Thread by @nicholadrummond

The Netflix remake of “All Quiet on the Western Front” is every bit as powerful as the original film. Whenever a significant new war film comes out, I like to see how it stacks-up against the all time greats. So here’s a thread on 12 war movies you must watch.

First, the criteria for inclusion:
- The story, script and acting must hang together as a piece of theatre
- It must have an element of hope, or message, even when depicting the horrors of war
- It must entertain
- It must build on the body of work already in existence.

By the above measures, you won’t find recent films like 1917 or Dunkirk. Neither adds anything new. Both are a triumph of visual style over cinematic storytelling. They try to be immersive fairground rides, so as impressive as they are, they are not classics. Here we go.

At No. 12 is “Waterloo” from 1970 with Rod Steiger as Napoleon and Christopher Plummer as Wellington. Directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, the movie makes the list for the sheer spectacle it provides. Made in the days before CGI with ‘000s of extras, its battle scenes are epic.

At No. 11 is Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” with Russell Crowe leading a stellar cast that included Joaquin Phoenix. The beginning battle scene is exhilarating as any you’ll see. What sets it apart is the pace and build-up. “Are you not entertained?” says Crow. Yes, indeed we are.

At No. 10 is “Blackhawk Down,” another Ridley Scott masterpiece. Ewan McGregor and Eric Bana provide contrasting performances as the amateur and professional thrown into the same fight. The only modern era film to make the list, it well conveys a sense of fear and uncertainty.

At No. 9 is Stanley Kubrick’s nuclear war satire “Dr. Strangelove” with the immortal Peter Sellars in the title role, ably supported by George C. Scott. Sellars also plays two other roles. Few films manage to be hilarious and terrifying at the same time. A work of genius.

At No. 8 is “The Battle of Britain.” While it boasts a star-studded cast, it is the aerial dog fight sequences that make this film memorable. Historically accurate, it does a spectacular job of describing how close it was. Still eminently watchable despite being made in 1969.

At No. 7 is “Bridge on River Kwai.” Starring Alec Guinness in the role that established him as one of the great British actors, this Oscar-winning film is about conflicting ideologies that while seeming to clash are in fact similar. William Holden and Jack Hawkins add depth.

At No.6 is another David Lean classic, “Lawrence of Arabia.” This too stands the test of time in terms of the story, acting and action. Visually rich, the scene where Omar Sharif’s character encounters Peter O’Toole as Lawrence remains iconic. Worth every one of its 7 Oscars.

At No. 5 is “Where Eagles Dare.” Starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood, this is a classic war movie of the old school, but the first one to eschew the everlasting machine gun magazine. Pure entertainment from start to finish. Can you spot the one glaring historical error?

At No. 4 is “The Cruel Sea” stars Jack Hawkins as the Captain of a Flower Class corvette responsible for escorting Atlantic convoys. This is a film that is brilliant on so many levels. Despite being made in 1953, it retains emotion and power. Cinematic brilliance.

At Number 3 is “Das Boot.” A German film providing an opposite view of the Battle of the Atlantic, it is no less powerful or inspiring for not being British. The film set a new standard for grittiness and realism that redefined the genre. A masterpiece. (Best watched in German

At No. 2 is Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan.” It set new standards for immersive realism, but at the same time told a brilliant story through an extraordinary bunch of actors including Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. Who can forget the Normandy beach scene?

Which brings us to No. 1, and takes us back to the beginning of this thread, as it has to be the original “All Quiet on the Western Front” released in 1930. A superb cast, expertly directed, and achieving extraordinary realism, this is visual storytelling at its very best.

To round off the thread, a few honourable mentions: “The Deer Hunter,” “Apocalypse Now” and “Full Metal Jacket” - all Vietnam films, are excellent, but don’t quite make the cut. “Zulu,” “Rome - Open City,” and “The Great Escape” are also close, but no cigar.

But what else should have been included and why? And has any contemporary war movie come close to the classics that appeared shortly after WW1 and WW2? I don’t think so. But maybe I have missed something?