Top War Movies Ranked by a Retired General: Leadership, Sacrifice, and Realism on Screen

Retired Lt. General Mark Hertling and Sonny Bunch recently teamed up to dissect the greatest war movies of all time. Their discussion spans classics like Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, Gettysburg, and Patton—but this isn’t just a list of favorites.

Hertling, drawing on four decades of military experience, explores what these films reveal about leadership, combat, strategy, sacrifice, and the real human cost of war. Which movies got it right? What does Hollywood still miss? And why do stories about combat continue to resonate today?

Why These War Movies Stand Out

Hertling’s insights go beyond entertainment. He examines how these films portray:

• Leadership: How commanders make critical decisions under pressure.
• Combat: The chaos, fear, and camaraderie of battle.
• Strategy: The planning and execution of military operations.
• Sacrifice: The personal and collective toll of war.
• Human Cost: The emotional and psychological impact on soldiers and civilians.

Movies That Got War Right

According to Hertling, some films capture the essence of war more accurately than others. Here are a few standouts:

• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Praised for its realistic portrayal of D-Day, Hertling highlights its depiction of small-unit tactics and the emotional weight of sacrifice.
• Black Hawk Down (2001): Hertling commends its gritty, on-the-ground perspective of urban combat in Mogadishu.
• Gettysburg (1993): A masterclass in historical accuracy, this film offers deep insights into Civil War strategy and leadership.
• Patton (1970): Hertling notes its powerful portrayal of a bold and controversial commander, warts and all.

What Hollywood Still Misses

Despite their strengths, Hertling points out where war movies fall short:

• Over-Glamorization: Many films sanitize the brutality of war, downplaying its horrors.
• Lack of Nuance: Few movies explore the moral complexities faced by soldiers in combat.
• Underrepresentation of Logistics: The behind-the-scenes work—supply lines, intelligence, planning—is often overlooked.

Why War Movies Still Matter

Hertling argues that these films serve a vital purpose:

"Stories about combat remind us of the courage and sacrifice of those who serve. They also help civilians understand the realities of war—what it costs, who pays the price, and why it matters."

For veterans, these movies can be a form of catharsis. For civilians, they offer a window into a world few will ever experience firsthand. And for future leaders, they provide lessons in strategy, decision-making, and humanity.

Where to Watch and Discuss

Interested in diving deeper? Hertling and Bunch’s full discussion is available through Bulwark Live, with upcoming events in San Diego and Los Angeles in May. Tickets and more information can be found here.

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