21 Powerful War, Holocaust, and Resistance Films of 2009 You Need to See
21 titles
Delve into the battle-scarred battlefields of cinema with our Top 30 War of 2009 list, a compelling collection of films that explore the human condition in the face of conflict. From the heartbreaking tale of Irena Sendler to the harrowing account of Darfur, these movies delve deep into the darkest hours of history and emerge with raw, unforgettable stories that will leave you questioning your own resilience. As we journey through this curated selection of 2009 films, be prepared to witness courage under fire and the indomitable spirit of those who have lived through the throes of war. Each film offers a unique perspective on a specific conflict, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of our world's tumultuous past.
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LebanonMovie · 2009 · 93m · Drama, WarIn 1982, during the First Lebanon War, a single tank and a platoon of paratroopers are sent to investigate an enemy-held town.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 2
CowMovie · 2009 · 105m · Drama, WarIn 1940, a Chinese peasant is tasked with guarding his village's prized dairy cow throughout a severe winter.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 3
DarfurMovie · 2009 · 98m · War, Thriller, DramaAmerican journalists in Sudan face a difficult choice: leave to report the widespread atrocities they've witnessed, or remain to assist those victims they've met.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.0 - 4
Stolz der NationMovie · 2009 · 6m · War, Action, DramaQuentin Tarantino asked Eli Roth to create a short film, titled *Stolz der Nation* (Nation's Pride), for the theatrical release of *Inglourious Basterds*. As a promotional tool for the film, Roth has assembled a trailer for *Nation's Pride*, combining black and white visuals with contemporary, complex camera techniques.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 5
LeningradMovie · 2009 · 120m · War, DramaIn 1941, Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union led to a swift siege of Leningrad. While foreign journalists were evacuated, Kate Davies is presumed dead and misses the last plane. Stranded alone in the city, she finds help from Nina Tsvetnova, a young, idealistic police officer. Together, they must fight for their own survival and for the survival of Leningrad's people.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.4 - 6
Glorious 39Movie · 2009 · 129m · War, Drama, HistoryThis is a story about a traditional British family living in the countryside just before World War Two. The wealthy Keyes family projects an image of stability, unaware of the impending war. Their lives are disrupted when daughter Anne stumbles upon hidden recordings, unexpectedly creating division within the family.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 7
The Age of StupidMovie · 2009 · 92m · War, Documentary, HistoryIn 2055, a solitary man (Pete Postlethwaite) reflects on the past by watching old videos from 2008. He grapples with the question of why humanity failed to prevent climate change when the opportunity was available.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5 - 8
The BreathMovie · 2009 · 128m · War, Action, DramaA small unit of the Turkish army is stationed at a remote relay station and must prepare for a potential terrorist attack.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.3 - 9
The Courageous Heart of Irena SendlerMovie · 2009 · 96m · Drama, WarIrena Sendler, a Catholic social worker with a lifelong sympathy for the Jewish people stemming from her father's death while treating poor Jewish patients, first suggests rescuing Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. Her proposal is initially met with doubt by her colleagues, her parish priest, and even her own mother, Janina.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 10
Army of CrimeMovie · 2009 · 139m · War, Drama, HistoryThis historical drama tells the story of Missak Manouchian, an Armenian immigrant who worked as a woodworker and was also a political activist. In 1943, he led a division of immigrant laborers in the Parisian Resistance, carrying out 30 operations against the Nazis. The Nazis labeled the group an "Army of Crime," a propaganda effort that ultimately made the team's members symbols of resistance.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 11
Red SandsMovie · 2009 · 89m · Action, Horror, WarDuring a deployment in the Middle East, a unit of American soldiers, facing extended downtime, impulsively destroy an ancient statue in the desert. Their act awakens a terrifying supernatural force.IMDb 4.2TMDB 4.3 - 12
Inglourious BasterdsMovie · 2009 · 153m · Drama, Thriller, WarDuring World War II in Nazi-occupied France, a unit of Jewish-American soldiers called "The Basterds" is tasked with spreading terror within the Third Reich through brutal acts of violence against Nazis. Led by Lieutenant Aldo Raine, The Basterds encounter a French-Jewish teenager who operates a movie theater in Paris – a theater that becomes a target for the soldiers.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.2 - 13
The RevenantMovie · 2009 · 110m · Comedy, Horror, WarJoey's life takes a bizarre turn when his best friend Bart returns from the dead as a revenant – a zombie who can talk. To stay together, Bart must drink blood to slow his decay. This horror-comedy follows Joey and Bart as they navigate the challenges of their unusual friendship, with Bart's undead condition creating plenty of darkly humorous situations.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 14
City of Life and DeathMovie · 2009 · 132m · Drama, History, WarIn 1937, at the height of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Imperial Japanese Army captures Nanjing, the capital of the Republic of China. What follows is the Nanking Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanking, a six-week period during which tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers and civilians are killed.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 15
John RabeMovie · 2009 · 134m · Drama, History, WarThis is the true story of a German businessman who rescued over 200,000 Chinese people during the Nanjing Massacre of 1937-38.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 16
Red Cliff IIMovie · 2009 · 141m · Action, Adventure, DramaThe battle of Red Cliff rages on, and the alliance between Xu and East Wu is weakening. Facing Cao Cao's overwhelming army, can these kingdoms hold out?IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 17
The Men Who Stare at GoatsMovie · 2009 · 94m · Comedy, WarIn Iraq, a reporter encounters Lyn Cassady, a man who asserts he was once part of the U.S. Army's New Earth Army. This unit reportedly utilized paranormal abilities in its operations.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0 - 18
Behind Enemy Lines III: ColombiaMovie · 2009 · 94m · War, Action, ThrillerA team of Navy SEALS launches an operation against Colombian special forces in an attempt to prove their innocence and secure the release of a captive.IMDb 4.8TMDB 5.7 - 19
BrothersMovie · 2009 · 105m · Drama, Thriller, WarDuring his fourth deployment in Afghanistan, Marine Sam Cahill's helicopter crashes, and he is presumed dead. His brother Tommy returns home to care for Sam’s wife, Grace, and their two children. Sam's unexpected return disrupts their lives and creates chaos at home.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3 - 20
Taking ChanceMovie · 2009 · 77m · Drama, War, TV MovieMilitary escort Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl accompanies the remains of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps back to his hometown in Wyoming.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 21
Pan's LabyrinthMovie · 2006 · 118m · Fantasy, Drama, WarFollowing the Spanish Civil War, ten-year-old Ofelia and her pregnant mother go to live with her abusive stepfather. She discovers a strange labyrinth and encounters a faun who tells her she might be a princess from a hidden kingdom. To find her real father, Ofelia must complete a series of bizarre and dangerous challenges that make it hard to tell what's real and what's not.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.8
