This is a list of movies and television series/documentaties we have used for research and/or just watched for entertainment. For the shows we have covered, we use the standard description of the show then we give the show a rating and review if we have covered it extensively.
The rating system and review from the Historical Society are of our own opinions. We do not endorse any particular show unless stated.
Iron Cross Rating System:
- 5 Crosses – Excellent
- 4 Crosses – Good
- 3 Crosses – Average
- 2 Crosses – Poor
- 1 Cross – Terrible – Do Not Watch
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Das Boot – 1981
The claustrophobic world of a WWII German U-boat; boredom, filth, and sheer terror.
A stellar, classic movie about the German u-boat crews during World War II. An amazing performance by Jürgen Prochnow, he shines is this gritty tale of being at sea.
Downfall – 2004
Traudl Junge, the final secretary for Adolf Hitler, tells of the Nazi dictator’s final days in his Berlin bunker at the end of WWII.
A masterpiece of German movies telling of the final days of Adolf Hitler in the bunker. Bruno Ganz portrays Hitler in a masterful performance.
Enemy at the Gates – 2001
A Russian and a German sniper play a game of cat-and-mouse during the Battle of Stalingrad.
Well made film on the Battle of Stalingrad. Unfortunately the film does portray the Germans as the villains leaving audience shaking their heads that they must root for the communist Soviet troops.
Fury – 2014
April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened Army sergeant named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank and his five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered, out-gunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.
Completely told from the Allied point of view, but a good looking film in the originality of the sets. In the film, we are able to see the famous Bovington Tiger 131. Unfortunately the panzer’s paint scheme is the original desert camouflage which does not fit the time and place of the battle scene, but they do try adding items to help this. Brad Pitt does a stellar performance. The killing of surrendering Heer and SS soldaten does not sit well nor the uneasy treatment of German women in one scene.
Generation War – “Unsere Mütter, Unsere Väter” – 2013
Five friends go out to war and promise each other to be back for Christmas.
Excellent German series following the events of World War II and their parts during the war. The entire main cast did stellar performances.
Into the White – 2013
Norway, WWII: A group of British and German soldiers find themselves stranded in the wilderness after an aircraft battle. Finding shelter in the same cabin, they realize the only way to survive the winter is to place the rules of war aside.
A very good film about opposing sides cooperating in harsh conditions.
Iron Sky – 2012
The Nazis set up a secret base on the dark side of the moon in 1945 where they hide out and plan to return to power in 2018.
Awful, sci-fi film.
Man in the High Castle – 2015
A glimpse into an alternate history of North America. What life after WWII may have been like if the Nazis had won the war.
Excellent alternative reality series from Amazon in which Germany and Japan have won the war.
Max Manus – 2008
The true story about one of the most brilliant saboteurs during World War II and his battle to overcome his inner demons.
Excellent film about a Norwegian freedom fighter wanting to free his country from Germany.
My Honor Was Loyalty – 2015
Untersharführer Ludwig Herckel (Leone Frisa), devoted and patriotic soldier of the important 1. Division SS Leibstandarte, after having fought in different fronts, will face the worst battle: against his own thoughts, not for his country, but for his own future.
Very slow, dull film about a soldat in the 1. Division SS Leibstandarte. The film lacks any action or big scenes to enjoy.
Raiders of the Lost Ark – 1981
Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis.
A classic, action film and fun ride, but has little to do with history.
Saving Private Ryan – 1998
Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.
An excellent film told from the Allied point of view. Some historical inaccuracies, but a classic in time.
Stalingrad – 2013
A band of Russian soldiers fight to hold a strategic building in their devastated city against a ruthless German army, and in the process become deeply connected to two Russian women who have been living there.
Good looking film, but once again more about the Russians being the heroes then the Germans since they are the invaders.
The Exception – 2016
A German soldier tries to determine if the Dutch resistance has planted a spy to infiltrate the home of Kaiser Wilhelm in Holland during the onset of World War II, but falls for a young Jewish Dutch woman during his investigation.
A romantic, action film that will be enjoyed by the audiences looking for a film about Kaiser Wilhelm II and his life after abdication. Christopher Plummer is classic once again in this film.
Valkyrie – 2008
A dramatization of the 20 July assassination and political coup plot by desperate renegade German Army officers against Hitler during World War II.
An excellent film with a great cast that portrays the plot to over throw Hitler on July 20th, 1944. While many are not Tom Cruise fans, Tom portrays Stauffenberg with a stellar performance and with passion. He does look the part with many scenes done on original locations of the coup in Berlin.
Walking with the Enemy – 2013
A young man, separated from his family in WWII, disguises himself as a Nazi SS Officer and uncovers more than just his family whereabouts.
A very good film and drama that audiences will enjoy.
War Pigs – 2015
A rag tag unit of misfits known as the War Pigs must go behind enemy lines to exterminate Nazis by any means necessary.
Another action film featuring some nice German equipment.