Not many genres have earned stardom of terrorism. Since the 1980’s, stories of terrorists have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s brave police-officers, corrupt gangsters or ship hijackers, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about terrorists which deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Dark Knight
Batman is a beloved comic-book character that always impressed my brother. I remember my brother once was a big fan of the caped crusader. A comic-book nerd, he would always speak fondly about a dark superhero that made him feel heard. His room was often decorated with posters of a dark superhero that he appreciated. Terrorism has always been a prominent theme that is evident in Batman’s comic-book stories. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the big obstacles that terrorists fight as powerfully as “The Dark Knight”. Ever since its release in 2008, Christopher Nolan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about terrorism. With the greatest film of his career, Nolan used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a clownish terrorist that causes a city to face despair. Nolan has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about dark terrorists that put lives in grave danger, and “The Dark Knight” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which the evil Joker blows up Gotham City’s hospital causing Batman to face a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Heath Ledger, who embodied an iconic comic-book character. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight” my favourite film about terrorism of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most Batman movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years after the release of a classic comic film about a dark hero saving his city from terrorists causing danger, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has made unforgettable movies on issues of terrorism which audiences treasure.
2. Die Hard
Terrorism has impacted my identity. At an early age, I faced bombings causing damage. In 2003, my family endured bomb blasts that caused insomnia in Saudi Arabia. An act of terrorism, the bombing was a shock to the system. The tragic aftermath of the disaster stayed with me forever. As someone that witnessed hard terrorist attacks in which there was a high likelihood to die, I adored “Die Hard”. Released in 1988, John McTiernan’s movie captured terrorists causing catastrophe. McTiernan used captivating handheld camerawork capturing terrorists invading a building that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which John McClane first becomes aware that the building has been invaded by terrorists causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Alan Rickman, who embodied a terrorist seeking to accomplish a dangerous mission. Ultimately, what makes “Die Hard” an action classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most action blockbusters, it tackles commemorated themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about crisis which would resonate with everyone. As strong as John McClane’s desire to save a building, it’s a commemorated reminder about a genre that has made unforgettable movies about terrorism which are definitely worth celebrating.
3. Fight Club
Anxiety has shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I have always been an anxious person under intense pressure. This anxiety first began in high school when I faced painful pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I could never cope with feelings of anxiety that left me terrified. As someone that has faced anxiety causing adversity, I adored “Fight Club”. Released in 1999, David Fincher’s movie depicted the lives of terrorists forming fight clubs causing tragedy. Fincher used captivating voice-over narration to capture the life of a terrorist forming a fight club organization causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Tyler Durden first creates the fight club causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Edward Norton, who embodied a mentally disturbed terrorist facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Fight Club” a timeless classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of mental health which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most David Fincher movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As precious as fight clubs Tyler Durden seeks to create, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences always appreciate.
4. The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Islamophobia has shaped my identity. At an early age, I have often faced discrimination due to my identity as a Muslim causing damage. When I immigrated to Canada, I became aware of the presence of Islamophobia causing Muslim communities to face trauma. Due to my Muslim identity, I was often treated poorly by people in my community. As someone that has witnessed hate crimes against Muslims causing communities to become perished, I adored “The Reluctant Fundamentalist”. Released in 2013, Mira Nair’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about Islamophobia. Nair used captivating montages capturing hardships that a Muslim man settling down in America is facing. For instance, the scene in which Changez is treated poorly in the workplace following the events of 9/11 in America is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Riz Ahmed, who embodied a Muslim man facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about hate crimes which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of Islamophobia consequences frightening consequences in America, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced commemorated movies about terrorism attracting audiences towards Cinema.
5. Slumdog Millionaire
Terrorism causing citizens to face trauma is common in the country of India. At an early age, I formed bonds with a friend that criticized movies giving India a bad image. Born in Mumbai slums, he was critical of movies depicting his country. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a country holding a precious place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that sought to become an Indian millionaire, I adored “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie offered a powerful portrait of terrorism in India causing adversity. Boyle used captivating flashbacks to capture the life of an Indian orphan impacted by terrorism that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Jamal recounts harrowing memories of being abused as a child by terrorists in India causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dev Patel, who embodied an Indian orphan impacted by terrorism. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” a classic is its depiction of India. Unlike most movies about India, it tackles strong themes that would resonate with everyone. It delivers a bold message about social inequality in India which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making movies about which audiences care.
6. Beasts of No Nation
Terrorism often affects the way that children live in Africa today. Africa has built an image of being a nation where children affected by terrorism face emotional damage. The tension faced by children impacted by terrorism in Africa is beautifully depicted in the movie “Beasts of No Nation”. Released in 2015, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s movie captured child soldiers facing terrorism in Africa. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Beasts of No Nation” stand out is its depiction of Africa. Fukunaga used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphan African children are facing. Assisted by Idris Elba who is exceptional in the lead role, Fukunaga captured orphaned children in Africa. As strong as guns used by Agu, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making memorable movies which audiences value.
7. Captain Phillips
When it comes to the most honourable heroes in American history, it’s worth discussing Richard Phillips. In 2009, Phillips faced a nerve-wracking situation when his ship was attacked by Somali pirates in a hijacking. In 2013, Paul Greengrass honoured Phillips in his movie “Captain Phillips”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Captain Phillips” stand out is its depiction of a hijacking. Greengrass uses captivating shaky cinematography to capture hardships a captain on a hijacked ship is facing. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is extraordinary in the lead role, Greengrass honoured a hijacking in history. Nearly 15 years after a captain faced frightening Somali pirates invading his ship, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about consequences of terrorism which audiences worship.
8. Judas and the Black Messiah
Few political figures in American history that fought terrorism are as beloved as Fred Hampton. During the 1960’s, Hampton was an African-American social activist that fought terrorism. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic political leader that changed America in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” stand out is its depiction of racism. King uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a black political leader experiencing terrorism was facing. Assisted by Daniel Kaluuya who is sensational in the lead role, King honoured an iconic leader in America. 60 years after Fred Hampton became an African-American political leader that’s powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.
9. The Report
The torture report is a controversial document used to fight terrorism in American history. Created in the early 2000’s, it detailed the CIA’s use of torture during the war on terror. In 2019, Scott Z. Burns honoured the controversial torture report in his movie “The Report”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Report” stand out is its depiction of torture. Burns uses captivating handheld camera to capture hardships faced by investigative journalists that penned commemorated reports in America. Assisted by Adam Driver who is extraordinary in the lead role, Burns honoured an iconic torture report in American history. As precious as the report, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the devastating consequences caused by terrorism which audiences support.
10. Zero Dark Thirty
Few movies ever made about terrorism in American history are as beloved as “Zero Dark Thirty”. Released in 2012, Kathryn Bigelow’s movie captured the real-life hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Bigelow used captivating handheld camerawork capturing terrorists in prisons which are frightening. Assisted by Jessica Chastain who is extraordinary in the lead role, Bigelow captured terrorism in history. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of torture used by the CIA in prisons has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 20 years after Osama Bin Lader was hunted down by the CIA, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies which have changed the way that terrorism is seen that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.
The Film Buff 