W2TCH

56 WWII Films: From Battlefields to Behind Enemy Lines

54 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 1The Bridge at RemagenMovie · 1969 · 117m · War, ActionNear the end of World War II, with the war in Europe ending, American and German troops face off over the last crossing point on the Rhine River. This drama depicts the tense situation on a landscape worn down by war, showing the desperation of both sides fighting for control of this key location. As time runs out, decisions are made that will impact the lives of those involved, highlighting the sacrifices and hardships faced by soldiers as the war nears its end.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8
  2. 2Riphagen the UntouchableMovie · 2016 · 132m · Drama, History, ThrillerAmsterdam, Netherlands, 1944. During World War II, Andries Riphagen, a powerful criminal, profited by working for the Nazi occupiers. As the war nears its end, resistance fighters emerge from hiding to relentlessly pursue those who collaborated with the enemy.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5
  3. 3The Hunt for Red OctoberMovie · 1990 · 135m · Action, Adventure, ThrillerThis suspenseful thriller follows the Red October, a highly advanced Soviet nuclear submarine commanded by Captain Marko Ramius, as it heads toward the U.S. coast. The American government suspects an attack is planned. CIA analyst Jack Ryan believes Ramius intends to defect, not attack. But with the Soviet navy and air force hunting the submarine and his own government doubting him, Ryan must race against time to prove his theory is correct. A thrilling chase begins as Ryan fights to succeed before it's too late.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4
  4. 4ShameMovie · 1968 · 104m · War, DramaJan and Eva Rosenberg, a married couple and former violinists, seek refuge from their homeland's civil war on a remote island. Their passionate relationship reflects the turbulent sea surrounding them as they try to build a life for themselves. The war impacts their marriage and daily farm life, revealing a powerful story of strength amidst widespread conflict.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5
  5. 5StalingradMovie · 2013 · 131m · War, Action, DramaIn a war-torn city, a group of resolute Russian soldiers defend a key building against a relentless German force. While holding their position, they form a strong bond with a Russian woman who resides within the building.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.4
  6. 6The Last TrainMovie · 2006 · 123m · War, DramaIn 1945, a group of people are confined to a railway car en route from Berlin to a concentration camp.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.2
  7. 7The English PatientMovie · 1996 · 162m · Drama, Romance, WarIn the mid-1930s, Hungarian cartographer Count Almásy joins a Royal Geographical Society expedition to map the vast Sahara Desert. He and his fellow researchers navigate the challenging landscape with skill and resolve. But as World War II approaches, their peaceful journey becomes entangled in a complex story of love, betrayal, and political unrest. The film portrays this pivotal historical period, exploring human emotions and the unexpected impact of war.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
  8. 8The Guns of NavaroneMovie · 1961 · 160m · War, Adventure, ThrillerDuring World War II, a dedicated team of Allied saboteurs undertakes a dangerous mission to undermine Nazi control of a heavily fortified island. Their goal is to destroy two powerful long-range guns that have been relentlessly shelling and isolating 2,000 British soldiers. The film vividly portrays the suspense of a covert operation as the team carefully plans and carries out their daring infiltration into enemy territory. Facing numerous challenges, the audience experiences a gripping story full of surprises, showcasing the bravery and ingenuity of everyday people in extraordinary situations. Against the backdrop of a fierce war, the film explores themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and survival. It highlights the lengths people will go to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, emphasizing the strength found in unity and resolve when confronted with adversity.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
  9. 9The Thin Red LineMovie · 1998 · 171m · Drama, History, War"C-for-Charlie" follows a U.S. Army rifle company through the brutal battle for Guadalcanal during World War II. The film shows their transformation from a surprising first landing into a fight for survival against relentless enemy forces, emphasizing their physical and emotional strength. As the soldiers face the war's harsh realities and make sacrifices, they discover new things about themselves through hardship. The story concludes with the survivors returning home, permanently marked by their experiences in this critical Pacific battle.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4
  10. 10TobrukMovie · 1967 · 107m · Drama, History, WarSeptember 1942. In the African desert, Field Marshal Rommel's German forces drive the Allies towards Egypt. A crucial counter-attack is planned to regain lost territory, requiring a daring mission: destroying German fuel dumps at Tobruk. An elite team of British commandos and German Jews undertakes a grueling 800-mile desert journey to achieve this. Facing harsh conditions, limited supplies, and enemy patrols, their success would cut off vital fuel for the Germans, potentially changing the war in North Africa. The film is a gripping story of courage, determination, and unlikely alliances formed in wartime.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4
  11. 11Darkest HourMovie · 2017 · 125m · Drama, HistoryIn May 1940, Winston Churchill faces a critical decision. The future of World War II rests on his shoulders as he weighs the option of negotiating with Adolf Hitler against the prospect of continuing the fight, a choice that could determine the fate of the British Empire.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4
  12. 12John 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
  13. 13Son of SaulMovie · 2015 · 107m · War, Drama, ThrillerIn 1944, at the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz, a prisoner tasked with cremating the bodies of fellow inmates struggles with his conscience. He attempts to secretly give a young boy, whom he sees as his own son, a proper Jewish burial by saving his body from the flames.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
  14. 14Winter in WartimeMovie · 2008 · 103m · Drama, History, WarIn the winter of 1944-45, the western Netherlands suffers a severe famine during World War II. As people seek food elsewhere, fourteen-year-old Michiel is eager to join the Dutch resistance, a desire his father opposes. The father, the village mayor, prioritizes maintaining peace and preventing conflict.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7
  15. 15The Photographer of MauthausenMovie · 2018 · 111m · Drama, History, ThrillerSpanish photographer Francesc Boix is a prisoner at the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp, working for the SS Photographic Service. From 1943 to 1945, he secretly hides thousands of negatives with fellow prisoners, intending to expose the Nazis' atrocities to a liberated world through his exhaustive documentation. He later becomes a crucial witness during the Nuremberg Trials.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0
  16. 16The CounterfeitersMovie · 2007 · 98m · Drama, WarThis is the true story of Salomon Sorowitsch, a Jewish man forced by the Nazis to work as a counterfeiter within the Sachsenhausen concentration camp during World War II.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4
  17. 17The Monuments MenMovie · 2014 · 118m · War, Drama, HistoryThe Monuments Men is a true story about a remarkable mission during World War II. A team of unlikely heroes – museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians – risked everything to save priceless works of art from Nazi destruction. They journeyed to the war front to locate and protect masterpieces, determined to return them to their owners. Facing immense danger, could these men succeed in their extraordinary quest?IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1
  18. 18The Man with the Iron HeartMovie · 2017 · 120m · War, Action, HistoryIn 1942, with Nazi Germany at its strongest, Czech resistance fighters in London prepare a daring mission called Anthropoid. The plan: to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, the brutal head of the Gestapo and the driving force behind the Nazis' plan for the Holocaust. Two young soldiers are sent to Prague for this critical task.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.6
  19. 19Force 10 from NavaroneMovie · 1978 · 114m · Drama, Adventure, WarDuring World War II in 1943, Mallory and Miller undertake a new dangerous mission following their previous work disabling guns on Navarone. This time, they travel to war-torn Yugoslavia to find a mysterious person from their past. As danger increases, these experienced soldiers must navigate a conflict-ridden land filled with deception to uncover the truth about this elusive figure. The film explores bravery, loyalty, and the impact of history as Mallory and Miller pursue their target. Amidst the war's chaos, they face difficult challenges that test their skills and strength, becoming involved in a compelling story of intrigue and survival. The film vividly portrays the realities of battle and emphasizes the courage people show when facing hardship.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2
  20. 20ShoahMovie · 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
  21. 21PattonMovie · 1970 · 172m · War, Drama, History"Patton" follows General George S. Patton, a highly regarded tank commander in World War II. The film begins in North Africa, showcasing Patton’s impressive military strategies and leadership as he advances through the invasions of Sicily and France with the aim of conquering Germany. Alongside this historical account, the movie explores Patton's complex character: a courageous and brilliant leader who struggles with a volatile temper and a rebellious streak. "Patton" presents a powerful look at the war's successes and difficulties, prompting viewers to consider the conflicting aspects of one of America’s most famous military leaders.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5
  22. 22The Round UpMovie · 2010 · 115m · Drama, History, WarThis film recounts the events of the 1942 Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, a significant historical event. It details the circumstances and happenings surrounding this period.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.5
  23. 23WindtalkersMovie · 2002 · 134m · War, ActionMarine Joe Enders is tasked with protecting a Navajo "windtalker," a member of a group who relayed crucial messages during World War II. Their language was unbreakable by the Japanese, making them invaluable to the war effort.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.3
  24. 24Kelly's HeroesMovie · 1970 · 144m · Adventure, Comedy, WarDuring World War II, a group of unlikely American soldiers form their own squadron. Needing money, these misfits decide to plan a risky bank heist in German-occupied territory. Their mission leads them into dangerous landscapes where they face overwhelming odds and the constant risk of discovery. They must depend on each other's skills to complete their daring plan. The film is a compelling story about courage, teamwork, and survival. It combines war, crime, and adventure to show how people overcome impossible challenges and the strength found in unity.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3
  25. 25Secrets of WarMovie · 2014 · 95m · War, Family, DramaTuur and Lambert are best friends, but war is approaching and threatening to alter their lives. Tuur's father has joined the resistance, and even his older brother appears to be involved. Lambert's family, however, chooses to cooperate with the Germans. The arrival of a new girl from the city leads to a friendship with the boys, but she confides in only one of them. This choice creates a rift between the friends and ultimately puts her in danger.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6
  26. 26Battle of BritainMovie · 1969 · 132m · War, History, ActionIn 1940, with Nazi invasion of Britain imminent, the Royal Air Force faces a critical battle against the German Luftwaffe. This historical drama follows the pilots and ground crew as they bravely defend their country in a fight for survival. The film captures the atmosphere of World War II, exploring bravery, teamwork, and strength in the face of hardship. Featuring intense aerial combat and personal stories, it offers a look at a key moment in history. As the RAF struggles to overcome the Luftwaffe, the film tells a story of determination, heroism, and the human spirit's power during a time of great danger.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9
  27. 27Paths of GloryMovie · 1957 · 88m · War, DramaDuring World War I in 1916, a veteran officer confronts a difficult choice. He must defend three soldiers unfairly blamed for a disastrous attack within the French Army as their trial begins. The proceedings force him to grapple with loyalty to his superiors and his own sense of justice. The film explores themes of leadership, bravery, and sacrifice amidst the war's harsh realities. It’s a gripping story about the complexities of conflict and its impact on individuals during a critical period.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.3
  28. 28U-571Movie · 2000 · 116m · War, Action, AdventureDuring World War II, the Allies struggle to break the Nazi war codes, giving the German U-boats a significant advantage. When a damaged U-boat sends out a distress signal, the Allies see an opportunity to acquire the crucial Enigma machine.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5
  29. 29The Heroes of TelemarkMovie · 1965 · 131m · Action, Drama, WarDuring World War II, Nazi Germany occupies Norway, pushing local resistance fighters to take covert action. Knut Straud, a seasoned fighter, sees a chance in Rolf Pedersen, a physicist whose knowledge of German nuclear plans could be crucial. Rolf hesitates to join, troubled by the use of his science for war, but agrees when the situation becomes dire. He joins Knut on a daring mission to sabotage a key German heavy water plant in rural Telemark. This wartime story highlights the courage and resourcefulness of ordinary Norwegians fighting against a powerful enemy, all within the stunning backdrop of occupied Norway.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.9
  30. 30Battle of the BulgeMovie · 1965 · 169m · Drama, History, WarIn winter 1944, with the Allies planning to invade Germany, Adolf Hitler launches a final, desperate attempt to regain French territory and take the vital Belgian port of Antwerp. This story, based on historical events, follows the intense military actions and sacrifices of soldiers on both sides as they fight for victory or survival in the final days of World War II. The film portrays the harsh realities of war, highlighting bravery and teamwork amidst the chaos while also examining the human toll and difficult choices of conflict. With realistic detail and compelling storytelling, the movie presents a gripping account of a pivotal moment in history, exploring the struggle for the fate of nations and the lives caught within the war.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.9
  31. 31Amen.Movie · 2002 · 132m · Drama, HistoryKurt Gerstein, a scientist with the Waffen-SS, is horrified to learn that a deadly poison gas he helped develop is being used to murder Jews. Deeply troubled by this, Gerstein tries to expose the truth, partnering with a young Jesuit priest, Riccardo Fontana. However, their pleas for help are ignored by the Vatican.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
  32. 32The Flowers of WarMovie · 2011 · 146m · Drama, History, WarIn 1937, during the Japanese invasion of Nanking, a Western man seeks shelter with a group of women in a church. Pretending to be a priest, he tries to guide them to safety.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4
  33. 33The 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
  34. 34Unknown SoldierMovie · 2017 · 179m · War, DramaThe film depicts a Finnish army machine gun company fighting against the Soviet Union during the Continuation War, 1941–1944. It is based on Väinö Linna's acclaimed novel *The Unknown Soldier* and the novel's full, unedited version, *A War Novel*.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  35. 35SüskindMovie · 2012 · 117m · Drama, WarIn Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Walter Süskind, a member of the Dutch Jewish Council, secretly rescues hundreds of children from the concentration camps.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9
  36. 36AlliedMovie · 2016 · 124m · Action, Drama, WarIn 1942, a British intelligence officer in North Africa meets a woman working with the French Resistance on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. They are reunited in London, where the demands of wartime put their connection to the test.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8
  37. 37StalingradMovie · 1993 · 134m · Drama, History, WarDuring the Battle of Stalingrad, a German platoon struggles to survive against impossible odds and harsh conditions. As they are decimated by constant attacks and a cruel captain, the platoon's lieutenant faces a difficult choice: lead his men to desert. Their desperate attempt to escape the besieged city, surrounded by the Soviet Army, highlights the strength of the human spirit in the face of war's brutality. The story explores themes of friendship, self-sacrifice, and the fight for freedom.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
  38. 38My WayMovie · 2011 · 137m · Drama, Action, HistoryA photograph of a slender Korean man in a German uniform was discovered during the Normandy invasion. The man had previously served in the armies of Japan, Russia, and Germany. This remarkable story inspired director Kang Je-Gyu to make this sweeping war film.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.9
  39. 39Hart's WarMovie · 2002 · 125m · Drama, WarColonel William McNamara, imprisoned in a German POW camp, refuses to surrender his fight. He works with a young lieutenant to devise a daring plan against their captors. McNamara risks everything on a mission to liberate his fellow soldiers and alter the course of the war.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4
  40. 40Days of GloryMovie · 2006 · 128m · Drama, History, War1943. Four men – Said, Abdelkader, Messaoud, and Yassir – who have never been to France enlist in the French Army to fight alongside 130,000 other "indigenous" soldiers and liberate the country from Nazi occupation. A story of forgotten heroes.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7
  41. 41Natural LightMovie · 2021 · 103mHungary, World War II. István Semetka, a farmer serving as a Sub-Lieutenant in a special unit, is tasked with finding partisan groups. Traveling to a remote village, his company is ambushed. With the commander dead, Semetka must confront his fears and lead the unit through escalating chaos.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.6
  42. 42A Hidden LifeMovie · 2019 · 173m · History, Drama, WarIn World War II, Austrian farmer Franz Jägerstätter is condemned to death for his refusal to serve in the Nazi military.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2
  43. 43DownfallMovie · 2004 · 155m · Drama, History, WarApril 1945. With the Soviet Army advancing from the east and the Allied forces attacking from the west, Germany faces imminent defeat. In Berlin, Adolf Hitler declares Germany will still win and orders his generals to fight to the death. When Hitler dies by suicide, the remaining German military must find a way to stop the fighting and surrender.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9
  44. 44ConspiracyMovie · 2001 · 96m · History, Drama, WarIn January 1942, at the Wannsee Conference, high-ranking Nazi officials gathered to plan the implementation of what they called the "Final Solution to the Jewish Question."IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3
  45. 45Operation MincemeatMovie · 2022 · 128m · War, History, DramaIn 1943, two British intelligence officers devise Operation Mincemeat. Their plan involves dropping a body with fabricated documents off the coast of Spain, intending to deceive Nazi spies into thinking the Allies would invade Greece instead of Sicily.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5
  46. 46Red TailsMovie · 2012 · 125m · Drama, Action, AdventureThis is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering African-American pilots who served in a combat squadron during World War II.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.6
  47. 47When Trumpets FadeMovie · 1998 · 95m · Drama, War, TV MovieFollowing the war in post-war Germany, Private David Manning faces a deeply disturbing event: he's compelled to leave behind a severely wounded comrade, an experience that profoundly affects him. Hoping to locate other members of his unit, Manning learns from Captain Pritchett that everyone else in his platoon perished. Unexpectedly, instead of being released due to psychological distress, Manning is promoted to sergeant and tasked with leading a new group of inexperienced soldiers into the war-torn countryside. The film explores themes of friendship, self-sacrifice, and the emotional burden of wartime leadership, set against the backdrop of a ravaged Europe. As Manning guides his new platoon through dangerous territory, he struggles with his own inner turmoil while trying to inspire hope and strength in his men.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6
  48. 48PhoenixMovie · 2014 · 98m · DramaNelly, a German-Jewish cabaret singer who survived Auschwitz but bears facial scars from the experience, is approached by her former husband, Johnny. He asks for her help in claiming his late wife's inheritance. Suspecting betrayal, Nelly agrees to the task, effectively becoming a double of the woman he loved.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8
  49. 49Black BookMovie · 2006 · 145m · Drama, Thriller, WarDuring World War II in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, a Jewish singer goes undercover at the local Gestapo headquarters, working with the Dutch resistance.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  50. 50The Painted BirdMovie · 2019 · 169m · War, Drama, ThrillerFollowing the death of his parents, a young Jewish boy journeys through Eastern Europe in search of safety during World War II.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1
  51. 51The Dirty DozenMovie · 1967 · 149m · Action, Adventure, WarDuring World War II, twelve American military prisoners are tasked with infiltrating a heavily fortified Nazi château. Their mission: to assassinate the Nazi officers vacationing within. The soldiers, many of whom are facing death sentences for past violent offenses, accept the dangerous assignment in exchange for the possibility of having their sentences commuted.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.6
  52. 52The Big Red OneMovie · 1980 · 113m · Drama, WarThis film follows a seasoned World War I sergeant leading a diverse group of soldiers through key battles of World War II. From Africa to Omaha Beach, Sicily, Belgium, and finally a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia, the squad develops a strong bond as they confront the brutal realities of war. The group includes Pvt. Griff, a resilient survivor; Pvt. Zab, a writer grappling with the conflict's impact on his creativity; the mysterious Sicilian, Pvt. Vinci, with a hidden past; and Pvt. Johnson, struggling with inner turmoil amidst the war. The sergeant's leadership guides them through intense combat, but their unity is truly tested when they encounter a concentration camp, amplifying the significance of their shared experiences. The film presents a realistic and powerful portrayal of the hardships faced by WWII soldiers and the unique connection forged within this particular unit as they navigate the war together.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7
  53. 53War HorseMovie · 2011 · 146m · War, History, AdventureJust before World War I, a young man named Albert's horse, Joey, is sold by his father to the army. During the war, Joey's journey is filled with peril, happiness, and heartbreak, profoundly affecting those he encounters. Albert, determined not to lose touch with his horse, embarks on a search across the battlefields of France to find Joey and reunite with him.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3
  54. 54Empire of the SunMovie · 1987 · 153m · Drama, History, War"The War Within: Shanghai's Unyielding Spirit" tells the story of Jamie Graham, an English teenager struggling to survive during the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. Forced into prison camps and separated from his parents, Jamie finds an unexpected ally in a fellow captive, an American sailor who protects him. Facing brutal conditions, Jamie’s strength and dignity inspire hope in the other prisoners, demonstrating humanity's power to endure hardship. This moving story explores friendship, bravery, and finding oneself during wartime.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5