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Roll the Dice and Press Play: Matching Wargames and War Movies

If you’re a fan of both wargames and war movies, you may have found yourself wondering which games would best match your favorite films. From classic war epics to sci-fi blockbusters, there are many movies that could be paired with the perfect miniature wargame to create a truly immersive gaming experience.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best wargames that could be matched with popular war movies from a variety of genres. Whether you’re a fan of historical epics or futuristic sci-fi adventures, we’ll provide some guidance on which wargames might be the best fit for your favorite films.

We’ll also explore some of the key features and mechanics of each miniatures game, and discuss what makes them particularly well-suited to certain movie genres. With our help, you’ll be able to find the perfect tabletop wargame to match your favorite movies and take your gaming experience to the next level. So, join us on this journey as we explore the best wargames to match your favorite movies!

If You Like Waterloo (1970), You’ll Love Black Powder

About Waterloo

“Waterloo” is a 1970 epic war film directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, which portrays the final battle of the Napoleonic Wars, the Battle of Waterloo. The movie features an impressive cast including Rod Steiger as Napoleon Bonaparte, Christopher Plummer as Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, and Orson Welles as Louis XVIII.

The movie must be seen to be believed. Its epic battle scenes are legendary, which were filmed with thousands of extras and large-scale practical effects. They’re intense and realistic, conveying the chaos and horror of war in a visceral and compelling way.

The movie covers the events leading up to the battle, including the return of Napoleon from exile on the island of Elba, his reclamation of the French throne, and the gathering of his forces for the battle against the combined armies of the British, Dutch, and Prussians under the command of Wellington.

About Black Powder

Black Powder is a tabletop wargame published by Warlord Games. Although Warlord Games has made an entire set of Epic Scale miniatures, we’ll talk about those a little later. Right now I’m talking about the 28mm miniatures.

The game is set in the 18th and 19th centuries and allows players to recreate historical battles using miniature figures and terrain. The game features a variety of units and troop types, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery, as well as rules for command and control, morale, and terrain.

The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players. However, the game also offers a great deal of depth and complexity, with players able to develop sophisticated tactics and strategies over time. And one of the best parts of the game is how the rules can be adapted to so many different conflicts, scales, and periods.

Read our review of Black Powder here. 

If You Like Gettysburg, You’ll Love Black Powder: Epic Scale

About Gettysburg

“Gettysburg” is a 1993 American historical war film directed by Ron Maxwell, based on the novel “The Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara. The movie tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most significant and bloodiest battles of the American Civil War.

The film covers the events leading up to the battle, including the political and military strategies of the Union and Confederate armies, and culminates in the three-day battle in July 1863. The movie focuses on the perspectives of both the Union and Confederate commanders and soldiers, providing a balanced and insightful look at the battle.

“Gettysburg” is known for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, with the filmmakers going to great lengths to recreate the uniforms, equipment, and battlefield accurately. The battle scenes are masterfully done, with thousands of extras and realistic practical effects creating a sense of scale and realism.

About Black Powder Epic Scale

Black Powder Epic Scale is a wargame published by Warlord Games. As the name suggests, it is designed for larger-scale battles than the standard Black Powder game, allowing players to recreate epic clashes from history and fantasy in greater detail and scope. The miniatures in this miniatures game are 13mm, or Epic Scale, a scale that is proprietary to Warlord Games. And yes, they do make Epic Scale Napoleonics, but they launched the Epic Scale with American Civil War. 

In the game, players assemble and paint armies of miniature figures, each representing a unit of soldiers, cavalry, or artillery. The game is played on a large tabletop, with players using movement templates to move their units across the battlefield, rolling dice to determine the results of attacks and defenses, and using a range of special abilities and tactics to outmaneuver and destroy their opponents.

If You Love Centurion, You’ll Love SPQR

About Centurion

“Centurion” is a 2010 action-adventure movie directed by Neil Marshall. The movie is set in AD 117 and follows a group of Roman soldiers who must fight for their lives behind enemy lines after they are ambushed by Picts, the indigenous people of Scotland.

The movie offers a thrilling and action-packed experience, with intense fight scenes and battle sequences that showcase the brutality and chaos of ancient warfare. The filmmakers do an excellent job of depicting the harsh environment of the Scottish wilderness, with the vast landscapes and rogue weather adding to the tension and danger faced by the Roman soldiers.

“Centurion” offers a fresh and exciting take on the Roman Empire and the challenges faced by its soldiers. While the movie may not be historically accurate in all aspects, it offers an engaging and entertaining cinematic experience that is sure to satisfy fans of action and adventure movies. Overall, “Centurion” is a thrilling and intense ride that is well worth watching for fans of historical epics and action movies.

About SPQR

SPQR is a tabletop wargame published by Warlord Games. The game is set in the ancient world, specifically the period of the Roman Republic, and allows players to recreate historical battles using miniature figures and terrain. The game features a variety of units and troop types, including Roman legions, Carthaginian war elephants, and Greek hoplites, as well as rules for command and control, morale, and terrain. And while there are not any Picts available in the SPQR line that I am familiar with, there are a lot of Celts, and a lot of Romans-fighting-in-Britain. 

My favorite part of SPQR is the campaign system, which allows you to increase and decrease the size of your force, and it lets you gain skills and level up your characters. The game is a skirmish game, not a full battle game, so you’re generally controlling fewer than 30 miniatures, and usually between one and three hero characters. 

The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, which has made some people dislike it, but I found it as a great beer and pretzels game–you can play quickly one a small board with small forces, and get through two or three games in a couple of hours. 

Read my review of SPQR here. Spoiler: I really liked it.

If You Liked Aliens, You’ll Love Space Hulk

About Aliens

“Aliens” is a 1986 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and is the sequel to the 1979 film “Alien.” The movie follows the character of Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, who returns to the planet where she first encountered the alien species. This time, she accompanies a team of space marines to investigate a colony that has gone silent.

The film is a masterful blend of science fiction and action, with thrilling and intense set pieces that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The alien creature–the Xenomorph–design is iconic, and the special effects used to bring it to life are outstanding, creating a terrifying and formidable foe for the heroes to face.

Beyond the action and horror elements, the movie also explores themes of motherhood and the bond between parent and child. Ripley’s relationship with Newt, a young girl who survived the alien attack, is a central element of the story, and adds a layer of emotion and depth to the movie.

About Space Hulk

“Space Hulk” is a board game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, published by Games Workshop. It has almost universal praise and has gone through several editions–but it is currently out of print. (My guess, however, is that we’re going to see a Terminators vs Genestealers Kill Team soon.) 

The game is a tactical two-player game that pits the Space Marines of the Imperium against the deadly Genestealers in the tight corridors of a massive derelict spaceship called a Space Hulk.

The game features a modular board that players can assemble in various ways to create different missions and challenges, adding to the replay value of the game. Players control a squad of Space Marines, each with their own abilities and weapons, and must work together to complete objectives while fending off waves of Genestealers.

The game has been praised for its tense and immersive gameplay, with the cramped corridors and limited line of sight adding to the feeling of danger and claustrophobia. The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, making it easy to learn for new players, but the game also offers a great deal of depth and strategy, with players able to develop complex tactics and plans.

The game’s production value is also high, with detailed miniatures for both the Space Marines and Genestealers, as well as high-quality tiles and components. The game also offers a great deal of customization options, with players able to paint their miniatures and create their own missions using the modular board.

If You Liked Starship Troopers, You’ll Love Warhammer 40,000

About Starship Troopers

“Starship Troopers” is a 1997 science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven, based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert A. Heinlein. The movie is set in the future, where Earth is at war with a race of giant alien bugs. The story follows a group of young soldiers, including Johnny Rico, played by Casper Van Dien, as they train and fight in the war against the bugs.

The movie is a satirical take on fascist militarism and propaganda, using a sci-fi setting to explore themes of government propaganda and the dangers of blind nationalism (what does that remind you of?). The movie’s over-the-top violence and dark humor add to the satirical tone, creating a unique and subversive sci-fi experience.

The action sequences in the movie are thrilling and intense, with impressive special effects and practical creature designs creating a sense of danger and excitement. 

While the movie may not be for everyone, due to its dark humor and satirical take on fascism, “Starship Troopers” is a unique and memorable sci-fi movie that offers a fresh perspective on the genre. The movie’s subversive themes and memorable action sequences make it a cult classic that continues to have a strong following today. If you’re a fan of sci-fi and looking for something different and thought-provoking, “Starship Troopers” is definitely worth a watch.

About Warhammer 40,000

I don’t need to tell you about Warhammer 40k, but we’ll dive in for the sake of completeness. 

Warhammer 40,000, often abbreviated as “40k,” is a science-fiction tabletop wargame created by Games Workshop. The game is set in a dystopian future in which humanity has spread across the galaxy and is threatened by various alien races, as well as by chaos and corruption from within. It is the game from which the term “grimdark” originated (in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, there is only war) and it’s true that there are no “good guys” in this game. 

Players collect and paint miniature figures representing various armies, including Space Marines, Eldar, Orks, and Tyranids, among others. The game is played using a set of rules that govern movement, shooting, and close combat, as well as other aspects of gameplay.

The game has been praised for its detailed and immersive world-building, with a vast and intricate lore that spans thousands of years and includes dozens of factions and races–and a Black Library that has upwards of 600 books and short stories in it. The game’s themes of war, loyalty, and sacrifice are explored in a complex and thought-provoking way, with the game’s characters facing difficult and often tragic decisions in their pursuit of power and survival.

The game’s mechanics are relatively complex, making it more challenging to learn for new players (and there is a lot of criticism of 9th Edition in regards to rules bloat). However, the game also offers a great deal of depth and customization, with players able to create their own armies and develop complex strategies and tactics.

You can read my comprehensive guide to Getting Started in Warhammer 40k here. 

If You Loved The Lord of the Rings, You’ll Love Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game

About Lord of the Rings

If I didn’t need to tell you about Warhammer 40k, I certainly don’t need to tell you about Lord of the Rings. But:

The Lord of the Rings film trilogy is a series of epic fantasy movies directed by Peter Jackson, based on the novels of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. The movies were released between 2001 and 2003, and include “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “The Return of the King.”

The movies follow the journey of a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins, who is entrusted with the task of destroying a powerful ring that has the potential to enslave the entire world. Along with a group of companions, including the wizard Gandalf, the elf Legolas, and the dwarf Gimli, Frodo travels across Middle Earth to Mount Doom, where the ring can be destroyed.

The movies are known for their epic scope and detailed world-building, with impressive sets, costumes, and special effects creating a fully realized world that feels both familiar and fantastical. The action and battle sequences in the movies are spectacular, with impressive practical effects–extensive use of miniatures and “bigatures”–and CGI creating thrilling and memorable set pieces. 

About Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game

The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game, often abbreviated as “MESBG,” is a tabletop wargame set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth universe, published by Games Workshop. The game allows players to recreate epic battles from the books and movies, using miniature figures representing the armies of Good and Evil, such as the armies of the Free Peoples, the armies of Mordor, and the armies of Isengard.

The game is played using a set of rules that govern movement, shooting, and close combat, as well as other aspects of gameplay, such as spells, heroes, and special abilities. The game also features an extensive set of scenarios and campaigns that allow players to recreate the most iconic battles from the books and movies, such as the Battle of Helm’s Deep and the Battle of Pelennor Fields.

The game has been praised for its attention to detail and fidelity to the source material, with a focus on accurately representing the characters, equipment, and tactics of the armies of Middle-earth. The game also offers a great deal of customization and flexibility, with players able to create their own armies using a variety of different miniature figures and terrain.

You can read my Getting Started in Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Article here. 

If You Liked Saving Private Ryan, You’ll Love Bolt Action

About Saving Private Ryan

“Saving Private Ryan” is a 1998 war drama directed by Steven Spielberg, set during the Normandy invasion of World War II. The movie tells the story of a group of soldiers, led by Captain John H. Miller, played by Tom Hanks, who are sent on a dangerous mission to find and retrieve a paratrooper, Private James Ryan, played by Matt Damon, whose three brothers have been killed in action.

The film is known for its realistic portrayal of the chaos and brutality of war, with intense and graphic battle scenes that create a sense of danger and immediacy. It is famous for its depiction of storming Omaha Beach, which is one of he most brutal and realistic depictions of warfare put to film. 

“Saving Private Ryan” has been praised for its historical accuracy, with the filmmakers going to great lengths to recreate the details of the Normandy invasion and the World War II era. The movie has been widely regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Director for Spielberg.

About Bolt Action

Bolt Action is a tabletop wargame published by Warlord Games. The game is set during World War II and allows players to recreate historical battles using miniature figures and terrain. The game features a variety of units and troop types, including infantry, tanks, and artillery, as well as rules for command and control, morale, and terrain.

The game has been praised for its attention to historical detail, with a focus on accurately representing the tactics and equipment used by the armies of the time. You can play as a wide range of units from airborne to grenadiers to commandos to rangers to marines. The five major powers are all represented in the game: Germany, UK, United States, Japan, and the Soviet Union, but they also have some small powers included, such as some French and Italians. 

The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players. The mechanic that it is perhaps best known for is the activation system, where each unit has an activation dice, and they’re all put in a bag and drawn out at random. However, the game also offers a great deal of depth and complexity, with players able to develop sophisticated tactics and strategies over time.

Read my comprehensive guide to Getting Started in Bolt Action here. 

If You Liked Fury, You’ll Love Bolt Action: Tank War

About Fury

“Fury” is a 2014 war film directed by David Ayer, set during the final days of World War II. The movie follows the crew of a US Sherman tank, commanded by Don “Wardaddy” Collier, played by Brad Pitt, as they carry out a dangerous mission behind enemy lines in Germany.

The film is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the violence and chaos of war, with intense and visceral battle scenes that create a sense of danger and urgency. The movie’s themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the dehumanizing effects of war are explored in a powerful and poignant way, adding depth and emotion to the story. The film’s depiction of the horrors of war is unflinching and unforgiving, offering a stark and unvarnished look at the realities of combat.

Although it has taken some criticism for being unrealistic, it still remains an engaging film and an intense look into what it must have been like to fight in a tank war. 

About Bolt Action: Tank War

Bolt Action: Tank War is a supplement to the Bolt Action wargame, published by Warlord Games. The supplement allows players to recreate armored warfare of World War II, with a focus on tank-to-tank battles. The game features rules for tanks, tank destroyers, self-propelled artillery, and other armored vehicles, as well as scenarios and rules for creating tank-heavy armies.

The game uses the same rules as Bolt Action, including the well-known activation dice system. The only major difference is the unit organization and the points sizes of the tabletop wargames. It is a great game for someone to get started in Bolt Action, as they only need to control a handful of units and don’t need to maintain track of which infantryman is holding which gun.

If You Liked Patton, You’ll Love Flames of War

About Patton

“Patton” is a 1970 American biographical war film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, which tells the story of General George S. Patton, one of the most celebrated and controversial military figures of World War II. The movie features a standout performance from George C. Scott in the lead role, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor.

The film covers Patton’s career in the US Army, from his time in North Africa and Sicily to his leadership of the Third Army during the Allied invasion of Germany. The movie explores the character of Patton, his military tactics, and his personal beliefs, and portrays him as a complex and flawed hero. It has the iconic line as Patton defeats Rommel: “Rommel, you magnificent bastard! I read your book!”

The cinematography and production design in the movie are excellent, with the filmmakers capturing the scope and scale of the war with impressive set pieces and battle scenes. The movie’s portrayal of the military leaders and soldiers on both sides of the conflict is nuanced and complex, offering a more human and relatable portrayal of war than many other historical epics.

About Flames of War

Flames of War is a tabletop miniature wargame published by Battlefront Miniatures. The game is set during World War II and allows players to recreate historical battles using miniature figures and terrain. The game features a variety of units but it is on a small scale (1/100th scale, I believe) and the emphasis is on vehicles. Unlike Bolt Action: Tank War, which may see five or six tanks per side, a game of Flames of War may have dozens, enabling wargamers to engage in much bigger battles. 

Overall, Flames of War is a well-crafted and engaging wargame that is ideal for history buffs and tabletop gaming enthusiasts. The game’s attention to detail and historical accuracy make it a must-play for anyone interested in the military history of World War II, while its flexible and customizable gameplay ensure that it remains engaging and exciting for players of all skill levels. The game also offers a wide range of resources and community support for players, including rulebooks, army books, and online forums, making it easy to get started and find opponents.

If You Liked Legend, You’ll Love Age of Sigmar

About Legend

“Legend” is a 1985 fantasy film directed by Ridley Scott. The movie follows the story of Jack, played by Tom Cruise, and Princess Lili, played by Mia Sara, as they embark on a quest to save their world from the evil Lord of Darkness, played by Tim Curry.

The movie is known for its visual and artistic style, with stunning and imaginative sets, costumes, and special effects creating a fully realized world of fantasy and wonder. The movie’s soundtrack, composed by Tangerine Dream, also adds to the immersive and dream-like atmosphere of the movie.

About Age of Sigmar

Yes, I know that Legend doesn’t come close to capturing all of Age of Sigmar because it is just SO BIG, but I do think that the fantasy and the Lord of Darkness fit in quite nicely. 

Age of Sigmar is a tabletop wargame created by Games Workshop. It is set in the “Mortal Realms,” a fantasy world created by Games Workshop. The game allows players to recreate epic battles between the forces of Order, Chaos, Death, and Destruction, using miniature figures representing armies of fantastical creatures, such as elves, orcs, and dragons.

The game is played using a set of rules that govern movement, shooting, and close combat, as well as other aspects of gameplay, such as spells, heroes, and special abilities. The game also features an extensive set of scenarios and campaigns that allow players to create their own narratives and explore the vast and intricate lore of the Mortal Realms.

The game has been praised for its high production value, with detailed miniatures and beautifully illustrated rulebooks and supplements. The game also offers a great deal of customization and flexibility, with players able to create their own armies using a variety of different miniature figures and terrain.

Read our Getting Started in Age of Sigmar guide here.

If You Liked Return of the Jedi, You’ll Love X-Wing

About Return of the Jedi

Like I need to tell you about Return of the Jedi

“Return of the Jedi” is a 1983 epic space opera film directed by Richard Marquand and is the third and final installment in the original “Star Wars” trilogy. The movie follows Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, as he leads the Rebel Alliance in their final battle against the evil Galactic Empire, and faces his own personal demons in the form of his father, Darth Vader.

The movie features an all-star cast, including Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Billy Dee Williams, who all deliver strong performances as they reprise their iconic roles. The film is known for its impressive set pieces and special effects, with memorable battles and action sequences that are still thrilling to watch today.

It also has, for my money, the best space battles in all of the Star Wars movies. The three-story finale, where the space battle takes place outside the Death Star, the rebels are on Endor trying to blow up the shields, and Luke and Darth duel in front of the Emperor is some of Star Wars at its finest. 

About X-Wing

X-Wing is a tactical miniatures wargame published by Fantasy Flight Games. The game is set in the Star Wars universe and allows players to engage in space battles between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance using pre-painted miniature starships representing iconic vessels such as the X-wing, TIE fighter, and Millennium Falcon.

The game features a range of different ships with different stats, upgrades, and abilities. The game is played on a tabletop, with players moving their ships across the battlefield using movement templates, rolling dice to determine the results of attacks, and using a range of special abilities and tactics to outmaneuver and destroy their opponents.

The game has been praised for its accessibility, with a relatively simple ruleset that is easy to learn for new players, while still offering a great deal of depth and strategy for experienced players. The game is also notable for its high production value, with detailed and beautifully painted miniature starships and a range of accessories and expansions that allow players to customize and enhance their gameplay experience.

There has been complaints about the expansion of X-Wing into X-Wing 2.0–not that 2.0 was a bad game, but that the change required buying a lot of new cards, ships, and accessories. But I very much enjoy still playing version 1.0. 

If You Liked Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, You’ll Love Star Wars Legion

About Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is a 2016 science fiction film directed by Gareth Edwards, set in the “Star Wars” universe. The movie tells the story of a group of rebels who set out to steal the plans for the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star, which is capable of destroying entire planets.

The movie features a talented cast, including Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Donnie Yen, who all deliver strong performances as members of the rebel team. The film is known for its intense action sequences and impressive special effects, creating a sense of danger and urgency that is on par with the original “Star Wars” trilogy.

Rogue One introduces us to many new characters, including many new bad guys like the Death Troopers and the Shore Troopers. And the battle on Skeriff is one of the best land battles in Star Wars canon, with the Battle of Hoth a close second. (Okay, maybe a tie.)

About Star Wars Legion

Star Wars Legion is a tabletop miniatures wargame published by Fantasy Flight Games. The game is set in the Star Wars universe and allows players to recreate ground battles between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance using pre-painted miniature figures representing iconic characters and troops such as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Stormtroopers.

The game features a range of different troops, vehicles, and characters with different stats, upgrades, and abilities. The game is played on a tabletop, with players using movement templates to move their units across the battlefield, rolling dice to determine the results of attacks and defenses, and using a range of special abilities and tactics to outmaneuver and destroy their opponents.

It’s not a hard game to get into, and there is a lot to love about the hobby aspect of Star Wars Legion. Any Star Wars unit or character you can imagine is available in the game (with the exception of anything or anyone from the three sequels, which I don’t understand.)

You can read my review of Star Wars Legion here. 

If You Liked King Arthur (2004), Then You’ll Love Hail Caesar

About King Arthur (2004)

“King Arthur” is a 2004 historical action film directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Clive Owen as King Arthur and Keira Knightley as Guinevere. The movie takes a more historically grounded approach to the Arthurian legend, depicting Arthur and his knights as Roman soldiers tasked with defending Britain against invading Saxon forces.

The movie’s cast delivers strong performances, with Clive Owen bringing a sense of gravitas and complexity to the role of Arthur, while Keira Knightley offers a refreshing take on Guinevere as a fierce and independent warrior. 

The action sequences in the movie are well-crafted and intense, with impressive battle scenes and practical effects creating a sense of danger and urgency. The movie’s historical setting and attention to detail also add depth and authenticity to the story, offering a unique and compelling take on the Arthurian legend. (Though it’s worth mentioning that a great many historians as well as Arthurian scholars would take exception to the idea that the movie is “historical”. But it’s still a unique take. )

About Hail Caesar

Hail Caesar is a tabletop miniatures wargame published by Warlord Games. The game is set in the ancient world, with players able to recreate the epic battles of antiquity using miniature figures representing the armies of ancient Rome, Saxons, Gauls, Celts, Vikings, and other civilizations.

A rank-and-flank game, this game uses most of the same Warlord Games sculpts from SPQR, but puts them on large square or rectangular bases. I quite enjoy Hail Caesar, if for no other reason than it has some really tremendous models and starter boxes. I have bought a LOT of Romans and they’re my comfort-painting miniatures. 

If You Loved Midway, You’ll Love Blood Red Skies

About Midway

“Midway” is a 2019 war film directed by Roland Emmerich, depicting the events of the Battle of Midway during World War II. The movie follows the story of several American soldiers and leaders, including Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, played by Woody Harrelson, as they fight to win a pivotal battle against the Japanese Navy.

The film is known for its impressive special effects, which bring the air combat battles to life with thrilling and intense action sequences that are both realistic and captivating. There is a lot of air combat, too, as the movie visits many different locations from Midway to Guadalcanal. 

About Blood Red Skies

Blood Red Skies is a tabletop miniatures wargame published by Warlord Games. The game is set in World War II and allows players to recreate epic aerial battles between the air forces of various nations.

Players command squadrons of aircraft, each with their own unique stats, upgrades, and abilities–even special Aces can be bought that are extremely good in the game. The miniatures game is played on a tabletop, with players using maneuver templates to move their aircraft across the battlefield, and including a unique system of dogfighting which marks which planes are advantaged and disadvantaged (basically, who is higher than the other planes). 

Blood Red Skies is a well-crafted and engaging wargame that is ideal for history buffs and tabletop gaming enthusiasts. The game’s attention to detail and historical accuracy make it a must-play for anyone interested in the military history of World War II, while its flexible and customizable gameplay ensure that it remains engaging and exciting for players of all skill levels. 

Read our review of Blood Red Skies here.

If You Loved Greyhound, You’ll Love Victory at Sea

About Greyhound

“Greyhound” is a 2020 war film directed by Aaron Schneider, based on the novel “The Good Shepherd” by C.S. Forester. The movie tells the story of a US Navy captain, played by Tom Hanks, who leads a convoy of Allied ships across the Atlantic during World War II, while being pursued by German U-boats.

The film is known for its intense and thrilling action sequences, with the cat-and-mouse game between the Allied ships and the German U-boats creating a sense of danger and urgency. The film also offers a sobering look at the realities of war, with the crew members facing constant danger and uncertainty throughout the journey.

The cinematography and sound design in the movie are excellent, with the filmmakers creating a convincing and immersive portrayal of the era and the naval battles. The attention to detail and historical accuracy of the movie also add to its authenticity, making the story feel all the more real and impactful.

About Victory At Sea

Victory at Sea is a tabletop miniatures wargame published by Warlord Games. The game is set in World War II and allows players to recreate epic naval battles between the various fleets of the time.

Players command fleets of warships, each with their own unique stats, upgrades, and abilities. The game is played on a mat that represents the sea, with the occasional island to break up the expanse. The battles can be fought with submarines, surface ships, battleships, and even aircraft carriers and their aircraft. 

It is one of the most detailed and historically accurate wargames I have ever played, and you can see that whoever wrote the rules was doing it more as a labor of love than a mere attempt to put out a compendium of rules. Almost every ship, boat, sub, and plane that was used in naval combat–in both the Atlantic and Pacific–have stats and unique characteristics. 

Read my review of Victory at Sea here. 

If You Liked Game of Thrones, You’ll Love A Song of Ice and Fire

About Game of Thrones

You’ve heard of Game of Thrones. 

“Game of Thrones” is a fantasy drama television series created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. The series is based on the “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels by George R. R. Martin and follows the complex and often brutal struggles for power and control in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The series is known for its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and epic battles, all set against a backdrop of political intrigue and supernatural elements.

The show’s themes of power, family, loyalty, and sacrifice are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way, with the show’s characters facing difficult and often tragic decisions in their pursuit of power and survival.

The production design and cinematography in the series are top-notch, with impressive sets, costumes, and visual effects bringing the world of Westeros to life in stunning detail. The series also boasts a memorable and epic musical score by composer Ramin Djawadi, which adds to the show’s emotional impact and sense of grandeur.

Famous for bungling the last season to an incredible degree, which turned off a lot of fans, the earlier seasons are some seriously good fantasy. 

About A Song of Ice and Fire

A Song of Ice and Fire: Tabletop Miniatures Game is a wargame published by CMON Limited, based on the popular book series by George R.R. Martin, as well as the TV series. The game allows players to take control of armies from the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and the Free Cities of Essos, with each faction featuring a variety of troop types, heroes, and commanders.

It is a rank-and-flank game with a lot of options for units, and the gameplay of each one of the armies is very different from each other. But what sets A Song of Ice and Fire apart from most miniature wargames is that so much of the story takes place in political machinations–so you have models who never appear on the board, but still make their presence known by making political moves off the board. 

One of the key features of the game is its use of unique unit activation mechanics. Instead of taking turns to move all their units, players activate one unit at a time, creating a more fluid and dynamic game flow. The game also features a range of scenario-based play modes, allowing players to recreate the epic battles and conflicts of the books and TV series, or to create their own unique narratives.

Read my review of A Song of Ice and Fire here. 

If You Liked Escape from New York, You’ll Love Necromunda

About Escape from New York

“Escape from New York” is a 1981 science-fiction action film directed by John Carpenter. The movie is set in a dystopian future in which New York City has been turned into a maximum-security prison, and tells the story of a skilled mercenary named Snake Plissken, played by Kurt Russell, who is recruited to rescue the President of the United States, who has been taken hostage in the prison.

The film is known for its gritty and dystopian atmosphere, with a creative use of sets and special effects to create the claustrophobic and dangerous environment of the prison. The gangs and hierarchy that exist in this prison of New York are very reminiscent of Necromunda. 

“Escape from New York” is a classic of the science-fiction and action genres, with impressive technical and artistic elements, a strong cast, and a unique and engaging story. While the movie may not have the same broad appeal as some more mainstream action movies, it’s a must-watch for fans of dystopian sci-fi and anyone looking for a thrilling and imaginative cinematic experience.

About Necromunda

Necromunda is a tabletop miniatures wargame published by Games Workshop, set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game is focused on small-scale skirmishes between rival gangs, fighting for control of the Hive Cities of the grimdark future.

In the game, players assemble and paint gangs of fighters, each with their own unique stats, equipment, and abilities. One of the things that makes Necromunda so well-loved is that it involves people in the Warhammer 40,000 universe who are not in a Warhammer 40,000 army. These are the gutter rats, the forgotten at the bottom of the social structure. And the gangs all have very different styles and gameplay.

My favorite part of Necromunda is the narrative play aspect to it, as well as the fact that it takes place (usually) on 3 dimensional terrain, so that your models can easily fall three or four stories to their death. Many awesome creations have been made for Necromunda boards, using all sorts of imaginative techniques, such as these from Eric’s Hobby Workshop.

If You Like Wild Wild West, You’ll Love Malifaux

About Wild Wild West

“Wild Wild West” is a 1999 science-fiction Western action-comedy film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and based on the 1960s television series of the same name. The movie stars Will Smith and Kevin Kline as government agents who team up to stop a brilliant inventor, played by Kenneth Branagh, from using his technology to take over the United States.

The film is known for its elaborate and over-the-top sets and costumes, which create a fantastical and stylized version of the American West. “Wild Wild West” is a fun and entertaining action-comedy movie that may appeal to fans of the television series and anyone looking for a lighthearted and humorous adventure. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, the film offers plenty of enjoyable moments and a sense of lighthearted fun.

Wild Wild West is bizarre, start to finish, and it’s just steampunkish and crazy-technology combined with gunslingers that it fits in well with Malifaux. 

About Malifaux

Malifaux is a tabletop miniatures wargame published by Wyrd Miniatures. The game is set in a dark, Gothic-inspired world of steampunk and magic, with players taking on the roles of various factions vying for power and control.

The game’s mechanics are relatively complex, with a focus on strategic and tactical gameplay that rewards careful planning and forethought. One of the best mechanics is the use of playing cards to make random decisions. This not only adds flavor, but you begin card-counting to see what is going to come next. The game also offers a great deal of depth and complexity, with players able to develop sophisticated tactics and strategies over time.

Also, the rules are free, so there’s no reason not to check it out. And we recently ranked it as one of the cheapest wargames to get into.

If You Liked Conan the Barbarian, You’ll Love Warcry

About Conan the Barbarian

“Conan the Barbarian” is a 1982 epic fantasy adventure film directed by John Milius and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in the titular role. The movie is based on the character created by Robert E. Howard and follows Conan as he seeks revenge against the sorcerer who killed his parents and enslaved him as a child.

The film is known for its impressive production design, cinematography, and visual effects, which create a vivid and detailed world that is both gritty and fantastical. The movie’s themes of revenge, power, and destiny are explored in a thoughtful and engaging way, with Conan’s journey offering a complex and compelling character arc. The film also features a memorable and epic musical score by composer Basil Poledouris, which adds to the movie’s emotional impact and sense of grandeur.

Overall, “Conan the Barbarian” is a classic of the fantasy and action genres, with impressive technical and artistic elements, a strong cast, and a unique and engaging story. While the movie may not have the same broad appeal as some more mainstream action movies, it’s a must-watch for fans of epic storytelling, fantasy, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic performances.

About Warcry

Warcry is a tabletop miniatures wargame published by Games Workshop, set in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. The game focuses on small-scale skirmishes between warbands fighting for survival and supremacy in the shadow of the Mortal Realms.

Warcry is Age of Sigmar’s skirmish game, which lets you use small warbands of Age of Sigmar armies, but also has its own dedicated Warcry-only warbands. The Warcry sculpts are some of the wildest and strangest around (look at the Unmade) and the scenery that comes in the starter boxes is always good. 

Warcry has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay and engaging characters, with a focus on creating a brutal and immersive setting. The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players.