10 Best Naval War Films You Need To See

Here's one that many of you will be familiar with. Christopher Nolan has always held an impeccable approach to practical production and 2017's Dunkirk represents his biggest production yet.

Set in the early days of World War II with the allied forces trapped at the titular town, it's up to British command to lay plans for evacuation as the German Blitzkrieg closes in on their weary forces. What we get is a film in three stages; the first following the soldiers on foot, the second the civilian ships who set sail to rescue them and finally the Royal Air Force who provided a limited but necessary air cover.

The characters may not be nearly as developed as in other films on the list, but Dunkirk remains a masterwork. The channel that separates the British troops from salvation is a crucial component and obstacle that each story revolves around.

The fighter pilots in the Spitfires only have a certain amount of time in flight before they risk crashing in the sea for example. It becomes especially deadly when a UK destroyer is hit by a torpedo, plunging many of the troops into a watery grave. It's less of a naval combat movie and more one of rescue - a film made tense by its ticking clock.