30 World War II Movies And Filming Locations

World War II, a global conflict fought on multiple fronts, has inspired a plethora of movies capturing the intensity and diversity of its theaters. From the battlefields of Europe to the Pacific Islands, filmmakers have depicted the war’s magnitude and impact across a myriad of locations. This list delves into some of the most notable World War II movies, highlighting where they unfold and exploring their cinematic portrayal of historical events.

Table of Contents

Saving Private Ryan (France)

Saving Private Ryan, a cinematic masterpiece directed by Steven Spielberg, immerses audiences in the harrowing reality of World War II. Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad, after landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day, embark on a mission to find Private Ryan (Matt Damon) in the fictional town of Remelle, also situated in Normandy. The film’s intense action unfolds within the confines of Northwest France, offering a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by soldiers during the Allied invasion.

The Great Escape (Poland)

Regarded as one of the finest World War II films, The Great Escape is predominantly set in a German prisoner-of-war camp in occupied Poland. The movie follows the daring escape attempts of Allied prisoners, showcasing resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity. While the camp’s exact location remains somewhat ambiguous due to the film’s fictionalized elements, it provides a gripping narrative centered around the theme of escape.

The Thin Red Line (Guadalcanal)

The Thin Red Line, directed by Terrence Malick, diverges from traditional war movie conventions, offering a contemplative exploration of the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Filmed on location, the movie captures the haunting beauty of the islands and the brutality of the battle. Malick’s distinctive style transforms this war film into a visual and philosophical experience, delving into the complexities of human nature amidst the chaos of war.

Das Boot (North Atlantic)

Das Boot, a German cinematic gem, takes viewers inside the claustrophobic world of a German U-boat patrolling the North Atlantic. While the majority of the film unfolds within the confines of the submarine’s realistic set, the perilous nature of submarine warfare in the North Atlantic becomes a central theme. The film’s intensity and attention to detail contribute to its reputation as one of the best World War II movies.

The Bridge On The River Kwai (Thailand)

Considered a classic, The Bridge On The River Kwai narrates a fictionalized account of British prisoners of war tasked with building a bridge over the Khwae Yai River in Thailand for the Burma Railroad. Despite being set in Thailand, the movie was actually filmed in Sri Lanka, showcasing lush landscapes and contributing to its cinematic grandeur. The film’s exploration of morality and duty adds depth to its portrayal of wartime experiences.

Flags Of Our Fathers (Iwo Jima)

Flags Of Our Fathers, along with its companion piece Letters From Iwo Jima, provides a dual perspective on the Battle of Iwo Jima. While the movie’s events unfold on the island, depicting the iconic raising of the American flag, the actual filming took place mostly in California and Iceland. The juxtaposition of American and Japanese viewpoints offers a comprehensive understanding of the human toll and complexities of war.

Downfall (Berlin)

Downfall stands as a powerful portrayal of the final days of the Third Reich, primarily set in and around the Fuhrer Bunker in Berlin. As Allied forces close in on the capital, the film captures the tension and despair within Hitler’s inner circle. Memorable for inspiring numerous memes, Downfall remains a poignant exploration of the downfall of Nazi Germany, utilizing Berlin’s historical backdrop to convey the magnitude of the era’s events.

Pearl Harbor (Hawaii)

The infamous attack on Pearl Harbor serves as the focal point for Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor, which unfolds primarily on the island of Oahu. While Hawaii wasn’t yet a state in 1941, the film captures the chaos and devastation of the surprise attack. The movie’s portrayal of the events leading up to and following the attack contributes to its epic scale, utilizing the historical setting to evoke the gravity of the moment.

Dunkirk (France)

Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk stands out for its immersive portrayal of the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, France. Filmed on the actual beach, the movie authentically captures the vastness and desperation of the evacuation. While the town of Dunkirk has evolved since 1940, the film’s decision to use the original location adds a layer of historical realism, allowing audiences to witness the evacuation’s challenges.

Patton (North Africa, Europe)

Patton follows the legendary General George S. Patton’s journey across North Africa and Europe during World War II. From Tunisia to Sicily and through northern Europe during the Battle of the Bulge, the film provides a sweeping depiction of Patton’s military prowess. The movie’s historical accuracy, combined with George C. Scott’s iconic portrayal of Patton, contributes to its status as a classic war film.

A Bridge Too Far (The Netherlands)

Boasting an ensemble cast, including James Caan, Robert Redford, and Sean Connery, A Bridge Too Far recounts the disastrous Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. The film unfolds against the backdrop of the Allies’ ambitious plan to end the war swiftly, only to face significant setbacks. While the movie offers a star-studded narrative, its depiction of the Netherlands during this critical military operation adds historical depth.

Empire Of The Sun (China)

Empire Of The Sun, directed by Steven Spielberg, provides a unique perspective on World War II, unfolding in China. The film follows a young English boy, played by Christian Bale, as he navigates life in a Japanese internment camp near the Chinese city of Suzhou. Spielberg’s exploration of the impact of war on civilians, coupled with the film’s Chinese setting, distinguishes Empire Of The Sun from conventional war dramas.

Fury (Germany)

Fury, set in the waning days of the war, takes viewers into the cramped quarters of a Sherman tank as it traverses the German countryside. With a stellar cast, including Brad Pitt and Jon Bernthal, the film portrays the challenges faced by a tank crew engaged in intense battles across Germany. The movie’s focus on the tank crew’s camaraderie amidst the war’s chaos adds a personal touch to its depiction of the European theater.

The Imitation Game (England)

The Imitation Game diverges from traditional war narratives, focusing on the efforts of Alan Turing and codebreakers to decipher German codes. Set in the English country manor of Bletchley Park, the film explores the crucial role played by cryptanalysts in Allied intelligence. While devoid of traditional battle scenes, The Imitation Game unfolds against the backdrop of wartime England, emphasizing the significance of behind-the-scenes contributions to the war effort.

Escape To Victory (Paris)

Escape To Victory, or Victory, uniquely combines the war movie genre with sports, featuring Allied prisoners of war engaging in a soccer match against their German captors. Starring Sylvester Stallone and Pele, the film’s climactic match takes place in Paris before the prisoners execute their daring escape. The movie’s fusion of war and sports elements sets it apart in the war film genre.

Hacksaw Ridge (Okinawa)

Hacksaw Ridge tells the remarkable true story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss during the Battle of Okinawa. The film unfolds on the island of Okinawa, portraying the brutal realities of war and Doss’s heroic actions as a medic. Mel Gibson’s direction captures the intensity of the Pacific theater, offering a poignant exploration of courage and conviction in the face of adversity.

Unbroken (Kwajalein Atoll, Japan)

Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie, traces the life of American pilot Louis Zamperini. Surviving a crash into the Pacific, Zamperini endures imprisonment on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and later in mainland Japan. While the film has received mixed reviews, it offers a gripping account of resilience and survival amidst the harsh realities of war.

Schindler’s List (Poland, Czechia)

Schindler’s List, directed by Steven Spielberg, stands as a poignant exploration of the Holocaust through the eyes of Oskar Schindler. The film primarily takes place in Poland and what is now Czechia, both territories under German control during the war. Spielberg’s unflinching portrayal of the atrocities committed against the Jewish population contributes to the film’s enduring impact.

Midway (Pacific Ocean)

The Battle of Midway, a pivotal naval engagement, is vividly depicted in Midway, directed by Roland Emmerich. Set in the Pacific Ocean, near Midway Atoll, the film chronicles the strategic importance of the battle and its impact on the course of the war. While the movie recreates the historical events, the actual filming took place, symbolically, near the real Midway Atoll, emphasizing its significance in World War II history.

Enemy At The Gates (Stalingrad)

Enemy at the Gates transports audiences to the brutal Battle of Stalingrad, where Soviet forces resisted the advancing German army for months. The film captures the desperation and attrition of the battle, set in Stalingrad (modern-day Volgograd) in southern Russia. As a war drama, it emphasizes the toll of war on soldiers and civilians alike.

Casablanca (Morocco)

Decades after its release, Casablanca remains a timeless classic and a beloved Hollywood film. Starring Humphrey Bogart, the movie unfolds in the exotic locale of Casablanca, Morocco. The city’s role as a melting pot of intrigue and espionage during World War II adds layers of romance and suspense to the film’s narrative. Casablanca continues to influence cinematic storytelling, showcasing the impact of war on individuals in a foreign land.

Windtalkers (Saipan)

Windtalkers sheds light on the lesser-known story of Navajo Indians serving as communications experts during the war. The movie’s setting on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands brings attention to the Pacific theater. While the film faces criticism for its portrayal of historical events, it contributes to highlighting the diverse roles played by individuals in the war effort.

The Pianist (Warsaw)

The Pianist, directed by Roman Polanski, offers a poignant portrayal of Jewish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman’s struggle for survival in occupied Warsaw. The film’s focus on Szpilman’s journey through various hideouts around the city provides a visceral depiction of the Holocaust’s impact on individuals. Warsaw’s wartime setting becomes a backdrop for a gripping tale of resilience and tragedy.

The Dirty Dozen (France)

A classic war romp, The Dirty Dozen, unfolds in France, blending action and adventure with an ensemble cast of stars. The film’s premise revolves around a group of soldiers tasked with a perilous mission in German-occupied France. While embodying the spirit of a wartime adventure, The Dirty Dozen explores the camaraderie and sacrifices made by soldiers behind enemy lines.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (Hawaii)

Tora! Tora! Tora!, a pioneering film on the Pearl Harbor attack, immerses viewers in the historical events leading up to the devastating raid. Primarily set in Hawaii, the movie meticulously recreates the Pearl Harbor Naval Base on Oahu. By vividly portraying the events that led to the United States’ entry into World War II, the film remains an important depiction of a pivotal moment in history.

The English Patient (Tunisia, Italy)

The English Patient, a war movie intertwined with a love story, unfolds against the backdrop of North Africa. While the narrative is told from a bed in Italy, the flashbacks transport viewers to the vast deserts of Tunisia. The film’s exploration of love and loss amidst the war’s turmoil enhances its narrative, with the North African setting adding a layer of exoticism to the story.

Inglourious Basterds (France, Germany)

Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds takes a unique approach to World War II, blending history with alternate reality. The film’s intense opening scene in a French farm sets the tone for its exploration of wartime tensions. The movie’s later segments, including the famous final scene, unfold in Berlin and other European locations. Tarantino’s stylized storytelling adds a layer of unpredictability to the traditional war movie narrative.

The Guns of Navarone (Turkey, Greece)

The Guns of Navarone combines adventure with a war narrative, depicting a group of soldiers on a mission to destroy a German gun installation on the fictional Aegean Island of Navarone. While the island itself is fictional, the movie’s setting between Greece and Turkey provides a picturesque backdrop for the characters’ perilous mission. The film’s early ’60s charm captures the spirit of adventure inherent in wartime missions.

Valkyrie (Tunisia, Germany, German-Occupied Poland)

Valkyrie introduces audiences to the dramatic events surrounding Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg’s attempt to assassinate Hitler. Starting in Tunisia, where von Stauffenberg sustains injuries, the movie later unfolds in the Wolf’s Lair in German-occupied Poland. The film’s suspenseful narrative navigates through Berlin and other German locations, offering a unique perspective on resistance within the ranks of the German military.

The Longest Day (Normandy)

The Longest Day, predating Saving Private Ryan, provides a comprehensive portrayal of the D-Day landings in Normandy. With an ensemble cast and a focus on both Allied and German perspectives, the film unfolds on the beaches of Normandy and nearby towns like Sainte-Mère-Église. Widely regarded for its epic scale, The Longest Day serves as a template for subsequent war movies.

USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (Philippine Sea)

While not reaching critical acclaim, USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage delves into the harrowing true story of the USS Indianapolis. The film’s events, including the transport of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima and the subsequent shark attacks, primarily unfold in the middle of the Philippine Sea. Despite its cinematic shortcomings, the movie sheds light on the USS Indianapolis’s tragic fate.

The Final Countdown

The Final Countdown ventures into the realm of speculative fiction by combining a World War II story with science fiction. Set on a modern aircraft carrier transported back to 1941, the film explores the intriguing concept of time travel and its potential impact on historical events. While the majority of the film takes place on the USS Nimitz in the Pacific Ocean, the narrative extends to the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The film prompts audiences to contemplate the “what if” scenarios surrounding one of the most significant events in World War II.

In conclusion, the array of World War II movies discussed here showcases the breadth and depth of the global conflict. These films not only capture the historical events and battles but also delve into the human experiences, dilemmas, and sacrifices that defined the era. Whether set on the front lines in Europe, the Pacific Islands, or in unconventional locations like internment camps and submarines, each movie contributes to our collective understanding of this pivotal period in history.

Moreover, the diverse settings of these films highlight the truly worldwide nature of World War II, emphasizing the impact of the conflict on a multitude of cultures and landscapes. The filmmakers’ meticulous attention to detail in recreating these locations adds authenticity to the narratives, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the historical context.

Ultimately, the enduring appeal of World War II movies lies in their ability to educate, entertain, and provoke reflection on the complexities of war. Through these cinematic journeys, viewers gain insights into the courage, resilience, and sometimes the tragic consequences of individuals caught up in the maelstrom of one of the most significant events of the 20th century. As we continue to explore and commemorate the history of World War II, these films remain powerful and poignant tributes to the people who lived through those tumultuous times.