7 Underrated Steven Spielberg War Movies You Should See

Mei Lin

6 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

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1. 1941 (1979): A Hilarious, Underrated War Comedy

Unexpected Humor Amidst War

While not typically associated with Spielberg's name, 1941 offers a surprisingly comedic take on the anxieties surrounding World War II on the US West Coast. This satirical war comedy subverts many typical war movie tropes, opting instead for slapstick humor and over-the-top characters.

• Satirical Elements: The film satirizes the fear and paranoia gripping the American public during the early days of the war, presenting a wildly exaggerated version of events.
• Comedic Performances: A stellar cast delivers memorable comedic performances, ensuring that the humor lands effectively, even amidst the backdrop of potential wartime chaos.
• Subverting Tropes: 1941 avoids the usual grimness associated with war films, choosing instead to find humor in the absurdity of the situation. This unexpected approach makes it a unique entry in Spielberg's filmography and in the genre as a whole. Keywords: 1941, Steven Spielberg comedy, WWII comedy, underrated Spielberg films.

2. Always (1989): A Touching Story of Sacrifice and Remembrance

A War's Impact on Personal Relationships

Always is a poignant exploration of the emotional scars left by war, focusing on the lasting effects of conflict on personal relationships. This isn't your typical aviation war movie; it's a romantic drama with a war backdrop.

• Loss and Memory: The film delicately portrays themes of loss, memory, and the enduring power of love, even in the face of tragedy. The emotional weight of the story resonates long after the credits roll.
• Unique Perspective: Unlike many war films that focus on the battlefield, Always shifts its focus to the aftermath of war and the enduring impact on those left behind. It's a nuanced and surprisingly intimate look at the human cost of conflict. Keywords: Always, Steven Spielberg romance, war drama, emotional war movie, aviation war movie

3. Empire of the Sun (1987): A Powerful Coming-of-Age Story Set Against the backdrop of WWII

A Child's Perspective of War

Empire of the Sun offers a unique and heartbreaking perspective on World War II through the eyes of a young boy, Jim, who is imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp.

• Survival and Resilience: The film powerfully depicts Jim's journey of survival, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the face of unimaginable hardship.
• Loss of Innocence: The experience strips Jim of his innocence, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of war and human cruelty. This coming-of-age story is unlike any other war film.
• Christian Bale's Performance: Christian Bale delivers a breakthrough performance as Jim, capturing the character's vulnerability and inner strength. Keywords: Empire of the Sun, Steven Spielberg WWII, POW camp movie, coming-of-age war drama, child soldier

4. War of the Worlds (2005): A Modern Take on Classic Sci-Fi

War as an Alien Invasion

Spielberg's War of the Worlds utilizes the framework of an alien invasion to explore universal themes of family, survival, and the human condition under immense pressure. This is not just a sci-fi action film, but a powerful family drama set against a backdrop of apocalyptic chaos.

• Special Effects: The film's groundbreaking special effects create a truly immersive and terrifying alien invasion experience.
• Emotional Core: At its heart, War of the Worlds is a story about a father's desperate attempt to protect his children in the face of unimaginable danger.
• Contemporary Anxieties: Released in the aftermath of 9/11, the film taps into contemporary anxieties surrounding global threats and the fragility of safety. Keywords: War of the Worlds, Steven Spielberg Sci-Fi, alien invasion movie, family drama, post 9/11 anxieties

5. Munich (2005): A Gritty and Intense Thriller

The Moral Ambiguity of Revenge

Munich marks a departure from Spielberg's usual style, delving into the morally complex world of espionage and revenge following the Munich massacre. This is a gritty, intense thriller exploring the ethical dilemmas of pursuing justice.

• Intense Action Sequences: The film features compelling action sequences, adding a visceral element to the narrative.
• Moral Complexities: Munich avoids easy answers, forcing the audience to confront the ethical ambiguities of revenge and the devastating consequences of violence.
• Departure from Usual Style: This film showcases Spielberg's ability to tackle mature and challenging themes, moving away from his typically more optimistic approach. Keywords: Munich, Steven Spielberg thriller, political thriller, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, espionage

6. Catch-22 (Miniseries, 2019): A Darkly Comedic and Satirical Look at War

The Absurdity of War

This miniseries adaptation of Joseph Heller's classic novel masterfully captures the dark humor and satirical edge of the source material, offering a scathing critique of war's absurdity.

• Faithfulness to Source Material: The adaptation remains remarkably true to the spirit of Heller's work, capturing the novel's chaotic and often nonsensical nature.
• Performances: The stellar cast delivers captivating performances, bringing the eccentric characters to life.
• Unique Perspective: Catch-22 offers a unique and unsettling perspective on war, exposing the bureaucratic incompetence and moral bankruptcy at its core. Keywords: Catch-22, Steven Spielberg miniseries, war satire, anti-war movie, Joseph Heller

7. Bridge of Spies (2015): A Tense Cold War Thriller

Espionage and Moral Courage

Bridge of Spies offers a gripping Cold War thriller focusing on the negotiation and exchange of prisoners between the US and the Soviet Union. This is a story about diplomacy, espionage, and the moral courage to stand up for what's right.

• Historical Accuracy: The film strives for historical accuracy, capturing the tense atmosphere of the Cold War era.
• Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance: The performances of Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance are captivating, showcasing their characters' strengths and flaws.
• Suspenseful Narrative: Bridge of Spies maintains a suspenseful narrative throughout, keeping the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats. Keywords: Bridge of Spies, Steven Spielberg Cold War, historical drama, espionage thriller, Cold War negotiation

Conclusion

Beyond his iconic war epics, Steven Spielberg's filmography boasts a wealth of underrated war movies exploring diverse themes and perspectives. From comedic satires to gripping thrillers, these films offer a captivating and thought-provoking look at the human experience amidst conflict. Have you seen these underrated Steven Spielberg war movies? Which one are you most excited to watch (or rewatch)? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Dive into the rich tapestry of Steven Spielberg’s war films and expand your cinematic horizons.