All 7 Clint Eastwood-Directed War Movies Ranked from Worst to Best

Clint Eastwood, a Hollywood legend known for his gritty Westerns and intense dramas, has also tackled the war genre with a keen eye for human conflict and moral complexity. Over his decades-long career, he’s directed seven war films, each bringing his signature minimalist style and focus on character-driven storytelling. These movies span different eras and perspectives, from World War II to modern conflicts, showcasing Eastwood’s versatility behind the camera.

Below, I’ve ranked all seven of Clint Eastwood’s war movies as a director, from the least impactful to the most compelling, based on their storytelling, emotional depth, and critical reception. Each entry explores what works, what doesn’t, and why these films resonate (or don’t) with audiences. Let’s dive into the battlefields of Eastwood’s war filmography.

7. Firefox (1982)

Eastwood directs and stars as Mitchell Gant, a Vietnam War pilot sent to steal a high-tech Soviet jet during the Cold War. The film’s premise—a high-stakes heist with sci-fi flair—had potential, but it falls flat with uneven pacing and clunky dialogue.

The aerial sequences, with innovative effects by John Dykstra, are a highlight, but the predictable plot and lack of tension make it feel formulaic. Critics gave it mixed reviews (38% on Rotten Tomatoes), and it’s Eastwood’s weakest war effort, missing his usual emotional punch.

6. Heartbreak Ridge (1986)

Eastwood plays Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway, a grizzled Marine training a ragtag platoon before they’re thrust into the 1983 Grenada invasion. This action-comedy leans on Eastwood’s tough-guy persona, with some memorable one-liners.

The film’s mix of humor and combat feels uneven, and the lighthearted tone undercuts the war stakes. It’s entertaining but lacks depth, earning a 68% Rotten Tomatoes score. It’s a fun ride for fans of 80s action, but not among Eastwood’s best.

5. Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

This World War II drama follows the American soldiers who raised the flag at Iwo Jima, focusing on the aftermath of the iconic photo. Ryan Phillippe and Jesse Bradford lead, with Eastwood directing a somber reflection on war’s myths.

While the battle scenes are gripping, the nonlinear storytelling and focus on post-war PR struggles can feel disjointed. It earned a 76% Rotten Tomatoes rating but was overshadowed by its companion film. Still, it’s a respectful tribute to real-life heroes.

4. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Eastwood directs and stars as Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer turned Confederate outlaw seeking revenge after Union soldiers kill his family during the Civil War. It’s a Western-war hybrid with a raw, emotional core.

The film’s gritty action and nuanced take on vengeance, paired with a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score, make it a standout. Its exploration of personal loss and moral ambiguity elevates it above typical war films, though it’s more Western than strict war movie.

3. Gran Torino (2008)

Eastwood directs and stars as Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran confronting gang violence and his own prejudices in a changing Detroit neighborhood. It’s less about combat and more about the war’s lasting scars.

The film’s emotional depth, with Walt’s redemption through his bond with a Hmong teen, earns it a 81% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Eastwood’s raw performance and the story’s mix of humor and heart make it a powerful, personal war tale.

2. American Sniper (2014)

Bradley Cooper stars as Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle in this intense biopic about the Iraq War, directed by Eastwood. It dives into Kyle’s precision on the battlefield and his struggles with PTSD at home.

The film’s visceral action and Cooper’s gripping performance earned a 72% Rotten Tomatoes score and an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Its raw look at war’s toll and moral weight makes it a modern classic, though some debate its portrayal of Kyle.

1. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

This companion to Flags of Our Fathers tells the Battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective, with Ken Watanabe as General Kuribayashi. Eastwood’s bold choice to focus on the “enemy” delivers a compassionate, humanizing story.

The film’s stark visuals, emotional depth, and tight narrative earned a 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Its unflinching look at sacrifice and honor makes it Eastwood’s finest war film, a masterpiece of empathy and craft.

Which of Eastwood’s war movies is your favorite, or do you think another deserves a spot on this list? Drop your thoughts in the comments!