There are many great World War II movies that have been released over the years
Here is a list of the 12 best ones according to film world critics and audiences alike. Whether you’re looking for an epic tale of war or a heartwarming story about the human spirit, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab some popcorn and settle in for a great movie marathon!
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
There are many world war II movies out there, but Schindler’s List is one of the best. It tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust.
What makes Schindler’s List so special is that it doesn’t shy away from the horrific realities of the Holocaust. It shows the brutalities that the Jews faced in Nazi concentration camps, as well as their courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
The performances in the movie are also top-notch, with Liam Neeson delivering an Oscar-worthy performance as Schindler. The movie is also directed by Steven Spielberg, one of the most acclaimed directors of our time.
All in all, Schindler’s List is a powerful and harrowing film that should be seen by everyone. It is a fascinating World War II movie, and it is a must-watch for anyone interested in this period of history.
2. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
The war in Europe was a defining moment in history, and the movies that have been made about it are some of the best ever made. Saving Private Ryan is one of those movies. It is a classic story of heroism and sacrifice, and it is told in a way that is both powerful and emotionally resonant.
Saving Private Ryan follows the story of a group of soldiers who are tasked with saving one man behind enemy lines. They go on a dangerous mission, and along the way, they face many challenges and obstacles. The film does an excellent job of conveying the horror and brutality of war, but it also shows the immense courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in it.
Saving Private Ryan is one of the best films ever because it is an excellent story that is told in a very powerful way. It is a classic tale of heroism and sacrifice, and it will leave you feeling both inspired and moved.
3. The Pianist (2002)
The Pianist is made our movie list for a number of reasons. Firstly, it tells an incredible true story about a Polish pianist Władysław Szpilman, who survived the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. The film captures both the horror and the hope of those times, and Szpilman’s story is truly inspirational.
Secondly, The Pianist is beautifully shot and directed. Roman Polanski’s direction is masterful, and the cinematography is simply stunning. Every frame looks like a painting, and the film as a whole is visually stunning.
Lastly, The Pianist features some truly amazing performances. Adrien Brody gives an Oscar-winning performance as Szpilman, and the supporting cast is also excellent. The Pianist is a powerful and moving film, and it’s one of the best movies out there.
4. Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca is widely considered to be one of the best world war II movies ever made. The movie tells the story of Rick Blaine, a world-weary ex-patriate who runs a nightclub in Casablanca during the early days of World War II. Despite its grim setting, the movie is filled with hope, romance, and humor, and it remains an enduring classic more than 75 years after its release.
There are many reasons why Casablanca is such an excellent movie. First and foremost, it has an unbeatable cast. Humphrey Bogart gives one of his best performances as Rick Blaine, and he is ably supported by Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, and Peter Lorre. The chemistry between Bogart and Bergman is electric, and their on-screen romance is one of the most iconic in Hollywood history.
The movie also features a masterful script by Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein, which was based on the stage play by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison. The story is tightly plotted and moves at a breakneck pace, yet it still manages to find time for moments of quiet contemplation and deep emotion. The dialogue is sharp and quotable, and the movie features some of the most memorable scenes in cinema history.
Casablanca is a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences more than seven decades after its release. It is a must-see for any fan of second world war movies, and it is sure to leave you with a renewed appreciation for the genre.
5. Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 Japanese anime war film written and directed by Isao Takahata, and produced by Studio Ghibli. It is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka. The film tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who are orphaned during the firebombing of Kobe during World War II. They struggle to survive in the aftermath of the war, with Seita doing whatever he can to care for his little sister.
The film is widely considered to be one of the best movies ever made. It won best foreign language film at the Academy Awards. It is incredibly powerful and moving, with stunning animation and a beautiful score. The characters are incredibly relatable and the story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. If you haven’t seen Grave of the Fireflies, I highly recommend it. You can watch this movie on one of the best streaming services for movies and series: Crunchyroll.
6. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglourious Basterds is one of the best war films for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it features an incredibly talented cast. Film stars like Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, and Mélanie Laurent all give outstanding performances behind enemy lines as they try to assassinate Nazi leaders.
Second, the movie is directed by Quentin Tarantino, who is known for his inventive and stylish films. Inglourious Basterds is no exception, with its unique blend of genres and unconventional storytelling. The Dirty Dozen, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Robert Aldrich’s 1967 war flick, is based on the 1965 bestseller by E.M. Nathanson that was inspired by a real-life WWII unit of behind-the-lines demolition specialists from the 101st Airborne Division named the “Filthy Thirteen.” The Dirty Dozen is based on the true story of twelve military convicts who came together for a suicide mission leading up to D-Day. The group of convicts, most of whom have been imprisoned for heinous crimes, are to parachute across enemy lines and assassinate high-ranking German personnel.
Finally, the film has an unforgettable ending that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Inglourious Basterds is a must-see for any fan of a World War II movie.
7. Come And See (1985)
There are many war films out there, but not all of them are created equal. Come And See is one of the best military movies because it manages to capture the brutality, horror, and chaos of the war while also telling a very human story.
The movie follows a young Belarusian boy named Florya as he joins the resistance movement against the Nazis. The film does an excellent job of showing how hard life was for the people living in Nazi-occupied territories. The violence is not sugarcoated, and we see Florya and his friends go through some truly harrowing experiences.
But despite all the darkness, there are moments of hope and humanity throughout the film. We see how people can still find love and compassion for each other even in the midst of war.
Come And See is a powerful and moving film that does an excellent job of depicting the human cost of war. If you’re looking for a war movie that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it, then this is the one to watch.
8. Das Boot (1981)
Das Boot is widely considered to be one of the most interesting movies ever made. The movie is an adaptation of Lothar-Günther Buchheim’s 1973 book of the same name, and it tells the story of a German submarine crew during the Battle of the Atlantic.
What makes Das Boot so great is its attention to detail. The film was shot entirely in Germany, and the filmmakers took care to make sure that everything looked as authentic as possible. This attention to detail really helps to bring the story to life, and it makes Das Boot feel like a very real and harrowing war film.
Another thing that makes Das Boot great is its strong character development. We really get to know the members of the submarine crew, and we see how they react to the stresses of war. This is a film that really allows us to understand what it was like for those who served during the war, and that makes it all the more powerful.
If you’re looking for a great military flick, then you need to check out Das Boot. It’s a powerful and harrowing film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
9. The Cranes Are Flying (1957)
There are a lot of Soviet anti war films out there, but Why The Cranes Are Flying is definitely one of the best.
The movie follows the story of two young lovers, Mikhail and Veronika, who are forced to part ways when Mikhail is drafted into the Soviet army. As the war rages on, the two keep thinking about each other and wondering if they’ll ever be able to reunite.
Why The Cranes Are Flying is an incredibly moving and powerful film that captures the horrors of war and the strength of love. If you’re looking for great combat movies, this is definitely one that you should check out.
10. The Great Escape (1963)
The Great Escape is one of the best war movies for a number of reasons. Firstly, it tells an incredible true story. The film is based on the book by Paul Brickhill, which chronicles the real-life escape of 76 Allied prisoners from a German POW camp in 1944.
Secondly, the movie features an all-star cast. Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and James Garner are just some of the big names who appear in The Great Escape.
Thirdly, the film is expertly directed by John Sturges. Sturges was a master at directing action movies, and he brings all his expertise to bear in The Great Escape.
Fourthly, the movie has some of the most iconic scenes in all of war cinema. The escape itself is thrilling to watch, and the final chase scene is one of the most memorable in all of the film.
Finally, The Great Escape is simply a great movie. It’s exciting, moving, and ultimately very satisfying. If you’re a fan of combat films, then you need to see The Great Escape.
11. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
There are many great movies out there, but The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is definitely one of the best.
For starters, the movie is incredibly well-made. The acting is top-notch, and the cinematography is absolutely beautiful. It’s also very emotionally powerful – it’ll make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.
But what really sets The Boy in the Striped Pajamas apart is its unique perspective on the Holocaust experience. Rather than focusing on the grandeur of the conflict, or on the politics behind it, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas tells a much more personal story. It’s the story of two friends, one Jewish, and one German, who is forced to confront the reality of the Nazi occupation in a very personal way.
This human perspective is what makes The Boy in the Striped Pajamas so special, and it’s why it’s one of the best Holocaust films out there. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out.
12. Jojo Rabit (2019)
Jojo Rabbit is one of the best second world war movies because it tells an important and true story. The movie is set in Germany during the second world war and follows the story of a young boy named Jojo who joins the Nazi party.
While Jojo is initially enthusiastic about being a part of the Nazi party, he soon realizes that the reality of war is very different from what he expected. He witnesses firsthand the cruelty and violence that the Nazis are capable of, and starts to question whether or not he wants to be a part of it.
Ultimately, Jojo decides to stand up against the Nazis and fight for what he believes in. This makes him one of the most inspiring and courageous characters in any military film.
Jojo Rabbit is an important and powerful film that highlights the reality of war, and the importance of standing up against hate and bigotry. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in combat flicks.
Trivia
Why isn’t The Thin Red Line or Letters From Iwo Jima on your list?
Which of these movies is a Soviet anti war film?
Who was the starring actor in Letters From Iwo Jima?
Who was the director of The Thin Red Line?
Which film listed above displayed a German U Boat?
Which films listed above won at the Academy Awards?
Which WWII movies do you think should not be on this list?
Which movie listed above displayed a German camp?
Which film tells the saddest story?
