Top Four Most Realistic Classic WW2 Movies

Many WW2 movies have tried to capture the reality of this important piece of history. While there have been many films made, only a few reflected the realities of this time in our history. Below are some of the most historically accurate movies according to Time Magazine.

Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca is not so much a war movie as a film whose characters all live in the shadow of the war. A beloved classic on its own, this makes the list of great WW2 movies for its presentation of moral conflict and how a world at war influences the choices of each person on a personal level.

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

This film explores the lasting scars of those returning from the war. We see the mental and physical toll the war has taken on the three stars of the film. The most impactful part, however, relates to one of the film’s leads. Harold Russell was not an actor, but a real-life World War Two veteran who had lost both hands overseas. Watching the struggles of his character was like watching a reflection of real-life trauma.

The More the Merrier (1943)

A much lighter wartime film, this often humorous look at American life during the war still managed to capture the reality of the time. While we generally think of World War II movies taking place on the front lines, this one focused on the American experience at home as society went through a monumental shift.

Stalag 17 (1953)

Another film that steps away from the front lines of battle, Stalag 17 explores the everyday life of POWs during the war. It is not a film of flag-waving patriotism or brutal wartime violence. It’s a film about people and what they do to survive. This is certainly an important movie because of its look at a story that is seldom told.


We hope you enjoyed this look back at some classic films. You can check out the full Time Magazine article here. If you haven’t seen the movies on this list, this would be a great time to check them out. If you want more content like this, take a look at our “Do you remember” series, and be sure to follow The Greatest Generation on Twitter and Facebook.

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