Top 10 War Documentaries to Watch

Description: This documentary features former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara reflecting on his role in major historical events, including WWII and Vietnam. It's a profound examination of the complexities of war from the perspective of a key decision-maker.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: This film intertwines the combat experiences of a Marine in Afghanistan with his struggle to adjust to civilian life after being wounded. It's a poignant exploration of the physical and emotional scars of war.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: Although not strictly about military conflict, this film examines the aftermath of genocide in Indonesia, where former death squad leaders reenact their killings. It's a chilling look at the psychological effects of violence and the normalization of brutality.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: Errol Morris interviews former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, exploring his role in the Iraq War and his philosophy on war and decision-making. It's a deep dive into the mind of a key political figure during a controversial period.

Fact: The title is a play on Rumsfeld's famous quote about "known knowns" and "unknown unknowns."

Description: This documentary focuses on war correspondents, capturing their bravery and the risks they take to report from the front lines. It provides insight into the life of journalists who document war, often at great personal risk.

Fact: The film includes interviews with renowned war correspondents like Christiane Amanpour.

Description: This documentary follows James Nachtwey, one of the world's most renowned war photographers, as he captures the human cost of conflict. It's a testament to the power of photography in documenting war's impact.

Fact: The film was directed by Christian Frei and won several awards, including the Grand Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This film follows a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley, one of the most dangerous places on Earth. It's a raw, unfiltered look at the daily life and combat experiences of the soldiers, showcasing the emotional and physical toll of war.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington, with Hetherington tragically losing his life in Libya while covering another conflict.

Description: This documentary investigates the death of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who joined the Army and was killed in Afghanistan. It delves into the cover-up of his death by friendly fire and the family's quest for truth.

Fact: The film was directed by Amir Bar-Lev, who also directed "Happy Valley," another documentary about a controversial figure in sports.

Description: A Danish documentary that follows a platoon of soldiers in Afghanistan, capturing their daily routines, combat, and the moral dilemmas they face. It's a stark portrayal of modern warfare and its effects on young soldiers.

Fact: The film sparked controversy in Denmark for its depiction of soldiers' behavior, leading to debates about the ethics of war reporting.

Description: Soldiers from the National Guard in Iraq were given video cameras to record their experiences. The result is an intimate and often disturbing look at the war from the soldiers' perspective, highlighting the psychological impact of combat.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use this unique approach of giving cameras to soldiers to document their own experiences.