Explore The Best Military Movies On Netflix That Educate And Entertain

If you interact with a military officer who has fought in any war, they will tell you that war is hellish. In the entertainment industry, military movies are a good way of educating the public about war and its implications in all aspects of life. Currently, there are numerous military films on Netflix that you can watch for both entertainment and educative purposes.

What military movies are on Netflix? This streaming service has a wide selection of the best war movies of all time that were filmed in various parts of the world. Some are about WWI or WW2, while others focus on other wars that have been recorded in history. From military movies, we get to experience the raw human suffering that the army officers undergo to protect their countries.

Best International Military Movies

The best military movies are those that make the viewer understand how intense war is. They typically involve a lot of human pain and suffering, the use of war gear and equipment, and multiple human killings. These films not only entertain but also provoke thought about the impact of war on individuals and society.

Below is a compilation of the 15 best modern war movies available on Netflix. These films will take you through various narratives, highlighting the bravery, struggles, and emotional toll faced by soldiers and their families.

15. Kilo Two Bravo

• Original title:Kajaki
• Release: 2015
• Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes
• Country: United Kingdom
• Writer: Tom Williams
• Director: Paul Katis
• Rating: R (Contains disturbing and graphic depiction of injuries and strong language)

Kilo Two Bravo’s storyline is set in September 2006 around Kajaki Dam in southern Afghanistan. A three-person patrol consisting of young British soldiers leaves their outpost that is a short distance from the dam to tackle the Taliban. As the young men cross the dried riverbed, one steps on a mine left behind from Russia’s interventions over two decades prior.

The other two soldiers attempt to save him, only to discover that they are also surrounded by mines. A single misstep could lead to severe injury or death. This film is a gripping portrayal of the harrowing realities faced by soldiers on the ground.

14. First They Killed My Father

• Release: 2017
• Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes
• Country: Cambodia/United States of America
• Writers: Loung Ung and Angelina Jolie
• Director: Angelina Jolie
• Rating: TV-MA

First They Killed My Father narrates the heart-wrenching story of Loung Ung and her childhood experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime. In the 1970s, she witnesses her family's disintegration amidst the Cambodian invasion. Before the attack, her middle-class family lived comfortably, but they soon find themselves destitute in a primitive camp.

This poignant film illustrates the impact of war on innocent lives and features a remarkable performance by Sareum Srey Moch, Phoeung Kompheak, and others.

13. Triple Frontier

• Release: 2019
• Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Country: United States of America
• Writers: Mark Boal and J.C. Chandor
• Director: J.C. Chandor
• Rating: R (Contains strong language and violence)

Triple Frontier explores the theme of loyalty among five friends who are former Special Forces operatives. They reunite to track down and capture a South American drug lord, motivated more by self-gain than patriotism. The heist takes a turn for the worse, testing their morals and loyalty to each other.

This film features star performances from Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, and Pedro Pascal, making it a thrilling watch.

12. My Honor Was Loyalty

• Release: 2016
• Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Country: Italy
• Writer: Alessandro Pepe
• Directors: Leone Frisa and Alessandro Pepe
• Rating: PG-13

This film centers around Untersharführer Ludwig Herckel, a soldier in the 1st SS Panzer Division during World War II. The story begins with a small group of infantry soldiers fighting against Soviet forces. Following an explosion, Herckel finds himself in the woods where he bonds with another soldier concerned about his Jewish wife.

As the war progresses, Herckel witnesses the devastating consequences of conflict and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers.

11. War Horse

• Release: 2011
• Runtime: 2 hours 26 minutes
• Country: United States of America/India
• Writers: Lee Hall and Richard Curtis
• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Rating: PG-13 (Contains intense sequences of war violence)

War Horse follows young Albert who signs up to fight in WWI after his father sells his horse, Joey, to the cavalry. Joey is sent to France, while Albert faces the horrors of war himself. Their paths cross in a poignant tale of loyalty, courage, and the impact of war on both soldiers and animals.

This film showcases the devastating effects of war and features stunning cinematography and performances from Jeremy Irvine and others.

10. Good Kill

• Release: 2014
• Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes
• Country: United States of America
• Writer: Andrew Niccol
• Director: Andrew Niccol
• Rating: R (Contains violent material including a rape, language, and some sexuality)

Good Kill delves into the life of a fighter pilot who becomes a drone pilot, questioning the nature of modern warfare. He spends 12 hours a day using remote controls to fight the Taliban, only to return home to a life that feels disconnected from the reality of war.

The film raises important questions about the ethics of drone warfare and features performances from Ethan Hawke and January Jones.

9. Operation Red Sea

• Original title:Hong hai xing dong
• Release: 2018
• Runtime: 2 hours 22 minutes
• Country: China/Morocco
• Writers: Zhuzhu Chen and Ji Feng
• Director: Dante Lam
• Rating: TV-MA

Operation Red Sea depicts a daring rescue mission by the PLA Navy-Marine Corps during a tumultuous period. As they navigate through terrorist activities and rebellions, the film showcases the bravery of soldiers caught in the crossfire.

This gripping tale has won numerous awards and features a talented cast including Yi Zhang and Johnny Huang.

8. War Machine

• Release: 2017
• Runtime: 2 hours 2 minutes
• Country: United States of America
• Book writer: Michael Hastings
• Screenplay