Many movies have reckoned with the legacy of World War II and delved into multiple perspectives on the war.

World War II has provided the backdrop to poignant and dramatic stories that have captivated audiences for years.

Other movies, likeGrave of the Fireflies, portray fictional characters navigating real events from the war.

Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler looking grim in Downfall’ (2004)

Image via Constantin Film

The best World War II movies focus on the humanity of those who experienced the war first-hand.

These movies showcase people from all backgrounds, whether leaders, soldiers, or civilians.

The movie avoids sensationalizing Hitler’s life and final days.

Hitler (Bruno Ganz) is seen from behind as he sits at a table with a map on it across from numerous standing Nazi officers

Image via Constantin Film

Instead,Downfallshowcases how vulnerable Hitler always was, especially at the end of the war.

The movie shows him as such rather than as an evil genius.

Grave of the Firefliesis an essential movie that showcases the devastation of World War II.

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What makesLetters from Iwo Jimaso compelling is that it humanizes those who fought for Japan during World War II.

Additionally,Come and Seeleans into its anti-war message by showing that there is no glory in war.

This sets it apart as a new World War II movie, many of which showcase patriotic themes.

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5’Oppenheimer' (2023)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Oppenheimerfollows the life and career ofJ.

Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy).

Oppenheimeruses the life of one man to showcase how much was at stake during World War II.

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The movie showcases how one man profoundly influenced World War II and subsequent history.

Private Ryan (Matt Damon) is listed as missing after his brothers are killed in action.

Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) leads this group of soldiers in finding Private Ryan.

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Casablancais a unique World War IImovie in that it was made during the war itself.

The movie features a story of love and hope that is contrasted with the evils of the Nazi regime.

This makes for a poignant reflection on what the stakes of World War II were.

Lead characters of The Bridge on the River Kwai looking upward in the daylight

Image via Columbia Pictures

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little girl saluting with a golden bowl on her head

Image via Toho

A Japanese soldier waits in the trenches in Letters from Iwo Jima

Image via Warner Bros.

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Flyora looking directly at the camera in Come and See

Image via Sovexportfilm

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A sailor leans his elbow on machinery in the U-Boat in Das Boot

Image via Neue Constantin Film

The heroes of ‘Saving Private Ryan’ in the streets of a ravaged Ramelle.

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

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Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) holds an object and looks distraught in Schindler’s List (1993).

Image via Universal Pictures

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The official poster for Casablanca, featuring stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman holding each other as a plane flies in the distance

Image via Warner Bros.

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