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War Game (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

War Game (2024) movie poster

War Game is a 2024 thriller documentary directed by Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber, starring Louis Caldera as Secretary of Defense, Alexander Vindman and Janessa Goldbeck. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $111,088 worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary Screenplay at the WGA Awards 2025. Critics gave it 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10. Rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
5.5/10
worldwide gross
$111.1K
award nomination
1
Echo Score
70
War Game (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Directors
Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is War Game About?

The premise of War Game without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A bipartisan group of former policymakers, simulating a fictional presidential administration, participates in a war game exercise. They are unexpectedly confronted by a coup attempt orchestrated by rogue military forces, creating a tense and unpredictable scenario that explores the fragility of democracy and the potential for crisis in a modern nation. The exercise blurs the line between simulation and reality as the participants grapple with the escalating situation.

War Game Themes & Keywords

· 15 tags
  • war game
  • politics documentary
  • washington d.c.
  • war games
  • stress test
  • american politics
  • reference to the u.s. national guard
  • transfer of power
  • government
  • hypothetical scenario
  • 2020s
  • political extremism
+3 more
  • reference to 2021 u.s. capitol insurrection
  • january 6 united states capitol attack
  • propaganda
Where to watch

Where to Watch War Game

Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

War Game Cast & Characters

Louis Caldera leads the cast as Secretary of Defense, with Alexander Vindman as Game Consultant and Janessa Goldbeck as Game Producer. Directed by Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in War Game

· 16 more
Ratings

War Game Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave War Game 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in sensory experience (55).

70 /100

War Game Echo Score Breakdown

War Game delivers a timely, politically charged documentary that provokes both alarm and debate. Critics generally commend its provocative premise and realistic simulation, while some note uneven execution and a lack of resolution. Viewers echo this split, with many praising its urgency and emotional impact, yet a minority find the pacing and soundtrack detract from engagement. The net impression is a compelling yet imperfect work that resonates strongly with audiences concerned about democratic fragility.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and visual construction, War Game combines a slick, high‑production aesthetic with moments of theatrical staging. Critics acknowledge the effective use of replica sets and dynamic camera work that heighten the documentary’s immediacy, though some describe the execution as stilted. Viewer feedback reflects similar views, praising the polished look while noting occasional unevenness. Overall, the film’s artful presentation supports its narrative, albeit with minor inconsistencies.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When evaluating performances, the documentary relies on real participants whose expertise lends authenticity. Critics highlight the depth of insight from seasoned officials and commend the nuanced portrayal of tension, calling it compelling. Audience reactions echo this, with many noting the gripping and superbly acted interactions that amplify emotional resonance. A minority find character development limited, yet the overall consensus affirms strong character work that anchors the film’s impact.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding narrative structure, War Game presents a hypothetical crisis that feels urgent and timely. Critics praise its relevance and the ticking‑clock tension, though some criticize the lack of a satisfying resolution and an uneven pacing. Viewer comments mirror this split, with many finding the scenario riveting and thought‑provoking, while others describe it as meandering or lacking depth. The story thus succeeds in raising questions despite structural shortcomings.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s sound design draws mixed reactions. Critics and users alike note a pervasive droning soundtrack that many find distracting, while others appreciate the verité ambience created by on‑set recordings. Visual style is described as slick and cinematic, yet occasional theatricality is cited as reducing immersion. Overall, the sensory elements contribute to tension but are hampered by an uneven auditory presentation.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    The rewatch factor of War Game is marked by its lingering relevance and the intensity of its scenario. Critics observe that the initial visceral impact may soften on a second viewing, yet the film’s realistic depiction continues to resonate. Many users express a desire to share the documentary widely, indicating repeat interest, while a few cite repetitive pacing that reduces subsequent enjoyment. Consequently, the film offers solid replay value for audiences invested in its political themes.

Plot

War Game Plot Summary

What happens in War Game from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

During a surprise nuclear attack drill, many United States Air Force Strategic Missile Wing controllers prove unwilling to turn the keys required to launch a missile strike. Such refusals convince John McKittrick and other North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) systems engineers that missile launch control centers must be automated, without human intervention. Control is given to a NORAD supercomputer known as WOPR (War Operation Plan Response, pronounced “whopper”), or Joshua, programmed to continuously run war simulations and learn over time.

Full summary

The whole story of War Game, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

War Game Box Office

War Game grossed $111,088 worldwide.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$111.1K

US & Canada
$111.1K
Awards

War Game Awards & Nominations

War Game earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary Screenplay at the WGA Awards 2025.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

War Game Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.

War Game | Official Trailer
  • Featurette Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber on "War Game"
Quiz

How Well Do You Know War Game?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What does WOPR stand for?

Details

War Game Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “워 게임” and “战争游戏”.

Also known as
  • 워 게임
  • 战争游戏
  • משחק מלחמה
  • 模擬政變

Seen War Game?

FAQ

War Game FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and awards of War Game, each answered in a sentence.

How long is War Game?

War Game runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was War Game released?

War Game was released on August 2, 2024.

Who directed War Game?

War Game was directed by Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber.

More films by Jesse Moss

Who is in the cast of War Game?

War Game stars Louis Caldera as Secretary of Defense, Alexander Vindman as Game Consultant and Janessa Goldbeck as Game Producer, among 20 credited actors.

Where can I watch War Game?

In the US, War Game is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did War Game make at the box office?

War Game grossed $111,088 worldwide.

How is War Game rated?

War Game has 5.5/10 on IMDb, 71 on Metacritic and 52% on TMDB.

Was War Game nominated for any awards?

War Game received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

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