World War I has inspired countless stories, both fictional and nonfiction, across all cultures, languages, and even media. Films have been particularly effective in portraying the horror of war, as well as its emotional toll on those involved.
In this post, I share with you 10 of the best World War I movies ever made, from epic dramas to documentary reels, each offering a unique perspective on this tumultuous period in history.
These World War I films capture the true spirit of courage and resilience during World War I, while also highlighting some of its most poignant moments.
This list of the best WWI movies can also be a good educational resource to use with your students to show them the true spirit of courage and resilience during WWI and some of its greatest moments.
To optimize student learning, be sure to do your homework beforehand. Watch the movie at home, prepare comprehension questions, discussion messages, etc. This will deepen the student’s understanding of the particular film’s context, characters, plot, and themes.
1. A Farewell to Arms (1932), 1hr 31min, 13+
goodbye to arms is a classic film directed by Frank Borzage and released in 1932. It is an adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s 1929 novel and tells the story of Lieutenant Henry and nurse Catherine Barkley during World War I.
2. Paths of Glory, (1957), 1 h 27 min, 13+
paths of glory is a 1957 drama directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. Set during World War I, the film follows Colonel Dax (Douglas) as he leads three of his men on an offensive mission against a German stronghold.
3. The Great Harlem Hellfighter War, (2017), 52 min, 7+
The Great Harlem Hellfighters War is a 2017 documentary that tells the story of the 15th Regiment of the New York National Guard, an all-black unit during World War I. Follow their journey as they fight for freedom and democracy in France, and also for racial equality. Led by Colonel William Hayward, this unit was the most decorated regiment of World War II.
4. They will not age, (2019), 1 h 39 min, R
they will not grow old is a 2019 Academy Award-winning documentary film directed and produced by Peter Jackson. The film uses previously unseen footage from the World War I period to tell the story of the soldiers who fought in the conflict. It features a combination of colorized archival footage, interviews with veterans, and original audio recordings of veterans talking about their experiences in the war.
5. Below Hill 60, (2022), 2hr 2min, R
under hill 60 is a 2022 war drama based on the extraordinary true story of Oliver Woodward, an Australian tunneler during World War I. The action takes place on the Western Front in 1916, where Woodward and a secret platoon of tunnellers must defend a leaky labyrinthine tunnel system packed with enough high explosives to alter the course of the war.
6. The end of the trip, (2018), 1 h 47 min
the end of the journey is a 2018 British war drama film based on the play of the same name by RC Sherriff. Set during World War I in March 1918, the story follows Captain Stanhope and his company of British soldiers arriving in the frontline trenches of northern France, awaiting their fate as the German forces approach.
youThe film stars Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany, and Asa Butterfield, and was praised for its gripping story and performances.
7. Gallipoli, (1981), 1h 51m, PG
gallipoli is a 1981 Australian war drama directed by Peter Weir and starring Mel Gibson. The film follows the story of two young men, Archie and Frank, who enlist in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I and fight in the Battle of Gallipoli in Turkey.
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8. All Quiet on the Western Front, (1979), 2 h 36 min, 13
All calm on the west front is a 1979 American war drama film directed by Delbert Mann, based on the novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. Set during World War I, it follows a group of German soldiers as they experience the horrors and trauma of trench warfare.
The story centers on Paul Baumer, a young German soldier who discovers the horrors of war. The film features an all-star cast including Richard Thomas, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence and Ian Holm. All Quiet On The Western Front received critical acclaim and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
9. 1917, (2020), 1h 59min, R
1917 is an epic war drama from acclaimed director Sam Mendes. The film follows the story of two British soldiers, Lance Corporal Blake and Lance Corporal Schofield, during the height of the First World War.
These soldiers are tasked with delivering a message across the enemy line to prevent the deaths of 1,600 soldiers, including Blake’s brother. As the two men venture through the dangerous and chaotic landscape of the battlefield, they must overcome odds to complete their mission on time.
10. Aces High, (1976), 1hr 54min, PG
aces high is a 1976 British war drama directed by Jack Gold. The film follows the story of Peter Firth, a new recruit in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. Initially, Peter has a strained relationship with his squad leader Malcolm McDowell, but as he comes to understand the horrors and complexities of war, he begins to gain a new respect for his commanding officer.
The film captures the tense emotions of war and features impressive aerial combat scenes. Aces High is an intense and powerful drama that shows the human cost of war.
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