20 Highest-grossing war movies of all time, ranked

War movies have always been popular for their powerful stories and emotional impact. These films are more than just action and battles. They show the personal struggles, sacrifices, and challenges faced during times of conflict. Many war movies have become huge hits, proving their ability to connect with audiences everywhere. Some films focus on the chaos and intensity of battle. Others highlight the emotional weight carried by soldiers and those around them.

1) American Sniper (2014)

With $547 million at the box office, American Sniper became a defining war film. It tells the story of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL whose sharp-shooting saved countless lives during his tours in Iraq. The film dives into the challenges he faced on the battlefield and at home, balancing duty and family. Fans appreciated its raw look at war’s cost, highlighting the sacrifices soldiers and their loved ones make, making it a film that resonated far beyond the screen.

2) Dunkirk (2017)

Dunkirk earned $527 million worldwide and is remembered for its unique structure and realism. The film shows the evacuation of Allied troops during World War II from three perspectives—land, sea, and air. Directed by Christopher Nolan, it avoids traditional dialogue-heavy storytelling and instead focuses on the urgency of survival. Fans admired how it recreated the tension of being surrounded by enemy forces, offering a closer look at one of history’s critical military operations. The film’s detail and intensity made it a standout portrayal of wartime endurance.

3) Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Grossing $482 million, Saving Private Ryan is often called one of the most realistic war movies ever made. It follows a group of soldiers searching for Private James Ryan after the Normandy landings. The opening D-Day sequence is famous for its unflinching look at combat. Tom Hanks led a cast that captured the fear and bravery of soldiers in wartime. Fans were drawn to its focus on sacrifice and duty, showing how individual acts of courage are often at the heart of larger conflicts.

4) Pearl Harbor (2001)

Pearl Harbor made $449 million and retold one of history’s most tragic events. The film follows two friends and their roles as pilots during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. While it includes a love story, audiences were moved by the depiction of the chaos and destruction of the attack itself. The large-scale action scenes and emotional portrayals reminded viewers of the lives lost and the bravery of those involved. It remains a film that keeps this moment in history in the public memory.

5) The Eight Hundred (2020)

The Eight Hundred brought in $461 million and became one of China’s top-grossing movies. It tells the story of Chinese soldiers defending a warehouse during the Battle of Shanghai in 1937. The movie focuses on the bravery of these men who held their ground against overwhelming odds. Fans were impressed by its attention to detail and intense battle scenes, which brought this piece of history to life. By highlighting an event that’s lesser known globally, it offered a tribute to courage and resilience in the face of near-certain defeat.

6) 1917 (2019)

1917 made $384 million worldwide and stood out for its single-shot technique. The story follows two British soldiers racing to deliver a message that could save 1,600 men. The film puts viewers in the middle of World War I and captures the urgency of their mission. Its real-time approach made the stakes feel immediate. Fans appreciated the immersive visuals and the focus on the soldiers’ experiences. The combination of tense storytelling and historical authenticity made it unforgettable for audiences everywhere.

7) Troy (2004)

Troy grossed $497 million and brought the story of the Trojan War to life. The film follows Achilles and Hector as they clash during a war fueled by pride and betrayal. Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Achilles gave the character a mix of arrogance and skill. Fans loved the massive battle scenes and the detailed sets that recreated ancient Troy. The focus on themes like honor and revenge gave this epic an emotional depth. Its scale and intensity turned it into a standout war film.

8) War Horse (2011)

War Horse earned $177 million with a story that followed a young man and his bond with his horse. After his horse was sold to the military during World War I, he joined the war to find him. The film explores the struggles of war through the eyes of both humans and animals. Steven Spielberg’s direction added heart to the story. Fans connected with the loyalty and hope in the face of hardship. The movie offered a different perspective on the impact of war.

9) Black Hawk Down (2001)

Black Hawk Down made $173 million and focused on a failed military raid in Somalia. The film told the story of soldiers trapped in hostile territory after two helicopters were shot down. It showed the chaos and danger of urban combat without holding back. Fans praised the way it captured the fear and teamwork of the soldiers. The realistic action made it one of the most intense war movies ever. The focus on the human cost of the mission left a strong impression.

10) Platoon (1986)

Platoon brought in $138 million and showed the Vietnam War through the eyes of a young soldier. The film followed his journey as he struggled with the moral challenges of war. It explored the tension between two sergeants who represented opposing sides of his experience. Directed by Oliver Stone, it gave an unfiltered look at the psychological impact of combat. Fans were drawn to its raw honesty and emotional depth. It became a defining film about the Vietnam War and its harsh realities.

11) The Patriot (2000)

The Patriot made $215 million worldwide and became a well-known film about the American Revolution. It follows Benjamin Martin, a farmer who takes up arms after a British officer kills his son. Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Martin gave the character a strong sense of determination and grief. Fans connected with the intense battle scenes and Martin’s personal journey. The story focuses on how war affects individuals and families, making it relatable and emotional for viewers.

12) Fury (2014)

Fury earned $211 million and told the story of a tank crew on a deadly mission during World War II. Brad Pitt played Sergeant Wardaddy, a leader who guided his team through brutal battles. The film showed the harsh reality of war, focusing on the soldiers’ struggles and teamwork. Fans appreciated the realistic tank combat and the bond between the crew. The story highlighted the dangers faced by those on the front lines, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

13) Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Hacksaw Ridge grossed $180 million and told the true story of Desmond Doss, a medic who saved 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa without using a weapon. The film followed Doss’s determination to stay true to his beliefs while facing danger. Andrew Garfield’s performance as Doss brought out the character’s courage and humanity. Fans respected the focus on one man’s strength and principles in the face of war. The story showed how faith and determination could inspire others.

14) We Were Soldiers (2002)

We Were Soldiers brought in $114 million and focused on the first major battle of the Vietnam War. The story followed Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore as he led his troops into a dangerous fight in the Ia Drang Valley. The film captured the bravery of the soldiers and the sacrifices made by their families back home. Fans praised its realistic battle scenes and the emotional impact of the characters’ experiences. The movie provided a raw look at the challenges faced by soldiers during the war.

15) Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

Letters from Iwo Jima made $68 million and told the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese soldiers’ perspective. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film followed the defenders of the island as they faced overwhelming odds. Fans appreciated the focus on the humanity of the soldiers and their personal struggles. The film explored themes of duty and sacrifice, offering a different view of a well-known historical event. Its detailed portrayal of the soldiers’ experiences gave it a lasting impact.

16) The Thin Red Line (1998)

The Thin Red Line made $98 million and focused on the Guadalcanal campaign during World War II. The story showed the emotional and mental toll of war on soldiers fighting in extreme conditions. It was based on James Jones’ novel and stood out for exploring individual experiences instead of just battle sequences. Fans appreciated its focus on human struggles and its striking visuals. The film captured the contrast between the beauty of nature and the violence of war.

17) Enemy at the Gates (2001)

Enemy at the Gates earned $97 million and told the story of a sniper duel during the Battle of Stalingrad. The film followed Russian sniper Vasily Zaitsev as he faced a German sniper in a deadly standoff. The intense focus on survival and precision kept audiences engaged. Fans admired how the film portrayed the psychological challenges of war and the devastation of Stalingrad.

18) The Last Samurai (2003)

The Last Samurai grossed $456 million and told the story of an American soldier adapting to samurai culture in Japan. The film followed Nathan Algren, a former U.S. soldier, who found himself captured by samurai warriors during the Meiji Restoration. Fans appreciated its focus on honor, tradition, and cultural change. The battle sequences showed the sacrifices made by samurai warriors fighting for their way of life.

19) Midway (2019)

Midway earned $126 million and told the story of the decisive World War II battle in the Pacific. The film highlighted the bravery of American soldiers and sailors who faced overwhelming odds. It showed the strategic decisions that turned the tide of the war. Fans appreciated the detailed reenactments and the focus on individual heroism.

20) Apocalypse Now (1979)

Apocalypse Now made $150 million (adjusted for inflation) and followed a U.S. Army captain on a dangerous mission in the Vietnam War. The story showed the descent into chaos as he searched for a rogue colonel deep in the jungle. Fans were drawn to its exploration of the psychological and moral cost of war.