10 Forgotten War Movies To Rediscover on Netflix

Whether you’re a longtime fan of war movies or just getting into the genre, Netflix has a lot to offer. It features well-made films like *Hacksaw Ridge*, the story of a soldier who objects to carrying weapons for religious reasons, and *Inglourious Basterds*, a thrilling alternate history where a team of commandos targets Hitler and his inner circle. You can also find popular titles like *Jarhead* and *The Hurt Locker* streaming on the platform.

While popular Netflix films get a lot of attention, the platform has many other hidden gems. These lesser-known films may not have had big studio support, but they’re definitely worth watching. They offer powerful stories of dedication and bravery that will appeal to all viewers, not just film enthusiasts.

‘The Forgotten Battle’ (2020)

During World War II’s Battle of the Scheldt, The Forgotten Battle tells the story of three people whose lives become intertwined. Teuntje Visser (Susan Radder), a Dutch woman, joins the resistance movement after her brother is killed by the Nazis. Meanwhile, Marinus van Staveren (Gijs Blom), a Dutch soldier fighting with the Germans, begins to question his allegiances. At the same time, British pilot William Sinclair (Jamie Flatters) struggles to stay alive after his glider crashes in enemy territory.

The Dutch Vs. Nazis

The central question surrounding *The Forgotten Battle* is whether its characters will overcome their immense challenges. This impressive Dutch film stands out for its beautiful visuals and realistic portrayal of the human cost of war. It’s a well-told story that’s both engaging and informative. Surprisingly, despite being the second-most expensive Dutch film ever made, its budget was a relatively modest €14 million, which raises the question of whether Hollywood productions often spend too much.

‘Thank You For Your Service’ (2017)

Based on the 2013 book by Washington Post journalist David Finkel, *Thank You For Your Service* tells the story of soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment after they return home from a 15-month tour in Iraq. The film focuses on Adam Schumann (played by Miles Teller) and his battle with PTSD as he attempts to rebuild relationships with his family, and also explores the various struggles faced by his fellow soldiers.

It’s Never Easy

This powerful and emotionally challenging film offers a raw look at the often-unseen struggles veterans face after returning home, and how those wounds can deepen over time. Miles Teller delivers a compelling and sympathetic performance, while Haley Bennett shines as his wife, who shows remarkable resilience. Though difficult to watch, *Thank You For Your Service* is a vital and captivating film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Teller himself considered this one of his best roles, and audiences may feel the same.

‘The Photographer of Mauthausen’ (2018)

The Photographer of Mauthausen is the remarkable true story of Francesc Boix (played by Mario Casas), a Spanish photographer imprisoned in the Mauthausen concentration camp. Forced to work in the camp’s photo lab, he bravely hid hundreds of pictures documenting the horrors he witnessed. Boix then risked everything to smuggle these photos out, determined to reveal the atrocities to the world.

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

If you’re in the mood for a powerful war film that focuses on the human story rather than battles, check out *The Photographer of Mauthausen* on Netflix. It’s a true story that’s even more incredible than fiction – a brave photographer secretly smuggles out photos from a concentration camp. Mario Casas gives a fantastic performance as the photographer, balancing nuance and heartfelt emotion. Plus, Diego Navarro’s music adds a beautifully haunting atmosphere to the film.

‘Unbroken’ (2014)

The film *Unbroken* tells the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and WWII bombardier. After his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean, he endured 47 days adrift at sea. Eventually, he was captured by the Japanese and spent years as a prisoner of war.

When It Rains, It Pours

Angelina Jolie directed this film, with a script by the Coen Brothers, and it earned three well-deserved Oscar nominations for its technical achievements in cinematography, sound editing, and sound mixing. Louis O’Connell also gave a performance worthy of recognition, as did the Coen Brothers for their powerfully emotional script, which was based on Laura Hillenbrand’s book, *Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption*. Keep an eye out for Garrett Hedlund, who delivers an excellent performance as Lt. Cmdr. John Fitzgerald, the captain of the USS Grenadier submarine.

‘Number 24’ (2024)

The film *Number 24* tells the true story of Gunnar Sønsteby, a Norwegian hero who fought against the Nazis during World War II (his code name was “Nr. 24”). The movie jumps between the present day, where an older Sønsteby speaks to students about the dangers of tyranny, and flashbacks to the war. These flashbacks show a young and courageous Sønsteby (played by Sjur Vatne Brean) working with the resistance – printing and distributing secret newspapers, damaging important Nazi facilities, and constantly disguising himself to evade capture.

Unofficial Tactics Work, Too

As a critic, I rarely encounter a war film that truly *feeds* the soul, but this one does. Beyond the already solid reasons to despise the Nazis, *Number 24* offers even more compelling ones. And let me tell you, it’s a rare gem – a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes! Critics are raving, and I suspect you will be too. It’s genuinely thrilling to watch our hero at work; the more daring his resistance becomes, the tighter the Nazi net closes in, but he’s a slippery character! Beyond the suspense, you’ll also get a fascinating education about the Oslogjengen, the legendary sabotage group he was a part of.

‘Mosul’ (2019)

During the battle for Mosul, a young Iraqi police officer named Kawa (Adam Bessa) is saved by the Nineveh SWAT team during a fierce gunfight with ISIS fighters. He then joins Major Jasem (Suhail Dabbach) and his unit on dangerous missions, but quickly discovers they are pursuing their own hidden goals alongside their official duties.

Deep in the Heart of Syria

I was completely blown away by *Mosul*. It offers a really raw and gripping look at the conflict, showing a side of things you just don’t see on channels like CNN or Al Jazeera. Director Matthew Michael Carnahan creates this intense, almost psychedelic battle scene that really puts you right in the middle of the desperation, both for Kawa and the people caught in the crossfire. There’s even this one early scene on the street that feels strangely haunting. What I really appreciated too is that the film doesn’t get bogged down in politics – it focuses on the human story, which is something the best war movies always do. Seriously, you need to see this one!

‘Will’ (2023)

The story unfolds in Antwerp, Belgium in 1942, during the Nazi occupation. Wilfried “Will” Wils, played by Stef Aerts, and his friend Lode Metdepenningen (Matteo Simoni) begin working as police assistants under Nazi control. Their initial task is straightforward: obey all German regulations. However, everything shifts when they kill a cruel German officer while trying to protect innocent Jewish people.

Will They Be Punished for Doing Good?

This compelling war drama, based on Jeroen Olyslaegers’ novel and filmed in real locations like Antwerp Central Station, is one of the few Belgian films available on Netflix. It’s a beautifully made and moving story that’s surprisingly accessible to viewers of all ages. The film’s pace is well-managed, and even small decisions made by the characters have significant repercussions later on.

‘First They Killed My Father’ (2017)

“First They Killed My Father” tells the story of Loung Ung, a Cambodian-American activist, and is based on her life experiences. The film begins in the mid-1970s, showing 5-year-old Loung (played by Sreymoch Sareum) forced to become a child soldier while her siblings are sent to work in harsh labor camps under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Things quickly worsen as the story unfolds.

Painful from Start to Finish

First They Killed My Father is a moving and visually stunning film about the impact of war on Cambodia. It powerfully portrays the horrors inflicted by a brutal regime, focusing on the personal journey of a young girl. Beyond simply documenting events, the film offers intimate glimpses of the widespread suffering and poverty experienced by the Cambodian people. While many know the Vietnam War’s impact on Vietnam, this film makes clear that Cambodia also endured immense hardship and loss.

‘The Resistance Banker’ (2023)

During the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam, banker Walraven van Hall, played by Barry Atsma, refuses to stand by while his community suffers. He bravely establishes a hidden financial system to fund the growing Dutch resistance. This allows for increased publication of underground newspapers, the organization of protests, and the exposure of those collaborating with the enemy. But the film, *The Resistance Banker*, asks: how long can he remain hidden from the Gestapo and SS?

Money Makes the World Go Round

This powerful and emotional film, set in Amsterdam during World War II, has received eleven Golden Calf nominations – the Dutch equivalent of the Oscars. It’s a film with the potential to succeed internationally, had it been made in Hollywood. Barry Atsma, usually known for charming roles, gives a stunning and unforgettable performance, completely transforming into a tough and troubled character. He skillfully portrays a hidden depth of sadness and worry beneath a confident facade, and truly deserves leading roles in bigger-budget films.

‘Operation Mincemeat’ (2021)

Operation Mincemeat is a movie based on a true WWII story. British intelligence officers cleverly tricked the Nazis by using the body of a man who had died from rat poison. They disguised him as a marine and planted false documents suggesting the Allied forces were planning to invade Greece and Sardinia instead of Sicily. Matthew Macfadyen and Colin Firth star as the officers who carried out this daring deception.

Brains Over Force

If you enjoy witty, offbeat dramas with endearing characters, check out *Operation Mincemeat*. Kelly Macdonald gives a believable performance as a secretary dealing with the sexism of the 1940s. However, the film is really driven by its two lead actors. Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen (known as Tom Wambsgans in *Succession*) are both captivating as inventive intelligence officers who aren’t afraid to go against the grain. While the film stays largely true to history, the director, John Madden, and writer, Michelle Ashford, add an extra layer of intrigue with a love triangle between the two main characters.

2025-10-18 20:51