164 World War II Documentary Films
164 titles
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Paragraph 175Movie · 2000 · 74m · History, DocumentaryUnder the Nazi regime, homosexual men faced widespread persecution, beginning with Paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code in 1871. Thousands were murdered in concentration camps. This powerful and disturbing documentary, narrated by Rupert Everett, presents for the first time largely untold testimonies from some of the survivors.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.5 - 2
After Mein KampfMovie · 1940 · 55mPropaganda from the Allied forces, presented through cartoons and newsreels, depicts the ascent of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party to power.IMDb 5.5TMDB 10.0 - 3
Coming Out Under FireMovie · 1994 · 72mThis documentary examines the military's policies concerning homosexuality during World War II. It features interviews with several veterans who identify as homosexual.IMDb 7.6TMDB 3.9 - 4
Paper ClipsMovie · 2004 · 82mWhitwell, Tennessee is a small, predominantly white and Christian mountain community of under two thousand people. In 1998, students at Whitwell Middle School embarked on an inspiring project initiated by their principal. The goal was to broaden their understanding of global diversity and the profound realities of the Holocaust.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 5
Listen to BritainMovie · 1942 · 20m · DocumentaryThis film is a moving visual story about life in wartime England during World War II. Director Humphrey Jennings vividly shows how people adapted to the war through scenes from everyday life. The movie avoids narration, instead skillfully depicting the difficulties faced by the population as they lived through troubled times.
The film takes viewers on a journey that highlights the strength of people living in England during the war. From busy cities to peaceful countryside, it offers a powerful look at life during this difficult period. Each scene shows ordinary men, women, and children dealing with rationing, loss, and fear. Using strong images and compelling storytelling, the film reveals the human experiences often overlooked in stories about war.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2 - 6
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' WarMovie · 2016 · 90mIn 1939, an American couple embarks on a daring mission: to aid refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe. For two years, they put themselves in danger, risking everything to help hundreds find freedom.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 7
What Our Fathers Did: A Nazi LegacyMovie · 2015 · 90mThis film explores the unsettling legacy of two Nazi war criminals through their sons. Hans Frank and Otto von Wächter were key figures in WWII, responsible for the deaths of thousands. Human rights lawyer Philippe Sands, researching the Nuremberg trials, becomes fascinated by the sons of these men: Niklas Frank and Horst von Wächter. The sons offer strikingly different perspectives on their fathers, prompting a re-examination of history and the complexities of inherited responsibility.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 8
Swimming in AuschwitzMovie · 2007 · 63mDuring the Holocaust, six Jewish women from diverse backgrounds are deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau. The film recounts their experience through their perspectives, focusing on their resilience. Though enduring the same physical hardships as the men, the women emphasize the importance of community and faith, supporting each other to maintain their humanity. This spiritual resistance, while not guaranteeing survival, helped them preserve their mental and emotional well-being amidst unimaginable suffering. "Swimming in Auschwitz" offers a vital perspective on the camp, its environment, and the Holocaust itself, ensuring we remember this history.IMDb 7.9TMDB 6.0 - 9
War Comes to AmericaMovie · 1945 · 70mThis is the seventh and final film in Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series, created as war propaganda. It details the events that led to the United States' involvement in World War II.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0 - 10
BlockadeMovie · 2006 · 52mThis film uses only archival footage from Moscow's film archives, documenting the siege of Leningrad during World War II. By adding a carefully created soundtrack to these originally silent images, the scenes of daily life under siege feel strikingly contemporary. The film avoids altering the sequence of events, allowing the footage itself to create a powerful narrative. The scenes transform beyond their historical context, becoming a vivid and immersive re-creation of reality, not a nostalgic reflection on the past.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.4 - 11
ShoahMovie · 1985 · 566m · Documentary, HistoryClaude Lanzmann’s powerful documentary explores the Holocaust through firsthand accounts. The film features over a decade of interviews with survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators, categorized into three groups. These personal stories offer intimate insights into life at the Chelmno and Auschwitz camps, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and include a disturbing account from an SS officer at Treblinka. Lanzmann’s unflinching documentation reveals the depths of human cruelty and resilience during this dark period.IMDb 8.7TMDB 8.2 - 12
Tunisian VictoryMovie · 1944 · 75mA documentary produced by the U.S. Army Signal Corps following the North African campaign.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 13
Why We Fight: The Nazis StrikeMovie · 1943 · 42mThis film, the second in Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series, examines Germany's history of aggression, tracing its origins to 1863 with Otto von Bismarck and identifying the Nazi regime as its most recent example.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 14
Why We Fight: The Battle of ChinaMovie · 1944 · 65mThis installment in Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series details Japan's takeover of China. It features Madame Chiang Kai-Shek's powerful speech to Congress, the atrocities committed during the Rape of Nanking, the massive 2,000-mile migration to escape the Japanese, and the efforts of Claire Chennault's Flying Tigers.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5 - 15
Ten Days to D-DayMovie · 2004 · 90mThis mini-series explores the experiences of ten individuals in the ten days leading up to D-Day, as revealed through their letters and diaries. Interwoven with these personal accounts are documentary interviews with the people who inspired the story.IMDb 8.6TMDB 4.7 - 16
The Silent VillageMovie · 1943 · 36m · Documentary, Drama, HistoryThis historical drama tells the difficult story of a small Welsh village and its brutal experience under Nazi occupation during World War II. The film reveals the harsh realities faced by many European communities during the Nazi era. Through vivid storytelling and imagery, it explores themes of strength, community, and the persistence of hope amidst extreme hardship. The movie confronts the darkest aspects of history, reminding us of the importance of defending human dignity against those who would destroy it.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 17
Shooting WarMovie · 2000 · 88mThis film offers a unique perspective on World War II, focusing on the first war to be extensively documented by combat photographers – often overlooked heroes. These brave soldiers repeatedly risked their lives to capture historical moments with their cameras.IMDb 7.9TMDB 5.9 - 18
The Goebbels ExperimentMovie · 2005 · 108mA film featuring Kenneth Branagh as Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's chief propaganda minister, presents Goebbels' own words from his diary. The film offers a revealing look into the mind of the man who orchestrated Nazi propaganda, as he speaks directly to the audience through his personal writings.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.3 - 19
The Conscientious ObjectorMovie · 2004 · 101mIn 1945, during World War II, on the island of Okinawa, American soldiers faced a brutal battle on Hacksaw Ridge, a 400-foot cliff where survival was unlikely. Medic Pfc. Desmond T. Doss repeatedly risked his life to rescue 75 wounded GIs from the enemy fire. Initially ridiculed for his pacifist faith and refusal to carry a weapon, Doss earned the respect and gratitude of his fellow soldiers, who ultimately recommended him for the Medal of Honor. Director Terry Benedict recounts this remarkable story through the perspective of those who witnessed Doss's extraordinary heroism.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.3 - 20
The Accountant of AuschwitzMovie · 2018 · 78m · Documentary, History, CrimeOskar Gröning, nicknamed the "Accountant of Auschwitz," was accused of being complicit in the murder of 300,000 Jews. His trial in 2015, when he was 94 years old, drew international attention.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 21
The Power of Good: Nicholas WintonMovie · 2003 · 64mThis documentary tells the remarkable story of Nicholas Winton, a young English stockbroker who courageously rescued 669 children. From March 13th to August 2nd, 1939, Winton arranged for eight transports to bring children from Prague to safety in Great Britain. He kept his efforts secret until 1988, when his wife discovered a scrapbook detailing his extraordinary mission. In 1939, Winton, then a 29-year-old London stockbroker, felt compelled to act upon the plight of Jewish children in Prague. He successfully secured refuge for them in Sweden and Britain, relying on forged documents and ensuring he never saw the children again after they were placed with foster families.IMDb 8.3TMDB 9.0 - 22
42 Ways to Kill HitlerMovie · 2008National Geographic examines six of the numerous attempts to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The synopsis details the feasibility of these plots and the often grim consequences for those who tried to carry them out.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.1 - 23
ThunderboltMovie · 1947 · 44mThis documentary chronicles the U.S. Air Force's P-47 Thunderbolt bomber's crucial part in the Italian Campaign of World War II.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.1 - 24
The Lancaster at WarMovie · 2009 · 47mThis documentary tells the remarkable story of the Avro Lancaster, a key bomber aircraft used during World War II in the fight against Hitler's Germany. Through interviews with veterans of Bomber Command, the film presents honest personal stories about their involvement in a relentless aerial war that resulted in the loss of 55,000 airmen.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 25
Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the HolocaustMovie · 2004 · 92mDaniel Anker's 90-minute documentary explores the intricate and often conflicting history of Hollywood's dealings with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust over the past six decades. The film examines fundamental questions about the role of cinema in society. While not comprehensive, Anker’s work provides a valuable and stimulating introduction to this complex topic.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.5 - 26
The Fighting LadyMovie · 1944 · 61mDirected by Oscar winner William Wyler and narrated by Lieutenant Robert Taylor, USNR (Bataan), this 1944 newsreel-style film documents the U.S. Navy's operations in the Pacific during 1943. Shot in combat zones by Navy photographers, the movie follows the aircraft carrier THE FIGHTING LADY as it participates in attacks against Japanese forces, culminating in an assault on the Japanese base on Marcus Island. Preserved with support from the Academy Film Archive and The Film Foundation.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2 - 27
Why We Fight: Divide and ConquerMovie · 1943 · 57mThis is the third installment in Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series, focusing on the Nazi takeover of Western Europe in 1940.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 28
MarleneMovie · 1984 · 94mThis film looks back at the life and work of Marlene Dietrich, a legendary and often mysterious actress.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 29
The Last DaysMovie · 1998 · 87m · Documentary, HistoryFive Hungarian Jews recount their life stories, looking back at the remarkable events that shaped them before they became American citizens. This moving film follows their paths from a peaceful life before March 1944 to the brutal reality of Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The narratives include those of a historian, a survivor of the Sonderkommando, a doctor who was compelled to conduct experiments on Auschwitz inmates, and the American soldiers who helped liberate Hungary from the Nazis in April 1945. Returning to their childhood homes more than 50 years later, they grapple with their history, offering a deeply personal look at survival, loss, and the bonds of humanity in the face of unimaginable hardship.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4 - 30
London Can Take It!Movie · 1940 · 9m · Documentary, WarAgainst the backdrop of relentless wartime horror in London, this film tells a story of courage and strength. It's a tribute to the resilience of the British people during the devastating London Blitz. The film explores how everyday people became heroes when faced with unimaginable hardship. As the city was destroyed, Londoners united to resist the enemy and maintain their spirit during the darkest period. This powerful story is a lasting reminder of human strength and solidarity in the face of adversity.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 31
Shanghai GhettoMovie · 2002 · 95mSHANGHAI GHETTO tells the remarkable story of thousands of European Jews who, facing relentless persecution by the Nazis in the late 1930s, found themselves denied entry to numerous countries. With no other options and no visas, they discovered a lifeline in Shanghai, a city under Japanese control. These Jewish refugees fled to this unfamiliar destination, arriving penniless and unprepared to establish a community. Decades later, filmmakers Dana Janklowicz-Mann and Amire Mann secretly traveled to China with two survivors and a digital camera to document the original Shanghai Ghetto, a place remarkably preserved since World War II.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 32
2 or 3 Things I Know About HimMovie · 2005 · 85mThis film explores a family's memories of their father, a man who was an early supporter of Hitler, a leader in the SA, and later a minister in the Third Reich responsible for the Final Solution in Slovakia. Executed as a war criminal in 1947, Hanns Ludin left behind his widow and six young children, the youngest of whom became a filmmaker. The film offers a fascinating, unsettling, and occasionally darkly funny look at what the director describes as "a typical German story." (Film Forum)IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.6 - 33
Silent Wings: The American Glider Pilots of World War IIMovie · 2007 · 113m"Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII," narrated by Hal Holbrook, chronicles the vital role glider pilots played in World War II. Using rare footage and photographs, the film immerses viewers in the perilous world of these American airmen, from early glider development to the D-Day invasion and Germany's surrender. Six thousand young Americans volunteered for dangerous missions, flying unarmed cargo gliders into battle. Their task was to repeatedly risk their lives landing troops and equipment deep behind enemy lines, often in darkness. Their efforts saved countless lives and helped win crucial battles. One pilot described the 'G' in their emblem as standing for 'guts.' The film also features a virtual tour of the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, Texas.IMDb 7.9 - 34
The KGB Connections: An Investigation into Soviet Operations in North AmericaMovie · 1981 · 131mThis 1982 film details the KGB's penetration of the United States. It explores the organization's identity, their objectives, and the extent of their influence throughout North America.IMDb 7.9 - 35
WWII From SpaceMovie · 2012 · 88m · Documentary, History, WarWWII from Space presents World War II with a unique perspective. This HISTORY special uses satellite imagery to show the conflict from above, providing a global view of key events. It recreates historical moments and illustrates how events unfolded simultaneously, revealing their far-reaching consequences. The special also highlights how the nation, which ranked 19th in military strength in 1939, became the world's only atomic superpower by 1945.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 36
The Long Way HomeMovie · 1997 · 120mThis is the story of Jewish refugees in the aftermath of World War II, from the time of their liberation to the founding of the modern state of Israel.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 37
Steal a Pencil for MeMovie · 2007 · 94m1943. The Netherlands is occupied by the Nazis. In Amsterdam, accountant Jack meets Ina, a beautiful 20-year-old from a wealthy diamond family, at a birthday party and is instantly captivated. However, Jack is married to Manja, a flighty and unpredictable woman, and his pursuit of Ina is complicated by his marriage. As Jews are deported, Jack, Manja, and Ina end up in the same concentration camp, living in the same barracks. Despite their troubled marriage, Jack and Ina begin exchanging secret love letters, which help them endure the war's horrific conditions.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.1 - 38
No Place on EarthMovie · 2012 · 81mThis remarkable story of resilience, from Emmy-winning producer/director Janet Tobias, reveals a previously untold account: the experience of thirty-eight Ukrainian Jews who survived World War II by living in caves for eighteen months. (TIFF)IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 39
Theirs Is the GloryMovie · 1946 · 82mThis film recounts the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, featuring the surviving soldiers who participated in the historic event.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 40
The Stilwell RoadMovie · 1945 · 51mThis documentary chronicles the construction of Stilwell Road, originally known as The Ledo Road. The 478-mile route stretched from Assam, India, to Ledo, Burma, during World War II. Built by 63,000 workers at a cost of $150 million, the road became vital for the British, Chinese, and Indian armies, facilitating the transport of supplies, troops, and essential materials from India to Burma. This was crucial in preventing the Japanese from gaining complete control of the region.IMDb 6.8 - 41
Japan's War in ColourMovie · 2005 · 151mJapan's War In Colour presents a new perspective on World War II, using newly discovered color film alongside letters and diaries from Japanese people. The film explores the war's history from all sides: leaders and civilians, those in power and those affected by it, the perpetrators and the victims. Previously, it was thought no color footage of Japan existed before 1945, but recent research has revealed remarkable film from the 1930s. For eight years, Japan fought what they considered a sacred war that ultimately became a fight for survival. The film examines how militarism gripped the Japanese people, why they attacked the West, why they resisted the Allies for so long, and how they confronted the humiliation of defeat.IMDb 7.9TMDB 8.0 - 42Life Goes OnMovie · 2002 · 86mThis is the strange and unsettling story of the final propaganda film made by the Nazi regime.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.0
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Kokoda Front Line!Movie · 1942 · 9mThis acclaimed, Academy Award-winning newsreel features some of the most familiar images of Australian soldiers during World War II.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.2 - 44
Desert VictoryMovie · 1943 · 60mThe film depicts the Allied campaign to expel German and Italian forces from North Africa, a landscape described by narrator J. L. Hodson as a desolate place where war was inevitable: "If war was to be fought then let it begin here." Set across vast, barren deserts with few civilians, the movie focuses primarily on the battles of El Alamein, featuring some recreated scenes. It was awarded "Best Documentary Feature" at the 16th Academy Awards in 1944.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 45
Anne Frank RememberedMovie · 1995 · 117mThis Academy Award-winning documentary uses newly discovered archival footage and interviews with people who knew her to tell the story of Anne Frank. It offers the first complete look at Anne, a spirited young woman who became one of the most well-known victims of the Holocaust.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.7 - 46
My Enemy's EnemyMovie · 2007 · 87mThis film presents an alternate history where fascist ideology won the war. It tells the story of Klaus Barbie, a Nazi torturer who later worked as an American spy and a tool for repressive right-wing governments. Barbie's life reflects the hidden connections between "Western" governments and fascism, offering a new perspective on the world and its leaders.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 47
The Ghost ArmyMovie · 2013 · 68mIn World War II, a select team of American soldiers carried out an extraordinary mission: staging elaborate deceptions for the German Army on the front lines. The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops used inflatable tanks, sound equipment, and theatrical performances to mislead the enemy repeatedly. Many of these soldiers were artists who documented their experiences through painting and sketching as they traveled across Europe. Their secret operation remained hidden for nearly half a century after the war.IMDb 7.6TMDB 8.0 - 48
Attack! The Battle for New BritainMovie · 1944 · 56mThis film uses archival footage from the U.S. Signal Corps to depict the 1943 landing and attack on Arawe Beach, Cape Glouster, New Britain Island, during World War Two in the South Pacific. The footage documents the challenges faced by American troops, including the difficult jungle terrain, Japanese snipers, and fortified pill-box positions.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 49
Appointment in TokyoMovie · 1945 · 56mThis film, produced by the Army Pictorial Service with support from the Army Air Forces and the Navy, and released by Warner Bros. for the War Activities Committee shortly after Japan's surrender, chronicles General Douglas MacArthur and his forces from their retreat from the Philippines in early 1942 to the signing of the Japanese instrument of surrender aboard the USS Missouri on September 1, 1945. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8 - 50
Marlene Dietrich: Her Own SongMovie · 2002 · 100mA collection of recollections from Rosemary Clooney, Roger Corman, Deanna Durbin, and others, offering insights into the life, work, and personal life of the legendary star of *The Blue Angel*.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.4 - 51
Olympia Part One: Festival of the NationsMovie · 1938 · 127m · DocumentarySet during the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, Leni Riefenstahl’s documentary is a visually striking look at human athleticism. Originally intended as propaganda, the film became a celebration of the human body's beauty and strength. It begins with a memorable scene that connects the modern Olympics to ancient Greek athletics, emphasizing the enduring quality of athletic achievement. The film then presents captivating footage from numerous competitions, notably the remarkable success of African-American athlete Jesse Owens, who won an unprecedented four gold medals. Riefenstahl’s exceptional cinematography and admiration for the artistry of sport create a compelling and lasting impression.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.9 - 52
D-DAY - Men and MachineMovie · 2004 · 94mThis is the story of the soldiers who fought in the largest amphibious invasion ever undertaken. It's about the men who tested their limits facing powerful war machines during a pivotal moment in history.IMDb 6.9 - 53
Know Your Enemy: JapanMovie · 1945 · 63mA World War II propaganda film directed by Frank Capra, focusing on Japan as America's emerging adversary.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.9 - 54
Garbo: The SpyMovie · 2009 · 88mThis is the true story of Juan Pujol, a remarkable Spaniard who worked as a double agent during World War II and played a crucial role in altering the war's outcome.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 55
Into the WindMovie · 2022 · 108m · Drama, RomanceA Warsaw graduate pursuing medicine in London meets a kitesurfing instructor in Hel, Poland. His free spirit draws her into a world of kitesurfing, music, and excitement, pushing her beyond her comfort zone. Their connection is met with disapproval from family and friends. Can Ania and Michal's relationship endure obstacles and become more than just a summer romance?IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.4 - 56
Olympia Part Two: Festival of BeautyMovie · 1938 · 104m · DocumentaryIn 1936, German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl was commissioned to film the Olympic Games in Berlin. The two-part documentary, *Festival of the Nations* and *The Festival of Beauty*, offers a detailed look at the athletes and the human body on display during this international event.
*Festival of the Nations* highlights the global participation in the games, while *The Festival of Beauty* focuses on individual athletes competing in events like equestrian sports, gymnastics, and swimming. The film features compelling performances, including that of American Glenn Morris in the decathlon, and concludes with a powerful depiction of the Olympic closing ceremonies. Through Riefenstahl's camera, *The Festival of Beauty* presents a celebration of human accomplishment, beauty, and unity.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.7 - 57
D-Day: Code Name OverlordMovie · 1998 · 171mThis is the complete story, from the initial search for a suitable landing site, through the planning and execution of the landing itself, and into the aftermath.IMDb 8.2 - 58
The Wonderful Horrible Life of Leni RiefenstahlMovie · 1993 · 188mThis documentary chronicles the life and career of Leni Riefenstahl, a highly celebrated and controversial German film director. It follows her journey from dancer and actress to become a leading director in Nazi Germany, responsible for influential propaganda films like *Triumph of the Will* and *Olympia*. The film also examines her post-war life and the subsequent condemnation she faced for her association with the Nazi regime, alongside her surprisingly active life past the age of 90.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.1 - 59
Heroes of Iwo JimaMovie · 2001 · 94mThis documentary recounts the story behind what is widely considered the most iconic photograph of war.IMDb 8.0TMDB 5.5 - 60
The Ritchie BoysMovie · 2004 · 92mDuring World War II, the United States created a special intelligence unit at Camp Ritchie, Maryland, primarily composed of German Jewish academics. Their mission was to find ways to undermine the morale of the SS, and they are often credited with helping to shorten the war. Now in their eighties, some of these former members are coming together for a documentary.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 61
We Stand Alone Together: The Men of Easy CompanyMovie · 2001 · 78m · Documentary, War, TV MovieFor two years, Mark Cowen and his team journeyed to thirty U.S. states and ten European cities to interview the veterans of Easy Company. The veterans' own accounts create a history of World War II from the perspective of this distinguished company of soldiers, who gained prominence in the miniseries *Band of Brothers*.IMDb 8.5TMDB 7.4 - 62
Time Machine: The Hunt for the Lost SquadronMovie · 2003 · 66mA World War II Lockheed Lightning P-38 fighter plane is discovered, recovered, and restored after lying buried under the Greenland ice sheet for half a century.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.0 - 63
National Geographic: Untold Stories of World War IIMovie · 1998 · 53mThis film highlights three key events in World War II, spanning the European and Pacific theaters. It details the Allied raids to disrupt Nazi Germany's heavy water production in Norway, including a final effort to prevent the enemy from using stockpiled resources. The film examines the role of Japanese midget submarines in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, exploring their successes and ultimate fate. Finally, it depicts the late-war attacks on U.S. warships in the Pacific by Japanese Kamikaze and Okha squadrons. The Kamikaze attacks were conducted using any available aircraft, while the Okha attacks involved specially designed flying bombs towed by slower, larger planes not designed for combat.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.0 - 64
HiroshimaMovie · 2005 · 89m · Documentary, Drama, WarThis documentary details the world's first nuclear attack and its devastating consequences. Over three weeks, from the initial Trinity test to the bombing of Hiroshima, it explores the political decisions leading up to America's use of atomic weapons. Using archival footage, dramatizations, and special effects, the film depicts events aboard the Enola Gay and the explosion itself.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 65
The Hidden Führer: Debating the Enigma of Hitler's SexualityMovie · 2004 · 81mIn September 2001, German historian Lothar Machtan published his controversial book, "The Hidden Hitler," claiming Adolf Hitler was secretly homosexual. The book sparked intense debate within Hitler studies. Now, filmmakers Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, and Gabriel Rotello examine aspects of Hitler's private life, drawing on the findings of Machtan's acclaimed work.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.0 - 66
Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the KindertransportMovie · 2000 · 122m · Documentary, History, WarIn the year before World War II, ten thousand children fled Nazi persecution, leaving their families, homes, and childhoods behind to journey to Britain for safety.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 67
With the Marines at TarawaMovie · 1944 · 18mThis documentary short film chronicles the brutal fight between U.S. Marines and the Japanese military for control of Tarawa, a Pacific island. The film was preserved in 2005 through a partnership between the Academy Film Archive and the National Archives and Records Administration.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 68
Hitler's ChildrenMovie · 2011 · 83mThe names Himmler, Frank, Goering, and Hoess are synonymous with horror. This film explores the lives of those who carry these names – descendants of the most powerful figures in the Nazi regime. They grapple with a legacy inextricably linked to one of history's greatest atrocities. The film asks: What is it like to live with a name that instantly conjures images of genocide? How do they cope with the burden of their ancestors' actions? Can they ever escape the shadow of the past?IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 69
The Third Reich In ColorMovie · 1998 · 105mThis extraordinary collection of color footage, gathered from private and government archives worldwide, offers a new perspective on Hitler's Europe. In the late 1930s, people from all walks of life – soldiers, tourists, a Luftwaffe pilot, and even Eva Braun – began using color film to document the Third Reich. Much of this film remained hidden in Soviet archives for nearly 60 years, but thanks to modern technology, it has been restored and presented with remarkable clarity. (The documentary features both English and German language versions.)IMDb 8.1TMDB 6.1 - 70
InheritanceMovie · 2006 · 75mFor the first thirteen years of her life, Monika Hertwig believed her father died in World War II while fighting. However, a casual remark reveals a shocking truth: her father was Amon Goeth, the notorious and cruel commandant of the Plaszow concentration camp, and he was later executed for his war crimes.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8 - 71
Operation Valkyrie: The Stauffenberg Plot to Kill HitlerMovie · 2008 · 44mJuly 1944. During World War II, a group of conspirators, led by Claus von Stauffenberg, planned to assassinate Hitler to end his rule. This gripping documentary uses rare color footage, detailed recreations, CG reconstructions, and interviews with top historians to present the complete story of the events leading up to, during, and following this critical attempt.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.2 - 72
The Emperor's Naked Army Marches OnMovie · 1987 · 122m · DocumentaryKenzo Okuzaki, a 62-year-old World War II veteran who fought in the New Guinea campaign, undertakes a personal quest to understand the truth behind disturbing events from one of the war's fiercest battles. As part of a trapped Japanese unit, Okuzaki carries painful memories of atrocities committed by his fellow soldiers under extreme duress. Seeking to comprehend the emotions that fueled these horrific acts, he interviews surviving veterans and their families. His investigation reveals a complicated mix of guilt, fear, loyalty, and humanity surrounding the mysterious killing of two Japanese privates in his unit. Through this journey, Okuzaki confronts his own involvement in the tragedy and searches for redemption in the war's aftermath.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.5 - 73Target for TodayMovie · 1944 · 90mThis film follows a bombing mission over Germany by the American Eighth Air Force, detailing every aspect from the initial planning stages to the mission's conclusion. It presents a comprehensive look at the complexities involved, covering the entire process from start to finish.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.3
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Level FiveMovie · 1997 · 110mLaura, a French programmer, takes on the project of developing a video game centered on the World War II Battle of Okinawa. Through her research and conversations with Japanese experts and those who lived through the battle, she begins to contemplate themes of life, humanity, and the enduring power of history and memory.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.0 - 75
Mein KampfMovie · 1960 · 111mThis documentary uses only archival footage to chronicle the Third Reich's history, from Adolf Hitler's beginnings to the destruction of Europe and his death in 1945. Directed by Erwin Leiser, the film relies on Nazi propaganda materials to examine how totalitarian power operates, the images it creates, and its effects.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 76
National Geographic: Hitler and the OccultMovie · 2007 · 60mDid Adolf Hitler's involvement with the occult shape his actions and ideology? Historians have long debated a possible link between esoteric practices, Hitler, and the Nazi regime, with some suggesting he eliminated rivals to conceal his occult beliefs. This film explores how Hitler’s association with the German Worker's Party exposed him to occultists who may have influenced his worldview.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.2 - 77
The Battle of San PietroMovie · 1945 · 38m · War, DocumentaryThis documentary film recounts the intense story of the Battle of San Pietro, a small Italian village that became the site of a particularly fierce battle in World War II. As Allied forces fought to advance against the Germans, more than 1,100 American soldiers died trying to capture this important location. This restored documentary, preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2005, presents a direct look at the harsh realities of war and the human impact of each battle. Using original footage and personal stories, it shows the suffering and strength of soldiers involved in this difficult conflict, serving as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 78
Nuremberg TrialsMovie · 1946 · 58mThis compelling Russian documentary offers a look inside the trials of notorious German war criminals, held to answer for their crimes. The film features excerpts from the trials of prominent Nazis, including Goebbels and Göring.IMDb 6.5TMDB 4.8 - 79
Expedition: BismarckMovie · 2002 · 92mJames Cameron and a team of specialists explore the wreck of a German ship and its crew from World War II. Using advanced technology, including submersibles and remotely operated vehicles, they document the ship's current state on the ocean floor. The film offers an unprecedented look inside the massive vessel, preserved in the deep sea.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 80
The Last Days of World War IIMovie · 1995 · 136mThis film documents the final stages of World War II through archival footage. It shows the Allied push across Europe, the concluding battles, and the immediate aftermath of the war, including events like the Nuremberg Trials and the emergence of the Cold War.IMDb 7.5 - 81
The Fall of BerlinMovie · 1945 · 70mThis Soviet documentary details the final battle for Nazi Germany's capital. Over forty cameramen from the 1st Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian Fronts filmed the battle and its aftermath, using footage taken from the Germans. The film shows the destruction of Berlin and the symbolic end of Hitler’s rule, serving as both a historical record and an example of Soviet filmmaking during the war.IMDb 7.2TMDB 4.5 - 82
Wake Island: Alamo of the PacificMovie · 2003 · 105mThis documentary details the defense of Wake Island by a small group of U.S. Marines and contractors. Between December 8th and December 23rd, 1941, they successfully repelled air raids and a landing attempt by a Japanese naval force. Ultimately, they were overcome during the Japanese Navy's third assault.IMDb 8.7 - 83Finest Hour: The Battle of BritainMovie · 2000 · 220mThis film chronicles a pivotal moment in World War II. In the spring of 1940, Germany conquered Holland, Belgium, and France, with the Soviet Union as an ally and the United States remaining neutral. Britain stood alone against the Nazi war machine. Led by Winston Churchill and fueled by the courage of its citizens, the nation transformed its darkest hour into a period of remarkable strength. Facing relentless air attacks, including the London Blitz, and the constant threat of invasion, the British people demonstrated extraordinary heroism. The events inspired resistance movements across occupied Europe and ultimately convinced the United States that it, too, could stand up to Hitler.IMDb 8.4
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A Distant Shore: African Americans on D-DayMovie · 2007This film explores the contributions of African American soldiers during the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II.IMDb 8.0 - 85
BonhoefferMovie · 2003 · 93mThis documentary tells the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young German theologian and pacifist who opposed the Nazi regime. He was executed just two weeks before the end of World War II.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.0 - 86
Why We Fight: The Battle of BritainMovie · 1943 · 53mThis 1943 film is the fourth in Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series, created to explain the reasons for fighting and winning World War II. It focuses on the German bombing of Britain, which took place as part of their preparations for the planned invasion, Operation Sea Lion.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 87
Victory Through Air PowerMovie · 1943 · 65m · Animation, War, DocumentaryThis historical film from Disney presents Major Alexander de Seversky's ideas on strategic bombing during World War II. It combines animation and live-action to explore how air warfare developed. The movie humorously shows the growth of military aviation before shifting to explain how de Seversky's concepts could have helped the Allies win the war. This unusual film blends education and propaganda, offering a unique look at wartime strategies and their possible effects.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.6 - 88
The Architecture of DoomMovie · 1989 · 119mThe Architecture of Doom uses previously unseen footage of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime to reveal the inner workings of the Third Reich and the Nazi aesthetic in art, architecture, and popular culture. The film follows Hitler's rise from a struggling artist to a figure who crafted a world of grandiose, unsettling designs and terrifying power. Obsessed with ancient Rome and Greece, he envisioned a new Golden Age built on classical ideals and a racially pure Aryan population, rejecting modern art and deeming those considered "degenerate" unfit. The film documents the Nazis' escalating atrocities, from banning modernist art to forced euthanasia, persecution of homosexuals, and ultimately, the extermination of the Jewish people.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.2 - 89
December 7thMovie · 1943 · 32mThis docudrama recounts the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, detailing the aftermath, including ship recovery efforts, enhanced defenses in Hawaii, and the United States' response to thwarting further Japanese reinforcements.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8 - 90
George Stevens: D-Day to BerlinMovie · 1994 · 46mNarrated by George Stevens Jr., this documentary, from Oscar-winning director George Stevens, presents World War II in a groundbreaking full-color format. The result is powerfully moving, offering an unprecedented view of the intense combat in Europe, including pivotal battles from the Norman invasion to the capture of Berlin.IMDb 7.9TMDB 6.8 - 91
FighterMovie · 2000 · 91m · DocumentaryDirector Amir Bar-Lev documents the journeys of two Czech Holocaust survivors, Jan Weiner and Arnošt Lustig, as they return to Terezín. Lustig was imprisoned there for five years, and Jan's mother died at the camp.IMDb 7.4TMDB 5.8 - 92
Sobibor, October 14, 1943, 4 p.m.Movie · 2001 · 102mThis is a documentary interview with Yehuda Lerner, who, at the age of seventeen, took part in a prisoner revolt at the Sobibor extermination camp operated by the Nazis. The interview was originally filmed for the 1985 documentary *Shoah* by Claude Lanzmann.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.2 - 93
Why We Fight: The Battle of RussiaMovie · 1943 · 83m · Documentary, WarThe fifth film in Frank Capra's 'Why We Fight' series examines the complicated relationship and conflict between the Soviet Union and Germany during World War II. The movie explores the forces behind this major struggle and the strategies used by both sides to gain control. Combining historical information with clear storytelling, it offers a detailed look at this important period, covering nationalism, ideology, and the war's impact. The film provides new insights into how power, politics, and human nature shaped the course of history.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 94
A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman CorwinMovie · 2005 · 39mOn May 8th, 1945, writer and director Norman Corwin broadcast *On a Note of Triumph*, a powerful tribute to the end of the war in Europe. This film reveals a forgotten masterpiece and explores its continuing relevance to contemporary events.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.3 - 95
Wings of DefeatMovie · 2007 · 89m"Wings of Defeat" is a documentary that explores the lives of kamikaze pilots who survived World War II. Director Risa Morimoto investigates her uncle's hidden past – he trained as a kamikaze pilot but never spoke of it. She retraces his steps, interviewing surviving pilots about their training, their motivations, and their experiences in the cockpit. Sixty years later, these men share their stories of survival amidst the loss of thousands of comrades. Their accounts challenge us to understand their humanity and raise questions about a government's obligations to its soldiers and its people during wartime.IMDb 7.4 - 96
Night and FogMovie · 1959 · 32m · Documentary, HistoryAlain Resnais's documentary offers a disturbing look at the worst of human history, detailing the shocking events within Adolf Hitler's concentration camps. The film highlights the strength and bravery of those who survived, while also exposing the brutal conditions and atrocities committed by the Nazis against innocent people during World War II. Using survivor interviews and historical footage, Resnais vividly portrays life inside the camps, helping viewers understand the immense suffering of that era. This powerful documentary is both a vital historical record and a reminder of the need to protect human rights today.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.2 - 97
My Private WarMovie · 1990 · 90mIn the late 1980s, two documentary filmmakers discover six German men, aged 60s and 70s, who were soldiers in the German invasion of the USSR in 1942. Each carried an 8mm camera into battle and still possesses the resulting film. "Mein Krieg" weaves together interviews with these men – some now apologetic, others philosophical, and some defiant – alongside the footage they captured. The film follows a chronological order: basic training, the journey east by train, aerial views of war-torn Warsaw, scenes of Belarusian peasants, the downing of a Russian plane, winter landscapes, a Black Sea holiday, mud, impassable roads, death, destruction, and retreat. "Home, that was the front," one of them reflects.IMDb 7.4TMDB 2.0 - 98
All Jews OutMovie · 1990 · 82mThe film follows the Auerbach family, German-Jewish residents of Oppingen, Germany, from 1933 to 1945. Beginning with 1930s home movies, it chronicles Inge Auerbach's journey from her hometown to her deportation to Theresienstadt, where she endured three and a half years and survived as one of only 100 children. Rare footage is interwoven with interviews of Inge and her mother as they revisit their town and Theresienstadt, uncovering a wealth of preserved photographs and documents. German high school students interview former Nazi officials, local residents, and a switchboard operator from Theresienstadt, exposing those who try to deny or hide their participation in the Holocaust.IMDb 7.0 - 99
Why We Fight: Prelude to WarMovie · 1942 · 53m · Documentary, WarFrank Capra's documentary "Prelude to War" was made for the Pentagon and George C. Marshall to encourage American soldiers to fight the Axis Powers during World War II. The film compares democratic and fascist societies, highlighting their differences and the core values of democracy. It underscores the seriousness of the global conflict and inspires a sense of responsibility by focusing on the ideological struggle driving the war.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 100
One Survivor RemembersMovie · 1995 · 39mThis Academy Award-winning documentary, co-produced with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Research Institute, recounts the powerful story of Gerda Weissmann Klein's experiences surviving the war and her lifelong commitment to remembering it.IMDb 7.9TMDB 6.4
