Here’s 23 of the Best War Movies You Can Stream for Free on Tubi (2024)

Some of the greatest films ever put to screen just so happen to feature war as their predominant subject. How could they not? Many of the greatest stories ever to grace history often utilized warfare as a backdrop or conflict, with great triumphs often coming with an immeasurable cost. With so many films and television shows coming out nowadays, it may be hard to keep up with the best War-focused content out there — especially when it comes with a growing price tag.

When it comes to vintage war films, the free streaming service Tubi is king. Taking place across a variety of settings, conflicts, and genres, these war films will broaden your horizons when it comes to war-based storytelling. These are 20 of the best War movies you can watch right now on Tubi. We'll also be periodically updating this list with new content as well to reflect Tubi's growing library of classic films.

Updated on June 24th, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

23 The Imitation Game (2014)

The Imitation Game

PG-13

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*Availability in US

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Release Date

November 14, 2014

Director

Morten Tyldum

Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch , Keira Knightley , Mark Strong , Charles Dance , Matthew Goode , Allen Leech

Main Genre

Biography

Runtime

113

Writers

Graham Moore

Based on the 1983 biography written by Andrew Hodges, The Imitation Game tells the story of mathematical genius Alan Turing. He was a shy and unhappy kid who grew up to be a science enthusiast in college. In 1939, Turing was recruited to crack Nazi Germany’s Enigma code. He assembled a group of fellow mathematicians at Bletchley Park and undertook the monumental task of building a machine that would break the code and help the Allies win the war. Meanwhile, Turing struggled with his sexuality, and when word got out, he was disgraced and imprisoned.

Code-Breaking and The Cost of Genius

Directed by Morten Tyldum with care and compassion, The Imitation Game cracked open a page-turning tale of history and the people who shaped it. Benedict Cumberbatch shines in the role of the troubled genius whose skills and intellect helped turn the tide of war. He was accompanied by a star-studded ensemble, including Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, and Rory Kinnear. A landmark biopic and an instant classic, the movie’s beautiful pacing unpacked history’s most shocking biases.

22 Platoon (1986)

Platoon

R

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Release Date

December 19, 1986

Director

Oliver Stone

Cast

Keith David , Forest Whitaker , Francesco Quinn , Kevin Dillon , John C. McGinley , Reggie Johnson

Main Genre

Action

Runtime

120

Writers

Oliver Stone

See Also

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Platoon is a war drama written and directed by Oliver Stone. It is inspired by Stone’s own experiences and it follows a new U.S. Army volunteer named Chris Taylor, who, fresh out of training, lands in Vietnam and joins a rifle platoon. Led by hard-bitten Sergeant Barnes and relatively compassionate Sergeant Elias, he and his platoon get locked in a savage war against the Viet Cong, enduring brutal combat and the horrors of service. Taylor eventually loses his innocence amid war’s darkest corners.

A Realistic Vietnam War Masterpiece

The fact that this harrowing war film has remnants of emotion and devastation from his own time in service only makes Stone’s movie more visceral and lived-in. Gorgeously chaotic on screen but also brutally candid, Platoon takes no political side. Instead, it shines a light on individual stories and what it is like to be afraid, dutiful, and mad at the same time. Brilliant turns from Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, and Keith David make it a stand-out work about the Vietnam War.

21 The Great Escape (1963)

The Great Escape

NR

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Not available

Release Date

June 20, 1963

Director

John Sturges

Cast

Steve McQueen , James Garner , Richard Attenborough , James Donald , Charles Bronson , Donald Pleasence

Main Genre

Adventure

Runtime

172

Writers

Paul Brickhill , James Clavell , W.R. Burnett

Set during World War II, The Great Escape tells the story of hundreds of Allied soldiers who were imprisoned in a German “escape-proof” POW camp as they planned an intricate mass escape plan. American Captain Virgil Hilts and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett are the two most determined prisoners on the mission. They pick an assortment of soldiers, dig tunnels, forge documents, and manage the supplies for their plan. But they soon realize that breaking out and being free puts more at stake than they imagined.

A Timeless WWII Underdog Story

An epic saga based on true events but fictionalized heavily for commercial purposes, The Great Escape turned out to be an excellent movie under John Sturges’ direction. It was an all-star-cast blockbuster that chronicled a desperate attempt, balanced both suspense and humor and delivered a breathtaking narrative to be remembered for decades. The movie featured Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, and more, in career-defining turns as they paid a soaring tribute to a story about the invincible human spirit.

20 Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Hotel Rwanda

PG-13

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Release Date

March 4, 2004

Director

Terry George

Cast

Xolani Mali , Don Cheadle , Desmond Dube , Hakeem Kae-Kazim , Tony Kgoroge , Rosie Motene

Main Genre

Biography

Runtime

122

Writers

Keir Pearson , Terry George

More often than not, the best war movies are based on epic true stories of human strength and resilience against impossible odds. Hotel Rwanda is another such movie. Taking place in the spring of 1994, when genocidal violence enveloped Rwanda, it follows a hotel manager named Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana as they provide shelter to over a thousand Tutsi refugees in the besieged Hôtel des Mille Collines.

Timeless Achievement of Storytelling

Hailed by critics as a “riveting drama” that is “as earnest and tasteful as its creators,” Hotel Rwanda captures a shadowed genocide with patience and caring, making sure the audiences know what it’s like to be stuck in the fiber of geopolitics and how there is hope for humanity even where none seemed possible. Don Cheadle immerses viewers in Paul’s relentless compassion, while Terry George's tender direction brings the chaos and subtlety to life in a genuinely remarkable manner.

19 The Patriot (2000)

The Patriot

R

Release Date

June 28, 2000

Director

Roland Emmerich

Cast

Mel Gibson , Heath Ledger , Joely Richardson , Jason Isaacs , Chris Cooper , Tchéky Karyo

Main Genre

Action

Runtime

165 Minutes

Writers

Robert Rodat

The Patriot takes you back in time to the American Revolutionary War and tells the story of a widowed farmer and father to seven children, Benjamin Martin, who reluctantly joins the Continental Army after his oldest son enlists and is soon murdered by a cruel British officer. As the battle rages on, Martin faces personal tribulations and raids against the opposite armies. A tactician himself, he crafts strategies and risks it all to protect his nation and his family.

History Told Through a Father’s Eyes

Written by Robert Rodat and directed by Roland Emmerich, the main character of The Patriot is based on four historical men and it is brought to life soulfully by Mel Gibson. As a peace-seeking man dragged onto the battlefield, he adds heartwarming layers to the emotion of defending one’s home. The movie also features incredible action and drama. Although considered controversial for its themes of anti-British sentiment, it remains a sweeping tribute that offers a fresh perspective on the Revolutionary War.

18 Barry Lyndon (1975)

Barry Lyndon (1975)

PG

Release Date

December 18, 1975

Director

Stanley Kubrick

Cast

Ryan O'Neal , Marisa Berenson , Patrick Magee , Steven Berkoff

Runtime

3h 5m

Main Genre

War

One of the late, great Stanley Kubrick's best films, Barry Lyndon is a war epic that isn't even really about war. It's about a man...and not a particularly good one. In many ways, it's a period-piece version of The Talented Mr. Ripley.

A Deliciously Complex Character Study

Barry Lyndon functions best when it's operating as a character-focused tragedy. The audience is never quite sure how to feel about Lyndon, but while some of his actions (usually in the name of lust) are obviously bad, many of the others sit in a gray area. In other words, it's a complicated character study...with the Seven Years' War raging in the background.

17 Valkyrie (2008)

Valkyrie

PG-13

Release Date

December 25, 2008

Director

Bryan Singer

Cast

Tom Cruise , Kenneth Branagh , Bill Nighy , Tom Wilkinson , Carice Van Houten , Thomas Kretschmann

Main Genre

Drama

Almost like an Ocean's film set during World War II, Valkyrie isn't one's average war movie. But, instead of Danny Ocean and his pals hoping to get rich quick, this team is putting their heads together for a bigger, better reason. Specifically, the assassination of Adolf Hitler.

All the Most Exciting Genres in One

Valkyrie works as a drama, a standard action film, and a nail-biting thriller all the same. While he doesn't exactly come across as the most German individual in the world, Tom Cruise is great in the lead role. It's not the type to score a Best Picture nomination, but Valkyrie's an absolute blast nonetheless.

16 Sergeant York (1941)

Sergeant York

Biography

Drama

History

Release Date

September 27, 1941

Cast

Gary Cooper , Walter Brennan , Joan Leslie

Runtime

2h 14m

Almost certainly the best war film of the 1940s, Sergeant York is one of the most respected WWI films of all time, if not the most well-respected. The film (which was the highest-grossing of 1941) features Gary Cooper as the title character, a Tennessee farmer and marksman whose peaceful nature makes it hard for him to pull a trigger. But, once the war's wrapped up, York finds himself called a hero.

Pacifism Vs Conflict

The character of Alvin C. York (not to mention the man himself) is about as compelling a protagonist as there can be. The internal conflict of being a pacifist during wartime is engrossing, as is his turning his back on that. Not to mention, Cooper is wonderful in the role, and his winning the Academy Award for Best Actor was well-deserved.

15 A Bridge Too Far (1977)

One of the most iconic war movies to ever grace the silver screen, A Bridge Too Far is a star-studded, intermittently realistic affair. Either way, this thing has one of the best casts ever assembled for a film, war or otherwise. Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Anthony Hopkins, Denholm Elliott, Ryan O'Neal, Elliott Gould, Robert Redford, John Ratzenberger, James Caan, Gene Hackman, Laurence Olivier, and Richard Attenborough (who also directed the film)...they're all here.

Great Characters and Even Better Fight Sequences

While A Bridge Too Far is the seemingly simple story of the British and Americans teaming up to secure a highway, it's far more of an epic than that description implies. At three hours, it's a long movie, but by focusing on its characters' fear, bravery, and humanity, it never stops short of being compelling. Not to mention, the combat sequences are impressively staged.

14 The Adventures of Tartu (1943)

Wartime is confusing on all sides, but The Adventures of Tartu makes the cut in the ranking for being one of the most imaginative films ever made. The story, written by John C. Higgins and directed by Harold S. Bucquet, is focused on a British spy named Terence Stevenson. The cast features the talents of Robert Donat, Valerie Hobson, and Walter Rilla. Stevenson is an undercover agent posing as Jan Tartu, an elite member of the Iron Guard in the Nazi-occupied region. His work to sabotage the manufacturing of chemical weapons is endangered when he becomes the target of the resistance group he's trying to help.

A Gripping, Unique WWII Plot

In the era when special effects were relegated to cheesier movies, The Adventures of Tartu stands out for its solid writing and gripping story. This movie offers a unique perspective on the work of a double agent. Tartu has built an excellent cover to strike at his enemies, but he's done such a good job at leaving no traces about who he is, that he becomes a target to his allies. Tartu is forced to make some hard choices to ensure his mission is fulfilled while trying to let the resistance do their work without getting killed himself.

13 Guerrilla Girl (1953)

Great war movies either have incredible combat sequences or a character-driven story to hold it all together. Guerrilla Girl is a small-scale drama written by John Byrne and William Koch. The movie is directed by John Christian and stars Helmut Dantine, Marianna, and Irene Champlin. The story focuses on Demetri (Dantine) and Zaira (Marianna), two soldiers fighting the Axis occupation in Greece during World War II. After separating in the conflict, they find each other again a few years later. Demetri is now a high-ranking official in the government rallying for democracy, while Zaira is a communist revolutionary. Will they rekindle their love, or will they kill each other?

A Fascinating Central Dynamic

Movies depicting lovers on different sides of a conflict are not the most original concept. Still, the execution of Guerrilla Girl is an excellent showcase of the sensibilities of the post-war era. America had just won the most significant war ever and placed itself as the economic juggernaut of the world. The government didn't want the people to get complacent, so they sought a new enemy: communism. This film tries to illustrate what it feels like to be in such a conflicted position, especially when the heart struggles with the duty mandated by the conscience.

12 The Pleasant Valley War (2021)

The Pleasant Valley War is an unconventional war story written and directed by Travis Mills, starring John Schile, Cat Roberts, and John Mars. The story centers on the bloodiest feud between families ever recorded in the American West between the Grahams and the Tewksburys that took place over ten years, with close to 50 people being killed during the conflict.

A More Intimate War Story

Not every war is a grand conflict. Small-scale war is fought every day worldwide, especially when family and territory are involved. The Pleasant Valley War is part of a series of film documentaries named One of Twelve Westerns in Twelve Months in 2020. The movie is shot using a combination of actual interviews with surviving members of both families and dramatized accounts of the critical portions of the conflict, such as the shootout at Tewksbury's Ranch, the Owens–Blevins Shootout, and the Shootings at Perkins Store. The production values are not as great as other movies in the ranking, but it tells a great story.

11 Lion of the Desert (1981)

Few have heard of the Second Italo-Senussi War, where Italy planned an attack on Libya to conquer the land, but was faced with an intellectual figure ready to rebel. Lion of the Desert is an epic biopic and historical war drama that focuses on Omar Mukhtar. Omar was a scholar-turned-freedom fighter, who worked hard to resist the Italian colonial invasion of Libya because he believed in non-violence, and his ideals clashed with those of the fascists ruling other countries.

Pacifism in the Face of Fascism

Moustapha Akkad spins this tale of Mukhtar’s inner resolve into a staggering epic of a man’s true resolve and willpower. The actors, Anthony Quinn, Oliver Reed, and Rod Steiger, head a standout international cast and speak volumes through minimal dialogue. This is a layered and richly told story that rewards repeat viewings.

10 All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Before Netflix's glitzy interpretation of this classic war epic, the 1930 adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front was originally seen as one of the most harrowing depictions of the Great War. We follow the perspective of a young man knee-deep in the trenches alongside his German comrades, with their initial excitement of being involved with the war effort slowly eroding. As the bodies of their friends pile up and the explosive crashes of mortar fire creep ever closer, they can't help but feel that their presence on the battlefield is all for naught.

Essential War Genre Viewing

Minus some small changes made when translating the book to the big screen, All Quiet on the Western Front is still as effective a war film as it was almost a century ago. Modern reviews of the film have noted several elements that make it feel ahead of its time, ranging from its editing to its cinematography. It's an essential war film for its effective messaging and grim presentation.

9 Who Killed Captain Alex? (2010)

The story behind the creation of Who Killed Captain Alex? is arguably as interesting as the film itself. Produced by the Ugandan film studio Wakaliwood, this war-themed action film follows an investigation into the murder of Captain Alex, a well-regarded member of the Uganda People's Defense Force. Believing that the heavily armed Tiger Mafia is to blame, an escalating conflict between the two forces may ultimately lead to an all-out war.

Impressive From Start to Finish

Who Killed Captain Alex? was made on a miniscule budget of under 200 USD, with the only remaining cut of the film being accompanied by a "video joker" commentary track. Despite this minimal budget, however, there is an unprecedented level of effort present in every frame. It's hard not to appreciate how much of a blast everyone is having on-screen, with the film receiving praise from critics and audiences alike for its unique entertainment value.

8 Downfall (2004)

Downfall

R

Where to Watch

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Not available

Not available

Release Date

September 8, 2004

Director

Oliver Hirschbiegel

Cast

Bruno Ganz , Alexandra Maria Lara , Corinna Harfouch , Ulrich Matthes , Juliane Köhler , Heino Ferch

Main Genre

Biography

April 1945: Nazi Germany faces the approaching Allied forces from both the Eastern and Western fronts, with supplies and morale dropping to precarious levels. Despite these troubles, Adolf Hitler maintained that the Third Reich would ultimately secure victory. However, by the end of the month, he would be found dead in the confines of his Fürherbunker.

A New Perspective on Well-Trodden Ground

2004's Downfall takes a different approach in depicting World War II, focusing exclusively on the final days of Hitler's reign during the tumultuous Battle of Berlin. Historical accounts, eyewitness reports, and personal memoirs were consulted in creating as authentic a representation of the period as possible. Though the film would be the subject of controversy due to its focus on Hitler, others have cited it as a brilliant historical drama whose accuracy is something to applaud.

7 A Farewell to Arms (1932)

You can never go wrong with an Ernest Hemingway novel, and the same can be said for the 1932 adaptation of Hemingway's famous book, A Farewell to Arms. Co-starring Helen Hayes and Gary Cooper, this classic film tells a tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of the Great War. An American ambulance driver, Frederic Henry, and an English nurse, Catherine Barkley, meet one faithful day as their careers intersect, but as the surrounding war continues to take its toll on their lives, the two will find themselves asking difficult questions when it comes to their budding relationship.

Violence and Romance in Equal Measure

A Farewell to Arms is notable for significantly deviating away from the cynicism found in Hemingway's story, opting instead for an incredible dose of romance. Its content and frank depictions of violence and romance were also noteworthy for the era it was made. It's ultimately a terrific example of how an adaptation doesn't have to necessarily stick closely to its source material.

6 Zulu (1964)

Due to being made before the era of widespread VFX, grandiose war epics like 1964's Zulu still look impressive to this day. Based on the real-life Anglo-Zulu War that saw the British Empire clash with the Zulu Empire of South Africa, Zulu focuses exclusively on the Battle of Rorke's Drift. This battle would see 150 British soldiers forced to defend their Naval outpost against thousands of Zulu warriors, with only 120 of the British still in combat-ready condition.

Over 50 Years Old, But Still Holds Up Well

As ludicrous as it sounds, this film focuses more on historical accuracy than blatant dramatization. Zulu would act as the first major breakout role for Michael Caine, who played Lieutenant Bromhead. Caine would co-star alongside Stanley Baker (The Guns of Navarone), Jack Hawkins (Lawrence of Arabia), and Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Interestingly enough, Buthelezi is related by blood to the character he depicts in the film, King Cetshwayo.

5 Commandos (1968)

Lee Van Cleef may be well known for his Western roles, but between The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and Sabata, he would star in a 1968 war thriller named Commandos. Set amid World War II, Cleef stars as Sergeant Sullivan, an Italian-American soldier stationed in North Africa. To take a base held by the Italians, he and a group of soldiers will have to go undercover to covertly infiltrate the facility. However, even the most simple of jobs have a means of going terribly wrong.

An Unexpectedly Outrageous War Story

Commandos has more going for it than just being a non-Western vehicle for Lee Van Cleef. Dario Argento, who would later go on to popularize his brand of horror-based storytelling, would be credited with a screenwriting role on Commandos. In addition to this, its bombastic finale caps off its tense plot with a brilliant collection of gunfights and explosions.

4 Paths of Glory (1957)

Paths of Glory (1957)

Approved

Release Date

December 25, 1957

Director

Stanley Kubrick

Cast

Kirk Douglas , Ralph Meeker , Adolphe Menjou , George Macready , Wayne Morris , Richard Anderson , Joe Turkel , Christiane Kubrick

Main Genre

War

The Great War is often associated with the complete dissolution of romanticized warfare. There's no glory to be found in disease-riddled trenches and bombed-out fields, and this mentality is reflected in the brilliant Stanley Kubrick film Paths of Glory. Thirty years before he would tackle the Vietnam War in Full Metal Jacket, Kubrick highlights the sheer insanity of World War I, with Kirk Douglas playing the role of Colonel Dax. The Colonel, after refusing what would've been a suicide mission, finds himself as the sole defender of his men during the resulting court-martial.

Devastating and Damning

Paths of Glory is a harrowing examination of humanity during the Great War. As terrifying as mustard gas and machine guns were on the battlefield, some would agree that the biggest threat lay within their misguided leadership. The ending of this war film, in particular, will leave you feeling hollow inside.