War films have always been a popular genre thanks to the thrilling nature of their stories and the historical aspects of the events. The 1990s saw some huge war movies that covered many different eras and varied in the scope of the stories being told.
Some of the war films from this decade received praise from critics and audiences, yet when looked back on are maybe less spectacular as we remember. Then there are those overlooked gems that never got the recognition they deserve and are worth seeking out. Here are some of the most underrated and overrated war films of the 1990s.
10 Underrated: The Thin Red Line (1998)
Terrence Malick assembled an all-star cast for his thoughtful war film The Thin Red Line. The movie examines the conflict of the Guadalcanal during World War II when American soldiers battled the Japanese army. The film is told through different perspectives to tell a tale of redemption and the pointlessness of war.
The Thin Red Line had the misfortune of coming out the same year as Saving Private Ryan. It's a quieter and philosophical approach to a war story that was drowned out by Spielberg's more mainstream film. However, it remains a beautiful and engrossing film from a master filmmaker.
9 Overrated: Braveheart (1995)
Mel Gibson directed and stars in the epic medieval war film Braveheart. Gibson plays William Wallace, a Scottish man who helps to lead his country in its rebellion against the British monarchy during the 13th Century.
There is no denying Braveheart is a fun adventure film, but that doesn't mean it deserved to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Its historical inaccuracies are too many to name and it simplifies an extremely significant event into a familiar story of revenge.
8 Underrated: A Midnight Clear (1992)
A Midnight Clear is another war film that deals more with the psychology of a soldier than the battles. The story follows a group of American soldiers during World War II. During Christmas, they become isolated from their supply line as Germans close in around them.
The film failed to make much on an impression upon its release, but it a brilliant smaller war story. The young and talented cast including Ethan Hawke and Gary Sinise help to bring real depth and emotion to this survival story.
7 Overrated: Life Is Beautiful (1997)
As last year's Jojo Rabbit proved, infusing comedy in a war film can result in a mixed response. Life is Beautiful attempts a similar tone in the story of a Jewish man who uses humor and imagination to shield his young son from the horrors of the Holocaust.
The film's unique tone certainly won over the Academy as the film won Best Picture and Best Actor. However, in subsequent years, the film doesn't hold up well as it comes off as an overly sentimental while avoiding the difficult aspects of this dark period in history.
6 Underrated: Crimson Tide (1995)
Unlike the other films on this list, Crimson Tide is not based on an actual war but still fits comfortably into the genre. Denzel Washington stars as a second-in-command aboard a submarine who begins a battle of wills with the commanding officer (Gene Hackman) when the threat of nuclear war breaks out.
The film received decent praise upon its release, but it is a much better film than it has been given credit for. The claustrophobic tension of the setting and the high stakes conflict make it compelling. But it is the performances from Washington and Hackman that make it truly great.
5 Overrated: Gettysburg (1993)
One of the most famous battles in American history is examined in the epic Civil War film Gettysburg. The film examines the Confederate and Union sides of the massive conflict that helped decide the outcome of the war.
The movie received a lot of praise from critics for its historical accuracy. But while history buffs might get a lot of joy out of the film, at over four hours long, the movie is quite a slog for most audiences. It also uncomfortably paints the Confederate army in a positive light.
4 Underrated: Courage Under Fire (1996)
Like Crimson Tide, Courage Under Fire is a modern war film also starring Denzel Washington. He stars as an Army officer dealing with a deadly mistake in combat who is tasked with investigating a female chopper pilot who is being recommended for the Medal of Honor.
Critics gave the film good reviews and made a decent amount of money but then seemed to disappear entirely. It's a shame the movie's reputation isn't stronger because it is a thrilling and clever military mystery film with another commanding performance from Washington.
3 Overrated: Legends Of The Fall (1994)
Edward Zwick, the director of Courage Under Fire, had another high-profile war film in the 90s. Legends of the Fall told the story of a family living in Montana whose life is torn apart by the outbreak of the First World War.
The movie was a big hit at the box office and is fondly remembered as an early starring role for Brad Pitt. However, aside from the epic scope of the film and Pitt's performances, the melodrama is quite hollow and not worth revisiting.
2 Underrated: The Last Of The Mohicans (1992)
Michael Mann is mostly known for his modern crime films, but he proved he can work just as effectively in a period setting with The Last of the Mohicans. The film follows three members of the dying Mohican tribe who attempt to rescue the kidnapped daughters of a British colonel during the French and Indian War.
The movie was buried under some of the grander epics of the time, but it remains a thrilling adventure movie that holds up to this day. The score and action scenes are fantastic and Daniel Day-Lewis provides a great action hero role while still bringing the intensity he is known for.
1 Overrated: The English Patient (1996)
The Oscar-winning film The English Patient was one of the most acclaimed movies of 1996. It is the epic story of a man (Ralph Fiennes) who was badly injured in a plane crash looking back at his fateful love affair during the final days of World War II.
The film won nine Oscars including Best Picture, and while it has its merits, such as the beautiful look of the film and its performances, it is a pretty dull story. Seinfeld even did an episode about how everyone seemed to be in love with the movie despite it being a bore.
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