American Civil War Movies

American Civil War movies are exceptionally popular with movie fans. People are fascinated with the idea that the United States actually spit in two, and that Americans fought a long, bloody, destructive war against each other. Some of the greatest American Civil War movies feature combat scenes, but many of them focus on individuals and the effect the war had on their lives. Some are even comedic. Below are listed some of the greatest of the American Civil War movies. 

1. “Gone With the Wind.” This isn't just a great American Civil War movie, it's a great film period. Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable star in this sweeping epic about the glory of the Old South and its fall. The movie is adapted from the popular novel by Margaret Mitchell.

2. “Red Badge of Courage.” Genuine war hero Audie Murphy stars in this adaptation of a short story about courage and overcoming cowardice in American Civil War combat. This relatively short film was directed by John Huston.

3. “Gettysburg.” This movie is an adaptation of the popular novel “Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara and stars Martin Sheen, Jeff Daniels, and Tom Berenger. The film tells the story of the most decisive battle of the American Civil War from the perspective of key participants on both sides.

4. “The General.” This is a silent film comedy based on an actual American Civil War incident. It stars the great Buster Keaton and Marion Mack. When Union commandos steal his train, the engineer goes after them. It's hard to believe today, but this hilarious American Civil War movie was a box office bomb when it was released. Today, however, it is considered one of the greatest films ever made.

5. “North and South.” This film was originally a critically acclaimed TV miniseries, but it has since been packaged as a movie set. The film tells the story of two men, one from the South and one from the North who become best friends at West Point. The movie follows the two men and their families before, during, and after the American Civil War. Patrick Swayze, James Reed, Lesley-Anne Down, and Wendy Kilbourne star in this adaptation of the novel trilogy by John Jakes.