10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to War, Inc. (2008)

Description: Both 'Three Kings' and 'War, Inc.' explore the chaotic and morally ambiguous aftermath of war, blending action with satire. While 'Three Kings' is set during the Gulf War, it shares 'War, Inc.'s' critique of the exploitation and absurdity of war, albeit with a more action-oriented approach.

Fact: The film marked a significant departure for director David O. Russell, known for his indie comedies. George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube star as soldiers who embark on a gold heist. The film uses a unique visual style, with bleached-out colors to mimic the desert setting.

Description: Similar to 'War, Inc.', 'Wag the Dog' is a satirical political comedy that critiques the manipulation of media and public perception, especially in the context of war and political scandals. Both films use humor to expose the absurdity and cynicism behind political machinations and corporate interests in warfare.

Fact: The film was released just a month before the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke, making its plot eerily prescient. Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman star as a spin doctor and a Hollywood producer, respectively, who fabricate a war to distract the public from a presidential scandal. The title comes from the phrase 'wag the dog,' meaning to divert attention from what's important.

Description: 'Syriana' shares with 'War, Inc.' a complex, multi-narrative structure that exposes the interconnectedness of politics, oil, and warfare. Both films offer a cynical view of global power dynamics and the human cost of geopolitical maneuvering.

Fact: The film is inspired by the memoirs of a former CIA operative. George Clooney gained weight and grew a beard for his role, which won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The title 'Syriana' refers to a hypothetical Middle Eastern country, symbolizing the region's geopolitical complexity.

Description: 'Lord of War' and 'War, Inc.' both delve into the dark, cynical world of arms dealing and the commodification of war. Both films feature protagonists who are deeply involved in the war industry, offering a scathing critique of the moral compromises and global consequences of their actions.

Fact: Nicolas Cage stars as an arms dealer based on real-life figures. The film's opening sequence, which follows the life of a bullet from manufacture to use, is iconic. It was shot in several countries, including South Africa and the Czech Republic, to depict various global conflicts.

Description: Both 'Thank You for Smoking' and 'War, Inc.' are satirical comedies that critique corporate greed and the manipulation of public opinion. While 'Thank You for Smoking' focuses on the tobacco industry, it shares 'War, Inc.'s' sharp wit and cynical view of American capitalism.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Christopher Buckley. It stars Aaron Eckhart as a smooth-talking tobacco lobbyist. The film's director, Jason Reitman, went on to direct 'Juno' and 'Up in the Air.'

Description: Both 'Charlie Wilson's War' and 'War, Inc.' explore the unintended consequences of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. While 'Charlie Wilson's War' is based on true events, it shares 'War, Inc.'s' satirical tone and critique of the military-industrial complex.

Fact: The film stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It is based on the true story of a congressman who played a key role in the Afghan-Soviet War. The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, known for his sharp, dialogue-driven storytelling.

Description: Like 'War, Inc.', 'Burn After Reading' is a dark comedy that satirizes the incompetence and paranoia of government agencies. Both films use humor to highlight the absurdity of bureaucratic and political systems.

Fact: The film is a Coen Brothers production, known for their unique blend of humor and violence. It features an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Frances McDormand. The title refers to the instructions given to CIA operatives to destroy sensitive documents.

Description: Like 'War, Inc.', 'In the Loop' is a sharp political satire that lampoons the incompetence and absurdity of government officials and the military-industrial complex. Both films use dark humor to critique the decision-making processes that lead to unnecessary conflicts and wars.

Fact: The film is a spin-off of the British TV series 'The Thick of It.' It features rapid-fire dialogue and improvisational humor, much like its TV counterpart. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: This film, like 'War, Inc.', uses absurdist humor to critique the military-industrial complex and the bizarre, often nonsensical strategies employed in modern warfare. Both films blend comedy with a deeper commentary on the insanity of war and the people who profit from it.

Fact: The film is loosely based on a non-fiction book by Jon Ronson. It stars George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, and Jeff Bridges as members of a secret military unit exploring paranormal activities. The title refers to the unit's alleged ability to kill goats by staring at them.

Description: 'The Big Short' and 'War, Inc.' both use satire and dark humor to expose systemic corruption and greed. While 'The Big Short' focuses on the financial crisis, it shares 'War, Inc.'s' critique of powerful institutions and their impact on ordinary people.

Fact: The film is based on the non-fiction book by Michael Lewis. It features a star-studded cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling. The film breaks the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts to the audience.