Top 25 British War Films – Think Defence

We could argue all day about the definition of a British War Film and what the best means but for this entirely unscientific list, the definition of a British War Film is one that is largely British in character. They may have been directed by non-British directors, have non-British actors and may even have been…

We could argue all day about the definition of a British War Film and what the best means but for this entirely unscientific list, the definition of a British War Film is one that is largely British in character. They may have been directed by non-British directors, have non-British actors and may even have been made in Hollywood or elsewhere, but they retain that element of Britishness that we all understand. So no Das Boot, Saving Private Ryan, Apocalypse Now or other such great films.

The judging criteria does not include historical accuracy, whether the correct buttons and rank insignia were worn, or whether the film is a ‘visceral and worthy portrayal of the realities of war’ or some other such artsy bollocks, instead, it is simply enjoyability for a wet Sunday afternoon in. So, it is not a list for the film buff, historian or the yoghurt weaving wheatgrass smoothy types for them to bemoan the inhumanity and pointlessness of of war.

Most of these have a back story that is as good as, if not better, that the film.

In reverse order, the Top 25 British War Films;

via www.thinkdefence.co.uk

One of my very first posts was a Top 10 War Movies post.

Agree or disagree with this list, there are some fantastic films on it.

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Responses to “Top 25 British War Films – Think Defence”

  1. Krag

    Great list. One of my lucky possessions is a VHS copy of “The Final Option” aka “Who Dares Wins”. Found it on clearance when a movie rental place was going out of business. Love that movie. I didn’t think anybody else even knew about it, let alone thought it was great.
    The good ole days when the SAS used full auto and encouraged one whole mag per bad guy!
    Good soundtrack too.

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  2. Hmmm

    WTF? How come Sink the Bismark and Battle of the River Plate aren’t on there? (I have a particular soft spot for those because my British grandpa always let me stay up past bedtime to watch them.)

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  3. SCOTTtheBADGER

    I have seen about half of them.

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  4. ultimaratioregis

    The Cockleshell Heroes. Trevor Howard. Jose Ferrer. Anthony Newley. Even Christopher Lee makes an appearance.
    But yes, some damned good viewing there.

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  5. dhmosquito

    I’ve got a DVD copy of “Guns at Batasi”. Attenborough should have won an Academy Award for his role as an RSM in that flick. Also, check out “The Hill”; Sidney Lumet directed and did a damn good job. I’m a fan of Harry Andrews, who also was in another great one with actual aircraft flying scenes, “633 Squadron”. One could probably guess why I like it based on my handle. cheers chuck

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  6. Krag

    I just watched “Kajaki” aka “Kilo Two Bravo” – its on netflix – outstanding film.
    Should be required viewing for young NCOs as it drives home two important lessons – no matter how bad it is, it can always get worse, and always keep thinking. It does a fantastic job of showing the approach of panic and inaction, and how good men with nothing at hand but iron fortitude push past it. Simply outstanding.

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  7. Bill

    Where Eagles Dare is better than Breaker Morant? Please. The top 10 are defensible for the most part. However, Who Dares Wins is over valued by them. It should be below others on the list.

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