10 Best Naval War Films You Need To See

Wrapping up the list is another classic, an epic war film that still holds up decades after its release. Tora! Tora! Tora! will turn fifty next month and as far as portrayals go, it was one of the best of its time.

Beginning with the United States imposing an embargo on Japan in the early days of the Second World War, the film depicts the real history right up to the surprise attack on December 7th, 1941. It explores both sides of the conflict with both American and Japanese sequences that both blend together well.

But the film is best known for its brilliant action; done entirely within camera, Tora! Tora! Tora! offered a masterwork of sequences that allowed any WW2 history buff to immerse themselves in the day that would live in infamy. It's a vivid collection of combat on both the air and sea, seamlessly cutting between the two sides.

It took time for Tora! Tora! Tora! to earn recognition, but once it did, the film was able to achieve lasting popularity. If you want a production that represents the assault on Pearl Harbour capably, then take my advice; avoid Michael Bay's Pearl Harbour and put on Tora! Tora! Tora! instead.

Were there any naval war films we missed? Drop some of them in the comments below.