War cinema is not the easiest genre for the mass public to perceive. However, a considerable number of viewers still love films based on real events that reflect the harsh realities of war. This is confirmed by theatrical receipts: military films are also among the highest-grossing films in history. 
And here are the Top 5 films about the war that collected the most money at the global box office without taking into account inflation (figures taken from the Box Office Mojo website).
“1917” (2019) – $384,983,987 
Sam Mendes's war drama takes place during the First World War. At the center of the film are two young soldiers, just boys. They must cross the front lines to deliver an important message that could save thousands of lives.
In addition to impressive box office receipts, 1917 has received excellent reviews from audiences and critics, as well as three Oscar awards (for cinematography, sound and visual effects).
Pearl Harbor (2001) – $449,220,945 
Michael Bay's war action drama focuses on two young and courageous pilot friends and the beautiful nurse they both love. One Sunday morning in December 1941, their peaceful lives, like the lives of thousands of others, are shattered when Japanese aircraft suddenly attack the US naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
“Pearl Harbor,” with its impressive special effects during the filming of battle scenes and a very personal story of friendship and love at the center of a global military conflict, captivated audiences (but critics crushed the film).
Saving Private Ryan (1998) – $482,349,603 
Steven Spielberg's war drama follows Captain John Miller's mission during World War II to lead an eight-man squad behind enemy lines in search of Private James Ryan. James' three brothers died in battle, and the command decided to demobilize Ryan and return him home to his mother.
Saving Private Ryan depicts one of the largest battles of World War II: the opening sequence of the film reenacts the Allied invasion during D-Day in Normandy. But in Spielberg's creation it is not only the large-scale combat that is impressive, but also the story about the value of human life. The film received acclaim from audiences and the press, and won five Oscars (including the award for Best Director).
Dunkirk (2017) – $527,016,307 
Christopher Nolan's war action drama takes viewers back to 1940, when, after the German offensive on France, Allied troops - more than 300 thousand soldiers - found themselves trapped on the beach at Dunkirk, surrounded on one side by the sea and on the other by enemy forces.
“Dunkirk” was the first war project in Nolan’s career, and many were interested in how he would show himself in such an unusual genre for his filmography. The director's work was liked by audiences and professional reviewers and, in addition, received three Oscars in technical categories.
“Sniper” (2014) – $547,426,372 
Clint Eastwood's military action drama tells the story of the war in Iraq, shown through the eyes of sniper Chris Kyle, the record holder for the number of enemy soldiers killed. He shoots with great accuracy and becomes a legend. However, after returning home to his family after four deployments, Chris finds that he cannot leave the war behind.
“Sniper” received positive reviews from viewers and critics, and was also awarded an Oscar for best sound editing.
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