Movies

6 Brilliant, Lesser-Known War Movies You Have To Check Out on Hulu 

6 Brilliant, Lesser-Known War Movies You Have To Check Out on Hulu 
Image credit: Legion-Media, Prime Video, Super LTD, Roadside Attractions, Picturehouse

For those who binged Saving Private Ryan far too many times.

The competition between all the major streaming platforms is getting fiercer every day as they all try to add more shows and movies to their libraries to attract viewers. And of course, it's not just romances or thrillers: all genres need to be covered for different audiences.

Over the past few years, Hulu has become one of the most successful platforms out there, offering its users the best series and movies to stream. Fans of every genre can find something to their liking.

Hulu also has a huge collection of war movies, which is important because the movies of this genre are always in demand. Here are 6 perfect war flicks for those who want to dive deeper and find new gems.

1. Retrograde (2022)

A hard-hitting documentary about a horrific time toward the end of the 20-year war in Afghanistan. The film focuses on all nine months of this outrageous deadly war. The documentary gives viewers a look at the events from the perspective of the US Green Berets.

There's also a deep portrayal of the relationship that was built between the US officers and the Afghan army. Towards the end of the war, it seems that none of them were willing to continue the fight as the country was already ruined. There are also the terrifying stories of local people, realizing their lives would never be the same.

2. The Last Full Measure (2020)

Directed by Todd Robinson, the film features many A-list actors including Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan and Ed Harris. The 2020 movie tells the story of William Pitsenbarger, a pararescue doctor who worked relentlessly during the Vietnam War.

Although he was a true hero and saved countless lives, his bravery went unrecognized for many years. The film focuses on the fact that even after the heroic action has taken place, the man should at least be honored with a medal, no matter how hard it would be to give him one.

3. Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020)

The movie we are about to tell you about is a lot different from what you think of as a typical war movie. At the center of this film is a young woman named Aida, who was a UN translator in the small Bosnian town of Srebrenica in the 90s.

Jasmila Žbanić gives a brilliant performance as Aida, portraying a woman who has to make a crucial choice to help her family survive when the town is taken over by the Serbian army.

The movie gives us a look at a person who is lost and has to choose from her own safety, the lives of her close ones and humanity in general. It gave the viewers a lot to think about, no wonder Quo Vadis, Aida? was nominated for Oscars.

“I thought it was an absolutely superb film. It's not easy viewing and the story is haunting. It's a very personal account of a tragedy, through the eyes of a mother and translator. It is a very well-contained film. The vast majority of it takes place in one day and the filmmaker does a brilliant job in building tension throughout the film,” Redditor SkyBinsBlitz said.

4. Moffie (2019)

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The movie is set in South Africa in 1981, at a time when men were required to spend two years in the army. At the center of the film is the story of a young boy named Nicholas van der Swart and his tough life during the Angolan War. He had a hard life just because his sexuality was different, and he was bullied a lot, even though he wanted to stay out of trouble.

What the film highlights are the problems of everyday racism and homophobia, which become even harder when they take place in the military.

5. Hell Hath No Fury (2021)

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The dark and gritty movie is set during World War II and focuses on the harsh life soldiers faced at the time. The film centers on the true story of a young French woman, Marie DuJardin.

She was betrayed by her men and rescued by American soldiers only to lead them to a hidden treasure that Nazis buried somewhere. The movie is not a high-budget blockbuster, but it still manages to leave a lasting impression on anybody who watches it.

6. Official Secrets (2019)

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The film centers on the true story of a British informant who leaked information to the press about an illegal NSA spying operation designed to pressure the UN Security Council into authorizing the invasion of Iraq.

The film is set during 2003 and follows British intelligence officer Katharine Gun and her heroic act to stop the Iraq War. The role of the brilliant officer was played by Keira Knightley and you will be really satisfied to see her playing a part of a powerful female lead. The viewers were taken away with the powerful storytelling.

“I think it's important that the world doesn't forget the thoroughly illegal and deceptive underpinnings of the Anglo-American case for the Iraq invasion, and this film does an excellent job dramatizing a particular aspect,” Redditor Docimus said.