Have you seen Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk? This gripping film traces the historic Allied evacuation from the beaches of northern France in May 1940.
The Dunkirk evacuation stands as one of World War II's defining moments. Many historians view it as the turning point where Hitler lost the war. If he had unleashed his Panzer columns without delay—instead of waiting for infantry to catch up—the Allied forces could have been decimated.
Instead, over 330,000 British, French, Dutch, Polish, and Belgian troops escaped across the English Channel. Safely back on British soil, the Allies regrouped, paving the way for victory.
If Dunkirk ignited your passion for WWII cinema, explore these 12 compelling films currently on Netflix USA (availability subject to change; some noted as no longer available). For more context, check out 80 Fascinating British WWII Propaganda Movies, recently highlighted by the British Council for their educational value.
Among WWII's darkest chapters was the discovery of Nazi concentration camps in Eastern Europe. The Holocaust claimed nearly 11 million lives, including six million Jews.
Yet stories of heroism shine through. German businessman Oskar Schindler saved over 1,000 Polish Jews by employing them in his factories. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece, winner of seven Oscars, retells his story with unflinching power. See also: 10 Oscar-winning Netflix movies you should watch right now.
General George S. Patton was pivotal after leading the U.S. Third Army post-Normandy. Remembered for the deceptive 'Ghost Army' in Operation Fortitude and racing six divisions to Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.
This biography spans from the 1943 Kasserine Pass defeat to Patton's 1945 death.
This docudrama revisits D-Day in Normandy, starting days before the invasion. It captures Pegasus Bridge, U.S. paratroopers at Sainte-Mère-Église, and Operation Fortitude's chaos.
Its enduring appeal lies in historical accuracy, with real D-Day veterans as consultants.
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the 'Desert Fox,' excelled in North Africa (1941-1943). Reassigned to the Atlantic Wall, he foresaw D-Day deceptions but couldn't sway Hitler.
The film explores his background, disillusionment with Nazis, and role in the 1944 plot against Hitler.
Quentin Tarantino's fictional tale of two assassination plots against Nazi leaders earned eight Oscar nominations and one win. Stars include Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Eli Roth, and Diane Kruger.
Shifting to the Eastern Front—where casualties topped 35 million—this film draws from Polish POW Slavomir Rawicz's escape from a Soviet gulag, trekking 4,000 miles to freedom.
Netflix also offers stellar costume dramas like The 12 Best Costume Dramas To Watch On Netflix.
As 1945 dawned, Nazis faced collapse. Downfall depicts the Battle of Berlin from leadership's view, from Soviet shelling to the Red Army nearing Hitler's bunker.
In the Pacific theater, Midway marked America's turnaround. Allied codebreakers ambushed Japan, sinking four carriers.
John Ford's 18-minute documentary, with authentic footage, won the 1942 Oscar for Best Documentary; Ford earned a Purple Heart.
This fictional drama weaves a tale of accusation's consequences amid Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain. Nominated for seven Oscars.
Unlike Schindler's List's outsider view, this enters the camps through Bruno (Nazi commandant's son) and Shmuel (prisoner), highlighting child suffering—1.5 million of six million Jewish victims were children.
Set in Buchenwald, one of Germany's largest camps, inmates in 1945 face a dilemma: hide a Jewish baby amid imminent liberation. Based on Bruno Apitz's novel from his experiences.
This noir-infused story of Danish resistance fighters explores moral gray areas. Director Ole Christian Madsen researched for eight years. See: 10 British Crime Dramas You Should Watch On Netflix and What makes a film noir?
These films—from battles and biopics to poignant fiction—remind us of WWII's horrors over six brutal years. Track your watches with lists at Top 100 Movies To Watch On Netflix Right Now.
Share your favorites in the comments!
