Greatest Movies About the American Civil War – Military Connection’s Top Ten List

contributed by Melissa Lucas, senior staff writer

With roots in the ideological, political, and economic discord surrounding the legality of slavery, The Civil War is one of the most studied and written about wars in American History. The complexity of the conflict lends itself to a variety of stories from a variety of wartime perspectives, which is why there are so many good military movies based on the American Civil War. As we continue with our series featuring the greatest war movies of each Era, here are Military Connection’s top ten movies about the American Civil War, as well as a few runners up.

1. Gone with the Wind (1939)

One of the most popular movies about the American Civil War, Gone with the Wind definitely takes liberties in depicting the state of the South just before and during the War, reflecting interpretations which were common in the early 20th century. The film follows one family through the war and post-war reconstruction eras, examining Southern life in the mid 19th century and the effects of the Civil War on southern culture. At 4 hours long, this is another film of epic length, but a classic worth watching at least once.

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2. Red Badge of Courage (1951)

Unique for a military movie of its time, The Red Badge of Courage portrays – not glory on the battlefield – but the internal struggle of a young Union Private. Henry Fleming, unprepared for what he experiences during his first battle, flees from the battlefield and escapes into a nearby forest. Throughout the course of the film, Henry comes across other Union soldiers in various states of disarray, panic, and injury – forcing him to come to terms with the shame of his cowardice and desertion. This classic war movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in the psychology of war as much as the bloody battle scenes themselves.

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3. Horse Soldiers (1959)

Another film made in the mid-20th century, this one focuses on the glories and romance of war, with a little bit of humor thrown in for good measure. Featuring John Wayne as a Union Colonel sent to destroy a railroad and supply depot behind Confederate lines, Horse Soldiers is loosely based on the story of Grierson’s Raid and the Battle of Newton’s Station during the Civil War. Military movies often displease history buffs because of the liberties taken in the storyline, and Horse Soldiers is no different. Even so, the film was well received by the American public and continues to be a favorite today.

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4. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)

More of a Western than a military film – The Good the Bad and the Ugly is not a Civil War movie based on a true story, rather it serves as a commentary about the state of humanity during wartime. Director Sergio Leone works to dispel the convenient belief that only those on the losing side of a conflict cruelly mistreat their prisoners of war, and that all on the winning side are “good guys.” The film has gained critical acclaim and today is viewed as one of the best “Spaghetti Westerns” ever made.

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5. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Presenting the guerrilla violence often left unmentioned by modern novels and movies of the American Civil War, the Outlaw Josey Wales tells the story of a Missouri farmer driven to revenge after his family is murdered by Union Militiamen. Clint Eastwood both directed and acted in this film which was well received upon its release and continues to be a beloved revisionist Western today.

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6. Glory (1989)

Talk about an all-star cast! Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman star as members of the first African American regiment in the Civil War, with Matthew Broderick portraying commanding officer Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. While most characters are fictional, the true story of the all-volunteer infantry valiantly executing what was essentially a suicide mission at Fort Wagner, has been etched into the minds of Americans for generations. Glory won five Academy Awards, including an Oscar for Denzel Washington as best supporting actor, so it’s no wonder you’ll find it at the top of most critics’ lists of favorite civil war movies.

via IMDB.com

7. Gettysburg (1993)

Easily earning its place on our list of great Civil War movies, this epic film is an adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the Killer Angels, which depicts the battle of Gettysburg in painstaking, often graphic detail. The ensemble cast includes Jeff Daniels as Joshua Chamberlain, Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee, Tom Berenger as James Longstreet, and many more. At 4 hours and 14 minutes long, settling in to watch Gettysburg is certainly a commitment, but the filmmakers’ reverence for one of the most important battles our Nation has seen, as well as its commitment to historical accuracy makes it well worth the time.

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8. Cold Mountain (2003)

So many good Civil War movies that take place in the south depict the experience from the perspective of wealthy plantation owners. Cold Mountain takes a different approach, which is what sets it apart. Set in Rural North Carolina, illustrating the struggles of those sent to fight in a war, and for a cause, that was not their own, this film is pleasantly different from other Civil War era movies.

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9. Gods and Generals (2003)

Jeff Daniels returns as Joshua Chamberlain and Stephen Lang takes on a new role as Stonewall Jackson in this prequal to Gettysburg. Gods and Generals follows the story of Jackson from the beginning of the Civil War until his death in 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville. Although not the box office hit expected, the film has been complimented by film critics and historians alike due to the excellent acting and historical accuracy, making it worth the long run time that seems to be common among American Civil War movies on our list.

via IMDB.com

10. Lincoln (2012)

You won’t see much in the way of battle scenes in this Civil War film, but Steven Spielberg rises to the challenge of accurately portraying the trials and tribulations of our Nation’s 16th President as he attempts to secure approval of the 13th amendment. Lincoln has been proclaimed one of the best modern movies about the Civil War, and it’s no wonder Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy award for his portrayal of Former President Lincoln.