Top 15 Civil War Movies on Netflix That Are Available in 2025

When it comes to finding engaging Civil War movies on Netflix, we’ve got a selection that will captivate both history enthusiasts and movie lovers. Beasts of No Nation is considered one of the top Civil War movies available in 2024. Its intense narrative and compelling characters offer a deep dive into the struggles of war.

We explore how the impact of the Nigerian Civil War is portrayed in films. Movies like Da 5 Bloods not only reflect on historical events but also weave in narratives of personal journeys and resilience during conflicts.

Our list highlights various movies that focus on different aspects of civil wars, from the American Civil War to conflicts in Africa. This provides diverse storytelling that helps us understand complex histories. Catch these films while they are still streaming, as they are both educational and entertaining. They are easily accessible and offer a range of perspectives within familiar settings.

Top 15 Civil War Movies on Netflix

Civil War movies often capture the drama and conflict of a pivotal time in history. These films on Netflix showcase battles, personal struggles, and the impact on society. Here, we explore some of the most notable titles that bring this era to life.

15. Shenandoah (1965)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%

Shenandoah tells the story of a Virginia farmer, Charlie Anderson, who wants to keep his family safe from the Civil War. He values independence and resists involvement, focusing instead on his farm and family. However, the war inevitably affects them when his youngest son is captured. This movie highlights the challenges of staying neutral and the unavoidable impact of war on civilians.

14. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, this classic Western follows three gunslingers on a quest for buried treasure. With shifting alliances and a harsh landscape, the film blends action with wartime elements. The war serves as a chaotic backdrop, adding tension and stakes to their personal ambitions and conflicts.

13. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%

After his family is murdered by Union soldiers, Josey Wales seeks revenge. The film follows his journey as he becomes an outlaw, meeting various companions along the way. It explores themes of survival, justice, and the devastation of war. Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Wales captures the grit and determination of those deeply affected by conflict.

12. Glory (1989)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

Glory focuses on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African-American units in the Civil War. Led by Colonel Robert Shaw, the film details their formation, training, and significant battles. It highlights the struggle for equality and recognition, offering a powerful depiction of bravery and sacrifice in the face of prejudice.

11. Gettysburg (1993)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81%

Based on the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, this film delves into the strategies, leadership, and personal stories on both sides. The detailed reenactments showcase the battle’s brutality and significance in turning the tide of the war. Through human stories and tactical decisions, it portrays the complexity and scale of this critical conflict.

10. Andersonville (1996)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 80%

Andersonville explores life in one of the Confederacy’s most notorious prison camps. The movie showcases the harsh conditions and resilience of Union soldiers held captive. It provides insight into the lesser-known aspects of war, focusing on the prisoners’ struggle for survival and the impact of extreme adversity on men’s spirit and resolve.

9. Ride with the Devil (1999)

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 64%

This film follows a group of Southern guerrillas during the Civil War. Their fights take place in Missouri, far from the main battles. The story focuses on friendships and loyalties tested by conflict. Through its characters, it examines the experience of individuals in war’s lesser-known arenas and the personal dimensions of loyalty and honor.

8. Gods and Generals (2003)

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8%

Gods and Generals serves as a prequel to Gettysburg, exploring the early years of the Civil War. It highlights the lives of key figures like Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The film covers several important battles, providing insight into the strategies and personal beliefs that shaped the war’s progression and the leadership styles influencing outcomes.

7. Cold Mountain (2003)

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 70%

Inman, a Confederate soldier, deserts the army to reunite with his love, Ada, in Cold Mountain. The film illustrates his treacherous journey through a war-torn landscape, juxtaposed with Ada’s struggles on the home front. It explores themes of love, longing, and the desire for normalcy amidst the chaos of conflict and devastation.

6. Lincoln (2012)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%

Lincoln focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment. The film captures his political skill and dedication to ending slavery. By highlighting the final months of his life, it sheds light on the complexities of leadership during war. The film portrays Lincoln’s moral and political struggles with clarity and depth.

5. The Keeping Room (2015)

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 75%

This film takes a unique perspective on the Civil War, focusing on women left to fend for themselves as the conflict nears its end. With Union soldiers approaching, the women must protect their home and each other. The Keeping Room highlights resilience and survival, offering a stark view of the war’s broad impact on society.

4. The Hateful Eight (2015)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 74%

Set shortly after the Civil War, this Quentin Tarantino film centers on a group of strangers trapped in a cabin during a blizzard. The story intricately explores themes of revenge, justice, and trust. The war’s recent end serves as a backdrop, influencing characters’ motivations and revealing lingering tensions and brutality in post-war America.

3. The Free State of Jones (2016)

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 48%

The Free State of Jones follows a Confederate deserter who leads a rebellion against the Confederate army in Mississippi. The film explores themes of class struggle and race, challenging traditional narratives of loyalty. It provides a nuanced look at internal conflicts within the Confederacy and highlights the complexity of social and political issues during the war.

2. The Beguiled (2017)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%

In The Beguiled, a wounded Union soldier finds refuge in a Southern girls’ school. His presence disrupts the delicate social dynamics, leading to tension and mistrust. The film delves into themes of power, attraction, and isolation, offering a unique perspective on the war’s impact on individual lives and the underlying societal roles.

1. Little Women (2019)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

Set in the Civil War era, Little Women tells the story of the March sisters. While not focusing on battles, the film captures the influence of the war on their family life. Through their experiences, it highlights themes of personal growth, sacrifice, and resilience. The backdrop of war underscores their challenges and aspirations in a changing world.

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