10 Underrated War Movies From The 2000s

The war genre has produced some all-time classic movies over the years and has been a firm fixture in the release calendar ever since Georges Méliès released War Fighting in Greece in 1897, all the way to now in 2024. However, for every bona fide classic, such as Apocalypse Now, or Full Metal Jacket, there are often movies that arrive to a lukewarm reception but are actually great films.

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While a lot of the very best war movies are from the 1960s, 1970s, or 1990s, there are many great examples of the genre that were released in the 2000s. However, they have been shown very little love from critics and audiences. Some of them were either released at the wrong time, the studio didn’t believe in them enough to push the marketing campaigns, or audiences didn’t click with how great they were. There are many war movies from the 2000s that deserve to be reassessed.

10 A Hidden Life (2019)

Directed By Terrence Malick

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A Hidden Life PG-13

A Hidden Life is a historical drama directed by Terrence Malick, centered on the true story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian farmer who refuses to fight for the Nazis during World War II. The film stars August Diehl as Jägerstätter and Valerie Pachner as his wife, Fani. Through its reflective and meditative style, the film explores themes of faith, morality, and resistance against oppression.

Director Terrence Malick Release Date December 11, 2019 Writers Terrence Malick Cast Matthias Schoenaerts , Michael Nyqvist , August Diehl , Jurgen Prochnow , Bruno Ganz , Martin Wuttke Runtime 180 minutes

There aren’t many directors who could boast that their first five movies are regarded as masterpieces, yet Terrence Malick is certainly an exception to this. His early works, including Badlands and The Thin Red Line, are great movies that deserve every accolade they have. However, like most directors, Malick subsequently slumped in terms of the quality of his later movies.

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Based on the life of Franz Jägerstätter, the film is a biopic about a conscientious objector who refused to fight for the Nazis during World War II.

In 2019, though, Malick returned to form with A Hidden Life, a movie that, despite not being well received at the box office, stands closer to his early work in terms of quality. Based on the life of Franz Jägerstätter, the film is a biopic about a conscientious objector who refused to fight for the Nazis during World War II. It’s a heartfelt tale of compassion that deserves to be mentioned alongside Terrence Malick’s best movies.

9 Downfall (2004)

Directed By Oliver Hirschbiegel

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9/10 Downfall R

Downfall is a historical drama depicting the final days of Adolf Hitler in his Berlin bunker during April 1945. The film explores the collapse of the Third Reich as the Russian Army advances, showcasing the tension among Hitler’s inner circle as they face inevitable defeat. Released in 2004, it provides a detailed portrayal of Hitler’s last moments.

Director Oliver Hirschbiegel Release Date September 16, 2004 Cast Alexandra Maria Lara , Bruno Ganz , Corinna Harfouch , Ulrich Matthes , Juliane Köhler , Heino Ferch , Christian Berkel , Thomas Kretschmann , Ulrich Noethen , Birgit Minichmayr , Rolf Kanies , Justus von Dohnányi , Michael Mendl , André Hennicke , Christian Redl , Götz Otto , Thomas Limpinsel , Thomas Thieme , Donevan Gunia , Matthias Habich , Alexander Held , Devid Striesow , Dieter Mann , Bettina Redlich , Heinrich Schmieder Runtime 155 minutes Expand

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Despite some of its memes being more popular than Downfall itself, the movie is still one of the most powerful depictions of Hitler’s downfall ever made. The Oscar-nominated film, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, focuses on the last days of Hitler’s reign, the betrayal of his commanders, plus the Nazis’ eventual defeat at the Battle of Berlin.

Any movie that focuses its attention primarily on Adolph Hitler would be a tough sell for most mainstream audiences, yet Downfall is an excellent story of the human at the center of many unimaginable atrocities. The fact that it didn’t manage to find a following can be laid at the feet of its central character. However, the movie, and actor Bruno Ganz, does a great job of telling the story from Hitler’s own demented perspective. It may have made some great memes, but it’s also a powerful movie in its own right.

8 Defiance (2008)

Directed By Edward Zwick

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Defiance R

Defiance is a historical drama directed by Edward Zwick, starring Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber. Released in 2008, the film follows the true story of the Bielski brothers, who led a group of Jewish partisans in Belarus during World War II, aiming to protect their community from the Nazis. Together, they build a hidden village in the forest, providing refuge and mounting resistance efforts against their oppressors.

Director Edward Zwick Release Date December 31, 2008 Cast Daniel Craig , Liev Schreiber , Jamie Bell , Alexa Davalos , Allan Corduner , Mark Feuerstein Runtime 136 minutes
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Daniel Craig has proven over his hugely successful stint as James Bond that he could always handle the action genre. However, despite Defiance being one of the best Daniel Craig movies to watch, it shows that he can’t always handle a difficult accent. However, while Craig’s Eastern European accent may come off as dubious at best, the movie, which follows the Bielski brother’s attempts to thwart a Nazi invasion, is solid.

The film is a harsh, unforgiving take on the Nazi’s bombardment of Eastern Europe.

Craig’s character, Tuvia Bielski, and his compatriots have to deal with the elements, in-fighting, plus the Nazi invasion throughout the movie. Critics lamented the movie for being Oscar-bait, and for taking a formulaic look at the Bielski brother’s attempts to protect around 1000 Jewish non-combatants. However, it deals with the suffering caused by the Nazi invasion with more nuance than it’s given credit for.

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7 Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)

Directed By Clint Eastwood

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Letters from Iwo Jima R

Letters from Iwo Jima, directed by Clint Eastwood, offers a unique perspective on the World War II battle for Iwo Jima, depicting the struggle from the viewpoint of Japanese soldiers. Released in 2006, the film serves as a companion piece to Flags of Our Fathers, highlighting different wartime experiences.

Director Clint Eastwood Cast Ken Watanabe , Kazunari Ninomiya , Tsuyoshi Ihara , Ryo Kase , Shido Nakamura , Hiroshi Watanabe , Takumi Bando , Yuki Matsuzaki Runtime 141 Minutes

In 2006, legendary filmmaker Clint Eastwood released two war movies that focused on the Battle of Iwo Jima from two different perspectives. While his first film, Flags of Our Fathers, focused on the battle from the American perspective, the sequel, Letters From Iwo Jima, saw the action from the Axis perspective of Japan. Both movies were fairly well received, but Letters From Iwo Jima deserves more retrospective praise.

Both movies are great depictions of how humanity is pulled out of the monstrous actions of war. The opening establishing shot of Letters From Iwo Jima is beautiful. The camera lingers on what looks like a starry night sky but is actually black sand where the atrocities of war would take place over five horrific weeks in 1945. It’s a haunting introduction to what is ultimately an excellent look at compassion, and human dignity during war.

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6 Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Directed By Ridley Scott

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Kingdom of Heaven R

Kingdom of Heaven is a historical epic directed by Ridley Scott. Set during the Crusades of the 12th century, the film stars Orlando Bloom as Balian, a blacksmith who becomes a knight and defender of Jerusalem. The cast includes Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, and Liam Neeson. The movie explores themes of honor, faith, and conflict in a turbulent period of history.

Director Ridley Scott Release Date May 6, 2005 Writers William Monahan Cast Martin Hancock , Michael Sheen , Nathalie Cox , Eriq Ebouaney , Jouko Ahola , David Thewlis Runtime 144 Minutes

Director Ridley Scott has an incredible work ethic for one of Hollywood’s veterans. Plus, with Gladiator II breaking his own box office records, he continues to be a pivotal figure in blockbuster movie-making. With the huge success of Gladiator in 2000, Scott released another similarly epic blockbuster that wasn’t met with quite the same amount of excitement as his swords and sandals classic; 2005’s Kingdom of Heaven.

Related 10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About Kingdom Of Heaven

Kingdom of Heaven is a historical epic directed by Ridley Scott. It had a divisive reception, but here are the behind-the-scenes facts on the film.

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The movie follows Orlando Bloom’s character, Balian as he attempts to become the ‘perfect knight’ during his involvement in the Crusades. The theatrical cut of the movie was met with a distinctly warm reaction from critics, despite it being a relative box-office success. However, the director’s cut that was released in 2006 brought a grander, fleshed-out epic with more heart and action, elevating the movie’s quality considerably.

5 Rescue Dawn (2006)

Directed By Werner Herzog

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Rescue Dawn PG-13

Rescue Dawn is a war drama directed by Werner Herzog, based on the true story of US fighter pilot Dieter Dengler. Set during the Vietnam War, the film chronicles Dengler’s harrowing journey of survival after being shot down over Laos. Christian Bale stars as the tenacious aviator facing immense adversity.

Director Werner Herzog Release Date September 9, 2006 Character(s) Dieter Dengler , Duane , Spook , Province Governor , Admiral , Gene , Norman , Jet Pilot , Pathet Lao Guard , Lao Guard , U.S. Navy Pilot , Little Hitler , Jumbo , Nook the Rock , Crazy Horse , Walkie Talkie , Y.C. , Phisit , Procet , Squad Leader , Pilot , Grunt , Farkas Runtime 126 minutes Expand

Rescue Dawn focuses on a U.S. fighter pilot’s epic struggle for survival after being shot down on a mission over Laos during the Vietnam War. Director Werner Herzog has had some of the best TV and film cameos recently, and he also has an impressive directing resume. One of his most underrated movies is undoubtedly the Christian Bale war drama Rescue Dawn, from 2006.

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The film dramatizes the true story of Dieter Dengler, played by Bale, who was a pilot during the Vietnam War. Dengler is taken into captivity after being shot down by Laotian villagers, and the movie focuses on Dengler’s attempts to lead his fellow prisoners of war to safety. One of the best, and underappreciated parts of the movie, is Bale’s central performance. The actor has never been one to shy away from a dramatic and challenging role, and his presence elevates the strong source material very effectively.

4 Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003)

Directed By Peter Weir

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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World PG-13

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a historical drama directed by Peter Weir, featuring Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey. The film is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows Aubrey as he navigates his ship, HMS Surprise, through treacherous waters in pursuit of a French privateer. Based on Patrick O’Brian’s series of novels, the film explores themes of leadership, strategy, and naval warfare.

Director Peter Weir Release Date November 14, 2003 Writers Patrick O’Brian , Peter Weir , John Collee Cast Russell Crowe , Paul Bettany , Billy Boyd , James D’Arcy , Edward Woodall , Chris Larkin , Max Pirkis , Jack Randall Runtime 138 Minutes

Russell Crowe’s star was firmly on the rise when Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World was released in 2003.Gladiator had shot the actor to superstar status, and the opportunity to join the very dependable director, Peter Weir, as a British captain during the Napoleonic Wars would have been very enticing. Russell Crowe’s Oscar-winning movie was well received upon release, but it doesn’t have the cult classic appeal it should have anymore.

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Related Why Master And Commander Is Set 7 Years Earlier Than The Book

Master and Commander makes a seemingly minor change to its timeline, one that drastically changes the film’s central conflict and its politics.

Reviews for the movie were strong, and it also performed well at the box office. However, it’s a movie that has been forgotten about to a certain degree over time. It’s a shame, as the central pairing of Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany both shine, and Crowe brings the usual gravitas to his battle-hardened captain. The set pieces are well handled, and the plot delivers some highly entertaining character development alongside the sea-based action.

3 Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Directed By John Moore

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Behind Enemy Lines PG-13

Navy flight officer Chris Burnett, eager for real action, finds himself shot down over Bosnia during a recon mission. Trapped behind enemy lines, Burnett struggles for survival, evading hostile forces on a perilous trek to safety while his commanding officer defies orders to mount a daring rescue mission.

Director John Moore Release Date November 30, 2001 Writers David Veloz , Zak Penn Cast Owen Wilson , Gene Hackman , Gabriel Macht , Charles Malik Whitfield Runtime 106 minutes

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In the early 2000s, Owen Wilson was mostly known for a series of hilarious comedies such as Meet the Parents and Zoolander. So, when he appeared in John Moore’s war epic Behind Enemy Lines as a disillusioned pilot who gets shot down, it came as something of a surprise to audiences. Gone was the floppy blonde hair and comedic Texan drawl, and in its place was a more serious action star, and it worked.

Wilson is the star and gets to do most of the heavy lifting in terms of action and narrative progression, but he’s joined by an excellent supporting cast who more than hold their own.

Behind Enemy Lines isn’t based upon a true story, and was met with some derision at first, but it holds up as an underrated gem in the war genre. Wilson is the star and gets to do most of the heavy lifting in terms of action and narrative progression, but he’s joined by an excellent supporting cast who more than hold their own. The great Gene Hackman provides a stellar foil to Wilson’s pilot, playing a former commanding officer, and his gravitas is a welcome addition to the movie.

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2 Enemy At The Gates (2001)

Directed By Jean-Jacques Annaud

One of the most important aspects of any war movie, is often how accurately they depict the conflict at the heart of the narrative. However, that’s not to say that war movies that take some liberties in terms of historical accuracy are bad, and Enemy at the Gates, which has been referenced in Call of Duty, is a prime example of this. The movie is more of a work of inventive storytelling, and oddly, for a war movie, it doesn’t cover America’s involvement in the conflict.

Instead, the narrative focuses on a Russian sniper, who became a figure of hope for the country during the Battle of Stalingrad, and who becomes involved in a deadly game with a German sniper. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t land a direct hit when it was released in 2001. However, it’s an exciting war drama with incredibly tense sniper scenes and impressive battles. Dodgy accents aside, this is a war film that deserves to be re-appraised.

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1 Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Directed By Quentin Tarantino

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8/10 9/10 Inglourious Basterds R

In Nazi-occupied France, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “The Basterds” execute a mission to terrorize the Third Reich. Simultaneously, a young Jewish cinema owner plots to kill Nazi leaders attending a premiere at her theater. Both plans converge in a high-stakes showdown filled with action and revenge​.

Director Quentin Tarantino Release Date August 21, 2009 Writers Quentin Tarantino Cast Brad Pitt , Diane Kruger , Mélanie Laurent , Christoph Waltz , Eli Roth , Michael Fassbender , Daniel Brühl , Til Schweiger Runtime 153 minutes

Everything was in place for Quentin Tarantino’s war epic Inglourious Basterds to take the world by storm in 2009, but the movie wasn’t met with as much love as it deserved at the time. It featured a great cast, led by a red-hot Brad Pitt, whose star was rising fast, plus a great turn by Christoph Waltz. One of the early criticisms of the film was that tonally, it’s all over the place.

However, Inglourious Basterds is a wild ride that doesn’t let the odd bad accent, or out-of-place performance such as Eli Roth’s, diminish what is one of Tarantino’s best movies. There’s a wonderfully tense opening scene involving Waltz’s Col. Hans Landa, as he interrogates a farmer in his rural home. Also, the sporadic bursts of violence, when they arrive, are blisteringly effective. Tarantino’s movies are often polarizing, but Inglourious Basterds has many highly memorable quotes, and the war movie deserves to be re-appraised as one of the director’s best films.

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