War Game (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Directors
- Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber
- Genres
- Documentary , Thriller
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Anonymous Content
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- reference to 2021 u.s. capitol insurrection
- january 6 united states capitol attack
- propaganda
Where to Watch War Game
Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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.
-
Co-director Jesse Moss - Co-director Tony Gerber
- Louis Caldera as Secretary of Defense
- Alexander Vindman as Game Consultant
- Janessa Goldbeck as Game Producer
-
Doug Jones as Attorney General
Also Starring in War Game
· 16 more- Ralph Brown Lieutenant General Roger Simms
- Chris Jones Red Cell Operative
- Chris Henry Coffey Gov. Robert Strickland
- Wesley Clark Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Gary Perez Lieutenant General Gabriel King
- Elizabeth Neumann Homeland Security Advisor
- William Kristol Red Cell Operative
- Steve Bullock President John Hotham
- Heidi Heitkamp Senior Advisor to the President
- Linda Singh Chief, National Guard Bureau
- Jeffrey Buchanan Commander, USNorthcom
- Gwen Camp White House Chief of Staff
- Kristofer Goldsmith Red Cell Leader
- Doug Gordon White House Deputy Communications Director
- Samantha Libraty Game Consultant
- David Priess Director of National Intelligence
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).
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.
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IMDb 5.5 /10
699 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 71 Metascore
User score 4.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 52% User score
See on TMDB
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
War Game Box Office
War Game grossed $111,088 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$111.1K
- US & Canada
- $111.1K
War Game Awards & Nominations
War Game earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary Screenplay at the WGA Awards 2025.
1 nomination1 ceremony
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WGA Awards 2025 1 nomination- Nominated Best Documentary Screenplay
War Game Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.
- Featurette Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber on "War Game"
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What does WOPR stand for?
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?
Movies Like War Game
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including WarGames, War Machine and Warhead.
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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