Is Hart's War Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Hart's War is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Hart's War Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2002, Hart's War enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on When Col. Under the direction of Gregory Hoblit, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Bruce Willis, Colin Farrell, Terrence Howard. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Hart's War offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 125-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Hart's War is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.4/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Drama, War, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Hart's War Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $70,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $32,287,044 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Hart's War Budget
The estimated production budget for Hart's War is $70,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Cast of Hart's War
- Bruce Willis – Col. William A. McNamara
- Colin Farrell – Lt. Thomas W. Hart
- Terrence Howard – Lt. Lincoln A. Scott
- Marcel Iureș – Col. Werner Visser
- Cole Hauser – Staff Sgt. Vic W. Bedford
Top Highlights
Bruce WillisCol. William A. McNamara
Colin FarrellLt. Thomas W. Hart
Terrence HowardLt. Lincoln A. Scott
Marcel IureșCol. Werner Visser
Cole HauserStaff Sgt. Vic W. Bedford
Linus RoacheCapt. Peter A. Ross
Vicellous ShannonLt. Lamar T. Archer
Rory CochraneSgt. Carl S. Webb
Joe SpanoCol. J.M. Lange
Michael WestonPfc. W. Roy Potts
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Hart's War stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2002 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hart's War movie hit or flop?
Hart's War has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Hart's War worth watching?
Hart's War is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, War movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Hart's War?
Hart's War is a Drama, War movie that When Col. William McNamara is stripped of his freedom in a German POW camp, he's determined to keep on fighting even from behind enemy lines. Enlistin...
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Critic Reviews
Like Hogan's Heroes but serious and quasi-realistic RELEASED IN 2002 and directed by Gregory Hoblit, "Hart's War" is a war flick about a paper-pushing lieutenant with a background in law (Colin Farrell) who is unexpectedly captured in Belgium and taken to a POW camp in southern Germany in the closing months of the European theater of the war. He eventually befriends and defends a Tuskegee Airmen (Terrence Howard). Marcel Iures plays the humane German commandant while Bruce Willis plays the tough-as-nails American colonel of the POWs. Cole Hauser is on hand as a racist soldier. This is obviously not a conventional WWII flick. Although it starts out with some great war action, it has more in common with films like "Stalag 17" (1953) and "The Great Escape" (1963), albeit with modern filmmaking craft. As my title blurb points out, it's reminiscent of Hogan's Heroes but without the comedy, plus elements of “A Few Good Men” (1992). The film isn't really about survival in the POW camp, but rather the tensions of the prisoners and the criminal drama. Some have complained that no fascist camp colonel in his right mind would allow such a trial as depicted in the movie. But there are several reasons why the commandant would allow it: (1.) for entertainment, (2.) to witness and understand the American way, (3.) he knew the war would be over soon and wanted to have the Allie's favor, or (4.) a mixture of the above. Keep in mind that the commandant went to school in the US after the first world war so he was enamored by American lifestyle and had a fondness for jazz. I'm sure entertainment was a huge factor since POW camp life is just as boring for the captors as it is for the captives over time. The climax telegraphs that this is a war MOVIE and not real life, but it's packed with action and gripping drama. It’s also ultimately quite moving. Although it failed at the box office, "Hart's War" is a very good WWII POW camp movie and, in some ways, great. THE FILM RUNS 125 minutes and was shot in the Czech Republic. GRADE: B+/A-