War is arguably the most powerful genre in cinema. While movies are designed to entertain at a fundamental level, . Whether current or historical, films can provide education and insight into the horrors of war in ways that no other forms of media can. Movies like and profoundly impacted audiences, contextualizing war and opening a discussion on its futility.

Perhaps more so than any other genre, . Most often, these movies are , making for exceedingly intense viewing experiences. This is a selection of war movies that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, from the very first frame to the last.

Set during the Afghanistan War, and network. Combat outpost Keating, operated by a small force of American soldiers, finds itself under siege by hundreds of Taliban fighters.

is . Impeccably directed, well-acted by a cast that includes , , and , and unafraid to give viewers an up-close look at one of the bloodiest battles in the history of warfare. The Outpost may not do anything to elevate the genre, but in terms of modern war movies, this is .

In 1993, to topple the regime of a renegade warlord and provide humanitarian aid to citizens. When two American Black Hawk helicopters are shot down during the operation, a lengthy and desperate battle for survival ensues.

Director has proven himself to be one of the in the history of cinema, and while may not rank among the director's absolute best work, it's still an impressive feat of filmmaking. Clocking in at nearly two and a half hours, that . Viewers will need a moment to catch their breath after this one.

Set in a dystopian and not-too-distant future, . Seasoned war reporter Lee Smith (), along with a party of fellow journalists, looks to travel from New York City to Washington, D.C., in hopes of interviewing the president, played by . Their journey is treacherous as they navigate a country ravaged by blind hatred and seething violence.

While most war movies are based on true events, takes a different approach, offering a glimpse into a modern American Civil War that, frighteningly, . Being acclaimed production company 's most expensive venture to date, . Thematically, Civil War doesn't quite stick the landing, but it's a thrilling and often harrowing ride nonetheless.

Set in April 1945, . Don "Wardaddy" Collier () commands a Sherman tank crew, including Boyd (), Grady () and Trini (). A new arrival in the crew comes in the form of army typist Ellison (), who will soon witness firsthand the horrors of warfare as they face overwhelming odds.

could best be described as applied to it. Pitt is , and his grizzled performance as a stoic, yet far from unaffected, tank commander is a strong one. , especially an extended climax that finds the crew alone against an entire army of German soldiers. If you're looking for a sturdy and consistently thrilling war movie, Fury won't disappoint.

Another telling of the 1929 novel of the same name, as well as a cinematic update of by , All Quiet on the Western Front is every bit as powerful as its predecessor. The movie follows Paul Baumer (), a 17-year-old German student who is eager to enlist in the Imperial German Army alongside his classmates. and comes into direct contact with the horrific violence and brutality of warfare.

Almost 100 years apart from the original, Netflix's adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front is as it should be. While the production is considerably glossier and larger-scale, the narrative remains compact and focuses on the emotional damage war inflicts. All Quiet on the Western Front is , but it remains a potent cautionary tale and .

During the Iraq War, Staff Sergeant William James () is assigned to an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit following the death of the previous technician. James is incredibly good at what he does, but his unorthodox methods and general hardheadedness put him at odds with his squad mates ( and ). , and the escalating conflict does not make their job any easier.

is a complex and challenging war movie that has so much to say regarding ego, heroism and brotherhood. Naturally, given the premise, there is no shortage of intense sequences; , and the way those sequences are filmed reflects that. Director demonstrates an elegant technical proficiency that further bolsters The Hurt Locker​​​​​​'s intensity, making for .

Set on the Western Front of The Great War, . The mission is incredibly time-sensitive, with the lives of over 1600 men counting on their success. Having to traverse deep into enemy territory, the path to glory is anything but clear-cut. A story of true heroism and unabashed bravery.

On a technical level, is a war movie . , there is no shortage of jaw-dropping visuals and camera wizardry to complement a simple yet relentlessly intense narrative. but a great piece of work all around, 1917 is one of modern cinema's most inventive and visually arresting war movies.

During the height of the Vietnam War, U.S. Army Captain Willard () is given top-secret orders to locate and eliminate a Green Beret, Colonel Kurtz (), who has gone AWOL deep in the Cambodian jungle. , witnessing firsthand the atrocities of warfare.

, has withstood the test of time and remains just as challenging, harrowing and fervent as it was upon release over 45 years ago. Apocalypse Now is a daunting and surreal epic . It's a movie that demands to be seen, especially by those who aren't keen on war films; Apocalypse Now transcends genre and will leave you reeling by the time the credits roll.

4000 British and French soldiers are trapped in the port town of Dunkirk, France in 1940, awaiting evacuation as an overwhelming German force advances on them. : a pair of fighter pilots, a group of soldiers stuck on the beach, and a civilian vessel on its way to assist in the evacuation.

Director has established himself as one of the most technically capable filmmakers in cinema history, and is among his most well-realized creative undertakings. Everything from the pulse-pounding score to the unconventional narrative structure and crisp cinematography makes Dunkirk a war movie that's . Adding to the intensity is the .

Captain John Miller () is ordered to assemble a unit and go behind enemy lines to retrieve Private James Ryan (). The dangerous journey is made all the more treacherous when friction occurs between the members of the unit. .

Saving Private Ryan is a timeless and surprisingly accurate war epic that places extreme emphasis on immersing the viewer in the brutal and bloody conflict that was WWII. Saving Private Ryan opens with the beach invasion of Normandy, one of the war's most costly and devastating battles. The scene is particularly harrowing, as it should be, as director Steven Spielberg spares no details when it comes to making this sequence as true to life as possible, and the rest of the movie is just as well realized. Saving Private Ryan is a fantastically composed movie that is haunting and visceral, while also showcasing powerful acts of courage and bravery.

NEXT: The Best War Movie From Every Decade Since the 1930s