Tom Hanks Hails This 98%-Rated Gem as the Best War Movie Ever: "An Incredible Motion Picture"

When we think of movies about World War II, we immediately imagine massive battle scenes, trench warfare, and heroic assaults.

However, according to Tom Hanks, the greatest film about that war doesn't show a single battle.

Tom Hanks Says 'The Best Years of Our Lives' Is the Best War Movie Ever Made

In an interview with Letterboxd, when asked to name his four favorite movies of all time, Hanks chose William Wyler's The Best Years of Our Lives, emphasizing that he considers it the greatest film in its genre:

“[The Best Years of Our Lives] has absolutely nothing about World War II in it, except it's all about World War II because it takes place after the war. I think that is the best film about the war and the generation who fought it.

You could watch that today, and outside of the fashions and a bit of the colloquial language, it's all about who we are right now. I think that's an incredible motion picture.”

What Is 'The Best Years of Our Lives' About?

It tells the poignant story of three American army officers who return from war to their families. Instead of parades and honors, they face a harsh reality that has changed in their absence.

Al returns to a family that has become almost strangers to him during his absence: his wife and grown children. He tries to make up for lost time and regain their love and trust.

Fred finds that his wife has become independent and appears to have hardly missed him. Faced with financial difficulties and employers' reluctance to hire him, he is despondent.

Homer returned from the war a hero but paid a terrible price: he lost both his arms. He is now met by his girlfriend, who dreamed of their wedding. However, his serious injury proves to be a terrible test of their feelings.

'The Best Years of Our Lives' Is a Poignant Story About People Dealing With the Aftermath of War

William Wyler's movie is not notable for its depiction of the horrors of war, but rather for its subtle and profound exploration of the psychological wounds it leaves behind. It's a story about the struggle to live a normal life after returning from war.

With incredible honesty and humanity, The Best Years of Our Lives depicts the alienation, financial hardship, and emotional trauma faced by veterans, as well as the complexities of rehabilitation.

The Best Years of Our Lives won seven Oscars and was hailed by critics as a masterpiece.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Best Years of Our Lives'?

• The Best Years of Our Lives has 98% from critics and 93% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 8.1/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Best Years of Our Lives is scored 4.2/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Best Years of Our Lives'?

The Best Years of Our Lives is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.