World War II is a historical era that is frequently portrayed in movies with strong imagery, intense action scenes, and moving survival stories. The conflict’s comparatively distinct lines between good and evil also make it the ideal setting for gripping narratives. The battle seemed to provide filmmakers with an endless supply of dramatic real-life incidents and inspiration, allowing them to recreate the time period with breathtaking accuracy. These top World War II movies on Netflix will surely catch your attention, regardless of whether you’re looking for exciting espionage stories or heroic frontline military assaults.
Blood & Gold (2023)
“Blood & Gold,” directed by Peter Thorwarth, is a genre-bending German historical drama that chronicles a race for Jewish gold hidden in a remote village near the end of World War II. A German deserter who was left for dead, a resolute young woman, and other villagers engage in a perilous search for hidden gold against a merciless SS squad. There is an excessive amount of gore and violent violence in this black comedy, which is reminiscent of an old spaghetti western. Punchy action scenes and tales of retribution are combined in this novel idea to create an entertaining and skillfully made over-the-top war movie, which is available to watch here.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses (2022)
The short video “Forgive Us Our Trespasses,” which was directed by Ashley Eakin, captures the extent of the Nazi regime’s brutality toward people with disabilities. The film, which is told from Paul’s perspective as a small child with a limb deformity, immediately exposes the horrifying mindset that his school’s curriculum promotes. Paul and his mother have been getting ready for the day when soldiers arrive on their property for cleaning as part of Aktion T4. Even though the short film is only 13 minutes long, it effectively conveys the cruelty and intolerance that the Nazi dictatorship promoted, illustrating a collapse in compassion and critical thought. The short period drama is available to view here.
Fury (2014)
“Fury,” which was directed by David Ayer, follows Sergeant Don Collier (Brad Pitt), also known as Wardaddy, and his Sherman tank squad as they enter enemy territory and are joined by a new gunner. The Allied tank crews sustain significant loss rates, while the German war machines are more technologically advanced. Wardaddy keeps his team in line both physically and mentally by outmaneuvring his opponents thanks to his extensive experience. The crew of their tank chooses to hunker down and bravely defend themselves against a column of Waffen SS soldiers after becoming stranded at a crucial crossroads.
“Fury,” which brilliantly depicts the grim and vicious realities of tank battle, is a byword for World War II war movies. With the star-studded cast offering great performances, the characters gain depth through their strict personal convictions and arguments in high-tension settings. The film also utilized the only completely working German Tiger tank, with its combat sequence alone immortalizing the movie for World War II fans. You can stream the action-packed movie here.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Isao Takahata’s “Grave of the Fireflies” is unquestionably one of the greatest World War II films ever made, especially considering that it is an animation. The focus of the Studio Ghibli project is an orphaned brother and sister team that must fend for themselves in Kobe, Japan, in the closing stages of World War II and the immediate aftermath. The video serves as a heartbreaking reminder that war can never lead to anything positive, and it is nothing less than an emotional pain to our souls. “Grave of the Fireflies,” which is based on the same-titled 1967 short novel by Japanese author Akiyuki Nosaka, is both beautiful and agonizing. It is available to view here.
Hitler: A Career (1977)
Originally titled ‘Eine Karriere,’ ‘Hitler: A Career’ dissects the leader’s ascent to power, from the days of his upbringing to the impassioned speeches that transformed the seemingly unremarkable man into a demagogue. It also reveals the difficulties Hitler and the Nazi party had when they first set out on the warpath. We are given profound insights into lesser-known elements that led to the establishment of Hitler’s Third Reich through rare historical video from the era and Stephen Murray’s perceptive narration in the English version. “Hitler: A Career,” which was directed by Joachim Fest and Christian Herrendoerfer, is not only a history lesson but also a warning about the perils of totalitarianism and the ways in which charismatic leaders can control societies. You may watch the historical documentary here.
Munich: The Edge of War (2021)
“Munich: The Edge of War,” directed by Christian Schwochow, explores the dangerous days before World War II when German and British leaders convene in Munich to avert conflict. Based on Robert Harris’ 2017 novel, ‘Munich,’ the espionage thriller revolves around British diplomat Hugh Legat and his German counterpart Paul von Hartmann, who are university friends. As Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain arrives in Munich to negotiate an agreement with Hitler, Hartmann reveals to Legat the führer’s plans to conquer Europe and an internal plan to overthrow him.
Legat seeks to transmit the news to Chamberlain through confidential documents provided by Hartmann but confronts a number of key impediments. The fictional historical drama develops taut suspense in its spy moments with interesting narratives of alternate history presented. The casts provide powerful performances, with Ulrich Matthes’ Hitler generating a terrifying aura. You may view the tense movie here.
My Best Friend Anne Frank (2021)
“My Best Friend Anne Frank,” directed by Ben Sombogaart, narrates the true story of Hanneli Goslar and Anne Frank’s friendship from Goslar’s perspective. The narrative follows the atrocities of the Holocaust from Amsterdam prior to the Nazi conquest. The girls’ lives are shattered as the war goes on, but their relationship endures as a source of courage and hope. The film, which is titled “Mijn beste vriendin Anne Frank” in Dutch, concentrates more on the girls’ personal bond than it does on the larger historical events. It presents an alternative interpretation of the well-known tale of Anne Frank, addressing both her disobedient childhood and the startling and devastating events that followed the invasion. You may see the biographical drama here
Narvik: Hitler’s First Defeat (2022)
“Narvik: Hitler’s First Defeat,” which was directed by Erik Skjoldbjaerg, tells the story of the Battle of Narvik, a crucial engagement that resulted in Germany’s troops’ first significant defeat during World War II and was fought for iron ore resources that were necessary to power the Nazi war machine. The Norwegian movie, also titled “Kampen om Narvik,” is about Corporal Gunnar Tofte, a soldier in Narvik who is defending his house. The Nazis launch a crushing onslaught in the winter of 1940. Until reinforcements arrive, the local troops are forced to fight in the mountains using guerilla warfare and scorched-earth tactics. The movie features well-done action scenes, period-appropriate clothing, and gorgeous winter scenery. You may stream the historical war movie here.
Number 24 (2024)
“Number 24” by John Andreas Andersen is based on the real-life experiences of Gunnar Sønsteby, a World War II resistance fighter. He led a cell of resistance fighters based in Oslo under the code name “Number 24” for three years against the German occupation of Norway. The film alternates between the past and present, with an elderly Sønsteby (Erik Hivju) discussing his experiences with his comrades with students while planning strategies to render the German forces incapable of fighting. To secure his nation’s liberation, 23-year-old Sønsteby (Sjur Vatne Brean) risks his life by smuggling printing plates and detonating Nazi camps. “Number 24” skillfully depicts another period of World War II in which the desire to resist is paramount, with a strong emotional element as the undercurrent. The movie is available to view here.
Operation Mincemeat (2021)
Operation Mincemeat, directed by John Madden, tells the real story of one of the most brilliant and effective deception campaigns in military history. The film, which is based on Ben Macintyre’s book, focuses on the British intelligence community’s audacious scheme to deceive the Nazis about the Allied invasion of Southern Europe. To persuade the Germans that the invasion will occur in Greece rather than Sicily, they intend to deposit fictitious documents on a corpse dressed as a British commander.
“Operation Mincemeat,” which stars Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen, and Kelly Macdonald, explores the moral issues of war while showcasing the ingenuity and audacity of wartime espionage. With tension, intrigue, and surprising turns, the historical drama and spy thriller creates an engrossing portrait of the unbelievable period of World War II. You can stream the war espionage thriller here.
Ordinary Men: The “Forgotten Holocaust” (2023)
The German documentary, also titled “Ganz normale Männer – Der “vergessene Holocaust,” tells the narrative of the biggest murder trial in history. Tens of thousands of soldiers and police officers from Einsatzgruppen and police battalions were charged with war crimes, including mass murder, in the Einsatzgruppen trial. The documentary highlights the extent of the atrocities and the ways in which survivors battled for justice through the use of historical material and interviews with survivors and prosecutors. The book “Ordinary Men: The “Forgotten Holocaust”” includes a detailed interview with 101-year-old Benjamin Ferencz, the lead prosecutor in the Nuremberg trials, among sociologists and historians. The documentary is available to stream online.
Pilecki’s Report (2023)
The Polish film, originally called “Raport Pileckiego,” tells the tale of Captain Witold Pilecki, a military hero who suffered persecution and torture at the hands of both Nazism and Communism. The biographical film, which was directed by Krzysztof Lukaszewicz, chronicles his experiences as a resistance fighter in both the Polish People’s Republic and the Auschwitz concentration camp. Pilecki risked his life every day to furnish the Allies with in-depth reports that included some of the first and most thorough descriptions of the horrors committed by the Nazis. The video vividly evokes a terrible and little-known World War II tale while portraying its era with remarkable accuracy. You may stream the Lukaszewicz-directed film here.
Riphagen (2016)
Directed by Pieter Kuijpers, “Riphagen” is a World War II biographical film that tells the real narrative of opportunistic criminal Dries Riphagen, setting it apart from stories of heroic warriors. Riphagen, a member of the Dutch criminal underworld who joined the Nazis and assisted in the eviction of Jews, is also referred to as the Dutch Al Capone. When the crafty criminal finds hiding Jews, he falsely assures them. Gaining the trust of his victims, he persuades them to turn over their belongings for “safekeeping” before reporting their whereabouts to the Nazi Sicherheitsdienst. With excellent performances from every member of the cast and striking cinematography, the Dutch film is a masterpiece that creates a tense and unnerving environment that you can enjoy.
The Forgotten Battle (2020)
“The Forgotten Battle,” originally titled “De slag om de Schelde,” tells the tales of three people on three different fronts and alludes to the Battle of the Scheldt, which took place close to the end of the conflict. The film, directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., centers on a local resistance woman who provides crucial intelligence to the Allies, a Dutch child who is drafted into the German military, and a glider pilot.
We are given a unique perspective on the impending conflict from each of their points of view. We are thrown into the merciless abyss of total war as German flak emplacements roar to life and the Royal Air Force (RAF) fills the skies with gliders. The human tales come together to form the poignant setting for the lesser-known conflict, which is powerfully portrayed through realistic combat scenes. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the artistic endeavors.
The Last Days (1998)
The Oscar-winning documentary “The Last Days” follows Holocaust survivors as they relive their horrific experiences and the places and occasions associated with them. It chronicles five Hungarian Jews’ terrifying experiences related to Auschwitz as they retrace their journey there. The documentary, which was directed by James Moll, also focuses on parallel events during World War II and explains how Hitler committed significant resources to the eradication of the Jewish community even though he lost the war terribly in late 1944. The documentary also looks at the Holocaust’s wider effects, such as the liberation of the concentration camps and the survivors’ attempts to start again. You may stream the critically acclaimed piece here.
The Photographer of Mauthausen (2018)
The Mar Targarona film, which was originally titled “El fotógrafo de Mauthausen,” is based on the real-life experiences of Francisco Boix, who documented the horrors that took place at the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp complex. Francisco is turned over to the Nazis as a labor force, along with numerous other individuals who served on the losing side of the Spanish Civil War. They are compelled to work and endure the horrible conditions of the concentration camp in Mauthausen.
Francisco hides and maintains images of the atrocities performed by the Nazi officers with the help of his fellow prisoners; if they are discovered, they could be executed. The video, which is in Spanish, explores the cruelty of camp life and the extraordinary bravery of individuals who aimed to expose its realities to the outside world. The principal actor Mario Casas shed more than twenty-five pounds to play his part in the film, which showcases committed performances from the cast. You may stream the film here.
The Resistance Banker (2018)
Joram Lürsen is the director of this World War II biographical drama, which was originally titled “Bankier van het verzet.” It tells the true story of Walraven van Hall, who cleverly finances the Dutch resistance in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Using their instructions against the Nazis and loan sums guaranteed by the Dutch government in exile, financiers Walraven and his brother Gijs start funding the resistance directly in front of the Nazis. The underground resistance needs a sizable sum to finance a railway strike as the Allies draw near.
Walraven comes up with a bold scheme to use money from the national bank through fraud, even though it exceeds the loan guarantee. The SS, however, appear to have their scent and start to close in. The skillfully made Dutch movie highlights another crucial aspect of the conflict: the financial support for resistance groups and deceit. Here, Lürsen skillfully recreates the time period while also providing an exciting account of the courage and resourcefulness of common people rebelling against their oppressors.
The Shadow in My Eye (2022)
The terrible real-life events of the RAF accidentally bombing a school in Copenhagen, Denmark, while aiming for the Gestapo headquarters as part of Operation Carthage, are depicted in the Danish military play, also known as “The Bombardment.” The Ole Bornedal-directed film, titled “Skyggen i mit øje” in Danish, weaves together the stories of a number of characters whose lives are drastically changed by the bombing, including schoolchildren, nuns, and resistance fighters. The confusion, terror, and deep grief felt by those caught in the crossfire are captured in Bornedal’s directing, which gives the film an eerie authenticity. The Shadow in My Eye is a moving and poignant examination of the devastation caused by war, emphasizing the innocent lives that are irrevocably altered by a single, terrible error. You can witness the haunting drama here.
The Six Triple Eight (2024)
The Six Triple Eight by Tyler Perry is based on the actual events of the US Army’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. It demonstrates how a battalion of over 800 black women managed the enormous undertaking of sorting through three years’ worth of letters and packages that their families had given to the soldiers serving in combat. They made sure the men who were missing their homes and families received the stuff. “The Six Triple Eight,” a poignant war film starring Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, Ebony Obsidian, and Milauna Jackson, highlights the grace and courage of the women who were instrumental in boosting the spirits of the frontline warriors. The movie is available to view here.
Unbroken (2014)
“Unbroken,” directed by Angelina Jolie, is a biographical drama about Olympic track star Louis Zamperini, who was captured during World War II. The story, which is based on Laura Hillenbrand’s book, follows Louis as he brings honor to his country during the Olympics and then joins the war effort following Pearl Harbor. He is taken prisoner of war by Imperial Japanese soldiers when his jet crashes into the ocean.
Through the brutal conditions weathered by Louis, his unbroken spirit shines bright, persevering regardless of the odds stacked against him. The astonishing factual story is brought to life with remarkable realism and incredible production quality. It also exposes the horrific realities of life as a prisoner of war in Japan, as Louis is picked out for his reputation, tortured, and humiliated. You can watch the moving movie here.
Wil (2023)
Directed by Tim Mielants, ‘Wil’ is a Dutch-language historical thriller focused on two cops in Antwerp, Belgium, as they secretly struggle against the invading Nazis for the resistance. Will and Lode are policemen in the seized city of Antwerp, forced to engage in the hunting for Jews. However, they surreptitiously assist the resistance and hope to save the Jewish people as well. As they are surrounded by rampant violence and bloodshed, Will and Lode hesitate between self-preservation and saving lives to ease their conscience.
The film unflinchingly exposes the cruelty of the Nazi reign of terror, creating a horrific portrayal of those who lost their lives to it and those who assisted in the massacre of their fellow people. The film immerses us in a harsh and remarkably realistic portrayal of the dark era by establishing an oppressive and depressing mood. The Dutch period thriller is available to watch here.