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10 Best War Movies on Netflix This May

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10 Best War Movies on Netflix This May

If you’re hoping to find some great war movies on Netflix this month, you’re in for a treat. Not only does Netflix have a huge list of outstanding war films you can stream, but it has an equally great list of docuseries.

The only real concern is whether you’ll spend more time trying to decide between great options or watching them. Thankfully, we’re here to help with a list of strong recommendations for the best war movies you can watch on Netflix this month.

Band of Brothers

Band of Brothers
Members of the Band of Brothers sign autographs for current U.S. soldiers.

Okay, so it’s not a movie, but Band of Brothers is arguably the best World War 2 miniseries ever. Across 10 episodes, the show follows the book by Stephen E. Ambrose as a retelling of the events of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, Band of Brothers is the definition of must-watch TV.

Darkest Hour

Winston Churchill was the larger-than-life U.K. Prime Minister during World War 2.

Winning a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Gary Oldman shows why he is one of the best. The Darkest Hour tells the story of a five-week period where Churchill wrestled with the idea of negotiating with Germany or preparing his country for war. These events take place right after Churchill assumes his new role.

The Forgotten Battle

Battle of Scheldt
A memorial site in the Netherlands honoring the Battle of the Scheldt.

The 2020 Dutch film The Forgotten Battle tells the story of the Battle of Scheldt that took place in 1944. Throughout the film, it’s a harrowing story about how Polish, British, and Canadian forces looked to capture and re-open the Port of Antwerp to resupply Allied forces.

Operation Mincemeat

British Army
Operation Mincemeat is a behind-the-scenes look at how the invasion of Sicily became a reality.

The year is 1943 and the Allies are looking to break Germany’s iron grip on Europe. It starts with an all-out assault in Sicily, but British forces are concerned about a massacre. Operation Mincemeattells the story of the two intelligence officers who saved the lives of thousands. Their plan would fool Germany into moving its forces elsewhere to allow British forces to safely land and invade.

The Output

Command Outpost Keating
The defense of Command Outpost Keating cost the lives of 8 U.S. soldiers.

One of the most harrowing stories of the U.S. Afghan war, The Outpost looks at how a small group of U.S. soldiers fought against an overwhelming number of Taliban. Taking place at Command Outpost Keating, this 2009 engagement was one of the deadliest of the Afghanistan War.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

Bamburgh
The castle of Bamburgh plays a central role in a movie.

Wrapping up the hugely popular The Last Kingdom Netflix original, Seven Kings Must Die reunites us with Lord Uttred of Bebbanburg. The popular hero continues on his final quest to unite all of the kingdoms that make up the territorial land of England. With enemies bearing down on all sides, it’s a heroic tale that offers a worthwhile escape.

WWII In Color

Iwo Jima memorial in Washington DC 2016
The capturing of Iwo Jima was a critical win for the U.S. in the Pacific.

Throughout 12 episodes, WWII In Color is a gripping portrayal of events during the war, but in color. Between the Battle of Kursk, Iwo Jima, and the Liberation of Paris, this documentary is one for the ages. Full of insights and footage, you have never seen World War 2 like this before.

Hacksaw Ridge

Hacksaw Ridge
The Hacksaw Ridge memorial still stands today in Okinawa.

The story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge is one of the best stories of the war. A real-life pacifist, the portrayal of Doss as a firm believer in “Thou shalt not kill” is the basis of the whole story. Doss is a physically strong soldier but refuses to hold a weapon. However, his heroics during the Battle of Okinawa won Doss a Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor
A Medal of Honor collection from the Air Force, Army, and Navy.

Across eight different episodes, the Medal of Honor documentary portrays some of the individuals who have received America’s highest military honor. Each episode tells the real-life tale of medal recipients from World War 2, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Attack on Pearl Harbor: Minute by Minute

Aerial view of USS Arizona Memorial, World War II Valor In The Pacific National Monument in Pearl Harbor Honolulu Hawaii
An aerial view of the USS Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor.

The wonderful docuseries Attack on Pearl Harbor: Minute by Minute uses archival footage and survivor interviews to tell the story of this fateful day. Even though it’s one of the most documented moments in U.S. history, there is footage in this documentary many have never seen before.

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