There is, quite honestly, no war movie that has ever impacted me the way this animated film impacted me. This foreign language film directed by Isao Takahata is an absolutely heartbreaking tale of a boy and his young sister's efforts to survive in Japan during World War II. I have been known to cry even thinking about this film. It is the best animated film I've ever seen and, quite likely, the best film on the subject of war ever produced.

"Patton"

There have not been too many performances in a war film that can rival George C. Scott's Oscar-winning role in this "Best Picture" winning film. Scott exudes courage and is simply mesmerizing here.

"Schindler's List"

Many would argue that "Schindler's List" doesn't qualify as a true "war film." I wholeheartedly disagree. While the film is not centered on combat, it is centered deeply within one of the core elements of World War II. "Schindler's List" rests comfortably at #1 on my best films of all-time, and while I won't necessarily call it a "favorite" film it remains one of those films that I feel truly transcends film. Every aspect of this film is complete and utter perfection.

"The Great Escape"

This 1963 film with Steve McQueen surrounded by an all-star cast is directed by John Sturges. Yet another World War II film, "The Great Escape" remains suspenseful, exciting and powerful over 40 years after its release.

"The Battle of Algiers"

This 1966 film is particularly powerful for those who oppose current actions in Iraq by the United States. Detailing graphically the Algerian opposition to French occupation in the mid-60's, "The Battle of Algiers" is a black & white film from Italy that was nominated for a Best Foreign Language film Oscar. Quite often, American war films can be "rah rah" affairs..."The Battle of Algiers" is a balanced, disturbing film that was once banned in France.

"Lawrence of Arabia"

I ask you "How the heck has O'Toole not won an Oscar?" I am appalled, absolutely appalled, that O'Toole remains without an Oscar to this day. "Lawrence of Arabia" is another non-traditional war film that doesn't necessarily focus itself on battle but the politics behind the battles. "Lawrence of Arabia" is a film that begs to be seen on the big screen, an opportunity I recently enjoyed. Only on the big screen can the magnificent artistic vision of director David Lean truly come to life.

"Paths of Glory"

This 1957 film directed by Stanley Kubrick began his overt anti-war statements in film. This film joins with "Dr. Strangelove" and "Full Metal Jacket" on any list of truly great war films. The film captured a BAFTA for "Best Film," but was somehow shut out of the Oscars. Kirk Douglas gives a stand-out performance, and the entire ensemble is magnificent.

"Das Boot"

Long before Wolfgang Peterson became the director of one of history's worst box-office bombs, he directed one of history's most haunting and chilling war films. With "Das Boot," Peterson creates a haunting film aboard a German U-Boat during World War II. As the Captain, Jurgen Prochnow is astounding, frightening, powerful and hypnotic (Sadly, he too is now reduced to Uwe Boll films it seems).

"The General"

Buster Keaton's funny and moving silent film "The General" is second only to "City Lights" among silent films. The film is actually based upon a true incident during the Civil War, and Keaton gives his finest performance as a funny, yet heroic young man.

"The Bridge on the River Kwai"

I admit it. This is mostly a sentimental favorite. I watched this film regularly with my parents when I was in my teens, and the performances by William Holden and Alec Guiness are simply incredible. I'm not sure if this is the first war film I ever saw, but it's the first one I truly remember.

Honorable Mention

• "The Thin Red Line"
• "M*A*S*H"
• "Saving Private Ryan"
• "Birdy"
• "Apocalypse Now"
• "Blackhawk Down"
• "Stripes"

So, what do you think? What'd I leave out? Do you agree? Disagree? Feel free to drop me an e-mail and give me your own ideas!