The Best Movies About WWII
WWII has been a profound source of inspiration for filmmakers, resulting in a vast array of movies that capture the complexities, heroism, and tragedies of this global conflict. From gripping dramas to historical epics, these films offer audiences a window into the past, portraying the profound human experiences that defined an era.
Come And See (1985)
A harrowing portrayal of the occupation of Belarus, this Soviet masterpiece follows a young boy's descent into the horrors of conflict. Known for its visceral imagery, it’s an unflinching look at the brutality of war and loss of innocence. It is widely considered to be a ruthless, pure portrayal of WWII.
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Terrence Malick’s poetic take on the Battle of Guadalcanal delves into the psychological toll of battle. The film blends stunning visuals with philosophical musings, offering a deeply human perspective. Hosting big names like George Clooney, John Travolta, and Woody Harrelson—it is no wonder it makes the list.
Twentieth Century, The Thin Red Line (1998)
Schindler's List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s heart-wrenching drama tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. It’s a powerful testament to courage and humanity amidst unimaginable atrocities. Spielberg himself considers Schindler's List his best work.
Universal, Schindler's List (1993)
Shoah (1985)
This monumental documentary by Claude Lanzmann offers a meticulous and deeply moving account of the Holocaust. Through survivor testimonies and interviews with witnesses and perpetrators, the film reconstructs the systematic extermination of millions. Its epic nine-hour runtime emphasizes the weight and scale of this tragedy, demanding attention and reflection.
Das Boot (1981)
This German film places viewers inside a claustrophobic U-boat during WWII. With its gripping tension and nail-biting, realistic point-of-view portrayal of submarine conflict, it remains a definitive film. Originally made as a TV miniseries, it was later adapted to its feature length film status.
Constantin Film, Das Boot (1981)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Renowned for its intensely visceral opening D-Day sequence, Steven Spielberg’s epic follows a group of servicemen on a mission to save one man, Private Ryan (played by Matt Damon), who is missing behind enemy lines. It’s a raw and emotional depiction of camaraderie, brotherhood, and sacrifice.
DreamWorks, Saving Private Ryan (1998)
The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957)
Set in a Japanese POW camp, this classic explores the construction of a railway bridge by Allied prisoners. Whilst not your typical film of the genre, what it lacks in epic battle sequences, it more than makes up for in suspense. With themes of honor and defiance, it’s a cinematic triumph anchored by Alec Guinness’s iconic performance.
Columbia, The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
This beautifully raw Japanese animated film follows two siblings struggling to survive during the firebombing of Japan. Its heartbreaking story showcases the conflict’s devastating impact on civilians, especially children.
Ghibli, Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)
This intriguing film, directed by Clint Eastwood, is actually a companion piece to Flags of Our Fathers and tells the story of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective. It’s a poignant and humanizing look at servicemen on the opposing side of the battle, while trapped in an futile situation.
DreamWorks, Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Inglourious Basterds (1978)
This 1978 B-list movie, directed by Enzo G Castellari, inspired Tarantino’s later WWII epic. Explosive and unexpectedly slick, the film follows a group of Allied misfits on a thrilling mission.
Film Concorde, The Inglorious Bastards (1978)
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino’s bold reimagining of WWII blends dark humor, revenge, and suspense. Inspired by Inglorious Bastards by Enzo Castellari, this film features standout performances, including Christoph Waltz as the chilling Hans Landa--it’s a wildly entertaining alternate history.
Universal, Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Rome, Open City (1945)
Roberto Rossellini’s masterpiece was one of the first films to depict the struggles of ordinary Italians during authoritarian occupation. Blending documentary-style realism with powerful storytelling, it highlights the bravery and sacrifices of resistance fighters. Its immediacy and authenticity made it a raw cornerstone of post-conflict Italian cinema.
Excelsa Film, Rome, Open City (1945)
Army Of Shadows (1969)
Jean-Pierre Melville’s understated yet powerful drama explores the clandestine operations of the French Resistance. The film portrays the moral complexities and personal sacrifices of those fighting against tyranny. Its atmospheric cinematography creates a haunting portrait of resistance.
Les Films Corona, Army Of Shadows (1969)
Went The Day Well? (1942)
This 1942 British classic tells a gripping tale of a quaint English village infiltrated by German officers disguised as allies. Combining elements of suspense and patriotic fervor, it serves as both a thriller and a morale booster. Its realistic portrayal of an ordinary community's response to an extraordinary menace remains strikingly relevant.
Ealing Studios, Went the Day Well? (1942)
Dunkirk (2017)
Christopher Nolan’s masterful retelling of the Dunkirk evacuation is a visually stunning, heart-pounding experience. The film uses minimal dialogue, breathtaking cinematography, and a ticking-clock score by Hans Zimmer to immerse viewers in the chaos and heroism of WWII.
The Cranes Are Flying (1957)
This Soviet masterpiece by Mikhail Kalatozov offers a poetic and deeply emotional portrayal of love and loss during hostilities. Focusing on the personal sacrifices of a young couple torn apart by the conflict, the film is lauded for how it captures both the tragedy and humanity of those left behind.
Mosfilm, The Cranes Are Flying (1957)
A Matter Of Life And Death (1946)
Powell and Pressburger’s fantastical romance blends drama with otherworldly imagination in this post-1945 morale booster. This grand fantasy akin to a mood lifting fever dream is an epic watch.
The Archers, A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
The Big Red One (1980)
Samuel Fuller’s semi-autobiographical epic chronicles the experiences of an infantry squad during WWII. Starring Lee Marvin, the film spans significant moments of the period, from North Africa to Normandy. It captures both the brutality and camaraderie of servicemen in a way that feels intensely personal.
United Artists, The Big Red One (1980)
Cross Of Iron (1977)
Directed by Sam Peckinpah, this gritty film stands out for its unflinching portrayal of German officers on the Eastern Front. James Coburn stars as a weary sergeant battling not just the Soviets but also his ambitious superior officer.
Rapid Film, Cross of Iron (1977)
The Dirty Dozen (1967)
This action-packed adventure follows a group of condemned officers given a second chance to redeem themselves through a dangerous mission. Lee Marvin leads an ensemble cast in a mix of thrilling battles and dark humor. The film’s blend of anti-hero charisma and period action has cemented its status as a classic.
Night And Fog (1956)
Alain Resnais’ short but haunting documentary remains one of the most powerful accounts of the Holocaust. Through stark archival footage and poetic narration, it reflects on the horrors of concentration camps and the human capacity for raw atrocity. It’s a sobering reminder of the need to remember and learn from history.
Argos Films, Night And Fog (1956)
From Here To Eternity (1953)
Set in the days leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack, this drama focuses on the lives and loves of officers stationed in Hawaii. Featuring standout performances by Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, and Frank Sinatra, it’s a powerful exploration of personal struggles amid impending disaster.
Columbia, From Here to Eternity (1953)
Ivan’s Childhood (1962)
Andrei Tarkovsky’s debut film is a hauntingly emotional look at a young boy working as a scout for the Soviet Army. Through an intimate focus on Ivan’s perspective, it captures the devastating impact of the period on innocence.
Mosfilm, Ivan's Childhood (1962)
Downfall (2004)
This riveting drama provides an unflinching look at the final days of WWII in Germany. Bruno Ganz delivers a chilling performance as Adolf Hitler, portraying his descent into madness as the Third Reich collapses around him.
Constantin Film, Downfall (2004)
Son Of Saul (2015)
This harrowing Hungarian drama follows a concentration camp prisoner forced to dispose of fellow victims' bodies. Shot in claustrophobic close-up, the film immerses viewers in Saul’s desperation as he faces unimaginable horror.
The Great Escape (1963)
Based on a true story, this iconic film chronicles the daring escape of Allied prisoners from a German POW camp. The film delivers humor, tension, and unforgettable moments.
United Artists, The Great Escape (1963)
The Zone Of Interest (2023)
Jonathan Glazer’s chilling and understated Holocaust drama explores the lives of an officer’s family living next to Auschwitz. By contrasting their banal domesticity with the horrors of the camp, the film examines the disturbing normalization of evil. Its subtle, almost detached approach makes it quite unsettling.
Film4, The Zone of Interest (2023)
Empire Of The Sun (1987)
Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of JG Ballard’s semi-autobiographical novel follows a young boy’s survival in a Japanese internment camp. Christian Bale delivers a stunning performance as the boy, capturing his journey from privilege to resilience.
Warner Bros., Empire of the Sun (1987)
Life Is Beautiful (1997)
This heartfelt Italian film by Roberto Benigni masterfully balances humor and tragedy. It tells the story of a father who uses his imagination to shield his son from the horrors of a concentration camp. The film's mix of love, hope, and heartbreak makes it truly unforgettable.
Miramax, Life Is Beautiful (1997)
Hell In The Pacific (1968)
This gripping drama explores the tense relationship between a stranded American pilot and a Japanese naval officer during WWII. Starring Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune, the film is a psychological battle of wits and survival. With sparse dialogue and a minimalist setting, it delves into themes of enmity, humanity, and mutual dependence.
Selmur Pictures, Hell In The Pacific (1968)
Millions Like Us (1943)
This British drama taking place during the hostilities focuses on the lives of women who joined the workforce during the conflict. It provides a poignant look at camaraderie, sacrifice, and resilience on the home front—with themes such as loss and grief and the collective effort of ordinary citizens.
Gainsborough Pictures, Millions Like Us (1943)
Germany, Pale Mother (1980)
This haunting German film examines the impact of major conflict on personal relationships and individual lives. It follows a woman's harrowing journey through WWII Germany. It is both a critique of the times, and a testament to resilience—for both men and women in times of conflict.
WDR, Germany, Pale Mother (1980)
The English Patient (1996)
Winner of nine Academy Awards, this romantic epic intertwines love and loss against the backdrop of WWII. Ralph Fiennes delivers a powerful performance as a burn victim recalling a tragic love affair. Lush cinematography and a sweeping score make it a deeply emotional experience.
Miramax, The English Patient (1996)
Kelly's Heroes (1970)
A group of rogue American servicemen embarks on a treasure hunt in this war-comedy hybrid. With Clint Eastwood, Donald Sutherland, and Telly Savalas leading the charge, the film offers action, humor, and a dash of irreverence. It’s an unconventional take on battle camaraderie and greed.
Fury (2014)
This gritty, suspenseful film follows a hardened tank sergeant and his crew during the final days of WWII. Brad Pitt leads a stellar cast in this visceral depiction of the conflict's brutality and moral complexity.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
This remarkable true story follows Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who became a hero by saving lives without firing a shot. Directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield, the film is both a gripping conflict drama and an inspiring tale of faith and perseverance.
Summit Entertainment, Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Stalingrad (1993)
This Russian epic captures the grueling battle for Stalingrad from the perspectives of Soviet and German officers. The film portrays the immense scale and devastating toll of one of WWII’s most pivotal conflicts.
Bavaria Film, Stalingrad (1993)
Escape To Victory (1981)
A group of Allied prisoners and their captors face off in a high-stakes soccer match in this unique drama. Featuring Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone, and even the football legend Pelé, it blends sports, camaraderie, and a daring escape plot. While lighter in tone, it still celebrates resilience and teamwork.
Paramount, Escape to Victory (1981)
The Pianist (2002)
Roman Polanski’s award-winning drama chronicles the true story of Władysław Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a Polish-Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust. Brody’s haunting performance, which earned him an Academy Award at 29, brings his resilience and despair to life—but Brody took extreme measures to perfect the part. Brody said he wanted to really feel a similar “hollowness and emptiness” as his character—and he started by starving himself. He then took things a step further by selling his car and leaving his apartment to move to Europe.
