10 essential World War 1 films to watch
World War I was one of the first major conflicts captured on film, and despite the limitations of early cinema, filmmakers worked tirelessly to depict its horrors, heroism, and lasting impact.
From silent epics to groundbreaking sound productions, these films played a crucial role in shaping how audiences remembered the war.
Movies about the Great War remain essential viewing, not only for their historical value but also for their emotional power. They preserve the memories of a generation that endured immense sacrifice and remind modern audiences of war’s devastating consequences.
These films help us understand the complexities of World War I beyond textbooks, capturing the personal stories of soldiers, families, and nations caught in the conflict.
With these public domain World War I films, we gain a deeper appreciation for both the history they depict and the pioneering filmmakers. Click on the title to watch.
10. Inside the Lines (1930)
Synopsis: In the tense days leading up to World War I, a British intelligence officer and a suspected spy engage in a high-stakes game of deception and romance inside a Gibraltar hotel.
Reason to Watch: This film delivers a gripping blend of espionage, suspense, and intrigue, offering a rare glimpse into the pre-war spy games that shaped history.
Watch: Inside the Lines.
9. Two Arabian Knights (1927)*
Synopsis: Two American soldiers escape a German prison camp and embark on a comedic adventure across the Middle East.
Reason to Watch: This Oscar-winning gem blends war, action, and comedy in a wildly entertaining and visually inventive silent film.
8. Four Sons (1928)*
Synopsis: A Bavarian mother’s life is shattered when her four sons are drafted into World War I, with only one surviving.
Reason to Watch: John Ford’s masterful direction infuses this silent drama with heart-wrenching emotion and poignant storytelling.
7. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921)*
Synopsis: A wealthy Argentinian family is torn apart as members fight on opposite sides of World War I.
Reason to Watch: This film made Rudolph Valentino a star and remains a visually stunning, deeply moving anti-war epic.
6. The Black Watch (1929)
Synopsis: A British officer must go undercover in India during World War I to prevent an uprising against the British Empire.
Reason to Watch: A fascinating early sound film blending military adventure with exotic espionage, featuring striking visuals and grand scale.
Watch: The Black Watch.
5. Half Shot at Sunrise (1930)
Synopsis: Two AWOL American soldiers bumble through Paris, getting into trouble with the military and romance alike.
Reason to Watch: This screwball war comedy is a riotous showcase of vaudeville legends Wheeler and Woolsey at their best.
Watch: Half Shot at Sunrise.
4. British Intelligence (1940)
Synopsis: A cunning British spy and a seductive German agent engage in a deadly game of deception during World War I.
Reason to Watch: Boris Karloff’s magnetic performance elevates this espionage thriller packed with intrigue and unexpected twists.
Watch: British Intelligence.
3. A Farewell to Arms (1932)
Synopsis: A soldier and a nurse fall deeply in love during World War I, but fate and war conspire to keep them apart.
Reason to Watch: With raw emotion and haunting cinematography, this adaptation of Hemingway’s novel is a tragic, passionate masterpiece.
Watch: A Farewell to Arms.
2. Wings (1927)
Synopsis: Two rival friends become fighter pilots in World War I, navigating love, heroism, and sacrifice in the skies.
Reason to Watch: As the first-ever Best Picture Oscar winner, its thrilling aerial combat scenes remain breathtaking even today.
Watch: Wings.
1. The Big Parade (1925)
Synopsis: A wealthy young man enlists in World War I and experiences both the camaraderie and horror of battle, forever changing his life.
Reason to Watch: This silent epic set the standard for war films with its powerful mix of romance, humour, and harrowing realism.
Watch: The Big Parade.
Entering the public domain in January 2026: The Dawn Patrol; All Quiet on the Western Front and Hell’s Angels.