Some war films explode onto the big screen and win awards, while others, just as gripping, slip through the cracks, buried beneath bigger titles and box office giants. These forgotten movies deliver raw storytelling and overlooked heroics. You might not have heard of them, but once you do, you’ll wonder why they never got their due. Keep reading to discover ten war movies that deserve their moment in the spotlight.
The Big Red One (1980)
Directed by combat veteran Samuel Fuller, it delivers an unfiltered, boots-on-the-ground experience of WWII through the eyes of a hardened sergeant played by Lee Marvin. Real battle footage inspired many of its sequences, but somehow, it was overshadowed by mainstream epics. If you think you’ve seen every great WWII film, think again.
Come And See (1985)
Imagine being trapped inside a waking nightmare. That’s “Come and See.” Elem Klimov’s Soviet war movie isn’t just haunting; it’s emotionally exhausting. A young Belarusian boy experiences the brutal horrors of Nazi occupation, and it makes sure you feel every second of his torment. The actor’s hair reportedly turned grey from the psychological strain of filming.
The Forgotten Battle (2020)
The Battle of the Scheldt was a decisive WWII clash, and this Dutch movie puts it in the spotlight. Instead of a single protagonist, it follows three perspectives of a resistance fighter, a German soldier, and a British pilot, which shows a layered look at wartime morality. Shot in freezing mud-soaked conditions for realism, this modern drama deserves more attention.
Fires On The Plain (1959)
Few military action films dare to show the slow, painful descent into madness. It is a classical Japanese movie that takes you deep into the psyche of a starving soldier abandoned in the Philippines. Cannibalism and human fragility are all on display. Banned in some countries upon release for its unrelenting bleakness, it is a powerful anti-war statement that’s still overlooked.
The Siege Of Jadotville (2016)
What happens when 150 Irish UN peacekeepers take on 3,000 mercenaries? Based on a true story, this brings to life one of the most heroic but forgotten battles of the Cold War era. The real soldiers were never recognized for their bravery until decades later, much like the film itself. It’s a great find on Netflix that deserves a second chance.
Uncommon Valor (1983)
Not all heroes wear capes; some come in combat boots and refuse to leave a fallen comrade behind. It is an action-packed Vietnam War drama about a father who gathers a squad of veterans to rescue his MIA son and one of Gene Hackman’s most commanding performances. Overlooked in the “Platoon and Full Metal Jacket” era, it’s time this film gets the credit it deserves.
The Steel Helmet (1951)
As Hollywood’s first major film about the Korean War, it is barely mentioned in movie discussions. Shot on a tiny budget, this movie still manages to feel brutally real. Director Samuel Fuller, a WWII vet, poured his firsthand combat experience into the script, tackling themes of propaganda and moral ambiguity. A movie on battles that is truly ahead of its time.
The War Boy (1985)
Most in this genre show the battlefield, but this one focuses on the scars it leaves behind. Set in an Eastern European town during WWII, it follows a boy forced to grow up too soon. It is a lesser-known Canadian film that captures the quiet tragedies of war with gut-wrenching realism. Unlike action-heavy ones, this one highlights the silent victims—those who never held a gun.
Duel (2004)
It is an Iranian war drama that tackles PTSD and the struggle to return to normal life after the Iran-Iraq War. Its dreamlike cinematography and nonlinear storytelling make it feel more like a memory than a movie. Heavily underrated outside of Iran, it’s a must-watch for those who appreciate movies of this nature that discuss human conditions that go beyond the battlefield.
The Forgotten (2003)
Tank warfare doesn’t get enough screen time, and this proves just how intense it can be. Two American tanks lost behind enemy lines during the Korean War must cross treacherous terrain and ambushes. Every clanking tread and ricocheting shell adds to the tension. Despite its strong execution and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, it faded into obscurity.
