7 OF THE BEST CIVIL WAR MOVIES TO STREAM NOW
One of the cool things about Civil War movies is that they come in all different forms. You’ll explore similar themes, of course, but our nation’s deadliest conflict was complex. As a result, many of the films show a diverse story centered on the same event. From more modern flicks to classic films we all know and love, in no particular order, here are seven of the best Civil War movies you can stream anywhere your connection and device cooperate.
1. The Red Badge of Courage
One of the most iconic Civil War movies of all time, The Red Badge of Courage is a timeless tale of redemption and growth.
After Union Soldier Henry Fleming, a fictional character, leaves the Civil War due to fear, he would keep up a charade that he faced an injury rather than admit to being a coward.
Played by Audie Murphy, who fought in World War II, Fleming learns that an attack from the Confederacy is imminent and decides to redeem himself while defending his country.
It’s a shame we’ve never gotten to see the original version by John Huston as it was edited down to its current playtime, still, the film continues to inspire all these decades later.
Where to Watch: You can rent this film from Apple TV, Prime Video, and other streaming services.
2. Gone With the Wind
It’s almost not even a debate that Gone With the Wind tops the list of most famous movies about the Civil War.
The 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell comes to life with legendary performances by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara, Clark Gable as Rhett Butler, and Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes.
Reconstruction is coming to the South, there are romantic themes, and plenty of drama found in the film.
Is this a perfect portrayal of the real effects of slavery? No. Is it a product of its time? Partially. But it’s also a classic piece of cinema that can be approached correctly and appreciated in the modern era.
Where to Watch: Max, Hulu, Prime Video, and YouTube TV
3. Lincoln
One of the more political Civil War movies you’ll find, the biopic about the President at the center of the conflict is in full force thanks to the excellent efforts of Steven Spielberg and the leading actor, Daniel Day-Lewis.
This is an exploration of how Lincoln was able to get things done, a closer look at how our government works, and the effects of the title character’s presidency on the Civil War.
Beyond Day-Lewis, the cast is strong, featuring Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Tommy Lee Jones.
Where to Watch: Both Apple TV and Prime Video offer rentals.
4. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
American Civil War movies and Westerns have plenty of overlap but nobody does it better than The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
Another classic piece of American cinema, anyone is allowed to have an opinion but many believe this to be the best work from Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood.
Following “The Man with No Name,” a town is reeling from a variety of Civil War-related incidents, there is money to be found, and the cinematography would set the stage for films still seen today.
A nation is desperate after being torn apart by war and change is inevitable in an epic tale that stands the test of time.
Where to Watch: Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV offer free screenings, with other major streaming services providing rentals.
5. Gettysburg
Good Civil War movies often come with screen times that are longer than some genres, but Gettysburg—clocking in at a whopping 4 hours 31 minutes—is going to take some time by any measure.
Nevertheless, the Civil War drama is all about the epic Battle of Gettysburg where key historical figures, Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union Colonel Joshua Chamberlain are portrayed by Hollywood royalty Martin Sheen and Jeff Daniels as they collide.
This is going to take you into the minds of the men who called the shots as well as directly to the frontlines where all the action is.
The good news is that this epic Civil War action movie can be paused at home. Take as many bathroom breaks and snack runs as you need!
Where to Watch: You can rent it on Apple TV and Prime Video.
6. Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter One
This Kevin Costner project is likely going to be the most controversial movie on the list because you’re either going to love it or hate it.
Not only is it going to ask you to give up three hours of your time but it’s a bit of a complex experience offering the views of multiple cultures as people expand into the West during the Civil War.
Don’t expect the battles found in other Civil War movies to be the focal point here but the ties to the conflict and coinciding history make this western worth your time.
Where to Watch: Max, Hulu, YouTube TV, Apple TV, Prime Video
7. Glory
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment became the first Black volunteer force in the history of the United States.
Unfortunately, these Soldiers would endure the lingering effects of slavery, racism, inequality in pay, and the dilemma of doing one’s duty even when faced with such unfair treatment.
Glory follows Col. Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, coming off of the Battle of Antietam, and tasked with leading the regiment.
Cary Elwes, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman are all a part of this magnificent cast where the group goes through being an afterthought to the horrors of war and looks to emerge into glory through it all in one of the more thought providing Civil War movies out there.
Where to Watch: Both Prime Video and Apple TV have the film available to rent.
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