War has significantly impacted human history, shaping the destinies of nations and causing profound social and economic consequences. The history of war covers a vast chronological span, from ancient conflicts of the Peloponnesian War and the Punic Wars to more recent wars like World War I and World War II. It covers a broad spectrum of historical eras, environments, and civilizations.
War movies are a window into the sacrifices made for a better world. They reveal the harsh realities of war, the chaos, danger, and brutality it brings. Check out these 15 best war movies on Hulu for an unforgettable experience.
Remember, Hulu is only accessible in the US. But don’t worry! You can enjoy these movies from anywhere by getting a top-notch VPN.
Black Ops
Starring: Bentley Kalu, Shayne Ward, Samantha Schnitzler
Director: Tom Paton
Year: 2019
IMDb: 3.9/10
“Black Ops” combines war, horror, and time travel elements. A team of soldiers is tasked with eliminating everyone in the terrorist camp while intercepting a terrorist unit in Eastern Europe.
As they encounter a prisoner, their mission takes a dark turn. During their debrief, things get even trickier when they find themselves stuck in a malfunctioning elevator back in the UK. The situation becomes horrifying and seemingly endless as they struggle to break free. Each squad member must confront their inner demons to return to everyday life.
12 Strong
Starring: Micheal Shannon, Chris Hemsworth, Micheal Pena
Director: Nicolai Fuglsig
Year: 2018
IMDb: 6.5/10
“12 Strong” is a war movie based on events after the September 11 attacks. The film follows Captain Mitch Nelson and his Special Forces unit as they are the first American soldiers sent to Afghanistan. Their goal is to fight the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
The soldiers are known as “The Horse Soldiers” because of the complex tasks they must complete in hostile environments and the intensive horse-mounted combat they participate in. The movie shows the bravery and determination of soldiers fighting in the early stages of the War in Afghanistan.
War of the Worlds: The Attack
Starring: Leo Staar, Sam Gittens, Vincent Regan
Director: Junaid Syed
Year: 2023
IMDb: 3.3/10
“War of the Worlds: The Attack” shows three young astronomers becoming embroiled in an alien invasion as they follow a meteorite that hits the Earth. They must devise a strategy to combat a strange adversary and defend humanity.
The movie combines elements of science fiction, adventure, and possibly survival as they work together to defend humanity against the invading aliens.
War for the Planet of the Apes
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Andy Serkis
Director: Matt Reeves
Year: 2017
IMDb: 7.4/10
“War for the Planet of Apes” is the third film of the series “Planet of the Apes.” Caesar, an intelligent ape, leads his colony of apes in a battle against a brutal human Colonel and his troops.
After experiencing terrible losses, Ceasor wants to protect his fellow apes from harm and find a new, safe homeland for them. In a world where apes and humans are at war, the movie features themes of survival, leadership, and the complexity of battle.
1917
Starring: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Daniel Mays
Director: Sam Mendes
Year: 2019
IMDb: 8.2/10
“1917,” a war movie set in World War I, follows two British soldiers, Lance Corporals Blake and Schofield, completing a critical mission. They must cross enemy lines to deliver a message that could prevent a massacre of their troops, including Blake’s brother.
“1917” is one of the best war movies on Hulu, and it is famous for its powerful storyline and portrayal of the human cost of war. The film’s continuous, single-shot presentation makes it unique, offering viewers an immense, real-time experience.
American Sniper
Starring: Sienna Miller, Bradley Cooper, Kyle Gallner
Director: Clint Eastwood
Year: 2014
IMDb: 7.3/10
“American Sniper,” a biographical war movie, is based on the life of Chris Kyle, a US Navy SEAL sniper. The story depicts Kyle’s military career as one of the deadliest snipers in US history during his service in Iraq.
It shows his dedication to protecting his fellow soldiers, the challenges he faces on the battlefield, and the personal toll of his deployments on his family and mental health.
Search and Destroy
Starring: Sergey Badyuk, Dylan Bruce, Julian Kostov
Director: Danny Lerner
Year: 2020
IMDb: 2.8/10
“Search and Destroy” is a war movie that shows John Cutter, an American ranger, who is unsuccessful in freeing a captive family. After losing every squad member in a conflict with infamous Ukrainian arms dealer Igor Rodin, John gets discharged from the army.
When Igor reappears three years later, his old general asks him to participate in a private contract assignment. The story explores themes of redemption, second chances, and personal growth.
Fury
Starring: Shia Labeouf, Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman
Director: David Ayer
Year: 2014
IMDb: 7.6/10
“Fury” is one of the best war movies on Hulu that follows the story of Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier and his U.S Army tank crew as they drive the tank “Fury” and advance farther into Nazi Germany during the closing stages of World War II in Europe.
As they deal with the brutal reality of battle, moral quandaries, and the entrance of a young and inexperienced soldier called Norman, the crew members’ tight friendship is explored in the movie.
The East
Starring: Marwan Kenzari, Martijn Lakemeier, Jonas Smulders
Director: Jim Taihuttu
Year: 2020
IMDb: 6.9/10
“The East” features the Netherlands sending additional troops to Indonesia at the war’s end to reassert colonial power as the Japanese occupation weakens.
Johan de Vries, the main character, is described as a “nice guy” among the troops, driven by remorse because his father was imprisoned for being a Nazi collaborator.
However, De Vries becomes corrupted by a sadistic superior officer, and the movie purports to be a satire of imperialism.
Resistance: 1942
Starring: Jason Patric, Sebastian Roche, Cary Elwes
Director: Landon Johnson, Mathew Hill
Year: 2021
IMDb: 5.1/10
“Resistance: 1942,” also known as “Burning at Both Ends,” unfolds in Nazi-occupied France in 1942. The Allies have been pushed out of the continent, and their prospects in North Africa are grim. Germany holds a strong position.
With a radio, Jacques sends out a message of hope, but he’s in constant danger, playing a risky game of hide-and-seek with the German occupiers. He’s hiding in an attic with his daughter Juliet and a small group of survivors.
Things turn dark when the Gestapo sends Captain Klaus Jager to capture Jacques, leading to a thrilling escape attempt.
Pearl Harbor
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett
Director: Micheal Bay
Year: 2001
IMDb: 6.2/10
“Pearl Harbor” tells the story of a love triangle involving childhood friends Rafe and Danny, who become fighter pilots and nurse Evelyn during World War II.
The film explores their personal and romantic challenges while the war looms in the background. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, the United States enters World War II, and these characters are thrust into the midst of the conflict.
Read More: How to Watch Endless on Hulu
Medieval
Starring: Micheal Caine, Ben Foster, Sophie Lowe
Director: Petr Jaki
Year: 2022
IMDb: 5.9/10
“Medieval” unfolds in the 14th century during King Wenceslas IV’s rule in Bohemia. A knight named Jan Zizka gets caught up in a political scheme. He’s accused of kidnapping Katherine, the fiancee of Henry III of Rosenberg, to gain support for Wenceslas IV’s coronation as Holy Roman Emperor.
Zizka faces opposition from Rosenberg and Wenceslas’ brother, King Sigismund. He rescues Katherine, but she later sacrifices her life to save him in a conflict with Torak. Zizka holds Katherine’s ring as a symbol of their commitment throughout the war.
Centurian
Starring: Dominic West, Micheal Fassbender, Olga Kurylenko
Director: Neil Marshall
Year: 2010
IMDb: 6.3/10
“Centurion” is a gripping historical action film set in ancient Rome during the second century AD. It tells the tale of Quintus Dias, a Roman Centurion. After a Pictish tribe in Scotland brutally attacks the Ninth Legion, Quintus leads a brave band of survivors on a dangerous quest to escape the relentless Pictish warriors and return to Roman territory.
This movie is known for its intense and realistic portrayal of ancient battles.
Hell Hath No Fury
Starring: Daniel Bernhardt, Timothy V. Murphy, Nina Bergman
Director: Jesse V. Johnson
Year: 2021
IMDb: 4.7/10
“Hell Hath No Fury” is a war drama movie set during World War II and centers on a team of American and British commandos who are despatched on a mission to rescue a double agent with important information from behind enemy lines.
As they embark on this dangerous operation, they must contend with the enemy and internal tensions and betrayals within their own team.
Moffie
Starring: Barbara-Marie Immelman, Kai Luke Brummer, Micheal Kirch
Director: Oliver Hermanus
Year: 2019
IMDb: 6.8/10
“Moffie” is a gripping war drama in South Africa in the early 1980s. It follows the story of Nicholas van der Swart, a young soldier drafted into the South African Defence Force during the Border War. The film explores the harsh and brutal aspects of war in the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa.
Read More: How To Watch Hulu on Mac
Conclusion
Many war films exist, such as historical epics, dramas, and comedies. They are used to entertain and inform audiences about war’s intricate and varied nature and its effects on people and society. Watch the best war movies on Hulu, and don’t think of geo-restrictions as trouble anymore; just subscribe to a reliable VPN, and you’re good to go.