The Best Movies About Nazis & Nazi Germany
- 1Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
In this powerful and emotional film, Liam Neeson portrays Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saves the lives of over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The movie presents a striking depiction of human resilience and compassion amidst the horrors of war and genocide. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it received numerous accolades and remains one of the most significant films about fighting against Nazis.
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- 2Alexandra Lara, Bruno Ganz, Thomas Kretschmann
Set during the final days of Adolf Hitler's rule, this German drama focuses on the perspective of Hitler's secretary, Traudl Junge, as played by Alexandra Maria Lara. The film provides an in-depth look at the collapse of the Third Reich from within Hitler's bunker while also exploring various forms of resistance among its members. Bruno Ganz delivers a chilling portrayal of Hitler in his last moments, making this movie a must-watch for those interested in World War II history.
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- 3Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay
This critically acclaimed biographical drama tells the story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who struggles to survive during World War II. Adrien Brody delivers an unforgettable performance as Szpilman, showcasing both his immense talent as a musician and his will to live amidst the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. Directed by Roman Polanski, it is both heartbreaking and inspiring tale that demonstrates the power of human resilience in times of darkness.
More The Pianist- #123 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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- 4Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Uwe Ochsenknecht
Das Boot provides an intense look into life aboard a German U-boat during World War II through the eyes of its crew members struggling against Allied forces and their own fears. This gripping war drama explores themes such as loyalty, duty, and camaraderie amongst men faced with isolation and constant danger while battling enemies above water. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, it remains one of the most authentic depictions of naval warfare ever put on screen.
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- 5Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore
Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, this epic World War II drama revolves around a group of American soldiers on a mission to save one man, Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), whose brothers have all been killed in combat. The film's realistic portrayal of battle scenes and its exploration of camaraderie among soldiers emphasizes the bravery and sacrifice required to fight against Nazi forces during World War II.
- 6Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
This classic war film, directed by John Sturges, follows a group of Allied prisoners of war as they plan and execute an elaborate escape from a German POW camp. Featuring an ensemble cast including Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough, the story showcases the resourcefulness and determination needed to resist Nazi oppression. Based on real events, it is an inspiring tale that has become one of the most beloved war films in cinema history.
More The Great Escape- #10 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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- 7David Thewlis, Vera Farmiga, Rupert Friend
In this heart-wrenching British drama, Asa Butterfield plays Bruno, the young son of a Nazi officer who befriends Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp. Through their innocent friendship, viewers are exposed to the horrors faced by Jews during the Holocaust while also witnessing acts of kindness and humanity amidst profound evil. Directed by Mark Herman, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion during times of hatred.
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- 8Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Sophie Nélisse
Based on Markus Zusak's best-selling novel, this film follows Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse), a young girl living with her foster parents in Germany during World War II who develops a love for books and reading while navigating life under Nazi rule. Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson deliver powerful performances as Liesel's adoptive parents who secretly harbor a Jewish refugee in their home. The movie highlights not only the power of literature but also the courage required to fight against tyranny.
More The Book Thief- #159 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
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- 9Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
Set in World War II-era Morocco, this classic romantic drama stars Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine, an American expatriate who runs a nightclub frequented by refugees trying to escape the Nazis. Ingrid Bergman plays Ilsa, Rick's former lover and the wife of a Czech resistance leader, who re-enters his life and forces him to confront his past and choose between love and doing what is right. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Casablanca remains an iconic film that showcases the power of personal sacrifice in the fight against tyranny.
More Casablanca- #6 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
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- 10James Coburn, Maximilian Schell, James Mason
In Sam Peckinpah's gripping war film, James Coburn stars as a German sergeant who leads his weary platoon through the harsh realities of war on the Eastern Front. The movie explores themes of honor, loyalty, and disillusionment within the ranks of those fighting for an increasingly desperate cause. It offers a unique perspective on the struggle against Nazi power from both within and outside its ranks.
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- 11Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson
This classic war film features an all-star cast led by Lee Marvin, who plays a tough-as-nails major tasked with assembling and training a group of military convicts for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. As they work together to complete their objective, viewers are treated to tales of redemption and camaraderie amidst the horrors of war. Directed by Robert Aldrich, it remains one of the most memorable films about fighting against Nazis.
More The Dirty Dozen- #22 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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- 12Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, Mary Ure
Starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood, this thrilling action-adventure film follows a group of Allied agents on a mission to infiltrate a Nazi-occupied castle in the Alps and rescue an American general. Filled with daring stunts and plot twists, it showcases bravery and determination in the face of insurmountable odds while providing an entertaining look at espionage during World War II.
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- 13Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini
Roberto Benigni directs and stars in this touching Italian comedy-drama about a Jewish man named Guido who uses humor and imagination to protect his young son from the reality of life inside a concentration camp during World War II. The film poignantly demonstrates how love, hope, and laughter can endure even in the darkest times while highlighting acts of courage and resistance against Nazi oppression.
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- 14Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz
Quentin Tarantino's revisionist World War II drama weaves together multiple storylines involving French cinema owner Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), German actress Bridget von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger), and a squad of Jewish-American soldiers led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) known as "The Basterds." Their paths converge in an explosive finale designed to bring down high-ranking Nazis at a film premiere. The movie showcases acts of resistance and bravery required to challenge Nazi power.
More Inglourious Basterds- #118 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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- #210 of 308 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
- 15Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles
In this action-packed war comedy directed by Brian G. Hutton, Clint Eastwood stars as Private Kelly, who leads a group of American soldiers on a daring mission behind enemy lines to steal a cache of Nazi gold. As they encounter various obstacles along the way, the film highlights themes of courage, teamwork, and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. With its unique blend of humor and action, it offers viewers an entertaining look at fighting against Nazis during World War II.
More Kelly's Heroes- #33 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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- 16Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy
Tom Cruise stars as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg in this gripping historical thriller based on true events surrounding an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler's life during World War II. The film showcases von Stauffenberg's courage and determination as he leads a group of disillusioned German officers in a plot to overthrow their own government from within. Directed by Bryan Singer, it provides viewers with an insightful look at the internal resistance against Nazi rule in Germany.
More Valkyrie- #66 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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- 17Adolf Hitler, Max Amann, Martin Bormann
This controversial German propaganda film directed by Leni Riefenstahl documents the 1934 Nuremberg Rally where Adolf Hitler consolidated his power within the Nazi Party. Though it has been criticized for its pro-Nazi stance, it remains an important historical document that provides insight into Hitler's rise to power and serves as a reminder of how propaganda can be used to manipulate and control people. Understanding its impact is crucial for understanding the fight against Nazi tyranny.
More Triumph of the Will- #566 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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- 18Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie
In this satirical comedy directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, viewers are treated to a biting critique of Adolf Hitler's rule through Chaplin's portrayal of a ruthless dictator named Adenoid Hynkel. Simultaneously playing a Jewish barber mistaken for Hynkel, Chaplin uses humor to expose the absurdity and cruelty of Nazi ideology while also encouraging resistance against oppression. This film remains a powerful testament to the power of satire as a weapon against tyranny.
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- 19
Conspiracy
Kenneth Branagh, Stanley Tucci, David ThrelfallIn this chilling HBO film, Kenneth Branagh stars as Reinhard Heydrich, the high-ranking SS officer who orchestrated the planning of the Holocaust during a secret conference in 1942. The movie depicts the cold, calculated decision-making of Nazi leaders and serves as a harrowing reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. It illustrates the importance of fighting against such evil and preventing history from repeating itself.
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- 20Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman
Harrison Ford stars as intrepid archaeologist Indiana Jones in this classic action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. As he races against time to find the long-lost Ark of the Covenant before it falls into Nazi hands, Indy battles nefarious villains and relies on his wit and physical prowess to outsmart his enemies. The movie offers an exciting and entertaining take on fighting against Nazis through its thrilling set pieces and memorable characters.
- 21Max Hubacher, Alexander Fehling, Sebastian Rudolph
This provocative German drama directed by Robert Schwentke follows a young deserter from Hitler's army who stumbles upon an abandoned Nazi officer's uniform and begins impersonating its owner. As he exploits his newfound authority for personal gain and sadistic pleasure, viewers are confronted with a chilling examination of power dynamics and moral corruption within the ranks of the Third Reich. The Captain is a stark reminder that even those wearing the uniforms of oppressors can be corrupted by their circumstances.
- 22Mark Hamill, Lee Marvin, Robert Carradine
Directed by Samuel Fuller and starring Lee Marvin, this epic war film chronicles the experiences of a group of American soldiers fighting on various fronts during World War II, including North Africa, Italy, and Normandy. Viewers witness their bravery and determination as they face overwhelming odds and devastating losses in their battle against Nazi forces. The movie is both an homage to the real-life exploits of the First Infantry Division (nicknamed "The Big Red One") and a testament to the power of human resilience.
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- 23Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson
In this darkly comedic coming-of-age tale directed by Taika Waititi, Roman Griffin Davis stars as Jojo Betzler, a young German boy whose imaginary friend happens to be Adolf Hitler (played by Waititi himself). As Jojo grapples with his indoctrination into Nazi ideology and discovers his mother's secret efforts to hide a Jewish girl in their home, he begins to question everything he has been taught. The film is a poignant exploration of the power of love and empathy to break through even the most deeply ingrained prejudices.
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- 24Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, Michael York
Set in 1931 Berlin during the rise of the Nazis, this film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical stars Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles, an American singer at the Kit Kat Club. Through its exploration of Sally's relationships with various characters, as well as the decadent nightlife scene in pre-war Germany, Cabaret offers a unique perspective on how individuals navigated and resisted the encroaching Nazi regime. Directed by Bob Fosse, it remains an iconic piece of cinema that speaks to resilience and defiance in times of adversity.
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- 25Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker
This beloved musical tells the story of Maria (Julie Andrews), a young Austrian woman who leaves her life as a nun to become governess to the von Trapp family during World War II. As she helps the family find joy and harmony through music, they also grapple with the looming Nazi threat and ultimately make a daring escape from their homeland. Directed by Robert Wise, The Sound of Music is an uplifting tale that showcases courage and defiance in the face of oppression.
- 26Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell
Daniel Craig stars as Tuvia Bielski, one of four Jewish brothers who escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into Belarus' forests during World War II. Based on a true story, this film directed by Edward Zwick follows their transformation from helpless refugees to leaders of a community of fellow survivors and resistance fighters dedicated to protecting one another at all costs. Defiance is a stirring testament to the power of hope and unity in the face of unspeakable adversity.
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- 27
The Final Solution: The Wannsee Conference
Dietrich Mattausch, Gerd Böckmann, Friedrich G. BeckhausBased on historical records, this gripping German film dramatizes the infamous 1942 meeting where high-ranking Nazi officials convened to plan the "Final Solution" - the systematic extermination of Europe's Jews. As viewers observe the chillingly bureaucratic discussions that would lead to unspeakable atrocities, they are reminded of just how vital it is to fight against hatred and tyranny at every turn. Directed by Heinz Schirk, The Wannsee Conference serves as an important testament to one of history's darkest chapters.
- 28Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross
This thought-provoking drama explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and redemption through the story of Michael Berg (played by Ralph Fiennes and David Kross), a young German who becomes entangled with an older woman named Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet) – only to discover years later that she was a guard at a Nazi concentration camp. By examining both personal relationships and broader societal issues, The Reader forces viewers to confront difficult questions about morality and accountability during one of history's darkest periods.
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- 29Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, James Mason
In this thrilling adaptation of Ira Levin's best-selling novel, Laurence Olivier stars as a Holocaust survivor determined to track down Josef Mengele (played by Gregory Peck), the infamous Nazi doctor responsible for horrific medical experiments on concentration camp prisoners. As he uncovers Mengele's twisted scheme involving cloned Hitlers raised in South America, viewers are treated to a suspenseful tale that underscores the importance of remaining vigilant against evil long after its apparent defeat.
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- 30Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer
This star-studded war epic recreates one of World War II's most pivotal moments: the Royal Air Force's heroic defense against Nazi Germany's aerial assault on England. Featuring a remarkable ensemble cast including Michael Caine, Trevor Howard, and Laurence Olivier, the film highlights both personal stories and large-scale military strategies that shaped this crucial chapter in history. Directed by Guy Hamilton, Battle of Britain serves as a stirring tribute to those who fought bravely against overwhelming odds to protect their homeland.
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