Top 5 war films on Netflix to enjoy this Memorial Day

      War is a horrific reality, but its portrayal in films is more nuanced. Some directors take war as a stylistic endeavor, while others focus on highlighting the trauma faced by soldiers. Netflix offers a variety of war films, ranging from costume dramas to science fiction and contemporary narratives, all valuable in exploring the human experience of combat.

      In addition, we provide guides to the latest movies to stream, including the best films on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.

      **The King (2019)**

      Directed by David Michôd, this adaptation draws from several Shakespearean historical plays. It was notably Timothée Chalamet's first major role, who subsequently received two Oscar nominations. Chalamet portrays the young King Henry V during his campaign in France amid the Hundred Years' War. The combat scenes are well-crafted and gritty, with moments of realism that defy the typical climactic expectations.

      Joel Edgerton, who co-wrote the screenplay, plays the fictional character Falstaff, while Robert Pattinson delivers an entertaining performance as Louis, the French Dauphin, complete with a striking accent that contrasts well with Chalamet's character.

      Stream **The King** on Netflix.

      **Black Hawk Down (2001)**

      For those who prefer their war films unflinching and raw, Ridley Scott's grueling depiction fits the bill. In October 1993, during a UN peacekeeping mission in Mogadishu, a Black Hawk helicopter carrying U.S. Special Forces was shot down while attempting to capture a Somali terrorist leader.

      The soldiers had to battle their way out, leading to the film being made approximately eight years later. **Black Hawk Down** is imbued with piercing gunfire and steadfast in its portrayal of the chaotic horrors of war. The extensive cast, led by Josh Hartnett, is rife with tension and exhaustion.

      Stream **Black Hawk Down** on Netflix.

      **Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)**

      Written by Aaron Sorkin, this Mike Nichols film delves into the U.S. support of the mujahideen during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The script captures Sorkin's signature style, complete with a Gilbert and Sullivan nod (highlighted by Philip Seymour Hoffman’s comically intense CIA agent).

      What’s peculiar, however, is the film’s unfinished feel, skipping from Congressman Charlie Wilson's (Tom Hanks) actions to the aftermath of 9/11 without clearly connecting the dots. Nevertheless, Nichols' final film is entertaining and provides a quirky look at the behind-the-scenes maneuvers tied to warfare.

      Stream **Charlie Wilson’s War** on Netflix.

      **Dune: Part Two (2024)**

      Denis Villeneuve has a history of tackling themes of violent conflict, seen in films like 2010’s **Incendies** (about the Lebanese Civil War) and 2015’s **Sicario** (focused on a CIA operation against drug cartels). Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's **Dune** presents a visually striking narrative of an interstellar conflict, marked by both primitive weaponry and advanced technology (with looming nuclear threats).

      The action in **Dune: Part Two** unfolds with a deliberate pacing, emphasizing visual storytelling in a meticulously crafted, otherworldly setting.

      Stream **Dune: Part Two** on Netflix.

      **Starship Troopers (1997)**

      Paul Verhoeven’s adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s novel transfers the theme of America’s imperialistic wars into a science fiction context. Verhoeven aimed to create a satire of an expansionist humanity battling a race of alien insects known as the Arachnids, challenging the militaristic tendencies in 20th-century sci-fi by embodying them in a seemingly supportive manner. He described the characters as "fascists who are unaware of their fascism."

      This metafictional element doesn't entirely succeed, as the film's heavy-handedness veers it into outright silliness. However, **Starship Troopers** stands out for its superficiality, created for a lighthearted era, featuring Verhoeven's signature almost-softcore scenes and a cast (including Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris) characterized by their striking looks and charm.

      Stream **Starship Troopers** on Netflix.