WW1 Movies: Films That Capture the Great War
World War I has inspired powerful cinema, from early classics to modern masterpieces. These films capture the tragedy, futility, and occasional heroism of the conflict.
Learn more in our World War 1 Guide →
Essential WW1 Films
1917 (2019)
Director: Sam Mendes | RT: 89%Two British soldiers must cross enemy territory to deliver a message that could save 1,600 lives. Shot to appear as one continuous take.
Why watch: Immersive technical achievement, visceral trench warfare experience.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
Director: Lewis Milestone | RT: 98%Young German soldiers experience the brutal reality of war, losing their idealism in the trenches. Based on Erich Maria Remarque's novel.
Why watch: The definitive anti-war film. Revolutionary for its time, still devastating.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
Director: Edward Berger | RT: 93%German-language remake that won 4 Academy Awards. More visceral than the original, equally powerful.
Why watch: Modern production values, faithful to source material.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Director: David Lean | RT: 98%T.E. Lawrence leads Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Epic scope, stunning visuals, complex character study.
Why watch: One of cinema's greatest epics. Peter O'Toole's star-making role.
Paths of Glory (1957)
Director: Stanley Kubrick | RT: 95%French soldiers are scapegoated after a failed attack. Brutal indictment of military leadership.
Why watch: Kubrick masterpiece. Condemns war's injustice.
Other Notable WW1 Films
War Horse (2011)
Steven Spielberg follows a horse through the war from British to German to French hands. Emotional, visually stunning.They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
Peter Jackson restored and colorized actual WWI footage. Soldiers' voices tell their own stories.Why watch: Real footage brought to life. Faces become human again.
Gallipoli (1981)
Young Australians face the disastrous Dardanelles campaign. Mel Gibson stars.A Very Long Engagement (2004)
French woman searches for her fiancé missing in action. Romance amid war's aftermath.The Lost Battalion (2001)
American soldiers trapped behind German lines refuse to surrender. Based on true story.WW1 in Silent Films
The Big Parade (1925)
One of the highest-grossing silent films. American soldiers in France.Wings (1927)
First Academy Award for Best Picture. WWI aviation combat.Finding WW1 Films
- Netflix, Amazon Prime for modern films
- Criterion Collection for classics
- YouTube for older public domain films
For WW2 cinema, see our WW2 Movies guide.