World War II continues to be a pivotal event in global history, and films provide an immersive way to explore its impact. This listicle features a mix of narrative films and documentaries that offer compelling perspectives on the war, making them invaluable for educators and librarians.
Life is Beautiful
Roberto Benigni’s Life is Beautiful is a heartfelt blend of tragedy and comedy, portraying the resilience of the human spirit amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Set in 1930s Italy, the film follows Guido, a charismatic and optimistic Jewish man who falls in love with Dora, a schoolteacher. Their idyllic life is shattered when Guido, Dora, and their young son are sent to a Nazi concentration camp. To protect his son from the grim reality, Guido uses humor and imagination, convincing him that the entire ordeal is part of an elaborate game.
This Academy Award-winning film offers educators and students a powerful narrative to discuss themes of hope, sacrifice, and the impact of war on families. Its unique approach to a devastating subject makes it a valuable addition to both libraries and classrooms.
Get your copy of the Life is Beautiful DVD by clicking here.
Burning Torch Productions
Dear Sirs
In Dear Sirs, filmmaker Mark Pedri embarks on an emotional journey to uncover his grandfather’s story as a WWII prisoner of war. Through archival footage, letters, and interviews, Pedri pieces together a narrative of survival and sacrifice, exploring his grandfather’s harrowing experience in German prison camps. The personal nature of the documentary invites viewers to consider how war impacts individuals and families, bridging the gap between historical events and personal memory.
This documentary stands out for its ability to make history personal, offering a relatable way to study the human cost of war. By exploring themes of endurance, memory, and the legacy of trauma, Dear Sirs serves as a compelling teaching tool that resonates deeply with students and general audiences alike.
You can purchase Dear Sirs from New Day Films or stream on Kanopy.
Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan redefined war films with its visceral depiction of the D-Day landings and the psychological toll of combat. The film follows a group of American soldiers tasked with locating and bringing home Private James Ryan, whose brothers have been killed in action. The mission forces the men to confront the meaning of duty, sacrifice, and humanity amidst the chaos of war.
Due to its graphic violence and mature themes, Saving Private Ryan is better suited for older students in high school or college-level classes. It serves as a stark reminder of the personal sacrifices made during war, making it an excellent resource for discussing the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers, the psychological impact of combat, and the historical significance of World War II. This film is ideal for educators seeking to provide a realistic and emotionally powerful look at the human cost of war.
Get your copy of the Saving Private Ryan DVD by clicking here.
Good Docs
A Long March
This documentary sheds light on the overlooked sacrifices of Filipino American veterans who fought valiantly during WWII. A Long March explores the complex history of colonialism, discrimination, and broken promises faced by these soldiers, many of whom were denied recognition and benefits after the war. Through interviews and archival footage, the film examines their struggle for justice and the resilience of their community.
Educators can use this film to highlight the global scope of WWII and the intersection of race, loyalty, and identity in wartime. It encourages critical conversations about historical injustices and the ongoing fight for equality, making it an essential addition to libraries focused on diverse narratives.
Read our review of A Long March.
Purchase A Long March from Good Docs or stream on Docuseek.
Casablanca
Michael Curtiz’s Casablanca is one of the most iconic films of all time, set against the backdrop of World War II. The story follows Rick Blaine, a cynical American expatriate running a nightclub in Vichy-controlled Casablanca. His world is upended when Ilsa, an old flame, arrives with her husband, a resistance leader being pursued by the Nazis. The film’s themes of love, sacrifice, and resistance are timeless, making it a cultural landmark.
While not a combat film, Casablanca provides a compelling look at the moral complexities and personal sacrifices of life during wartime. Its romantic yet politically charged narrative makes it a perfect discussion tool for classrooms exploring themes of resistance, the refugee crisis during the war, and the human cost of conflict. With unforgettable performances and an enduring legacy, Casablanca is an essential addition to any library or classroom collection.
Get your copy of the Casablanca DVD by clicking here.
GI Jews
GI Jews delves into the untold stories of Jewish American soldiers who faced antisemitism both abroad and at home while fighting to defeat the Nazis. Through firsthand accounts and historical analysis, the documentary explores how these soldiers balanced their faith, identity, and patriotism during one of history’s darkest periods.
This documentary is a valuable classroom resource for exploring themes of prejudice, identity, and resilience. By examining the dual battles these soldiers fought-against both fascism and antisemitism-it provides a nuanced perspective on the American experience of WWII and the contributions of minority groups.
Read our review of GI Jews.
Get your copy of the GI Jews DVD by clicking here.
Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List is a cinematic masterpiece that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film’s stark black-and-white cinematography and emotionally charged storytelling bring the horrors of the Holocaust to life, highlighting the moral courage it takes to stand against oppression. Its depiction of human suffering and resilience is both harrowing and deeply moving.
Due to its intense and graphic portrayal of the Holocaust, including violence, death, and the dehumanizing brutality of concentration camps, Schindler’s List is better suited for high school students and older audiences. It provides a powerful educational tool for teaching about genocide, ethical decision-making, and the devastating consequences of prejudice. This film encourages critical discussions about moral responsibility, making it an essential resource for history and ethics classes.
Get your copy of the Schindler's List DVD by clicking here.
Who Will Write Our History?
This documentary tells the extraordinary story of the Oyneg Shabes, a group of Jewish intellectuals in the Warsaw Ghetto who risked their lives to document Nazi atrocities. By preserving letters, diaries, and photographs, they ensured that the truth of the Holocaust would survive, even if they did not. Combining dramatizations and archival footage, the film honors their bravery and commitment to preserving history.
Who Will Write Our History? is a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness and recording history. It provides a lens for discussing resistance, documentation, and the role of storytelling in preserving memory, making it a critical resource for teaching about the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit.
Read our review of Who Will Write Our History?
Purchase Who Will Write Our History from Good Docs or stream on Docuseek.
Letters from Iwo Jima
Clint Eastwood’s Letters from Iwo Jima offers a rare perspective on WWII by depicting the battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese point of view. The film follows General Kuribayashi and his soldiers as they prepare for an unwinnable battle, highlighting their humanity and the sacrifices they made for their country. Through their letters and personal accounts, the film portrays the universal costs of war.
This film is ideal for classrooms looking to explore the war from a non-Western perspective. It encourages empathy and understanding by showing that courage, fear, and loss are universal experiences, regardless of nationality. Its emphasis on cultural and historical nuance makes it an invaluable addition to any collection.
Get your copy of the Letters from Iwo Jima DVD by clicking here.
Shoah
Claude Lanzmann’s Shoah is an unparalleled documentary that chronicles the Holocaust through interviews with survivors, witnesses, and perpetrators. Spanning over nine hours, the film provides an in-depth and unflinching look at the genocide, without relying on archival footage or dramatization. Its focus on personal testimony brings an immediacy and intimacy to the historical events.
For classrooms and libraries, Shoah is an essential resource for studying the Holocaust. It fosters a deeper understanding of the human impact of genocide, emphasizing the importance of remembering and learning from history to prevent future atrocities.
Read our review of Shoah.
Get your copy of the Shoah DVD by clicking here.
These films and documentaries provide a range of perspectives on WWII, fostering discussions about history, morality, and humanity. Perfect for libraries and classrooms, they serve as powerful tools for understanding one of history’s most significant events.