Richard Attenborough in his feature film debut, it stars a massive ensemble cast that includes Maggie Smith, Laurence Olivier, Vanessa Redgrave, and Ian Holm, among others.

It tells the story of the Smith family, whose cheery view of the war changes after the three children experience the horrors of the battlefield. Witty and poignant, Oh, What a Lovely War is a decisively anti-war film that stylishly delivers its message while still providing a unique look into the perceptions of the British working class during the war.

3 Paths Of Glory (1957)

Paths of Glory is a 1957 anti-war film directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick. Based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb, it stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, who must defend the French soldiers he commands and who refused to go ahead with a suicidal attack, against a charge of cowardice in a court-martial.

The film’s blatant anti-military tone earned it a great deal of controversy at the time of its release. Praised for its innovative battle sequences and firmly idealistic message, Paths of Glory remains one of the most important and transcendental films about World War I for both cinephiles and history aficionados.

2 Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)

Based on the life of British archeologist, army-officer, diplomat, and writer, T.E. Lawrence, the film follows the titular character’s experiences in the Ottoman Empire’s provinces of Hejaz and Greater Syria during WWI, including his involvement in the Arab National Council.

Widely regarded as one of the best films ever made, Lawrence of Arabia stars Peter O’Toole in a performance that Premiere Magazine considered the best of all time. The film’s unique portrayal of nationalism and identity struggle continues to be relevant to this day, while its engrossing storytelling remains a staple for film lovers. And while it has more than a few historical inaccuracies, most famously regarding the title character, the film’s production value exquisitely recreates the last days of the Ottoman Empire.

1 All Quiet On The Western Front (1930)

A pre-Code anti-war film, All Quiet on the Western Front was directed by Lewis Milestone, based on the 1929 Enrich Maria Remarque novel of the same name. The plot follows a group of young German soldiers who are convinced to enlist in the war by their chauvinistic teacher.

Brutal and harrowing, the film is a pitch-perfect portrayal of the gruesomeness of war and the ultimate banality of it all. Led by an unforgettable performance by Lew Ayres, All Quiet on the Western Front ranks as one of the most morbid and realistic portrayals of war, an experience that remains powerful and relevant, 90 years after first premiering on the big screen.

About The Author

David Caballero
(803 Articles Published)

David is a twenty-eight-year-old Mexican writer and reader. Having studied Marketing in school, he spent three years working a nine-to-five desk job before deciding to pursue a writing career. He now works as a Senior Writer in ScreenRant and does some more freelancing job, talking about the entertainment business he so loves. Currently, he’s also writing his second novel while actively working to get his first one published.

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