My Top Ten World War II Era Films

World War II is one of the most significant and transformative events in human history, inspiring countless directors to explore the complexities of this era through film. Each movie seeks to share a unique story; and, because the war has impacted numerous lives in numerous ways, movies depicting this time period are often very diverse, each following a different experience and perspective, each representing a part of the story of the millions of people that were touched by the war. 

This past year, I have watched over two dozen films set during the World War II era, and today I wanted to share my top ten favorites of these movies with you. From gripping tales of survival, to heart-wrenching tragedies, to stories of bravery and heroism, the films on this list provide an eye-opening view into the different experiences of World War II and the ways it has shaped people’s lives across the globe. 

Life is Beautiful (La vita è bella) 

This story is mainly set in Italy and follows Guido Orefice, a charming and optimistic Jewish-Italian man who falls in love. Soon after he marries and has a child, their family’s peaceful life is shattered when they are deported to a Nazi concentration camp. Guido protects his young son from the horrors at the camp, using his imagination and humor to create an elaborate ruse, convincing the boy that the entire ordeal is a game. The "game" revolves around earning points to get a grand prize, all in an effort to shield his son from the brutal reality of the situation.

The film explores love, sacrifice, and the power of hope. It juxtaposes the horrors of the Holocaust with the strength of human resilience and the protective love of a father. Life is Beautiful is both heartrending and uplifting, a movie that is a mix of laughter and tears, hope and heartbreak. 

Band of Brothers

Band of Brothers is a miniseries that I watched over the summer and is based on the non-fiction book by historian Stephen E. Ambrose. The series follows the lives of the soldiers of "Easy Company," a unit of the United States 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II. It covers their training and individual experiences, from their initial deployment in Normandy during D-Day to the war's conclusion in Germany.

The series realistically depicts the camaraderie, challenges, and sacrifices faced by the soldiers. Each episode focuses on different aspects of the soldiers' lives, exploring the bond that forms between them, the leadership challenges they face, and the brutal realities of warfare and the scars that it leaves. Band of Brothers highlights the extraordinary heroism, brotherhood, and resilience of these men. It portrays the human side of soldiers, making the history accessible and emotionally impactful. 

(My favorite episode was Episode 5: Crossroads.)

Land of Mine (Under sandet)

This film is based on true events that took place after World War II and may be the most harrowing movie on this list.  It explores the story of German prisoners of war who were forced to clear land mines from Denmark's beaches.

Land of Mine grapples with themes of revenge, suffering, humanity, empathy, and the lasting effects of war. Set in 1945, shortly after Germany's surrender, the film follows a group of young German soldiers—mostly teenagers—who are captured by the Danish military and subjected to the dangerous task of clearing millions of land mines that were left on the beaches. The movie tells a story of the brutality of punishment, the dehumanization of soldiers, and the moral complexities that arise in the aftermath of a conflict. 

Ip Man

Ip Man is one of my favorite films of all time. Set during the 1930s and 1940s, this dark yet inspiring film is based on true events and people. It takes place in southern China and follows Ip Man, a noble and renowned martial artist, and his life before and during the Japanese occupation of China in World War II. 

This film explores themes of resilience, integrity, courage, and sacrifice. As the Japanese soldiers impose their terror and control, Ip Man is forced to defend his dignity, his family, and his martial arts tradition. He eventually becomes a symbol of resistance against the invaders, using his skills in martial arts to fight back and protect those who are suffering under the occupation. 

(Side note: When watching this movie, I recommend that you watch it in the original language with subtitles instead of in English. The English translated version is annoying in that it fails to capture the dialogue with the emotions and words it should; for example, translating a formal phrase such as “I congratulate you” to just “Congrats.”)

Pan’s Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno)

This film is set in 1944, during post-Civil War Spain in the early years of the fascist regime. It follows an eleven-year-old girl named Ofelia who is sent with her mother to live with her stepfather, a cruel and violent officer in the Spanish army. 

In the midst of this grim reality, Ofelia discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a strange creature that claims she is the reincarnation of a lost princess from an underground kingdom. As Ofelia is sent on a quest to complete three dangerous tasks to prove her royal lineage, the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur. The film depicts the brutal realities of the Spanish Civil War’s aftermath, tragically intertwining the magical and the historical together.

Pan's Labyrinth is emotionally resonant, combining dark fantasy with history, diving into themes of innocence, power, resistance, and the complexities of morality in the face of evil. This film is one that stays with you, long after the credits roll. 

The 12th Man (Den 12. mann)

The 12th Man is a war thriller that is based on the true story of Jan Baalsrud, a resistance fighter during World War II, who was one of the survivors of a failed mission to sabotage Nazi forces in Norway.

This movie is a tense, gripping tale of survival that highlights themes of courage, resistance, and hope in the face of oppression. The film focuses on Baalsrud's extraordinary survival and determination as he attempts to escape the Nazis who are hunting him down. He is aided by local Norwegians who risk their own lives to help him, providing him shelter and assistance as he faces unimaginable challenges. 

The Pianist

The Pianist is a biographical war film directed by Roman Polanski. It is based on the autobiography of Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman, focusing on his experiences in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Poland.

The story follows Szpilman, a talented classical pianist, as he navigates the brutal realities of the Holocaust. As Nazi forces invade his country, life quickly deteriorates for him and his family. They are forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, a section of the city where Jewish residents are confined and subjected to horrific conditions. The film depicts Szpilman's harrowing struggle for survival in the midst of war and the atrocities of the Holocaust, and his inner resilience to continue living, despite the overwhelming loss and suffering around him.

Dunkirk

Dunkirk is a film that focuses on the true events of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II, where hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, in 1940, as Nazi forces closed in on them. The film explores themes of courage, joint effort, survival, and sacrifice. It follows three perspectives: one from the Land (a young British soldier), one from the Sea (a civilian and his son), and one from the Air (a RAF fighter pilot).

Unlike many other war films, Dunkirk places a strong emphasis on tension and the sensory experience of war, rather than focusing on character development or traditional battle sequences. The incredible musical score adds an extra layer of suspense, and is one of the best I've listened to.

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is my favorite musical, and perhaps the most uplifting and hopeful film of all that are on this list. 

This movie is based on the true story of the von Trapp family, set in Austria on the eve of World War II. The story follows Maria, a lively, free-spirited young woman who is sent to be a governess for the seven children of Captain von Trapp, who is a stern, widowed naval officer. It is a heartwarming story of love, freedom, family, and hope, blending themes of personal growth, faith, and the triumph of hope in the face of harsh forces. This movie is full of emotion, laughter, and uplifting, timeless music.

Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no Haka)

This Japanese animated film, based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka, tells a tragic story about the effects of World War II on two young siblings in Japan. Set during the final months of the war, the film follows 14-year-old Seita and his younger sister as they struggle to survive and fend for themselves. As they face hunger, illness, and the harsh realities of war, their situation grows increasingly dire.

Grave of the Fireflies is a powerful and tragic exploration of the human cost of war, focusing on the innocence lost by children caught in the overwhelming horrors they face. The film explores themes of loss, survival, the consequences of pride, and the love between siblings, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time.

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Now that I've shared my favorite World War II films, what are yours? Have you seen any of these movies? And after reading this post, which ones are you most keen on watching first? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!