Tom Hanks and Matt Damon’s 94%-Rated WWII Classic Is Just as Compelling 28 Years Later

Published 06/16/2026, 1:12 PM EDT

via Imago

As it turns out, Steven Spielberg's 28-year-old cinematic search party for Saving Private Ryan is still out there tugging on heartstrings and Rotten Tomatoes ratings that have spiked to a whopping 94%. There is something gut-wrenching about war stories, maybe because death looms all over them, or maybe because they test the limits that humans go to to survive. While a plethora of material exists on this subject, 28 years ago, Tom Hanks and Matt Damon came together to tell one of the most heart-touching tales to come out of the battlefields of World War II. 

Even after almost three decades of its release, this 94%-rated movie has stood the test of time and remains one of the most beloved war movies of all time. 

The timeless war classic starring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The World War II flick, Saving Private Ryan, stars Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Jeremy Davies, Ted Danson, Bryan Cranston, Nathan Fillion, Vin Diesel, and Adam Goldberg in key roles and remains one of the most compelling adaptations of WWII to this day. Numerous true stories from the time, particularly those written by historian Stephen E. Ambrose and the accounts of actual brothers who served together, like the Sullivan and Niland brothers, provided inspiration for the movie.

The narrative of this Steven Spielberg directorial centers on Hanks's character, Captain John Miller, as he guides a team of soldiers to find and save Matt Damon's character, Private James Francis Ryan. But why would a bunch of soldiers risk their lives to save just one soldier, that too, a Private? It is because the Ryan family is about to be hit with the news of their three children being k***** in action simultaneously, and the US Army is desperately trying to save at least one of the remaining Ryan brothers. 

Most people remember Saving Private Ryan for its realistic depiction of conflict and battle scenes, which had an impact on movies. But more than that, the movie is a reminder of the fact that those who fight in the war are also humans full of dreams and ambitions, and a hope to lead a peaceful life. 

Who Stars in ‘Lucky Strike’? Meet the Full Cast of Scott Eastwood Starrer World War II Action Thriller

Saving Private Ryan is a film that transcends critical acclaim and accolades, but for the sake of providing a parameter to its excellence, let us have a look at its ratings.

Saving Private Ryan at the top of the ratings

The Rotten Tomatoes rating for Saving Private Ryan is almost flawless. Based on reviews from critics, the movie has an outstanding 94% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score; based on reviews from viewers, it has an even higher 95% Popcornmeter score. Saving Private Ryan has an amazing rating of 8.6 on IMDb, with over 1.6 million reviews.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Prominent filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino have mentioned Saving Private Ryan as an inspiration for their own war epics. The director of the Game of Thrones Season 7 episode The Spoils of War, Matt Shakman, also mentioned Saving Private Ryan as an inspiration for the fight scene. While the mastermind behind their inspiration, Steven Spielberg, might be keeping himself busy with his new release, Disclosure Day.

Is Tom Hanks’ 'World War II' on Netflix? Where Can You Watch the Historical Documentary?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Have you watched Saving Private Ryan? Which sequence in the film is your favorite? Do let us know in the comments.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Harshit Kumar

455 articles

With nearly two years of experience in content writing, primarily in sports, Harshit has now ventured into the alluring alleys of Hollywood at NetflixJunkie. A true pop-culture fanatic and a certified cheat code for movie trivia night, he brings infectious enthusiasm to every conversation. He has strong opinions about everything from uplifting superhero spectacles to gripping psychological crime dramas, and he is never shy about backing them up.

Edited By: Adiba Nizami

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK