Movies About WWIi

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. The film is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally, an Australian novelist. The film follows the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It is a tribute to the courage and perseverance of the Jews during the Holocaust. The film also shows the cruelty of the Nazi regime and the plight of the Jews. Through a combination of luck and determination, Schindler manages to save the lives of his Jewish workers by providing them with jobs, food, and protection from the Nazi regime. The film was critically acclaimed and won numerous awards, including seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war drama film directed by Steven Spielberg. Set during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II, the film follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen. In an effort to save the last surviving brother, Miller and his squad join forces with a U.S. Army unit led by Captain Samuel Stuzo (Edward Burns) and fight their way through enemy territory to find Ryan. Along the way, they witness unspeakable horrors and come face-to-face with the full brutality of war. With an unflinching look at the sacrifices made by those who serve, Saving Private Ryan is a powerful tribute to the courage and heroism of the men and women who fought for their country.

From Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
Rated R

The Pianist is the story of Polish-Jewish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman and his struggle for survival during the Nazi occupation of Poland during World War II. After losing his entire family to the horrors of the Holocaust, Szpilman hides in Warsaw, relying on the kindness of strangers in order to stay alive. Despite facing constant danger, Szpilman continues to play the piano and serves as a beacon of hope for those around him. The film is a powerful story of resilience and courage in the face of adversity, and won three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Rated PG

Casablanca is a classic romantic drama set in the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca in 1942. It follows the story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), an American expatriate who runs a nightclub in the city. When Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), arrive in Casablanca, Rick finds himself at the center of a dangerous and tangled love triangle. Rick must ultimately choose between his love for Ilsa and his sense of duty to help Victor, a leader of the Czech resistance, escape to safety. Complicating matters is the presence of the villainous Nazi Major Strasser (Conrad Veidt) and the mysterious underground figure known only as “Ugarte” (Peter Lorre). Through its memorable characters, dialogue and music, Casablanca remains an enduring classic of the silver screen.

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch
Rated R

The Boat is a 1981 West German drama film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. It follows the story of a family of four—father, mother, son and daughter—traveling across the Baltic Sea in a small boat in order to escape East Germany and reach the West. They face many hardships on their journey, navigating difficult weather conditions, avoiding the East German border patrol, and struggling with their own conflicts and doubts. Despite the obstacles they face, the family ultimately succeeds in making it to the West and beginning a new life.

From Oliver Hirschbiegel, starring Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler
Rated R

Downfall is a 2004 German-language biographical historical drama directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, depicting the last ten days of Adolf Hitler's rule as German dictator. It stars Bruno Ganz as Hitler, and focuses on the final days of the Third Reich, from April 18 to April 30, 1945, as the Soviet Red Army approaches Berlin. Through the eyes of Hitler's secretary Traudl Junge, we witness Hitler's physical and mental disintegration, the in-fighting among his inner circle, and attempts to negotiate a truce with the Soviets before suffering inevitable defeat. The film also depicts Hitler's final outburst of rage at his generals, and his increasing paranoia as he orders the execution of those he considers to be his enemies. Ultimately, we witness Hitler's suicide as he and his wife of one day, Eva Braun, commit suicide in his bunker. Throughout the film, the viewer is presented with the horror, chaos, and devastation of war, and the ultimate collapse of the Nazi regime.

From John Sturges, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
Rated Approved

The Great Escape is a 1963 American epic war film based on an escape by British Commonwealth prisoners of war from a German POW camp during World War II. It stars Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn. The film follows a group of Allied POWs, who plan and carry out a daring escape from a German POW camp, with the help of several outside sources. The plan involves digging three tunnels, known as Tom, Dick and Harry, to get out of the camp. After several setbacks and dangerous obstacles, a large group of POWs escape, but many are recaptured and killed. The film is based on the real-life events of the 1950 Great Escape from Stalag Luft III.

From David Lean, starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa
Rated PG

The Bridge on the River Kwai is an Academy Award-winning 1957 British-American war epic directed by David Lean. Set in Japanese-occupied Burma during World War II, the film tells the story of a group of British prisoners of war who are forced by the Japanese to construct a bridge over the River Kwai as a part of the "Death Railway" built to support the Japanese war effort. The lead British officer, Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness), struggles to keep his men's morale high by maintaining discipline and following the rules of war, while an American officer, Shears (William Holden), attempts to escape the camp. Eventually, Nicholson and Shears are forced to come to terms with their respective goals as they fight an enemy they both despise. As the bridge nears completion, the Allies attempt to destroy it with a daring air raid, leading to a spectacular and poignant finale.

From Billy Wilder, starring William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger, Robert Strauss
Rated Not Rated

Stalag 17 is a 1953 American war comedy-drama film directed by Billy Wilder, an adaptation of the Broadway play of the same name by Donald Bevan and Edmund Trzcinski. Set in a German prisoner of war camp during World War II, Stalag 17 tells the story of a group of American airmen who suspect one of their number is an informant for the camp's German guards. The film stars William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger, Robert Strauss, Richard Erdman, Peter Graves, and Neville Brand. The film follows the lives of the prisoners inside Stalag 17-B, a German prisoner-of-war camp in 1943. After one of the inmates is murdered, the other prisoners suspect that one of their own is a spy. With the help of Sgt. J.J. Sefton, an American POW, they try to uncover the traitor before he can do any more damage. Along the way, they must contend with the camp's cruel commandant, the ever-present Nazi guard dogs, and the constant threat of execution.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Ryô Kase
Rated R

Letters from Iwo Jima is a 2006 war drama directed by Clint Eastwood. The film, told from the Japanese perspective, examines the Battle of Iwo Jima that took place during World War II. It follows the struggles of General Tadamichi Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe), the leader of Japanese forces, and Saigo (Kazunari Ninomiya), a private who is sent to the island. The film shows the inhuman conditions of the Japanese soldiers, as well as their determination and courage in the face of defeat. In the end, Kuribayashi and Saigo ultimately accept their fate and the futility of the war.

From Directors: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, Darryl F. Zanuck, starring John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton, Henry Fonda
Rated G

The Longest Day is a 1962 epic war film produced and directed by Darryl F. Zanuck, Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, and Bernhard Wicki. It is based on the 1959 history book of the same name by Cornelius Ryan, and tells the story of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 during World War II. The film stars an ensemble cast including John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Sean Connery, and Richard Burton. The film depicts the events of the invasion from both the Allied and Axis perspectives, with a large ensemble of characters, both real and fictional. It follows the events of the invasion from the initial planning stages to the successful completion of the mission. It offers a realistic depiction of the chaos and carnage of the battle, with some of the characters surviving and others dying in battle. The Longest Day was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning two. It continues to be well-regarded by critics today, and is considered one of the best war films ever made.

From Robert Aldrich, starring Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, John Cassavetes
Rated Approved

The Dirty Dozen is a 1967 World War II action/adventure film directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine. The film follows a group of twelve court-martialed criminals who are recruited by the U.S. Army to carry out a dangerous and near-suicidal mission. The mission involves parachuting behind enemy lines to sabotage a German chateau which is being used as a strategic hideout by high-ranking Nazi officers. The group is led by Major Reisman (Lee Marvin) and despite their initial reluctance, they eventually come to realize the importance of their mission and undertake it with determination. Along the way, the men develop a strong bond of friendship and loyalty as they work together to complete the mission against all odds.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers
Rated PG

Empire of the Sun is a 1987 World War II drama directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by J.G. Ballard. It follows a young British boy, Jim Graham (Christian Bale), who is separated from his parents when the Japanese invade Shanghai during the early days of World War II. As the war progresses, Jim must learn to survive on his own in the chaos of a prisoner of war camp. With the help of an American prisoner of war (John Malkovich) and a Chinese boy (Nigel Havers) he meets, Jim discovers courage, resilience, and the power of friendship to help him survive the war. The film tells the story of Jim's incredible journey of physical and spiritual transformation as he discovers his inner strength and resilience.

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Carice van Houten, Sebastian Koch, Thom Hoffman, Halina Reijn
Rated R

Black Book is a 2006 Dutch-German war film set during World War II. The story follows a Jewish Dutch woman, Rachel Stein (Carice van Houten), who joins the Dutch Resistance after her family is killed. She is given the alias "Ellis de Vries" and works as a double agent for the resistance, while trying to infiltrate the Nazi regime. Her mission is to find the location of a secret list of Nazi supporters in the country. Along the way, she falls in love with a Gestapo officer, Günther Franken (Sebastian Koch). Rachel must navigate her way through this treacherous mission as she risks her life to save the Dutch Jews and bring down the Nazis.

From Chuan Lu, starring Ye Liu, Wei Fan, Hideo Nakaizumi, Yuanyuan Gao
Rated R

City of Life and Death is a 2009 Chinese war drama film directed by Lu Chuan, telling the story of the 1937 Battle of Nanjing during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Featuring a large ensemble cast, the film focuses on several individuals who are caught up in the chaos of the invasion and the subsequent occupation of Nanjing by the Imperial Japanese Army. It portrays both the cruelty of the Japanese invaders and the courage of the Chinese soldiers and civilians who resisted them. Through its depiction of the mass executions and atrocities that took place in Nanjing, the film raises questions about the nature of war, the power imbalance between the two nations and the human cost of conflict.

From Brian G. Hutton, starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Carroll O'Connor
Rated GP

Kelly's Heroes is a classic World War II action film set in 1944 France. The plot follows an Army sergeant, Kelly (Clint Eastwood), who discovers that a bank near the front lines is full of gold bars. With the help of an oddball group of fellow soldiers, including a tank commander (Donald Sutherland), a tank crew (Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, and Carroll O'Connor), and a German deserter (Hugh Millais), Kelly devises a plan to steal the gold. However, they must first battle their way through enemy territory and past a hidden Nazi stronghold. Along the way, they encounter danger, comedy, and friendship. In the end, they ultimately succeed in stealing the gold and make it back to safety.

From Terrence Malick, starring Jim Caviezel, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Kirk Acevedo
Rated R

The Thin Red Line is a 1998 war drama directed by Terrence Malick. It is an adaptation of James Jones' 1962 novel of the same name. The movie follows a company of U.S. Army soldiers, led by the thoughtful and compassionate Captain Staros (James Caviezel), as they prepare for and fight in the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. Through their experiences, the soldiers are forced to confront the horror, fear and chaos of war. As their lives are forever changed by their battle experiences, the soldiers must confront the complex nature of courage and faith in a world of violence and chaos. The film features an all-star cast, including Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Adrien Brody, Woody Harrelson, John Cusack, John Travolta, George Clooney, John C. Reilly, John Savage and others.

From Jean-Jacques Annaud, starring Jude Law, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz
Rated R

Enemy at the Gates is a 2001 war film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Set during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II, it stars Jude Law as a Soviet sniper who is pitted against a Nazi sharpshooter, played by Ed Harris. The film follows the rivalry between the two marksmen as they battle for superiority in the war-torn city. It also examines the psychological impact of the fight on the Russian and German armies, as well as the relationships between different groups of soldiers. The film culminates in an epic showdown between the two snipers, with the fate of Stalingrad hanging in the balance. It explores themes of patriotism, heroism, and morality in wartime.

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed
Rated Passed

From Here to Eternity is a 1953 World War II drama directed by Fred Zinnemann. Set in Hawaii shortly before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the film tells the story of several U.S. Army soldiers and their struggles with love, honor, and duty. The story revolves around First Sergeant Milton Warden (Burt Lancaster) and his relationship with Karen Holmes (Deborah Kerr). Warden has begun a passionate affair with Karen, who is the wife of his commanding officer, Capt. Holmes (Philip Ober). Meanwhile, Pvt. Robert E. Lee Prewitt (Montgomery Clift) refuses to fight as a boxer in a fixed match, angering his commanding officer, Sgt. "Fatso" Judson (Ernest Borgnine). Prewitt is then subjected to a series of humiliations and punishments. The film culminates in the attack on Pearl Harbor, in which both Prewitt and Warden have a heroic part to play. The movie was a critical and box office success, winning eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Je-kyu Kang, starring Jang Dong-Gun, Joe Odagiri, Bingbing Fan, Kim In-kwon
Rated R

My Way is a 2011 South Korean historical war drama film directed by Je-kyu Kang and starring Jang Dong-gun, Joe Odagiri and Fan Bingbing. The film tells the story of two childhood friends turned rivals who fight in the Second World War on opposite sides. During the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, South Korean soldier Kim Jun-shik (Jang Dong-gun) and Japanese soldier Tatsuo Hasegawa (Joe Odagiri) embark on a desperate journey of survival and redemption that leads them to face one another in the ultimate showdown. With its powerful themes of loyalty, courage, and friendship, My Way is an epic tale of fate and destiny, and a reflection on the human cost of war.

From Brian Percival, starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer
Rated PG-13

The Book Thief is a 2013 war drama film based on the novel of the same name by Markus Zusak. The film, directed by Brian Percival, stars Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, and Sophie Nélisse in the lead roles. The story follows a young girl called Liesel Meminger (Nélisse) who is sent to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann (Rush and Watson) in Nazi Germany. As she settles into her new home, she befriends a young Jewish man, Max (Ben Schnetzer), who is being sheltered by the Hubermanns. Liesel discovers a passion for books, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and courage as she deals with the harsh realities of life in Nazi Germany. With the help of Max, Hans and Rosa, she learns to express herself through the power of words and the stories she reads, ultimately finding the strength to confront even the darkest of truths. The film is an emotionally powerful tale of hope and survival in the face of adversity.

From David Ayer, starring Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña
Rated R

Fury is a 2014 American war film set in 1945 during the final days of World War II. Directed and written by David Ayer, the film stars Brad Pitt as a US Army sergeant who leads a Sherman tank crew of five into Germany on a mission of hope and revenge. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theater, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy (Pitt) commands a Sherman tank and her five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Out-numbered and out-gunned, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. Along the way, Wardaddy and his crew must learn to trust each other and confront their own inner fears as they battle through a treacherous landscape of war-torn Germany.

From J. Lee Thompson, starring David Niven, Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Anthony Quayle
Rated Not Rated

The Guns of Navarone is a 1961 World War II action-adventure film directed by J. Lee Thompson. The film stars Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn, and follows the mission of a team of Allied commandos who are sent to destroy the giant Nazi guns on the Greek island of Navarone. The team is led by Major Keith Mallory (Gregory Peck), a British commando, and includes a Greek resistance fighter (Anthony Quinn) and a British explosives expert (David Niven). The team faces several obstacles on their mission, from natural hazards to Nazi soldiers, as they struggle to complete their task. With time running out and the odds stacked against them, the team must work together to succeed and ultimately save thousands of lives.

From Directors: Richard Fleischer, Kinji Fukasaku, Toshio Masuda, Akira Kurosawa, starring Martin Balsam, Sô Yamamura, Jason Robards, Joseph Cotten
Rated G

"Tora! Tora! Tora!" is a 1970 American-Japanese war film directed by Richard Fleischer, Kinji Fukasaku, Toshio Masuda and Akira Kurosawa. It dramatizes the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and the series of American blunders that allowed it to occur. The film stars an ensemble cast of Japanese and American actors, including Martin Balsam, Joseph Cotten, Sō Yamamura, and Eijirō Tōno. The film is unique in that it was produced by both Japanese and American studios and was the first Japanese-American co-production of its kind. It was the first American film to show the events of the attack from both the American and Japanese perspectives. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning six Oscar nominations, including a Best Picture nomination, and grossing over $25 million at the box office.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Sean Connery, Ryan O'Neal, Michael Caine, Laurence Olivier
Rated PG