In an era when war films like All Quiet on the Western Front and 1917 dominate awards season, it's easy to forget the movie that set the gold standard for anti-war cinema. Stanley Kubrick's Paths of Glory, a searing indictment of military injustice, is finally coming to Prime Video this June—and it's a must-watch for anyone who calls themselves a film lover.
Released in 1957, Paths of Glory stars the legendary Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, a French officer who must defend his men after they refuse to carry out a suicidal mission during World War I. The film's unflinching look at the absurdity of war and the corruption of those in power has earned it a reputation as perhaps the greatest anti-war movie ever made. It currently holds a 96% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its "transcendentally humane" storytelling and knockout ending.
Kubrick, then a young director on the rise, used Paths of Glory to pioneer techniques that would become war-film staples—most notably, a breathtaking tracking shot through a trench that puts viewers right in the mud and fear of the front lines. Though the movie grossed just over $1 million at the box office (a modest sum even for the 1950s), its critical acclaim cemented Kubrick's status as a visionary. He would go on to direct classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining, but Paths of Glory remains his most potent statement on the horrors of conflict.
The film arrives on Prime Video alongside other timeless titles like 12 Angry Men and The Night of the Hunter, making June a banner month for classic cinema on the platform. For subscribers, it's a chance to experience a movie that influenced generations of filmmakers—from Sam Mendes' 1917 to Edward Berger's Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front.
If you're a fan of war films that prioritize humanity over heroics, Paths of Glory is essential viewing. It's a stark reminder that the cost of war is measured not in victories, but in lives—and that the true enemy is often the system that sends soldiers to die. Mark your calendars: Paths of Glory streams on Prime Video starting June 1, 2026.
For more on the best movies hitting streaming this year, check out our list of Top 8 Action Movies That Hit $1 Billion at the Box Office and see how Kubrick's classic stacks up against modern blockbusters.
