War movies have a unique power—they can thrill, break your heart, and make you think. And when it comes to World War II, cinema has returned to this conflict time and again, exploring its many facets from the horrors of the Holocaust to the heroics of resistance fighters. If you're looking to dive into that world this weekend, Netflix has a strong selection that spans different tones and perspectives. Here are three standout WWII films to add to your queue.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Studio Ghibli's Grave of the Fireflies is not an easy watch, but it's an essential one. Set in the final months of the Pacific War, it follows Seita and his little sister Setsuko, two orphans struggling to survive in a Japan devastated by conflict. The film opens with their tragic fate, then rewinds to show the desperate journey that led there.
Based on Akiyuki Nosaka's semi-autobiographical story, this animated masterpiece is a devastating anti-war statement. It focuses on the innocent victims—children who have no understanding of the politics or reasons behind the war, yet bear its heaviest costs. The bond between the siblings is the film's emotional core, making their suffering all the more poignant. If you're in the mood for something profound and heartbreaking, this is a must-watch.
Anthropoid (2016)
For a more thriller-like take, Anthropoid stars Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan as Czechoslovak soldiers tasked with assassinating Reinhard Heydrich, one of the Nazi regime's most brutal figures. The film dramatizes Operation Anthropoid, a real-life mission that was crucial to the resistance effort.
Though it flew under the radar upon release, Anthropoid is a tense, gripping depiction of wartime courage. Murphy and Dornan deliver compelling performances, and director Sean Ellis builds suspense masterfully. It's a great pick for history buffs who want to learn about lesser-known aspects of WWII while being entertained.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
If you prefer your war movies with a dose of action and humor, Guy Ritchie's The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is the way to go. Henry Cavill leads a ragtag team of misfits on a mission to sabotage Nazi U-boats, while Eiza González's character infiltrates enemy ranks. It's a rollicking, stylish romp that doesn't take itself too seriously.
The ensemble, including Alan Ritchson, has great chemistry, and the film is a lot of fun as the team takes down Nazis with gleeful abandon. González holds her own in the more serious subplot, and Til Schweiger makes a suitably detestable villain. It's not groundbreaking cinema, but it's an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.
So whether you're in the mood for a tearjerker, a thriller, or a fun action flick, these three films offer a range of WWII experiences. And if you're looking for more streaming picks, check out our weekend binge suggestions or see what else is new on Netflix this month, like Anya Taylor-Joy's upcoming movie. Happy streaming!
