World War I and II have provided filmmakers with an endless array of stories to tell, and films continue to be inspired by these periods in human history. These are the 19 highest earners of all time in the genre of war films.
Saving Private Ryan – $216,540,909
This Steven Spielberg World War II film topped the charts as the highest-grossing war film of all time and went on to win numerous awards during the awards season. The cast of Saving Private Ryan runs deep, with Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Matt Damon, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, and Paul Giamatti, amongst others.
Pearl Harbor – $198,542,554
Michael Bay directs this romantic war drama, which follows the story of two lifelong friends, Rafe McCawley (Ben Affleck) and Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett), who compete for the affection of Naval nurse Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale) during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
Dunkirk – $188,045,546
Christopher Nolan’s meticulous preparation for Dunkirk left no stone unturned. The cast list includes a mix of young, inexperienced actors and veterans, adding to the film’s realism. Among them are Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Harry Styles, and Fionn Whitehead.
1917 – $159,227,644
Sam Mendes directs this First World War film about two young British soldiers crossing enemy lines to deliver a very important message. The visuals alone are amazing, with cinematographer Roger Deakins shooting the entire film to make it seem like one continuous take in real time.
Inglorious Basterds – $120,540,719
Inglorious Basterds is Quentin Tarantino at his glorious best. During World War II, a specialized unit of Jewish American soldiers is tasked with brutally killing Nazi soldiers in an attempt to spread fear. Memorable performances from Christopher Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, and Mélanie Laurent make this a must-watch war film.
Unbroken – $115,637,895
One of Angelina Jolie’s few forages into directing, Unbroken tells the story of Louis Zamperini, played by Jack O’Connell, an Olympic runner imprisoned by Japanese forces during World War II.
Schindler’s List – $96,065,768
Considered one of Steven Spielberg’s best and most important films, Schindler’s List chronicles the story of Oskar Schindler, a German who saved over a thousand Jews from the Nazis by employing them in his factory. The film received 12 Academy Award nominations and took home nine of those.
The Imitation Game – $91,125,683
Morten Tyldum directs this true story of Alan Turing, a cryptanalyst who worked for the British government in decrypting German intelligence messages. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.
Fury – $85,817,906
Brad Pitt leads a team of U.S. Army soldiers in a Sherman tank called ‘Fury’ in this World War II film, directed by David Ayer. It also stars Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, and Jon Bernthal.
Valkyrie – $83,077,833
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, Valkyrie tells the true story of the 20 July plot of 1944 to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The film stars Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, and Bill Nighy.
War Horse – $79,884,879
Another Steven Spielberg film to make the list; he certainly is one of the most prominent war-story filmmakers. The film follows a relationship between Albert and his horse, Joey, who is separated from Albert when he is enlisted into the cavalry.
The Monuments Man – $78,031,620
George Clooney takes to the director’s charge (and stars) in this action drama about the greatest treasure hunt in history. Hidden in Nazi-occupied territory, seven rag-tag men attempt to recover priceless art from enemy lines. Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, and Cate Blanchett join the cast list.
U-571 – $77,122,415
During World War II, the battle between Nazis and Allies continued under the sea in this submarine war film directed by Jonathan Mostow. Matthew McConaughey leads the cast with a surprise appearance by Jon Bon Jovi that is equally as puzzlingly as the film’s inaccuracies. Nevertheless, it still manages to be the thirteenth highest-grossing war film ever.
Hacksaw Ridge – $67,209,615
A biographical war film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge tells the story of Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Life Is Beautiful – $57,247,384
Directed by Roberto Benigni, La Vita E Bella is a story about an Italian book seller of Jewish descent who has his life thrown on its head when his entire family is sent to a concentration camp. However, Guido (played by Benigni) refuses to see life as anything but beautiful.
Midway – $56,846,802
A 2019 film directed by Roland Emmerich details the true story of the Battle of Midway. It stars Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson, and Luke Evans.
Darkest Hour – $56,468,410
Gary Oldman took home an Oscar and numerous awards for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in this Joe Wright-directed film. It covers the early days of Churchill’s Prime Ministership of Great Britain during World War II.
Enemy at the Gates – $51,401,758
Jean-Jacques Annaud directed the eighteenth highest grossing war film of all time, starring Jude Law and Joseph Fiennes. During the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II, Russian and German snipers face off in a battle of their own.
Red Tails – $49,876,377
An Anthony Hemingway film, Red Tails tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly in combat during World War II.
Australia – $49,554,002
Directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Aussies Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, this romance war film takes us down to northern Australia before World War II.
