War, a persistent global phenomenon, has become a fertile subject in cinema, providing insights into its nature while sometimes glamorizing and desensitizing its profound impact. Within this genre, we encounter heroes and villains, just and unjust causes, and multiple perspectives that challenge our understanding of the world. Here are some exceptional Best War Movies on Hulu to discover.
These films depict the immense loss of life, widespread destruction, and heroic bravery of those who shape history by overcoming formidable obstacles. Over the years, Hollywood has crafted engaging war movies that captivate audiences with powerful storytelling, gripping narratives, and pulse-pounding climaxes, instilling a sense of pride.
Best War Movies on Hulu
Here is a carefully selected compilation of the highest-rated war movies currently streaming on Hulu, determined by their IMDb ratings:
- Aliens (1986) – 8.6/10
- Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020) – 8.0/10
- Hell or No Water (2016) – 7.6/10
- Enemy At The Gates (2001) – 7.5/10
- War Dogs – 7.1/10
- Stripes (1981) – 6.8/10
- Moffie (2019) – 6.8/10
- Pearl Harbor (2001) – 6.2/10
- Red Tails (2012) – 5.9/10
- Shadow in the Cloud (2021) – 5.0/10
Aliens (1986)
A deep space salvage team discovers Lt. Ripley’s (Sigourney Weaver) shuttle after it has been floating in space for 57 years. Only one survivor, a nine-year-old girl called Newt (Carrie Henn), is discovered by the marines when they arrive at LV-426. However, the hundreds of aliens that have infiltrated the colony are more than a match for these battle-hardened soldiers and their cutting-edge weapons.
- IMDb rating: 8.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Starring cast: Sigourney Weaver (Ripley), Michael Biehn (Coporal Hicks), Carrie Henn (Newt)
Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020)
As the tragic events leading up to the Srebrenica Massacre of 1995 unfold, Aida, who was once a schoolteacher, finds herself in a dangerous predicament. Working as a translator for the UN, she seeks refuge within the safety of the UN camp, while countless others in the besieged town suffer unimaginable horrors. This award-winning drama offers a chilling portrayal of the war and its deep impact on the lives of those trapped in its grasp, as seen through the eyes of Aida.
- IMDb rating: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- Starring cast: Jasna Djuricic (Aida Selmanagic), Izudin Bajrovic (Nihad Selmanagic), Boris Ler (Hamdija Selmanagic)
Hell or No Water (2016)
Two brothers go on a bank-robbing rampage in West Texas. They are specifically aiming for The Texas Midland Bank’s branches. It would be appropriate to rob the bank in order to pay off its own debt since it is about to foreclose on the mortgage on their ranch and seize the land. Marcus Hamilton, a Texas Ranger who is only a few weeks away from retiring, is on the lookout for the brothers.
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
- Starring cast: Chris Pine (Toby Howard), Ben Foster (tanner Howard), Jeff Bridges (Marcus Hamilton)
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Enemy At The Gates (2001)
Young Russian sharpshooter Vassili (Jude Law) becomes a legend after a cunning police officer (Joseph Fiennes) uses him as the face of his propaganda operation. When both men fall in love with a stunning female soldier (Rachel Weisz), their friendship is put in jeopardy. Vassili faces the greatest obstacle as the war for the city rages when the Nazi command sends out one of its most skilled marksmen (Ed Harris) to find and kill the man who has emerged as all of Russia’s best hope.
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 54%
- Starring cast: Jude Law (Vassili), Ed Harris (Major King), Joseph Fiennes (Commisar Danilov)
War Dogs
A young man (Jonah Hill) offers his childhood friend the chance to become an international arms dealer in the midst of the ongoing war in Iraq in order to make a lot of money. Together, they take advantage of a federal program that enables corporations to submit bids for American military contracts. The pair can make money and live the high life by starting small. After winning a $300 million contract to equip Afghan forces, which puts them in business with some extremely unscrupulous characters, they quickly find themselves in over their heads.
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
- Starring cast: Jonah Hill (Efraim Diveroli), Miles teller (David Packouz), Steve Lantz (Security Guard)
Stripes (1981)
“Stripes” enjoys a revered status among war comedy films, beloved for its timeless charm. After a series of devastating setbacks, including losing his girlfriend, job, and apartment in quick succession, John Winger (Bill Murray) makes a life-altering choice to enlist in the Army. Encouraging his best friend Russel Ziskey to join him, they embark on their training at Fort Arnold. However, even within the structured military environment, John’s womanizing and penchant for slacking continue to follow him, presenting comedic escapades and challenges for these mischievous recruits as they navigate the rigors of military life.
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Starring cast: Bill Murray (John), John Candy (Ox), Harold Ramis (Russell)
Moffie (2019)
Taking place in 1981, the movie portrays the enduring effects of Apartheid in South Africa, where racial segregation continues to shape the lives of individuals, even extending to white people over the age of 16. The protagonist, Nicolas, finds himself compelled to undergo military training as part of the South African military. Amidst a war on the country’s border with Angola, Nicolas confronts the challenges of his training while grappling with the need to conceal his homosexuality and his growing affection for another gay soldier, Dylan.
“Moffie” is a poignant and impactful film that delves into themes of hypermasculinity against the backdrop of a deeply divided society. It sheds light on the complexities of individuals’ experiences within the context of the ongoing legacy of Apartheid in South Africa.
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- Starring cast: Kai Luke Brummer (Nicholas van der), Barbara Marie (Suzie van der), Michael Kirch (Miles)
Pearl Harbor (2001)
The classic love story Pearl Harbor takes place in the midst of a war that makes everything more difficult. Rafe and Danny, boyhood pals who later became Army Air Corps pilots and met Evelyn, a Navy nurse, are the catalysts for everything. Rafe hooks up with Evelyn after falling head over heels for her. Rafe agrees to fight in Britain after that, and Evelyn and Danny are sent to Pearl Harbor. Rafe is away fighting when an air raid known as “Pearl Harbor” strikes unexpectedly one morning.
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 24%
- Starring cast: Ben Affleck (Rafe McCawley), Kate Backinsale (Evelyn Johnson), Josh Hartnett (Danny Walker)
Red Tails (2012)
The plot centers on the impressive achievements of the pioneering African-American air force unit known as the Red Tails. Taking place in 1944, during a critical shortage of pilots and bombers, Allied commanders confronted a formidable challenge. As a last resort, they turned to the 332nd Fighter Group, a squadron of young African American USAAF fighter pilots trained on outdated aircraft. Despite encountering pervasive racism throughout their journey, the members of the 332nd displayed extraordinary courage and determination. Based in Italy and under the leadership of Major Emanuelle (portrayed by Cuba Gooding, Jr.) and Colonel A.J. Bullard (played by Terrence Howard), the unit defied all odds, exhibiting their resilience in the face of adversity.
- IMDb rating: 5.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
- Starring cast: Cuba Gooding Jr. (Major Emanuelle), Gerald McRaney (Lieutenant General), David Oyelowo (Joe)
Shadow in the cloud (2021)
Maude Garrett is faced with a series of challenges, including her troubled past and being the sole woman aboard the B-17 Bomber, known as The Fool’s Errand. Amidst intermittent Japanese fighter attacks, the crew encounters a terrifying and otherworldly threat in the form of a monstrous gremlin. Combining war drama with supernatural horror, Shadow in the Cloud delivers an exhilarating and captivating adventure.
- IMDb rating: 5.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 77%
- Starring cast: Chloe Grace (Maude Garrett), Nick Robinson (Stu Backell), Beulah Koale (Anton Williams)
Conclusion
In summary, Hulu provides an impressive array of war movies that captivate audiences with their compelling narratives, stunning visuals, and profound themes. Encompassing different eras and genres, the platform’s curated collection offers a diverse exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of war. These films not only showcase the courage and sacrifices of soldiers in battle but also delve into the intricacies of warfare, its strategies, and its profound effects on individuals and societies.
