Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 war film directed by Steven Spielberg that follows a group of U.S. soldiers during the Normandy invasion of World War II. The film is known for its realistic and immersive depiction of war, as well as its nonlinear narrative that intercuts between the present and the past. Like 1917, the film focuses on a specific mission and the personal stakes of the soldiers involved.
Dunkirk is a 2017 war film directed by Christopher Nolan that portrays the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, during World War II. The film uses a non-linear structure that divides the story into three perspectives: land, sea, and air. Like 1917, the film creates a sense of urgency and suspense, and uses minimal dialogue and a continuous score.
Apocalypse Now is a 1979 war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola that follows a U.S. Army captain who is sent on a secret mission to assassinate a renegade colonel during the Vietnam War. The film is based on Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness, and explores the themes of madness, morality, and the horrors of war. Like 1917, the film has a journey-like structure that takes the protagonist through various challenges and encounters, and features stunning cinematography and sound design.
The Thin Red Line is a 1998 war film directed by Terrence Malick that depicts the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. The film is based on James Jones' novel of the same name, and features a large ensemble cast of characters who narrate their thoughts and experiences. Like 1917, the film contrasts the beauty of nature and the brutality of war, and uses poetic and philosophical dialogue and voice-over.
Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick that follows a group of U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. The film is divided into two parts: the first depicts the harsh training of the recruits at the Parris Island boot camp, and the second shows their involvement in the Tet Offensive. Like 1917, the film examines the psychological effects of war and the dehumanization of the soldiers.