The Best R-Rated War Movies

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List of R-Rated war movies, ranked from best to worst with movie trailers when available. This list takes the best R-Rated war movies and pits them against each other to see once and for all what the greatest R-Rated War movie of all time is. This list of popular R-Rated war movies includes information like who directed the film, when it was released and which actors starred in the movie. If you think the top R-Rated War movie isn't as high as it should be then be sure to vote it up so it can take its rightful place among the other great R-Rated War films on this list. If you're trying to find a specific R-Rated War film you can search this list and filter to find what you're looking for.

Examples of movies on this list: Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List and many more.

If you're trying to find out "What are the best R-Rated war movies?" and "What are the most famous R-Rated war movies?" then this list is the perfect resource for you.

Use this list if you're looking for some new war movies that are rated R. Between Netflix, Hulu and other services there are thousands of great war movies rated R, so get out there and start watching.

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Did you know that Clint Eastwood and Angelina Jolie have both directed War R movies?

Most divisive: Mongol
Ranked by
  • Braveheart
    1
    Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan
    78 votes
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Mel Gibson

    This epic war film provides a gripping portrayal of the Scottish warrior William Wallace, a nobleman who led his country in the fight against English forces during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, the movie captures the brutality of warfare and the resilience of a man determined to see his people free. With its sweeping landscapes and a resolute cast of characters, it remains an enduring testament to the power of courage, love, and sacrifice.

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  • 1917
    2
    George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong
    76 votes
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Sam Mendes

    This immersive, technically astonishing film is set during WWI and follows two young British soldiers tasked with delivering a life-saving message through enemy territory. Directed by Sam Mendes and shot to appear as a single continuous take, the movie plunges viewers into the harrowing experiences of the protagonists, creating an intense emotional connection and a heightened sense of urgency. With its innovative storytelling and stunning visuals, it serves as a haunting reminder of both war's relentless horrors and the individual acts of bravery that can make a difference.

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  • Black Hawk Down
    3
    Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore
    67 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Ridley Scott

    Based on true events, this intense war drama chronicles the 1993 US military raid in Mogadishu, Somalia, which spiraled into a deadly 15-hour firefight when two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film immerses viewers into the chaos and confusion of urban battle, while humanizing the soldiers who fought to survive and protect one another. Its gritty realism and unrelenting tension have earned it a lasting reputation as a powerful depiction of modern warfare.

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  • Das Boot
    4
    Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Uwe Ochsenknecht
    50 votes
    • Released: 1982
    • Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen

    Centered around a German U-boat crew during WWII, this gripping drama explores the psychological and physical tensions of life aboard a cramped submarine. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the film masterfully builds suspense and claustrophobia, showcasing the struggle between duty and survival in the face of overwhelming odds. Its nuanced portrayal of the crew members, as well as its technical accuracy, make it a standout example of the submarine war movie genre.

  • Full Metal Jacket
    5
    Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio
    62 votes
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

    Stanley Kubrick's unsettling exploration of the Vietnam War is divided into two distinct sections, following the brutal transformation of U.S. Marine recruits during boot camp and then shifting to the surreal horrors of combat in Vietnam. The film's unflinching depiction of war's dehumanizing effects, combined with its dark humor and striking visuals, offer a unique perspective on the military experience that has continued to resonate with audiences since its release. Its memorably chilling performances, particularly R. Lee Ermey as the drill instructor, have made it a lasting classic.

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  • Apocalypse Now
    6
    Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall
    51 votes
    • Released: 1979
    • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

    Inspired by Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, this hallucinatory war epic delves into the darkest recesses of the human soul through the eyes of Captain Willard, played by Martin Sheen, as he undertakes a covert mission to assassinate a rogue colonel deep in the Cambodian jungle during the Vietnam War. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film's surreal atmosphere and visceral imagery create an unforgettable descent into madness and moral ambiguity. Its existential themes and powerful performances, notably by Marlon Brando as the enigmatic Colonel Kurtz, have solidified its status as a masterpiece of modern cinema.

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