Top 10 Thrillers Set During the American Civil War

Description: Though a silent comedy, Buster Keaton's film includes thrilling chase sequences set during the Civil War, making it a unique entry in this list.

Fact: Keaton performed many of his own stunts, including a real train crash.

Description: This adaptation of Stephen Crane's novel captures the psychological turmoil of a young Union soldier, blending war drama with personal suspense.

Fact: John Huston directed this film, which was initially intended to be a much longer epic but was cut down significantly.

Description: A Union cavalry brigade embarks on a mission to destroy a Confederate railroad, showcasing the strategic and personal conflicts of the war.

Fact: John Ford, known for his Westerns, directed this film, which was one of the few Civil War films he made.

Description: While not strictly a Civil War film, it begins with the protagonist's transformation into an outlaw after his family is killed by Union soldiers, leading to a thrilling tale of revenge and survival.

Fact: Clint Eastwood directed and starred in this film, which was one of the first Westerns to deal with the aftermath of the Civil War.

Description: While primarily a war drama, this film includes elements of suspense as it follows the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first African-American regiments in the Union Army.

Fact: Denzel Washington won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this film.

Description: While epic in scope, this film includes moments of suspense and tension as it recounts the pivotal battle of the Civil War.

Fact: The film was adapted from the novel "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara.

Description: This film follows a Confederate soldier's perilous journey home to Cold Mountain, North Carolina, amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, blending romance with the harsh realities of war.

Fact: The film was shot in Romania, standing in for the American South, and features a memorable soundtrack by T-Bone Burnett.

Description: This legal thriller explores the trial of Mary Surratt, the only woman charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, offering a suspenseful look at justice during wartime.

Fact: The film marks the directorial debut of Robert Redford, who also served as an executive producer.

Description: Set in a Confederate girls' boarding school, this film delves into psychological tension when a wounded Union soldier is taken in, leading to a dangerous game of seduction and betrayal.

Fact: This is a remake of the 1971 film of the same name, directed by Sofia Coppola, who won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for this version.

Description: This TV movie offers a harrowing look at the infamous Confederate prison camp, focusing on the survival and escape attempts of Union soldiers.

Fact: The film was shot on location at the actual site of Andersonville Prison in Georgia.