Despite somewar moviestelling compelling account and being visually dramatic display case of pure cinema , these achievement do n’t always equate to astounding boxful office success . Several incredible war movies have flopped at the box office , being outshined by with child release or unhappily being forget by modern TV audience . Although a boxwood bureau flop does n’t necessarily mean a fiscal loss , it often imply that the film did n’t meet its potential or expectations .

Many ofthe best war moviesever did n’t bring in big at the box office , and there were many powerfuldepictions of lesser - make out conflictsthat witness did n’t turn out for . While some ofthe best director of all timehave put passion and mightiness behind sinful cinematic showcases of battle , dispute , and war , these have not always gain the variety of enduring legacy they deserve despite having such a high quality . Whileit ’s always unsatisfying when a great war movie does not get the appreciation it should , modern audiences can often rediscover and reappraise old films and finally realise belated kudos .

10U-571 (2000)

Directed by Jonathan Mostow

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U-571 is a World War II hero moving picture train by Jonathan Mostow . The tale follows a group of American naval officers as they attempt to capture a German Enigma political machine from a handicapped uranium - boat . The ensemble cast includes Matthew McConaughey , Bill Paxton , and Harvey Keitel . The film accent the perilous and confined underwater battles , reflecting the high - stake espionage and tactical warfare of the epoch .

The controversial World War II hoagy filmU-571was a visually sensational and well - plot war movie that was mar by jarring historical inaccuracies . As the story of a German submarine boarded by Americans to capture her Enigma zilch machine , the fabricated nature of its plot was widely criticized for erase the real heroic contributions of true soldiers . ire overU-571’shistorical inaccuracy even direct to British Prime Minister Tony Blair delineate the moving-picture show ( viaBBC ) as an “ affront ” to British sailors and an example of chronicle being rewritten .

By depict Americans as capturing the Enigma nil instead of the British , U-571changed the total story of the war and gave audiences a imitation percept of what happened . This independent driving game point ofU-571did the full film a ill turn , as the other production values were so in high spirits . Taking in $ 127 million worldwide , U-571underperformed box office expectation and could have been a much grown collision had this contention not hurtle a dark trace over its reputation .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

9Hamburger Hill (1987)

Directed by John Irvin

Hamburger Hill is an action warfare - play film based on the straight case border the Battle of Hamburger Hill and was direct by John Irvin . The picture show essence on a group of men in the Bravo Company who battle to claim the infamously call pitcher’s mound while trying to keep themselves and each other safe in one of the bloodiest battles in American story .

The Vietnam War has serve up as the footing for some of the most acclaimed state of war movies of all time . While films likeApocalypse Now , The Deer Hunter , andPlatoonhave all become define releases in state of war movie theatre history , the excellent war dramaHamburger Hillhas not gained the same sort of enduring report . Despite boasting an impressive 100 % on Rotten Tomatoes , Hamburger Hillhas not achieved the ubiquitous daddy refinement relevance as those other films .

fix during the Battle of Hamburger Hill , a May 1969 rape during the Vietnam War by the U.S. Army ’s 3rd Battalion , Hamburger Hillwas a thrilling feel at the experience of that platoon ’s member as they faced the challenge of difference of opinion . With a box office gross of $ 13,839,404 , this was far beyond general box office expectations for a war picture of this eccentric . WhileHamburger Hillnever fully got its due , it remain a powerful Vietnam War movie that ’s well worth watching .

Godzilla and Kong charge into battle

8Jarhead (2005)

Directed by Sam Mendes

Jarhead is a warfare play take by Sam Mendes , based on Anthony Swofford ’s memoir about his experiences as a Marine sniper during the Gulf War . Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Swofford , the moving-picture show explores the psychological challenges faced by soldier amidst the sameness and expectancy of combat . The movie also feature performances by Peter Sarsgaard and Jamie Foxx , capturing the often - overlooked emotional turmoil of military life in a desert warfare .

Jake Gyllenhaal gave an astounding execution as Lance Corporalin Sam Mendes’Jarhead , a cinema that chronicled his military service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Persian Gulf War . As a psychological study that land viewing audience into soldiers ' mentalities , Jarheadpowerfully showcased the boredom , closing off , and brat those drag in battle zone must contend with on a twenty-four hour period - to - day basis . By showing off both the stock and complex face of war , Jarhead does not sugarcoat military life as it embraces naturalism .

While these more psychologically full-bodied and emotionally complex aspects of Jarhead made it a uniquely piquant war movie , it may have also release off hearing who were hoping to receive the natural process - packed spectacle . Jarheadgrossed just over $ 97 million against its $ 72 million budget , which was a disappointing net for a movie of this variety . Although Gyllenhaal was praise for his performance , Jarheaddeserved better .

Tom Hanks in Cast Away

7Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003)

Directed by Peter Weir

Master and Commander : The Far Side of the World is a historical dramatic play directed by Peter Weir , have Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey . The film is set during the Napoleonic Wars and pursue Aubrey as he navigates his ship , HMS Surprise , through punic waters in pursuit of a French privateersman . Based on Patrick O’Brian ’s series of novels , the film search themes of leadership , strategy , and naval warfare .

Master and Commander : The Far Side of the Worldwas a state of war movie set during the Napoleonic Wars . Based on theAubrey – Maturinseries by Patrick O’Brian , this epic maritime report starred Russell Crowe as Aubrey , a chieftain in the Royal Navy , alongside the ship ’s surgeon Paul Bettany as Dr. Stephen Maturin . WhileMaster and Commanderwas truly epic in background and was even nominated for ten Academy Award , let in Best Picture and Best Director , it unluckily fall flat at the box office .

With a budget of $ 150 million , Master and Commandergrossed just $ 211 million , which , although make it a moderate success , was far less than had been envisioned for this likely franchise . With over 20 novels in O’Brian ’s original record book serial , Master and Commanderdid earn enough to get a sequel greenlit , although the picture show ’s bequest has only proceed to grow over the days as viewers recognize its magnificence . While in 2021 , it was announced that a prequel was in exploitation ( viaDeadline ) , this has yet to come to fruition .

imagery-from-Hotel-Rwanda-and-U-571-and-Hamburger-Hill

Custom image by Yailin Chacon.

6The Killing Fields (1984)

Directed by Roland Joffé

The Killing Fields is a historical drama directed by Roland Joffé , centered on the harrowing experience of diarist Sydney Schanberg and his Cambodian aide Dith Pran during the Khmer Rouge government . star Sam Waterston , Haing S. Ngor , and John Malkovich , the photographic film depicts their efforts to document the brutal stipulation and struggle for survival amid the political agitation in Cambodia .

The Khmer Rouge ’s regime in Cambodia was one of the most shocking dictatorships in modernistic account , whose shocking civil war was cataloged inThe Killing Fields . Telling the story of bloody conflict filled with genocide and persecution through the story of two diarist , The Killing Fieldswas a gutwrenching depiction of the horrors of warand as compelling a text file on the need for public security as things captured in cinema .

As the story and friendly relationship of the Cambodian Dith Pran and American journalist Sydney Schanberg were told with power , The Killing Fieldsshowcased Pol Pot ’s ruthless ‘ Year Zero ' cleanup campaign that led to the murder of 2 million citizens . Despite being one of the most powerful warfare movies ever made , The Killing Fieldsonly strike low box office succeeder as it earned just over $ 34 million against its $ 14.4 million budget . However , Cambodian Haing S. Ngor , who had no previous playacting experience , did receive the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dith Pran .

U-571 - Poster

U-571 is a World War II submarine film directed by Jonathan Mostow. The narrative follows a group of American naval officers as they attempt to capture a German Enigma machine from a disabled U-boat. The ensemble cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, and Harvey Keitel. The film emphasizes the perilous and confined underwater battles, reflecting the high-stakes espionage and tactical warfare of the era.

5Johnny Got His Gun (1971)

Directed by Dalton Trumbo

Joe Bonham , a young American soldier , suffers devastating injuries from an artillery shell on the last twenty-four hour period of World War I , leaving him a quadruple amputee without the ability to see , discover , or speak . Trapped within his own mind , Joe battle to retain his sanity and get a way to communicate with the away globe . Using Morse computer code , he knock out messages on his infirmary seam , plead to be put on display as a live illustration of the true repulsion of war .

Johnny Got His Gunwas writer , director , and screenwriter Dalton Trumbo ’s splendid adaption of his own 1937 novel recount the harrowing consequence of a soldier ’s life after being hit by an gun casing during World War I. This shock anti - war movie fancy the American soldier Joe Bonham lose his eyes , ears , backtalk , nose , and limbs . Yet , Joe continue conscious and a prisoner in his own organic structure , ineffectual to communicate . While doctors presumed Joe was in a vegetative state , he desperately tried to make his quandary known by banging his head against a pillow to write “ help ” out in Morse computer code .

WhileJohnny Got His Gundid incur plaudit upon freeing , modern audiences have mostly forgotten it , and it merit far more recognition . From Joe bump a vision of Jesus Christ , played by Donald Sutherland , to being come in in a glass coffin as a addict show presentation of the horror of warfare , Joe ’s rightfully imaginable circumstance made for one of the most powerful anti - war movies ever made . Japanese filmmakerAkira Kurosawa even cited the cinema as one of his all - clip favorite film , showcasing thatJohnny Got His Gundeserves to be much better known .

Headshot Of Matthew McConaughey In The 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

4Flags Of Our Fathers (2006)

Directed by Clint Eastwood

signal flag of Our Fathers is a war film directed by Clint Eastwood , based on the Christian Bible by James Bradley and Ron Powers . The moving-picture show recite the Battle of Iwo Jima , centre on the iconic pic of the signal flag raising and the soldiers involved . Through a series of flashbacks , it delve into the personal and corporate experiences of the man who became symbolic champion , prove both their wartime activeness and post - war life .

Clint Eastwood give up two back - to - back movies in 1945 speak the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima . letter from Iwo Jimawas a Nipponese - language word-painting of the conflict showcasing the struggle from the Japanese linear perspective , whileFlags of Our Fathersshowcased the five Marines and one Navy corpsman who were involved in raise the flagstone on Iwo Jima , an iconic trope of the Second World War still well - have sex today . Letters from Iwo Jimareceived far-flung critical acclaim and was even appoint for a number of Academy Awards ; however , in the process , this overshadow the appeal ofFlags of Our Fathers .

Flags of Our Fathersactually flush it at the box office , take in just $ 65.9 against its $ 90 million budget , while Eastwood ’s companion film earned a similar box business office but was more profitable as it cost just $ 19 million to make . ButFlags of Our Fathershouldn’t be dismissed , as its brawny depiction of fearlessness and fortitude was a poignant homage to the brave men who fought at the battle of Iwo Jima . The double - feature nature of Eastwood ’s two flick also act as a fascinating portrait of the complexities of war , where each side has a story to tell .

Headshot Of Bill Paxton

3Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Directed by Terry George

Hotel Rwanda is a diachronic drama film directed by Terry George . It stars Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina , a hotel manager who shelters over a thousand refugees during the Rwandan genocide . Sophie Okonedo , Nick Nolte , and Joaquin Phoenix also feature in supporting purpose . The motion-picture show portrays the agonising events and the human-centered feat undertake to preserve animation amidst the conflict .

Hotel Rwandawas a potent warfare pic about a lesser - known conflict that was no less tragic and devastating than many of the best - known conflict - base movies . As a depiction of the Ruandan genocide , Hotel Rwandastarred Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina , the real hotelier who , along with his married woman Tatiana , furnish resort to more than 1,000 refugees by providing them with shelter in the besieged Hôtel des Mille Collines . As a delineation of genocide , political corruption , and the repercussion of violence , Hotel Rwandaexplored many of the same themes asSchindler ’s Listin an African context of use .

WhileHotel Rwandadid gain plaudit and Cheadle received an Academy Award for Best Actor , the picture show mostly founder at the box office and garner just $ 33.9 million against its $ 17.5 million budget . AsHotel Rwandawas beaten at the box office by mainstream hits like the rom - com Hitch , it seemed audiences were more concerned in escapism than look the unimaginably brutal tidy sum genocide see in nineties Africa . However , Hotel Rwandawas an essential document of the horrors of war and sad test copy that genocide did not finish with World War II .

Hamburger Hill Movie Poster

Hamburger Hill is an action war-drama film based on the true events surrounding the Battle of Hamburger Hill and was directed by John Irvin. The movie centers on a group of men in the Bravo Company who battle to claim the infamously named hill while trying to keep themselves and each other safe in one of the bloodiest battles in American history.

2The Thin Red Line (1998)

Directed by Terrence Malick

The Thin Red Line is a state of war film direct by Terrence Malick , base on James Jones ' autobiographical novel . turn in 1998 , it focuses on the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II , exploring the psychological toll of fighting on soldier . The ensemble cast include Sean Penn , Adrien Brody , and Nick Nolte , among others , and delves into theme of endurance , fear , and the impact of warfare on human nature .

The tenuous Red Linewas Terrence Malick ’s sinful adaption of the 1962 novel by James Jones that told a fictionalized version of the Battle of Mount Austen in World War II . With a star - studded cast include Sean Penn , Adrien Brody , George Clooney , and John C. Reily and a prestigiousness music director at the helm , this powerful tale of dispute and bloodletting would have been bear to clean up at the box bureau . However , The Thin Red Linewas in direct competition with Steven Spielberg ’s sinful rescue commission war movieSaving Private Ryan , which immensely overshadow it .

WhileThe Thin Red Line’sbox federal agency lucre of $ 98.1 million were nothing to snark out , the film flopped when compared to the extraordinary $ 481 million take ofSaving Private Ryan , which was underwhelming . The Thin Red Linewas a daringly philosophical World War II film that in truth captured the aroused depth of this harrowing warfare and the vivid experiences of those who agitate in it . Although Spielberg ’s movie gained more accolades at the clock time , look back , The Thin Red Linewas a highly underrated sacking .

Cast Placeholder Image

1Paths Of Glory (1957)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

path of Glory , directed by Stanley Kubrick , is a warfare pic sic during World War I. The movie stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax , a French officer who defends three soldier accused of cowardice in a homage - warriorlike . The moving-picture show explores themes of military power structure , the futility of warfare , and the moral dilemmas front by soldiers and their leaders . Paths of Glory is celebrated for its vital portrayal of military bureaucracy .

Stanley Kubrick has rightfully earned his reputation as one of the most important filmmakers who ever survive , and his World War I filmPaths of Gloryhas since reach far-flung acclaim as among his greatest body of work . However , it was n’t always this fashion , asPaths of Glory’srelease was plagued by disceptation , which impeded its winner at the box post . The anti - military stance ofPath of Glorywas extremely criticized , as Kirk Douglas ’ portrait of Colonel Dax ’s refusal to commit his men on a suicidal mission was seen as a protest against the soldier whose life were needlessly lost in engagement .

While the exact box office particular ofPaths of Gloryvary from source to reservoir , with some claiming it was a pocket-sized success and others asserting it struggle to reimburse its $ 1 million budget ( viaTelegraph ) , the truth was it deserved well no matter which was correct . path of Glorywas one of the all - prison term greatwar moviesand a intrepid characterisation of why it ’s important to stand up for one ’s beliefs , even in the typeface of looming office figures . AlthoughPaths of Glorymay have fall flat at the box berth , it ’s still remembered all these ten later .

Headshot Of Don Cheadle In The 79th Venice Film Festival

Sources : All box situation figures fromBox Office Mojo , BBC , Deadline , Telegraph

Jarhead - Poster - Tag

Jarhead is a war drama directed by Sam Mendes, based on Anthony Swofford’s memoir about his experiences as a Marine sniper during the Gulf War. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Swofford, the film explores the psychological challenges faced by soldiers amidst the monotony and anticipation of combat. The movie also features performances by Peter Sarsgaard and Jamie Foxx, capturing the often-overlooked emotional turmoil of military life in a desert war.

Headshot Of Jake Gyllenhaal

Headshot Of Jamie Foxx In The European premiere of ‘Creed III’

master and commander

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a historical drama directed by Peter Weir, featuring Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey. The film is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows Aubrey as he navigates his ship, HMS Surprise, through treacherous waters in pursuit of a French privateer. Based on Patrick O’Brian’s series of novels, the film explores themes of leadership, strategy, and naval warfare.

Headshot Of Russell Crowe

Headshot Of Paul Bettany In The GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2021

The Killing Fields Film Poster

The Killing Fields is a historical drama directed by Roland Joffé, centered on the harrowing experiences of journalist Sydney Schanberg and his Cambodian aide Dith Pran during the Khmer Rouge regime. Starring Sam Waterston, Haing S. Ngor, and John Malkovich, the film depicts their efforts to document the brutal conditions and struggle for survival amid the political turmoil in Cambodia.

Headshot of Sam Waterston

Johnny Got His Gun (1971) - Poster

Joe Bonham, a young American soldier, suffers devastating injuries from an artillery shell on the last day of World War I, leaving him a quadruple amputee without the ability to see, hear, or speak. Trapped within his own mind, Joe battles to retain his sanity and find a way to communicate with the outside world. Using Morse code, he taps out messages on his hospital bed, pleading to be put on display as a living example of the true horrors of war.

Flags of Our Fathers - Poster-1

Flags of Our Fathers is a war film directed by Clint Eastwood, based on the book by James Bradley and Ron Powers. The movie recounts the Battle of Iwo Jima, focusing on the iconic photograph of the flag raising and the soldiers involved. Through a series of flashbacks, it delves into the personal and collective experiences of the men who became symbolic heroes, examining both their wartime actions and post-war lives.

Headshot Of Ryan Phillippe

Headshot Of Jesse Bradford

Hotel Rwanda Film Poster

Hotel Rwanda is a historical drama film directed by Terry George. It stars Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who shelters over a thousand refugees during the Rwandan genocide. Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, and Joaquin Phoenix also feature in supporting roles. The film portrays the harrowing events and the humanitarian efforts undertaken to save lives amidst the conflict.

The Thin Red Line - Poster

The Thin Red Line is a war film directed by Terrence Malick, based on James Jones' autobiographical novel. Released in 1998, it focuses on the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II, exploring the psychological toll of combat on soldiers. The ensemble cast includes Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, and Nick Nolte, among others, and delves into themes of survival, fear, and the impact of war on human nature.

Headshot Of Sean Penn In The 76th Cannes Film Festival

Article image

Paths of Glory, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a war film set during World War I. The movie stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, a French officer who defends three soldiers accused of cowardice in a court-martial. The film explores themes of military hierarchy, the futility of war, and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers and their leaders. Paths of Glory is notable for its critical portrayal of military bureaucracy.

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