Top 10 Fictional Movie Wars

After a slew of classic toy lines and cartoons, the Transformers finally made it to the big screen in 2007. And what a feud they brought with them! When the evil Decepticons attempt to turn Earth’s machines into a new breed of Transformer, mankind finds itself in the crossfire. The Autobots must side with their newfound human allies in a war across multiple sequels where there’s more than meets the eye.

For some, it is a terrifying question: Just what would happen if aliens invaded our planet? “Independence Day” answered that in the most terrifying, big-budget way possible. When extraterrestrial invaders destroy many major cities, a group of survivors plan an assault to protect what remains of the planet’s population. Featuring ‘90s superstars Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, this one’s the epitome of classic summer warfare between man and invader.

Widely feared as the ultimate Dark Wizard, Lord Voldemort’s return signaled the start of a bloody and brutal climax to the “Harry Potter” series. A sadistic maniac with a deep hatred for non-magical people, Voldemort sets off to violently wipe out any such Muggles. As the Chosen One, Harry Potter is the only wizard with a chance of defeating him, and he must engage in a destined conflict as Hogwarts erupts into utter chaos.

Released in the midst of Reagan-era nuclear paranoia, “Red Dawn” examined very real concerns of an imminent World War III. Exploring an alternate America where Russians stage an attempted strike, young teens collaborate in an attempt to quash the invasion. Referring to themselves as Wolverines, the kids use their limited available weaponry in an adrenaline-packed collision with the foreign enemy. A fantastical take on reality, this war is one of film’s most unusual.

We’ve seen plenty of alien attacks from the sky, but from the bottom of the sea? That’s a new one! When gigantic, monstrous beasts known as Kaijus burst from a Pacific Ocean portal, militaries race to respond. The result is a lengthy anti-Kaiju war fought using Jaegers, giant mech robots piloted by pairs of soldiers. Filled with massive explosions and touching emotion, “Pacific Rim”’s war is a unique take on the giant monster tradition.

The typical household pest became a major interstellar threat with the release of the satirical cult classic “Starship Troopers.” Set in a far future where humans roam space as part of a militaristic Federation, a major hindrance exists in the form of towering alien “Bugs.” The bloodthirsty creatures launch an asteroid and use an intelligent leader to conduct a war against man that can’t be won with a simple can of Raid!

Beneath its green tint and revolutionary bullet time effects, “The Matrix” series featured its own memorable war. In a dark future, machines have usurped human control and kept people unknowingly trapped in the Matrix, a simulation of past society. But war must rage when a group of rebels, led by hacker Morpheus and aided by The One Neo, rises up and attempts to fight off the threatening machine army in a stunning mix of gun-fu and virtual terrorism.

There have been many since, but “The Terminator” featured the first true machine rebellion. On Judgment Day in 1997, defense network Skynet becomes self-aware and turns against humanity. Activating nuclear weapons, it initiates a war that decimates most of the world’s population. Resistance leader John Connor takes charge in an attempt to destroy Skynet and its Terminator army, in a futuristic war that stretches the sands of time.

With the War of the Ring, “The Lord of the Rings” films set the new standard for fantasy warfare. At stake is the One Ring, an unbelievably potent ring that grants the owner limitless dark powers. Hobbit Frodo Baggins fights alongside the Fellowship on a journey to destroy the ring, and to prevent its creator Sauron and his evil forces from reclaiming it. What follows is a truly epic war featuring innumerable battles, countless races and many heroic speeches.

Before we present our final pick, here are some honorable mentions:
- Na’vi vs. Humans “Avatar” (2009)
- USA vs. Canada “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut” (1999)
- G.I. Joe vs. Cobra “G.I. Joe” franchise (2009-)
- Aslan & the Pevensie Siblings vs. The White Witch “The Chronicles of Narnia” franchise (2005-)

Standing the test of time as film’s greatest fictional war, the Galactic Civil War made clear just how limitless screen battles could be. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the trilogy follows the upstart Rebel Alliance, along with young Jedi Luke Skywalker, on their quest to dethrone the corrupt Galactic Empire anchored by the sinister Darth Vader. Over the course of three films, George Lucas’ saga unfolds in an array of technologically stunning clashes that redefined special effects and confirmed a true sci-fi classic.

Do you agree with our list? Which is your top fictional movie war? Watch more of our Top 10 Movie Battles lists, and for more informative top 10s, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.