7 Gritty War Movies to Watch for Free in December 2023
Rambo is great. But it's not exactly an authentic war movie.
In the aftermath of WWII, there was a tendency to glamourise war movies. These days, viewers want something grittier.
Here are 7 gritty war films you can watch for free this month:
7. Pathfinders: In the company of Strangers (2011)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 10%
Watch Free On: Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Roku
As the Allies begin to turn the tide of WWII, an elite group of US paratroopers is sent to track down a group of Nazis hiding in the Harz Mountains. This film is based on the true story of a covert operation that was kept secret for more than 70 years.
It's free to watch, but has received many negative reviews. Critics and viewers alike say it lacks character development and is poorly written.
6. Enemy Lines (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 40%
Watch Free On: Freevee, Plex, Tubi, Vudu
A modern take on the old-fashioned wartime rescue movie. In this film, British and US forces go behind enemy lines to rescue a Polish scientist from the Nazis. If you like a film with a twist, you may be disappointed. But it's a solid film, like a comfortable shirt.
Most negative reviews focus on inaccuracies, but there are some who complain about the dialogue and action.
5. Saints & Soldiers: The Void (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 45%
Watch Free On: Plex, Tubi, Peacock, Crackle, PopcornFlix, Roku
A US tank regiment in Germany is ordered to move out. But their commanding officer, Sgt. Jesse Owens, has a hard time getting his crew to follow orders, simply because he's black and they're mostly white.
It works as a stand-alone film, but is the third in the Saints & Soldiers series. It tackles the issue of racism, but some critics have said that it's a bit wet on the subject.
4. William Kelly's War (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%
Watch Free On: Plex, Tubi, Freevee, Pluto TV, Roku
William Kelly is an expert marksman from Australia. When World War I breaks out in Europe, he's sent to lead a sniper unit. News of his skill in battle soon spreads and he becomes something of a legend. Meanwhile, back home, his family's livelihood is threatened.
The film is said to be based on a true story, although this remains unconfirmed. For a low-budget film, it's pretty good. But compared to epics like Dunkirk, this film is put in its place.
3. The Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69%
Watch Free On: Tubi, Apple TV ( with a free trial)
Set during the Vietnam War, a patrol of US Marines stops at Firebase Gloria at the start of the Tet Offensive and takes control because the commanding officer is a drug addict. When the firebase is attacked, they must dig in and fight for their lives.
It hasn't received much critical acclaim, but there are plenty of viewers who say it is a good war film, despite a few clichés.
2. Saint & Soldiers (2003)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
Watch Free On: Plex, Tubi, Crackle, PopcornFlix, Roku
A group of Allied soldiers in Belgium are ambushed by Nazis. Those who survive the attack hide in the nearby woods, where they come across a stranded British intelligence officer called Oberon.
Oberon is in possession of time-sensitive information that is crucial to the Allies. The group have many conflicts but work together to try and get Oberon back to safety so that his information can be put to good use.
It's the first film in the Saints and Soldiers series and is widely regarded as the best.
1. Max Manus: Man of War (2008)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Watch Free On: Tubi, Plex, Freevee, Crackle, PopcornFlix
The true story of a Norwegian WWII freedom fighter. After serving against the Soviet forces, Max Manus returns home to find his country under Nazi occupation.
It's tense, exciting and expertly made. Critics seem to agree that this is an important story, well told, with many outstanding performances.