The Movieforums Top 100 War Movies Countdown

18. RAN
17. Dr. Strangelove


After my guess for 17, I think we might get 3 Kubricks in the top 20, but I don't think Spartacus is going to be one of them.

18. All Quiet on the Western Front
17. The Bridge on the River Kwai

My list so far. Seen 72/82

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“Except for markf, you’re all a disgrace to cinema.”

I like The Great Escape but it did not make my list. I haven't seen The Cranes Are Flying, but I know I should.

These are my guesses.

Pretty sure 20 isn't Braveheart unless it's the 2005 remake for Japanese TV.

(Braveheart was #26)

Falling behind again. I'm going to rip through the pages a bit, reading/scanning most of what you fine people are saying.

Braveheart is a pretty good movie but it's been a very, very long time since I actually sat down and watched it. I wonder if old(er) man Mike would like it as much. Still wasn't on my radar for this war countdown but fair enough it deserves inclusion. The Deer Hunter is an excellent film. Both parts of it. It would have probably just missed my top 50.

The Battle of Algiers was my #1! Brilliant film and one of my all-time favourites. Every time I watch it has the same impact as that first time. To be fair my top 5 war films could be moved around depending on my mood but I went with this one and don't regret the decision. The Pianist is another excellent film. I remember seeing this in the cinema and being significantly affected by what I saw. It was a late cut from my war list and easily would rank in my top 50.

I played with the idea of including The Great Dictator, Duck Soup, or both of them, but eventually decided against and kept the brilliant silliness/seriousness combo to a minimum on my list. Just outside of what I wanted to include on my war ballot. The Best Years of Our Lives is the classic post-war anti-war film that stands the test of time. Glad to see it here.

The Cranes are Flying is an excellent film. Between this and Soy Cuba, Kalatazov is such a visual striking filmmaker (will also give credit to the cinematographer for this) but also with a film like Cranes it's still emotional and impactful. Top 50 for me for sure. I had to include The Great Escape at #20 though. I think it was grade 10 my social studies teacher walked in the room and announced "We're going to watch my favourite movie and discuss it over the next couple of weeks." It was great. We went into a lot of detail on each character and their role. I think this was my teacher's favourite part of his year. I wonder if this somehow fed into my eventual deep interest in movies. Maybe. But I can always go back to this film remember those great two weeks and enjoy this 100% fun and exciting movie!

1. The Battle of Algiers (1966)
5. The Human Condition I: No Greater Love (1959)
9. Shoah (1985)
10. The General (1926)
15. Army of Shadows (1969)
18. Waltz with Bashir (2007)
19. Rome, Open City (1945)
20. The Great Escape (1963)
21. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
23. Three Kings (1999)
24. Underground (1995)
25. La Commune (Paris, 1871) (2003)

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