Top 7 Movies About World War II Over The Years

World War II is perhaps the most important historical event of the last 100 years. With its end in 1945, it left behind millions of dead and wounded people as well as devastated families and cities. A new beginning had to be made for humanity. This war affected every aspect of human life and culture. So, World War II could not fail to strongly influence cinema. In this article, I present the latest and most interesting films that recount important events or people of the war.

1. The Great Escape- 1963 

   In 1943, the Germans decided to create a concentration camp, Luft North, which would be of maximum security. There they carry prisoners of war who have escaped before. Of course, they immediately tried to set up an escape plan, which was meant to be so interesting that it inspired the world of cinema. The plot of the film has elements that are based on reality. The scene where Steve McQueen runs away from prison on a motorcycle is famous among cinema lovers these days. 

2. Tora! Tora! Tora! – 1970 

   It’s the real story of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It is one of the most crucial events during the first years of the war. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the Naval Base. The damage they cause to ships and airplanes is huge. The Japanese attack awakened the gigantic industrial power of the United States. America’s entry into the war was necessary for the Allies since, at that time, only England resisted the Axis powers. 

3. A Bridge Too Far- 1977 

   After the Allied invasion of Normandy, World War II was coming to an end. German troops gradually, despite fierce resistance, begin to retreat. The Allies turned their attention to the Netherlands and Belgium. With their liberation within a short time, they believed that Germany would also fall. They decide, therefore, to destroy certain bridges in order to prevent the retreat of the enemies. One of the bridges they laid, as a goal, was that of Arnhem. But the operation ultimately failed. Watching this film will undoubtedly make you understand why this operation was so crucial. 

4. Saving Private Ryan – 1997 

   If we want to define a typical film of World War II, this is the one. It is a Spielberg epic film. Too many words are unnecessary. We must certainly admire the first minutes of the film, which show us the madness and fury of war. It’s a movie that every movie-lover needs to see at some point. 

5. Letters from Iwo Jima- 2006 

   If you see this film, you should also watch “The Flags of Our Fathers.” In both, Eastwood examines the American and Japanese battles for the possession of this strategic island. The difference, however, is that the first sees the war from the point of view of the Japanese and the other from the point of view of the Americans. We see the pride of these people while they face death. At the same time, we do not forget that they are people since they write letters to their loved ones. The scenes of battles are unique, and light is shed on the characters’ personalities. 

6. Hacksaw Ridge- 2016 

   This successful film, directed by Mel Gibson, talks about the action of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a conscientious objector during World War II. He is the only conscientious objector to receive a medal in the war. In the Battle of Okinawa, he managed to save 75 soldiers without firing a single bullet. The battle scenes are raw and realistic, as Gibson is a genius when it comes to directing; however, what is worth paying attention to is the sound. 

7. Dunkirk- 2017 

   Christopher Nolan takes us to Dunkirk, where the fate of the war was determined since most of the British Army was saved. The Allies were making titanic efforts to transfer the British-French troops from France to England, while the Germans were a big threat to them. The operation named “Dynamo” was eventually successful and thus rescued about 300,000 soldiers. Nolan, as a great “master” of cinema, gives us a film to be seen on the big screen, with fantastic sound and visual effects.

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