The 10 Best War Movies Of The 2000s, According To Letterboxd

The brutality of war has been depicted countless times on the big screen, allowing viewers to witness the violence on the frontlines and the devastating effects of battles. Some of the best war movies from the 2000s underscore how hostility can change a country and its people, whether it’s fictional warfare or a depiction of actual events from history.

Fans on Letterboxd have made it clear which 2000s war movies are still worth watching today, with thousands of votes over the years ultimately revealing the highest-rated films on the site. As is often the case, these war films often blend the genre with others like drama, thriller, and even fantasy, making each one unique and interesting in their own ways.

Downfall (2004) – 3.9

Downfall is a consistently high-rated non-English language film, thanks to its bold portrayal of the last days of Adolf Hitler during World War II. Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, the 2004 historical drama takes viewers deep into the Führerbunker where Hitler is said to have spent his final days with his closest advisors.

While most would agree that its accurate depiction of war-torn Berlin is impressive, some audiences may not appreciate the film’s more controversial aspect – the humane way it approaches the dictator’s character. It shows an ordinary man losing his grip on reality, as he attempts to hold on to his ill-gotten wealth and power. It’s a daring take that is drastically different from what fans often expect from similar films.

Waltz With Bashir (2008) – 4.0

Waltz with Bashir is a beautifully animated part documentary and part drama film that chronicles different people’s experiences during the 1982 Lebanon War. Its director, Ari Folman, also stars in the movie as himself, as he struggles to make sense of his amnesia-like experience several years after the war.

With its striking visuals and powerful score, each interview Folman conducts is more insightful and often more jarring than the last. He uses the unique medium to portray dream sequences as his interviewees recount them. The film’s distinct style and haunting narratives make it a memorable one, especially for fans of the genre.

Joint Security Area (2000) – 4.0

Aside from being a brilliant war movie, Joint Security Area is also often considered one of the best thriller films of the 2000s. Directed by Park Chan-wook, the 2000 movie revolves around a perplexing mystery that happens in the DMZ, which is the border that separates North and South Korea. After two North Korean soldiers are allegedly shot and killed by a South Korean soldier, things take a dark turn when investigators realize that the facts don’t add up.

While it may seem like just another exciting whodunnit at first glance, the film surprisingly becomes more poignant as it progresses. The unsolved mystery fades into the background as it courageously tackles the bigger issues surrounding the tense relationship and conflict between the two nations.

Kannathil Muthamittal (2002) – 4.0

Director Mani Ratnam’s Kannathil Muthamittal is a tear-jerking musical war film that follows the story of a young Tamil child who yearns to meet her biological mother. Despite the risks, her adoptive parents travel to Sri Lanka, which was the site of a violent civil war at that time.

Things become chaotic when the family is abducted by a terrorist group called the Tamil Tigers, but take a turn for the worse when the child’s mother finally makes an appearance. Fans of family drama will likely find themselves crying at each touching or shocking twist in the 2002 film, especially when they reach its unforgettable conclusion.

White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki (2007) – 4.0

Viewers who are looking for a raw and honest depiction of the 1945 atomic bombings in Japan may want to check out White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki. Directed by Steven Ozakazi, the 2007 documentary doesn’t shy away from showing graphic imagery from the historical event.

It features interviews with the survivors, as well as some American scientists and workers who provide insights into the terrible event. The harrowing documentary is not for the faint-hearted but is something everyone should see so that the survivors’ stories and traumatic experiences are never forgotten, serving as a reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – 4.1

Director Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth may not be the first thing to come to mind when fans think of war films, but it is, nevertheless, set a few years after the Spanish Civil War and is inextricably linked with hostility. The Pale Man and other horrific monsters from the dark fantasy film have become iconic, as they transport viewers to a twisted version of reality.

Every challenging trial in the labyrinth is a new experience for both Ofelia and the viewers, with increasingly elaborate set designs and a complex narrative coming together in the end through a compelling conclusion. The 2006 film should be considered essential viewing for anyone who wants to see a dark fairy tale come to life.

Devils On The Doorstep (2000) – 4.2

Devils on the Doorstep is an unapologetic and unsurprisingly controversial dark comedy that’s set during World War II. Director Jiang Wen stars in the film, which tells the story of two war prisoners – a Japanese man and a translator – who are dumped on the doorstep of a Chinese woman by a mysterious man.

The man asks the woman to keep them until he comes back in the New Year and, unsure of what to do, the woman asks the rest of the village what their next steps should be. The 2000 film’s bold commentary about the absurdity of war never gets in the way of its witty humor, which will leave audiences laughing from start to finish.

La Commune (Paris, 1871) (2000) – 4.2

Director Peter Watkins’ exceptional take on the documentary format turns La Commune (Paris, 1871) into a groundbreaking film that chronicles a significant historical event. With hundreds of actors, he masterfully weaves together a variety of narratives from that time, particularly highlighting the stark contrast between the state-sponsored media and news coming from the revolutionaries.

The accurate reenactment of the historical event thrusts viewers into what it’s like to be an average citizen, a journalist, or an activist during that tumultuous year. The 2000 film is a brazen approach to the genre that leaves viewers with little time to breathe in between each long take.

The Pianist (2002) – 4.2

The Pianist is often considered among the movies that are too hard to watch twice because of its harrowing depiction of the real-life story of Władysław Szpilman, a Holocaust survivor of Jewish descent. Directed by Roman Polanski, the 2002 film portrays Szpilman’s struggle to survive in the increasingly chaotic city of Warsaw during the Nazi occupation.

The movie depicts the worst of humanity and how that can affect an average man and his family. Its disturbing narrative is still relevant today, as it leaves viewers with a better understanding of the horrific past, which will stay with them long after they’re done watching the film.

Inglourious Basterds (2009) – 4.3

One of director Quentin Tarantino’s most recognizable works, Inglourious Basterds tells the tale of a group of American soldiers who are tasked with spreading fear among the Nazis during World War II. The alternate history movie also features a second plot, revolving around the endearing Shosanna and her traumatic experience during the war.

The war movie’s audacious depiction of vengeful violence is interspersed with unforgettable lines and compelling stories from its charming cast. It’s not for everyone, but those who do enjoy it are likely quick to praise it for its unflinching and creative reimagining of one of the darkest times in history.

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