10 Underrated Anti-War Movies of the 1960s Worth Revisiting

1. "King and Country" (1964)
Ever been stuck between doing your duty and standing up for what's right? "King and Country" pits loyalty against morality.

Private Hamp, played by Tom Courtenay, is a weary British WWI soldier accused of desertion. His defending lawyer, Captain Hargreaves, originally sees Hamp as a simple coward but as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the horrors of war have taken a heavy toll on the young private. We're talking PTSD in a time when it wasn't even recognized.

It's not just a movie; it's an eye-opener about the unseen scars of war.

2. "The Americanization of Emily" (1964)
Got a soft spot for dark comedy? This one's right up your alley. It's WWII, and James Garner plays Charlie, a naval officer whose job is to ensure that other officers have all the luxury items they desire. When he falls for a British war widow, Emily, things start to change. Their budding romance and his avoidance of actual combat make him question war's futility.

It's less about the explosions and more about the contemplation. And hey, who said war movies couldn't have a dash of romance?

3. "The War Game" (1965)
Let's mix things up with a docudrama. "The War Game" offers a hypothetical portrayal of nuclear war and its aftermath. The fictional Kent town suffers an attack, leading to widespread panic, societal collapse, and some gut-wrenching decisions.

The detailed portrayal of the disaster – from the initial flash burns to long-term radiation effects – is so stark, it'll make you question the real costs of conflict. Fun fact: It was initially banned from TV for being "too horrifying." It's that intense.

4. "La 317ème section" (1965)
War isn't just about the frontlines, it's about the retreats too. Set during the First Indochina War, this French film shows a platoon led by a young, inexperienced lieutenant and a weary non-commissioned officer. They're given the seemingly simple task of retreating and regrouping with a larger unit.

What follows, however, is a harrowing trek through the jungle, battling not just the enemy, but fatigue, fear, and the unforgiving terrain. Trust me, it's a gripping watch.

5. "Oh! What a Lovely War" (1969)
War and musicals? An odd pair, but it works wonders in this one. This satirical take on WWI uses popular songs from that era to critique the grim realities of warfare.

Through a series of vignettes, we see the Smith family's experience as they send their boys off to fight. It's not all song and dance – there are stark reminders of the war's high death toll and the disillusionment of those who survived.

It's the kind of movie that leaves you humming a tune but thinking deep thoughts.

6. "The Human Condition" (1959-1961)
Okay, so it's technically three films, but they're a trilogy that takes you on a rollerco...oops, sorry. It's an intense watch! Spanning Japan's last days in WWII to their defeat, the story follows Kaji, who's initially in charge of a labor camp and then finds himself drafted into the army.

His struggles against the bureaucracy, inhumane treatments, and the sheer pointlessness of war, make it a film that's as much about humanity as it is about war.

7. "Paths of Glory" (1957)
I know, I'm slightly cheating with this one since it's from the late '50s, but it's too good to pass up. A trench warfare episode goes horribly wrong, and three soldiers are chosen to face execution for their alleged cowardice.

The film zeroes in on the military hierarchy, personal ambitions, and the lives that are often used as mere pawns. Douglas as Colonel Dax defending his men is a cinematic treat you shouldn't miss.

8. "Ivan's Childhood" (1962)
Here's a unique perspective – war through the eyes of a child. Ivan, a 12-year-old Russian boy, becomes a scout for the Soviet Army during WWII after his family's killed by the Nazis. His journeys across the front line are interspersed with dream sequences, a mix of sweet memories and heartbreaking nightmares.

It's not the typical war tale. It's more poetic, more emotional. You get to see a young lad, who should be playing in the fields, navigating the treacherous terrains of war.

9. "The Hill" (1965)
War films don't always have to be about battles; sometimes they're about the battles within. Set in a North African US Army prison, the story revolves around a group of soldiers, including Sean Connery as Roberts, who are subjected to brutal punishments by a sadistic staff sergeant.

The real enemy here isn't from another nation, but the very institution they serve. It's a hard, sweaty watch but believe me, it'll stick with you.

10. "Castle Keep" (1969)
Ending the list with a somewhat quirky pick. WWII is nearing its climax, and a group of American soldiers finds themselves defending a medieval castle in Belgium. But this isn't just any castle – it's filled with priceless art.

The film juggles between preserving cultural heritage and the harsh necessities of war. And amidst all this, there's an underlying question: what are we really fighting for?