Sofia De Vera combines a heartfelt passion for cinema with over 15 years of critiquing for esteemed film publications, wielding academic credentials from the University of Southern California and New York University, to serve as your personal guide through the enchanting worlds of film and television. Her full guest bio can be found here.
As a country with a longstanding tradition in the art of strategy and combat, the history of Australia has inspired many tales of war and, consequently, Australian war movies. Myths and legends of mighty characters have been written in ink, drawn in pencil, or shot in a film.
Australian war movies have a unique perspective on conflicts throughout history, from World War I to modern-day conflicts in Afghanistan.
These films tell the stories of the men and women who have served their country, highlighting the sacrifices made and the impact of war on the lives of those involved. With powerful performances and gripping storylines, Australian war movies have earned a reputation for their authenticity and emotional depth.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Australian war movies ever made, each offering a poignant and thought-provoking look at the human cost of conflict. From action-packed epics to intimate character studies, these films capture the courage, heartbreak, and resilience of those who have fought for their country.
The war films set in Australia exhibit a profound interplay between their narratives and the evocative settings, providing viewers with an immersive glimpse of this iconic country through the discerning eyes of the directors. These films masterfully weave together the essence of the Australian backdrop with the intricate stories of their main protagonists, yielding an enriched cinematic experience. In our pursuit to honor the art of cinematic travel, we have meticulously curated a collection of exceptional war films, encompassing Russian war movies, Iraqi War movies, and Indian war movies. By delving into these diverse cinematic portrayals, we gain a deeper understanding of past and present conflicts, the individuals involved, and the profoundly human aspects intrinsic to the ravages of war.
Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or elsewhere.
You can get one month free of Amazon Prime (or a 6-month trial for students) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.
Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions. Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best.
While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.
Page Contents
The Odd Angry Shot (1979)
The Odd Angry Shot is a classic Australian war film directed by Tom Jeffrey. Tom Jeffrey was an Australian film and television director known for several popular films such as The Last of the Knucklemen, The Odd Angry Shot, and The Journalist.
The film is set during the Vietnam War and follows the story of a group of Australian soldiers serving in Vietnam. The film focuses on the everyday lives of soldiers and their experiences in the war, rather than glorifying the combat itself. The soldiers are portrayed as ordinary men doing a job, and the film highlights their camaraderie and the bond that develops between them.
The Odd Angry Shot also offers a unique perspective on the Vietnam War, as it tells the story from the point of view of Australian soldiers rather than American soldiers. It is set from 1966 to 1967, when the Australian Army’s 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, was deployed to Vietnam. The film is an honest portrayal of the Australian soldiers’ experiences during the Vietnam War and offers a unique perspective on the conflict.
If you enjoy war movies, you should watch The Odd Angry Shot. The film offers a realistic portrayal of soldiers in a warzone, focusing on their daily lives and the relationships they form with each other. The film’s gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war will appeal to those who enjoy war movies that don’t shy away from the realities of combat.
Breaker Morant (1980)
Directed by Bruce Beresford, Breaker Morant is an Australian war drama film that explores the historical events surrounding the court-martial of three Australian soldiers during the Second Boer War. Beresford is an acclaimed director who has received several nominations and awards, including an Academy Award for Best Director for Driving Miss Daisy.
The film’s plot revolves around the trial of three Australian lieutenants, Harry Breaker Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton, who were accused of killing Boer prisoners and a German missionary during the Second Boer War in South Africa. The story is based on real-life events in 1902, and it shows how the Australian soldiers were betrayed by their commanding officers who sought to protect the British Empire’s reputation.
The film is set against the backdrop of the Second Boer War, fought between the British Empire and two Boer states in South Africa from 1899 to 1902. The war was marked by brutal tactics employed by both sides, including the use of concentration camps and scorched earth policies. The film highlights the tension and mistrust between the British and Australian soldiers who fought together against the Boers.
Breaker Morant features powerful performances by the cast, including Edward Woodward as Breaker Morant, Bryan Brown as Peter Handcock, and Lewis Fitz-Gerald as George Witton. Overall, Breaker Morant is an excellent film that is both engaging and informative, making it a valuable addition to any war movie enthusiast’s collection.
Gallipoli (1981)
Gallipoli is a powerful war drama directed by the Australian filmmaker Peter Weir. Weir is a highly respected and acclaimed director with an impressive career spanning over four decades. He is known for his ability to create visually stunning and emotionally engaging films that explore complex themes.
The plot of Gallipoli is based on the historical event of the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I, which took place in 1915 in the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. The film follows the journey of two young Australian men, Archy Hamilton (played by Mark Lee) and Frank Dunne (played by Mel Gibson), who enlist in the army and are sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign.
As they make their way through the training and preparation for the battle, they develop a strong bond and a sense of camaraderie with their fellow soldiers. However, when they finally reach the battlefield, they are confronted with the harsh realities of war and face a devastating defeat.
Gallipoli is a must-watch for war movie enthusiasts. It is a deeply moving film that portrays the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers in the service of their country. The performances by the lead actors are exceptional, particularly Mel Gibson, who delivers a poignant portrayal of Frank Dunne, a young man who is forced to confront his mortality and the futility of war.
The film is an excellent reminder of the bravery and resilience of soldiers in the face of adversity, and it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the ANZACs.
Attack Force Z (1982)
Attack Force Z is a war film directed by Tim Burstall. Burstall was an Australian filmmaker known for his contributions to the Australian film industry. He began his career in the 1960s and directed several successful films, including Stork, Alvin Purple, and Petersen.
The movie is set in the South Pacific during World War II and follows a group of commandos tasked with rescuing a group of stranded American soldiers from a Japanese-occupied island. The group is led by Captain Paul Kelly, played by Mel Gibson in one of his early roles, and includes Lieutenant Jan Veitch, played by Sam Neill. The team is supported by a native guide, Lieutenant Jampal, played by John Philip Law.
The movie’s plot is based on the real-life Z Special Unit, a special forces unit of the Allied forces during World War II. The Z Special Unit was responsible for conducting reconnaissance and sabotage missions behind enemy lines in the South Pacific. In the movie, the unit is tasked with rescuing a group of American soldiers who have been stranded on an island and are being held captive by the Japanese.
Attack Force Z is worth watching if you’re interested in war movies. The movie offers a gripping portrayal of the harsh realities of war, with intense action sequences and a compelling storyline. The film also features an impressive cast, with Mel Gibson and Sam Neill delivering strong performances. Attack Force Z is a thrilling and engaging war movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Lighthorsemen (1987)
The Lighthorsemen is a war movie directed by Simon Wincer, an Australian filmmaker who has directed several notable movies and television shows. Wincer began his career in the late 1970s, and he has since directed numerous films and TV shows, including Free Willy, The Young Black Stallion, and Lonesome Dove, which earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Director.
The movie is set in 1917 during World War I and is based on the true events of the Battle of Beersheba, a significant military engagement fought in Palestine. The plot follows a group of Australian Light Horse soldiers preparing for battle against the Turkish army, who have fortified themselves in Beersheba. The soldiers, led by Lieutenant Frank Dunne (Simon Baker) and Sergeant Harry (Jon Blake), must cross miles of desert and overcome significant obstacles to reach the town and launch a surprise attack on the enemy.
The Battle of Beersheba was a significant turning point in the Palestine campaign of World War I. It was the last successful cavalry charge in modern warfare and is often referred to as the last great cavalry charge. The victory was achieved due to the bravery and skill of the Australian Light Horsemen, who managed to capture the town and gain control of the vital water wells.
The Lighthorsemen is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys movies based on true events. It’s a powerful and moving film that honors the bravery and sacrifice of the Australian Light Horsemen and their contribution to the war effort.
The Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989)
The Siege of Firebase Gloria is a war film directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, an Australian director who has worked on various action and horror movies throughout his career. He is known for his ability to create visually stunning movies with fast-paced action sequences.
The film’s plot takes place during the Vietnam War and follows a group of American soldiers stationed at Firebase Gloria. When the base is suddenly attacked by a large force of Viet Cong soldiers, the soldiers must work together to defend the base and survive the siege.
The movie is based on the true events of the Battle of Firebase Gloria, which took place in 1968 during the Vietnam War. The battle was a crucial moment in the war, as the American soldiers were heavily outnumbered and outgunned. Despite this, they were able to hold off the Viet Cong forces and prevent them from taking over the base.
If you enjoy war movies, The Siege of Firebase Gloria is definitely worth watching. The film is filled with intense action sequences, dramatic moments, and strong performances from the cast. It provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges soldiers face during wartime and highlights the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve their country.
Additionally, the fact that the film is based on a true story makes it even more compelling. The Siege of Firebase Gloria is a must-see for fans of war movies and anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War.
Kokoda (2006)
Kokoda is an Australian war film directed by Alister Grierson. Grierson is an Australian filmmaker who started his career in the 1990s, making short films and documentaries. He is best known for his work on Kokoda and the cave-diving thriller Sanctum (2011).
Kokoda is set during World War II and tells the story of a group of Australian soldiers sent to Papua New Guinea to hold off the Japanese advance on Port Moresby. The film follows the soldiers as they struggle to survive in the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the Kokoda Track, a treacherous mountainous path that connects the north and south coasts of Papua New Guinea.
The film is based on the real-life Battle of Kokoda, a significant event in Australian military history. In 1942, Japanese forces landed on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea, intending to capture Port Moresby, the capital of the Australian Territory of Papua. A small group of Australian soldiers, supported by local Papuan troops, were tasked with holding off the Japanese advance. The Battle of Kokoda was a brutal and grueling conflict that lasted for months and took a heavy toll on both sides.
Kokoda is a powerful and moving film that tells the story of a significant event in Australian military history. Grierson’s direction, combined with strong performances from the cast, make it a must-watch for fans of war movies. If you enjoy intense, character-driven dramas that explore the human experience of war, Kokoda is definitely worth your time.
Australia (2008)
Australia is an epic war drama film directed by Baz Luhrmann. Luhrmann is an Australian film director, screenwriter, and producer who has made several critically acclaimed movies throughout his career. He first gained international recognition with his 1992 debut film, Strictly Ballroom, and went on to direct successful films like Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and The Great Gatsby.
The movie Australia is set in northern Australia during World War II and tells the story of an English aristocrat named Lady Sarah Ashley (played by Nicole Kidman) who travels to Australia to sell a cattle ranch.
When she arrives, she meets a rough-and-tumble cattle driver named Drover (played by Hugh Jackman), and together they embark on a perilous journey to drive a herd of cattle across hundreds of miles of harsh terrain. Along the way, they encounter several challenges, including a Japanese bombing of Darwin and the forcible removal of mixed-race Aboriginal children from their families.
The movie is based on the real-life events that took place in Australia during World War II. During the war, northern Australia was under the threat of invasion from Japan, and the government was focused on protecting the country’s borders. As part of this effort, they forcibly removed mixed-race Aboriginal children from their families and placed them in government-run institutions, where they were often mistreated and abused.
While it is not a traditional war movie, Australia offers a unique perspective on the events of World War II and the impact of the war on the people of Australia. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally resonant movie that offers a fresh take on the war movie genre.
Beneath Hill 60 (2010)
Beneath Hill 60 is an Australian war film directed by Jeremy Sims, director of Gallipoli. The movie is based on the true story of Australian miners during World War I, who were tasked with digging a tunnel under Hill 60 in the Ypres Salient in Belgium, a strategically important German stronghold.
The film follows the journey of Oliver Woodward, played by Brendan Cowell, an Australian mining engineer tasked with leading the operation. The film’s plot revolves around the challenges Woodward and his team faced as they attempted to dig the tunnel while avoiding detection by the Germans. The story is based on real events that took place during the war and provides insight into the life of the miners who were instrumental in the success of the war effort.
The historical event that the film is based on is the Battle of Messines, which took place in June 1917. The battle was a significant turning point in the war, as it resulted in the capture of several German positions and helped to break the stalemate on the Western Front.
Beneath Hill 60 is a must-watch for fans of war movies, particularly those interested in World War I. The film provides a unique perspective on the war and highlights the contribution made by Australian miners who played a significant role in the success of the war effort. The movie features stunning visuals and a gripping storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
An Accidental Soldier (2013)
An Accidental Soldier was directed by Rachel Ward, an Australian actress-turned-director. Ward began her career as an actress and later transitioned into directing, making her directorial debut in 2009 with the film Beautiful Kate.
The plot of the movie An Accidental Soldier follows the story of an Australian soldier named Harry Lambert, who deserts his unit during World War I and is forced to flee into the countryside. He finds refuge with a French woman named Colombe, who takes him in and hides him from the authorities.
As they spend time together, a bond forms between them, and they begin to fall in love. However, their happiness is short-lived as Harry’s past catches up with him, and he must face the consequences of his actions.
The film is based on the real-life events of the Battle of Fromelles, fought on July 19, 1916, and was the first major battle involving Australian forces on the Western Front during World War I. The battle was a disaster for the Australian and British forces, with over 5,500 casualties in just 24 hours. Many soldiers became lost or disoriented during the fighting; some were later charged with desertion and faced court-martial.
An Accidental Soldier is a fictionalized account of these events, with the character of Harry Lambert representing the experiences of the many soldiers who became lost or separated from their units during the battle. The character of Colombe is also fictional, but her role as a French civilian helping a lost Australian soldier reflects the real-life experiences of many French civilians who provided aid to Allied soldiers during the war.
The film offers a unique perspective on World War I, focusing on the experiences of a single soldier rather than large-scale battles. The romance between Harry and Colombe adds an emotional depth to the story, making it more than just a straightforward war film. An Accidental Soldier is a well-made and engaging film that will appeal to fans of historical dramas and war movies alike.
The Water Diviner (2014)
The Water Diviner is a film directed by Russell Crowe, known for his work as an actor in films such as Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind. This movie marks his directorial debut, and he also stars in the lead role.
The movie is set in 1919, four years after the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I, and follows the story of an Australian farmer named Joshua Connor (played by Russell Crowe) who travels to Turkey to search for his three missing sons who were lost in battle during the campaign. Along the way, he meets various people who help him in his search, including a Turkish officer (played by Yılmaz Erdoğan) and a hotel owner (played by Olga Kurylenko).
The Water Diviner is a poignant and well-crafted film that captures the devastation of war and its impact on families. The movie has a good balance of action and drama, and Russell Crowe delivers a powerful performance as a father trying to come to terms with his loss.
The film also has stunning visuals, particularly in its depiction of the Turkish landscape and architecture. The Water Diviner is a moving and insightful film that will leave you thinking long after it’s over.