5 Moving War Films

5. The Thin Red Line (1998) Directed by Terrence Malick, rated R, 170 minutes

The Thin Red Line is a beautifully filmed epic war film about the experiences of many soldiers fighting at Guadalcanal during World War Two. The cast, including Sean Penn, John Travolta, Nick Nolte, Jim Caviezel, John Cusak, Adrien Brody and George Clooney, is simply incredible. Director Terrence Malick provides intense, disturbing and masterfully crafted war scenes, as well as personal characters. The Thin Red Line is unforgettable experience with powerful imagery and fantastic acting. You'll like it if: You like epic films, Terrence Malick's films or Saving Private Ryan.

4. Full Metal Jacket (1987) Directed by Stanley Kubrick, rated R, minutes

Full Metal Jacket is a disturbing film that's impossible to forget about a group of soldiers who have a particularly tough time at boot camp, and their time in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. R. Lee Ermey is both frightening and humorous as the drill instructor, which he plays perfectly, and the whole boot camp part of the movie is amazingly accurate. Once the film moves to Vietnam it becomes even harsher, and director Stanley Kubrick provides a truly horrific and almost surreal look at the Vietnam War. Full Metal Jacket is a bold war film with realistic acting and an intense look at the soldiers themselves. You'll like it if: You like Stanley Kubrick's films, City of God or Platoon.

3. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) Directed by Lewis Milestone, not rated, 133 minutes

All Quiet on the Western Front is perhaps the most powerful statement against war ever made, and is truly a depressing and harrowing film. All Quiet on the Western Front is about a young soldier who is disillusioned by the horrors he experiences during World War One. The film has scene after scene that are both memorable and bleak. All Quiet on the Western Front is beautifully made film that realistically and powerfully portrays the true horrors of war. You'll like it if: You like old movies, anti-war movies or Cross of Iron.

2. Paths of Glory (1957) Directed by Stanley Kubrick, not rated, 87 minutes

Paths of Glory is a emotionally powerful and stunningly well made film about three soldiers who are sentenced to be executed as example after they, as well as all the other soldiers with them, refuse to attack when given an impossible order. Kirk Douglas offers a commanding performance, and the writing delivers in every way. Director Stanley Kubrick provides perfectly made battlefield scenes, accurate scenes in the trenches - really every scene is beautifully filmed. Paths of Glory is an outstanding and stirring film that never slows down till the haunting ending. You'll like it if: You like Kirk Douglas, Stanley Kubrick's films or Lawrence of Arabia.

1. Apocalypse Now (1979) Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, rated R, 153 minutes

Apocalypse Now is a film that will last with you forever, a perfectly crafted surreal, epic war film, that is truly a work of art. The film is about a soldier sent on a dangerous mission to assassinate a rogue Green Beret, who has made himself into a God among a local tribe in the Vietnam jungle. The unbeatable cast includes Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford and Dennis Hopper. Marlon Brando gives a masterful portrayal and Martin Sheen delivers an all-time great performance. Director Francis Ford Coppola offers a visual feast with too many memorable scenes to recount. Apocalypse Now is an absolute must-see for everyone: it has incredible acting, great music, perfect writing and monumental direction. You'll like it if: You like 70's cinema, epic movies, Marlon Brando, The Godfather Trilogy or Blue Velvet.