Best WWII Movies: From Heroes to Heartbreak, Epic Battles to Personal Struggles
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TrumanMovie · 1995 · 135mThis is a biographical account focusing on the latter part of Harry Truman's presidency during World War II. It details Truman's journey from an obscure figure in a small town to the leader of the United States. The film examines his pivotal decision to authorize the use of the atomic bomb on Japan, and his subsequent election as President following the war.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.6 - 2
ShanghaiMovie · 2010 · 105m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryFour months before Pearl Harbor, an American man returns to Shanghai, under Japanese control, and finds his friend dead. As he investigates the circumstances of his friend's death, he falls in love and uncovers a significant secret that his own government has concealed.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 3
The Eight HundredMovie · 2020 · 147m · War, History, DramaIn 1937, eight hundred Chinese soldiers are besieged within a warehouse in Shanghai, completely surrounded by the Japanese army. They fight for survival amidst the intense battle.IMDb 6.7TMDB 7.0 - 4
OverlordMovie · 2018 · 110m · Horror, War, Science FictionJune 1944, France. On the night before D-Day, several American paratroopers crash-land behind enemy lines during a mission to destroy a radio tower in a small village near Normandy. Having completed their objective, the surviving soldiers discover they face a threat beyond the Nazi patrols in the village.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.7 - 5
The StatementMovie · 2003 · 120m · Drama, ThrillerSet in 1990s France, the film revisits the country's division following the early German victory in World War II. An armistice in 1940 created a German-occupied north and a semi-independent south, known as Vichy France. In reality, the Vichy government was a German puppet regime that agreed to help with the deportation of Jews from France. The Vichy government established a police force called the Milice, which collaborated with the Germans.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.6 - 6
Sky Captain and the World of TomorrowMovie · 2004 · 107m · Mystery, Action, ThrillerGiant robots attack New York City, and Sky Captain defends the city using his own air force. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend, reporter Polly Perkins, is investigating the disappearance of leading scientists, and suspects a connection to the robot attacks. Sky Captain and Polly team up and travel to the Himalayas to find Dr. Totenkopf, the person controlling the robots.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9 - 7
Hannah ArendtMovie · 2012 · 113m · DramaThis film explores the life of Hannah Arendt, the intellectual who famously coined the phrase "the banality of evil" after covering Adolf Eichmann's trial in Jerusalem. Arendt's unconventional analysis of the Holocaust ignited a fierce controversy, drawing criticism from both allies and enemies. The story follows the German-Jewish émigré as she grapples with her own history while facing intense attacks on her work. The film reveals Arendt's complex character – a mix of confidence and fragility – and how her experiences in exile profoundly shaped her life and ideas.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 8
The ExceptionMovie · 2017 · 107m · War, Drama, RomanceIn this gripping World War II thriller, a cautious soldier is sent to investigate a puzzling German leader at his isolated estate. His mission unravels a complex plot and a risky romance with a local Jewish woman.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.9 - 9
StalingradMovie · 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 - 10
Outpost: Rise of the SpetsnazMovie · 2013 · 87m · Action, Horror, Science FictionThe film delves into the frightening beginnings of the supernatural Nazi soldiers and the events that trigger a vicious, unending conflict. It depicts a massive clash between the Nazis' dark powers and the legendary Spetsnaz, Russia's elite military force renowned for their bravery and intensity.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.0 - 11
CaterpillarMovie · 2010 · 87mA village woman is burdened with the demanding responsibility of caring for her husband, a Japanese soldier who lost all four limbs in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Emperor has declared him a "War God," placing a unique and intimate obligation upon his wife.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 12
Saving LeningradMovie · 2019 · 96m · Drama, WarSeptember 1941. Amidst the siege of Leningrad, young lovers Kostya and Nastya board an evacuation barge. During a stormy night, the barge begins to sink. The first arrivals are not rescuers, but enemy planes.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.7 - 13
X-Men Origins: WolverineMovie · 2009 · 107m · Adventure, Action, Science FictionWanting only a peaceful existence, Logan is driven to seek revenge for his girlfriend's death. He undergoes the experimental Weapon X program, transforming himself into Wolverine.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 14
A Woman in BerlinMovie · 2008 · 131m · Drama, War, HistoryDuring the final days of World War II, a woman struggles to survive as Soviet troops invade Berlin.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 15
HellboyMovie · 2019 · 121m · Fantasy, Horror, ActionHellboy travels to England to confront Nimue, Merlin's wife and the Blood Queen. Their conflict threatens to destroy the world, and Hellboy fights to prevent this outcome.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.6 - 16
The Cold BlueMovie · 2018 · 74m · War, Documentary, TV MovieThis film reflects on youth, war, and extraordinary courage. It uses archival footage from a 1943 documentary by William Wyler, a renowned Hollywood director, about the Memphis Belle, a famous flying fortress. The film also features powerful narration from some of the few remaining B-17 pilots.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.7 - 17
Darkest 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 - 18
Dara of JasenovacMovie · 2020 · 130m · Drama, History, WarIn WWII-occupied Yugoslavia, under the Nazi-aligned Ustasha regime of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), young Dara is sent to the Jasenovac concentration camp complex in Croatia, often called "Balkan's Auschwitz."IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5 - 19
North FaceMovie · 2008 · 126m · Adventure, Drama, ActionNorth Face recounts the story of two German climbers, Toni Kurz and Andreas Hinterstoisser, and their effort to climb the treacherous North Face of the Eiger.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 20
On Wings of EaglesMovie · 2016 · 96mEric Liddell, the first Chinese gold medalist and a celebrated athlete from Scotland, journeys back to China, a country ravaged by war.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.6 - 21
FortressMovie · 2012 · 89mIn 1943, during a bombing raid over Sicily, the commander of a B-17 Flying Fortress is killed. His replacement is a young, inexperienced pilot who finds it difficult to gain acceptance from the close-knit Irish American crew he joins.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.5 - 22
Back to 1942Movie · 2012 · 145m · War, DramaIn 1942, a devastating famine struck Henan Province in China, claiming the lives of at least three million people. While a severe drought was the main cause, the famine was worsened by locusts, storms, earthquakes, disease, and corruption within the ruling government.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 23
The Crossing IMovie · 2014 · 129m · DramaFollowing World War II and during the Chinese Revolution, three couples – each with distinct backgrounds and nationalities – escape to Taiwan.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.6 - 24
Female AgentsMovie · 2008 · 117m · War, HistoryMay 1944. A team of French women in the resistance are recruited by the British Special Operations Executive, led by Louise Desfontaines and her brother Pierre. Their task: to rescue a British geologist who was observing the Normandy beaches.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 25
Sucker PunchMovie · 2011 · 110m · Action, Fantasy, ThrillerTrapped in an institution by her abusive stepfather, a young woman escapes into elaborate daydreams where she plots her freedom. She assembles a team of fellow patients and sets out on a journey to find five magical objects, as the fantasy world and reality begin to merge.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 26
He Has Seen WarMovie · 2011 · 53mHe Has Seen War is a documentary featuring veterans of Easy Company and the 1st Marine Division, whose stories were previously told in Band of Brothers and The Pacific. The film follows these veterans and their families as they recount their individual experiences transitioning back to civilian life and the war's enduring effects. With insights from historian Donald L. Miller and rare archival footage, the documentary captures the challenges and eventual success of a generation that, after playing a vital role in saving the world, rebuilt their lives and their nation.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.5 - 27
Camp Confidential: America's Secret NazisMovie · 2021 · 34m · Documentary, Animation, HistoryCamp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis is a documentary short with animation, recounting the story of a highly classified POW camp hidden for over 50 years. During World War II, a group of young Jewish refugees are tasked with guarding this top-secret camp near Washington D.C. They soon discover their prisoners are not ordinary Nazis, but Hitler's leading scientists. What begins as an intelligence gathering mission takes a shocking turn when the Jewish soldiers are assigned a new task – one that challenges their morals and reveals a dark secret from America's history.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 28
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 - 29
RommelMovie · 2012 · 120m · Action, War, HistoryThis is the story of the last seven months of German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's life.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 30
Another Mother's SonMovie · 2017 · 98m · War, DramaThis is the true story of Louisa Gould, a widow living in Nazi-occupied Jersey, who offers refuge to a Russian prisoner of war.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 31
SpitfireMovie · 2018 · 99mThis documentary explores the people and aircraft that were crucial to Allied victory in World War II. Using firsthand accounts from those who lived through it, the film examines the development of iconic planes like the Spitfire and Hurricane, and their encounters with the German Messerschmitt 109 during the rapid advancements in aviation of the pre-war years. It also details the experiences of the pilots who fought in the skies over Europe, Africa, and Asia.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 32
The Children of Huang ShiMovie · 2008 · 125m · Drama, WarIn 1937, during the Japanese occupation of China, young British journalist George Hogg teams up with a brave Australian nurse to rescue a group of orphaned children.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 33
Black AngelMovie · 2002 · 128m · Drama, Romance, ThrillerA woman in a loveless marriage to a powerful Fascist official embarks on a risky and destructive affair with a deceptive SS officer.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.3 - 34
RaceMovie · 2016 · 134m · Drama, HistoryThis film tells the story of Jesse Owens, an athlete striving to become the best in track and field. His pursuit of greatness leads him to the 1936 Olympics, where he competes against Adolf Hitler's belief in the superiority of the Aryan race.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3 - 35
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 - 36
The King Who Fooled HitlerMovie · 2019 · 44mThis documentary reveals, for the first time, the story of King George VI's elaborate plan during World War II. The plan involved a complex deception designed to mislead the Germans and divert their attention from the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944, utilizing double agents and decoys.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.0 - 37
Railroad TigersMovie · 2016 · 124m · Action, Adventure, ComedyIn China, 1941, a railroad worker organizes a group of freedom fighters to combat the Japanese occupation. Their mission: to secure food for those in need.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1 - 38
AnthropoidMovie · 2016 · 120m · History, Thriller, WarIn December 1941, Czech soldiers Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš parachute into Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia with a mission: to assassinate the high-ranking Nazi officer Reinhard Heydrich.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 39
The Gathering StormMovie · 2002 · 94m · Drama, HistoryThis is a love story that offers a close look at the marriage of Winston and Clementine Churchill during a difficult, yet often overlooked, period in their lives.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.6 - 40
Into the StormMovie · 2009 · 100m · Drama, History, TV MovieFollowing "The Gathering Storm," this film chronicles Churchill's leadership of Britain from 1940 to 1945 during World War II, a period of immense hardship for the country. The story also portrays personal challenges within Churchill's marriage during these difficult years.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 41
Eastern BanditsMovie · 2012 · 105mDuring the Japanese invasion of China, Gao, a soldier consumed by revenge, plans to assassinate the visiting Japanese chief. His plot leads him to Fang, the charismatic leader of a local bandit group. Fang commands fierce loyalty from his followers, a bond forged through shared hardship and Fang's past sacrifices. Recognizing the potential of Fang's men and weapons, Gao deliberately orchestrates his capture. Enraged by this betrayal, Fang nearly kills Gao, but Fang’s sister intervenes, saving him. She has developed feelings for Gao after witnessing his resilience during his interrogation.IMDb 5.4TMDB 6.0 - 42
Dead SnowMovie · 2009 · 88m · Horror, ComedyEight medical students on a ski trip to Norway unexpectedly encounter a terrifying legacy of the past. Deep in the remote mountains, they stumble upon a battalion of zombie Nazi soldiers, seemingly resurrected from a forgotten war. These undead soldiers are relentlessly hunting anyone who enters their territory.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 43
Waiting for AnyaMovie · 2020 · 109m · Drama, WarIn the midst of World War II, Jo, a young shepherd, joins forces with the widow Horcada to secretly transport Jewish children from southern France into Spain.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 44
Beyond the LineMovie · 2019 · 78mTwo Allied soldiers are stranded behind enemy lines and must find a way to return home, battling the urge to give up.IMDb 3.7TMDB 4.5 - 45
GoodMovie · 2008 · 96m · DramaJohn Halder's career takes off when powerful Nazis use his new novel to promote their political goals. However, upon discovering the Reich's terrible plans and their impact on those he cares about, John faces a difficult choice: stand up against the regime and risk losing everything.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.1 - 46
A Royal Night OutMovie · 2015 · 97m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceIn 1945, on Victory in Europe Day, Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret are granted a rare night outside Buckingham Palace to celebrate. Their night takes them through moments of romance and unexpected peril.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 47
Fighter in the WindMovie · 2004 · 121m · Action, DramaAfter World War II, karate competitor Choi Yeung-Eui traveled to Japan with aspirations of becoming a fighter pilot, but his journey took an unexpected turn. He adopted the name Masutatsu Oyama and embarked on a cross-country path, challenging and defeating martial artists. This film focuses on his early years as he develops his renowned karate style, Kyokushin.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1 - 48
CBS Evening NewsMovie · 1997 · 116m · Comedy, DramaThis moving story follows an Italian bookseller with a Jewish heritage, whose life centers on his passion for books in a peaceful town. His peaceful world is shattered when World War II begins and his family is deported to a concentration camp.
As darkness descends, the father uses a clever way to shield his son from the horrors of their imprisonment. He convinces his child that their terrible situation is just a game, offering a fragile sense of normalcy in their nightmare.
The film is a powerful exploration of resilience, hope, and love during hardship. It’s a heartbreaking tale of a father fighting to protect his family and preserve their humanity amidst unimaginable tragedy.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.4 - 49
Where Hands TouchMovie · 2018 · 122m · War, Drama, RomanceGermany, 1944. Leyna, a 15-year-old with a white German mother and a black African father, meets Lutz, a kind Hitler Youth whose father is a high-ranking Nazi. They develop an unexpected bond amidst the rapidly shifting circumstances of the war.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.9 - 50
MAL·MO·E: The Secret MissionMovie · 2019 · 135mDuring Japanese occupation of Korea, the Japanese Empire attempts to suppress Korean language and culture. In response, a small group of Korean patriots secretly work to preserve their language by creating the first Korean language dictionary.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.8 - 51
Closing the RingMovie · 2007 · 118m · Drama, RomanceIn the 1940s, a group of young men leave for war, leaving Ethel Ann behind, where she is in love with Teddy. Years later, in modern-day Belfast, a man named Jimmy tries to return a ring he found in a plane crash. He travels to Michigan to find Ethel Ann, who married someone else after Teddy died in the war. Now, Ethel Ann must decide if she will go with Jimmy to meet the soldier who was with Teddy when he last lived.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.1 - 52
Their FinestMovie · 2017 · 117m · Romance, War, DramaAmidst the bombing of London during World War II, a female screenwriter strives to create a film that highlights England's strength and lifts the spirits of its people. She attempts to bring the true story of two sisters' daring sea rescue of wounded soldiers to life, but her work faces skepticism from the predominantly male studio team.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 53
303 SquadronMovie · 2018 · 95m · War, Drama, HistoryFollowing the 1939 September Campaign, two Polish pilots find themselves compelled to continue fighting for their country on foreign battlefields.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.9 - 54
Death and Glory in ChangdeMovie · 2010Directed by Shen Dong and starring Ray Lui, An Yixuan, and Yuan Wenkang, Death and Glory in Changde recounts the brutal and debated Changde Battle of November 1943. This battle was a pivotal event during China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.9 - 55
Oba: The Last SamuraiMovie · 2011 · 128mIn 1944, American troops invade Saipan. Rather than surrender, Captain Oba Sakae rallies his men and local people to escape into the mountains. Even after learning of Japan's surrender, Oba believes it's false and continues guerrilla attacks against the Americans, becoming known as "The Fox." Eventually, the American commander tasked with capturing Oba develops respect for his unwavering adversary.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.1 - 56
Everyman's WarMovie · 2009 · 104mWith no belief that German forces would attack in freezing temperatures and blizzard conditions, high command was unprepared for the pre-dawn assault. When communication lines are cut, Sergeant Smith finds himself unarmed and wounded, forced to make his way through enemy fire into town to warn of the impending attack. Based on true stories, "Everyman's War" examines the courage of this decorated veteran and his struggle between duty and the desire for a life and love awaiting him at home with Dorine. He confronts the harsh realities of war, a pivotal moment where he learns that losing hope can be more devastating than losing life itself. It’s a story of one man's courage and one man’s hope. Everyman's War.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.2 - 57
Isoroku Yamamoto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined FleetMovie · 2011 · 135m · History, WarAdmiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the Japanese naval commander who ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor, was compelled to carry out the mission despite his personal reservations. This devastating event, a dark chapter in both Japanese and American history, might have been avoided had the Japanese government heeded Yamamoto's warnings in 1939 and pursued a more peaceful resolution to the war. His earlier predictions of the attack’s consequences tragically came to pass.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 58
The EastMovie · 2021 · 137m · War, Drama, ThrillerIn post-World War II Indonesia, a young Dutch soldier is sent to quell independence movements in the Netherlands' colony. He struggles with his conscience as he becomes part of an elite, increasingly ruthless unit led by a commander.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.9 - 59
The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the BigfootMovie · 2019 · 96m · Drama, Adventure, FantasyYears after his service in World War II, where he famously assassinated Adolf Hitler, a celebrated American veteran is tasked with tracking the legendary Bigfoot.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.4 - 60
The Legacy of the SunMovie · 2011 · 135mIn the final days of World War II, Major Mashiba (Masato Sakai) and his team are tasked with safeguarding 200 trillion yen worth of national treasures, intended to aid Japan's post-war recovery. Twenty women are then assigned to carry out this crucial mission.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.0 - 61
D-Day AssassinsMovie · 2019 · 81mIn 1944, a group of defiant American soldiers, nicknamed "The Filthy Thirteen," parachute into Normandy to execute a dangerous mission.IMDb 2.8TMDB 6.0 - 62
VE Day: Forever in their DebtMovie · 2020 · 60m"V-E Day – Forever in their Debt" commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Second World War's end in Europe, Friday, May 8, 2020. The program shares stories from people who lived through that day, including children recalling street celebrations, servicemen enjoying a day without spending money, and prisoners of war dreaming of simple comforts like a hot bath after years of captivity. Rich archival footage illustrates the program, featuring color film of the London celebrations and other historical footage of General Montgomery receiving the surrender of German forces in northern Germany on May 4th.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 63
Dear Elza!Movie · 2014 · 104mIn late 1942, on the Eastern Front in Ukraine, Private Lombos (Gábor Makray) serves, longing to return to his wife. An administrative mistake prevents him from catching the train home, and his situation rapidly deteriorates. The educated young teacher, fluent in three languages, continues his duty and returns to the front lines. He's wounded in an attack and spends a night hiding in a pit behind enemy lines, where he encounters a mysterious old man (Tamás Varga). This encounter challenges Lombos’ unwavering belief in his military and country. The next morning, Russian soldiers find them, and Lombos is captured, ending up among the "tramplers." The old man then appears among the enemy, guiding and trying to protect the young soldier.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.1 - 64
The Battleship IslandMovie · 2017 · 132m · Action, History, DramaDuring Japanese colonial rule, approximately 400 Koreans, compelled to work coal mines on Battleship Island (Hashima Island), plan a desperate escape.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 65
Apocalypse '45Movie · 2020 · 104m · DocumentaryThis film chronicles the difficult conclusion of World War II, told through the experiences of 24 men who lived through it, utilizing previously unseen footage.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 66
Merry Christmas, Mr. LawrenceMovie · 1983 · 124m · Drama, History, WarIn 1942 Java, British Major Jack Celliers is captured by the Japanese and sent to a harsh prison camp, where he encounters Captain Yonoi, a strict and uncompromising guard. The story follows the growing tension between these two men, representing contrasting cultures and approaches to life, as they face each other. Colonel John Lawrence, familiar with Japanese customs, and Sergeant Hara, a harsh but straightforward man, watch this intense struggle unfold. The film explores resilience, cultural differences, and the fight for survival amidst the difficulties of war, as Celliers and Yonoi's backgrounds inevitably lead to a powerful confrontation.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 67
Wife of a SpyMovie · 2020 · 114m · Drama, War, ThrillerIn 1940, Japan is deeply divided about joining World War II. Satoko, whose husband is a fabric merchant, is devoted to him but starts to sense he's involved in something secretive. She gradually becomes involved in a veiled game, carefully hiding her true feelings.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.7 - 68
Forgive - Don't ForgetMovie · 2018 · 70mForgive – Don’t Forget explores the link between two distinct cultures and the significance of remembering history. After World War II, many Japanese swords were taken from Japan and brought to the U.S. These swords, symbols of wartime conflict, are also central to Japan's history and spiritual traditions. An American filmmaker undertakes a journey to return one of these swords to its rightful owner, hoping to foster understanding between cultures.IMDb 7.1TMDB 8.0 - 69
Before the FallMovie · 2004 · 117m · DramaIn 1942, Friedrich Weimer's boxing talent earns him a place at a National Political Academy, a school designed to groom future Nazi leaders. Against his father’s wishes, Friedrich enrolls. During his time there, he experiences bullying, brutality, and the strict Nazi ideology. His close friendship with Albrecht, the reserved son of the local governor, is a defining part of his experience.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 70
Hacksaw RidgeMovie · 2016 · 139m · Drama, History, WarDuring the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, Desmond T. Doss, an American Army medic, refuses to take a life on religious grounds. He becomes the first conscientious objector in U.S. history to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.2 - 71
Flame & CitronMovie · 2008 · 130m · Drama, History, WarFlame and Citron are a pair of assassins working for the Danish resistance, carrying out assignments from their leader, Aksel Winther, who has connections to the Allies. Initially tasked with eliminating Nazi collaborators, they increasingly desire to target the Nazis directly. However, as they begin to question the nature of their missions, their already difficult work becomes even more complicated.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 72
Twenty TwoMovie · 2017 · 100mThis film follows the lives of elderly women who survived sexual slavery by the Japanese during World War II, known as "Comfort Women." At the time of filming, only 22 of these women were still living and able to share their experiences. Through their personal stories and viewpoints, they recount a history that must be remembered by future generations who may not know the extent of this brutalization.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.7 - 73
Alone in BerlinMovie · 2016 · 103m · War, Thriller, DramaJune 1940, Berlin. As Nazi propaganda proclaims victory over France, Anna and Otto Quangel mourn the loss of their son in the war. This working-class couple, once ardent supporters of the regime, now confront the realization that the Führer's promises were false. They begin secretly writing postcards – "Stop the war machine! Kill Hitler!" – as an act of resistance and to awaken others. Distributing these cards in apartment building entrances and stairwells puts them in grave danger, as the SS and Gestapo close in, and even those around them become suspicious.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.7 - 74
GhettoMovie · 2006 · 110m · History, WarIn 1942 Vilna, Nazi forces annihilate 55,000 Jews, confining the 15,000 survivors to a seven-block ghetto. Twenty-two-year-old commander Kittel is assigned to administer the ghetto, wielding power over life and death. After discovering Hayyah stealing a kilo of beam from the German army, he sentences her to die. Learning she was a former singer, he decides to revive the ghetto's theater and organize performances. Jewish Chief of Police Gens uses the theater and a sewing factory to save lives, navigating a morally complex path where he must sometimes sacrifice individuals to preserve others.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 75
Grave of the FirefliesMovie · 1988 · 89m · Animation, Drama, WarIn the last months of World War II, this moving story follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they cope with the loss of their mother in an air raid that destroyed Kobe, Japan. After a conflict with their aunt, the children are forced to live in a deserted bomb shelter. As supplies run out, Seita and Setsuko face hunger and despair, relying on each other for strength. The film is a reminder of the resilience of young people and the power of family love during terrible times.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.4 - 76
For Those We LoveMovie · 2007 · 135mIn 1943, with Japan's war effort weakening, a vice-admiral initiates a program to train volunteer pilots for suicide attacks on Allied ships. The film follows the lives of these kamikaze pilots, as recalled by an elderly restaurateur in Kyushu who holds their memory dear. While honoring the fallen and patriotic songs may resonate with some Japanese, others choose a final, fatal flight. The battle sequences are well-done, and the script includes some notable moments, but competent direction and acting are overshadowed by the repetitive storytelling of writer-turned-Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishiara. A lengthy post-war epilogue further extends the narrative. The technical aspects are of good quality.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.2 - 77
SoegijaMovie · 2012 · 110mThe film chronicles the life of Albertus Soegijapranata SJ, the first native Indonesian bishop of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), from his ordination to the conclusion of the Indonesian independence war (1940-1949).IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 78
Red NoticeMovie · 2021 · 118m · Action, Comedy, CrimeAn Interpol Red Notice signals a worldwide hunt for the most dangerous criminals. When a bold heist unexpectedly unites the FBI's top profiler with two competing criminals, the situation becomes unpredictable.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.7 - 79
Nuremberg: Goering's Last StandMovie · 2006 · 99mIn 1946, the Nuremberg Trials bring Hermann Göring and other Nazi leaders to justice. Inside the prison, Göring orchestrates a dangerous psychological manipulation of both the guards and those convicted of the Holocaust.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 80
SummerlandMovie · 2020 · 99m · Drama, RomanceDuring World War II, a woman initially intends to get rid of an evacuee who is placed in her care, but she unexpectedly begins to open up to him.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.5 - 81
The StarMovie · 2002 · 97m · War, DramaSummer 1944. As Nazi Germany prepares its massive "Viking" tank division for an offensive into Soviet territory, the Red Army dispatches a special group of seven snipers, "Zvezda," on a reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines, riding with the tank division. Two previous Russian teams disappeared without a trace. The snipers are aware they face almost certain death in service to victory.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.9 - 82
YamatoMovie · 2005 · 143m · War, HistoryJunya Sato's film "Yamato," adapted from a novel by Jun Henmi, uses a present-day narrative frame to recount the story of the crew aboard the World War II Japanese battleship Yamato. Through flashbacks, the film details the ship's journey and the lives of those who served. Never released in the United States, the film has been compared by American reviewers to the epics "Titanic" and "Saving Private Ryan."IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.5 - 83
The Secrets We KeepMovie · 2020 · 97m · Thriller, History, DramaFollowing World War II, a woman establishes a new life in the suburbs with her husband. She then kidnaps her neighbor, driven by a desire to exact revenge for what she considers his terrible wartime actions against her.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.0 - 84
AmeliaMovie · 2009 · 111m · Adventure, Drama, HistoryThis film chronicles the life of Amelia Earhart, the celebrated American aviator. It focuses on her 1937 attempt to circumnavigate the globe by plane, which ended with her mysterious disappearance over the Pacific Ocean.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.7 - 85
As Far As My Feet Will Carry MeMovie · 2001 · 158m · Drama, WarAfter World War II, German soldier Clemens Forel undertakes a perilous escape from a Siberian labor camp, driven by the desire to reunite with his family. Over 8,000 miles and three years of hardship – enduring freezing winters and desolate landscapes – he perseveres through life-threatening challenges. Finally, he is close to reaching his destination. This edge-of-your-seat drama is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the strength of love.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 86
The King's SpeechMovie · 2010 · 118m · Drama, HistoryThe King's Speech is the story of Prince Albert, who becomes King George VI, father to Queen Elizabeth II. When his brother steps down, Albert ('Bertie') unexpectedly inherits the throne. Struggling with a severe stutter and deemed unready to rule, Bertie seeks help from an unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Through surprising methods and a growing friendship, Bertie learns to speak confidently and bravely guides his nation through war.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7 - 87
The Rebels of PT-218Movie · 2021 · 88mDuring World War II, the Atlantic Ocean transforms into a perilous arena where an American torpedo boat relentlessly confronts the persistent attacks of the German fleet.IMDb 3.3TMDB 3.8 - 88
The BirdcatcherMovie · 2019 · 97m · Drama, Thriller, WarNorway, 1942. World War II is underway. Esther, a young Jewish girl from Trondheim, is separated from her family and sent to a remote farm. There, she must adopt a false identity to evade the Nazis and survive their brutal persecution.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.5 - 89
Near EnemiesMovie · 2020 · 121mDuring World War II, a group of American soldiers are tasked with tracking down a suspected spy who managed to escape from a prisoner of war camp.IMDb 3.8TMDB 6.0 - 90
Land of MineMovie · 2015 · 100m · War, Drama, HistoryAfter Germany's surrender in May 1945, a group of young German prisoners of war are transferred to Denmark and then sent to the West Coast. There, they are tasked with clearing over two million German landmines from the beaches. Under the supervision of a Danish sergeant, the boys must work by hand, crawling in the sand to disarm the dangerous explosives.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8 - 91
Ashes in the SnowMovie · 2018 · 99m · Drama, RomanceIn Stalin's Russia during World War II, sixteen-year-old Lina Vilkas is deported to Siberia from the Baltic region. A budding artist, she uses secret drawings to document her difficult experiences.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 92
AlliedMovie · 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 - 93
Hemingway & GellhornMovie · 2012 · 155m · Drama, RomanceThis film explores the passionate relationship between Ernest Hemingway, America's acclaimed author, and war correspondent Martha Gellhorn. Their connection intertwines with their careers, influencing their writing and personal lives as they navigate wartime journalism and the literary world.
Against the backdrop of 20th-century history, Hemingway and Gellhorn experience the challenges and joys of a dynamic partnership built on shared creativity. The film examines the complexities of their bond – both inspiring and turbulent – revealing its impact on their work and the literary landscape. It offers an intimate look at these two extraordinary figures, exploring the interplay of creativity, love, and personal evolution.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 94
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 - 95
Company of HeroesMovie · 2013 · 100m · Action, Drama, WarDuring World War II, American soldiers find themselves stranded behind enemy lines and uncover a terrifying secret: Hitler is developing a powerful new weapon. Determined to stop him, they embark on a dangerous mission to locate the scientist leading the project, who is considering desertion.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.1 - 96
Apt PupilMovie · 1998 · 107m · Drama, ThrillerIn 1984, high school student Todd Bowden, intrigued by Nazi history, encounters an elderly man who strongly resembles Kurt Dussander, a known Nazi war criminal believed to be alive. A month later, motivated by curiosity and his own sense of right and wrong, Todd confronts the man.
This drama explores the difficulties of confronting the past and the complexities of human nature. As Todd deals with this unsettling encounter, he questions his own values and whether true redemption is possible for someone with a dark history.
The film’s atmosphere highlights the strained interactions between Todd and the mysterious older man, as they navigate a range of emotions – suspicion, anger, and ultimately, empathy. Todd is ultimately confronted with a moral challenge that tests his beliefs and changes his perspective on the world.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 97
Woman in GoldMovie · 2015 · 109m · DramaMaria Altmann, an 80-year-old Jewish refugee, sued the Austrian government to reclaim a highly valued painting that belonged to her aunt and was stolen by the Nazis during World War II. Her motivation was not simply to recover a family heirloom, but also to seek justice for the Nazis' atrocities, including the widespread destruction and theft of art.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 98
Six Minutes to MidnightMovie · 2020 · 99m · Thriller, Drama, HistorySummer 1939. Wealthy German families send their daughters to a finishing school in an English seaside town, hoping to prepare them as ambassadors for a future Nazi regime by teaching them English. A teacher at the school recognizes the danger of the rising Nazi movement and tries to warn people. However, the authorities suspect he is the problem.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.1 - 99
The Last EmperorMovie · 1987 · 163m · Drama, HistoryThis historical drama chronicles the remarkable life of Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China. From a privileged upbringing in the Forbidden City, his life takes a dramatic turn. Abdication, hardship, exploitation by the Japanese, and eventual anonymity as a common laborer mark his journey. The film explores the complexities of power, politics, and personal change against the backdrop of significant historical shifts in China.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.6 - 100
Against the SunMovie · 2014 · 99m · War, AdventureDuring a reconnaissance flight in World War II, a pilot, bombardier, and radioman are forced to abandon their plane and end up adrift on a lifeboat with no food or water.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.0
