14 Best Movies About D Day That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About D Day

It was the D-Day invasions that transformed the trajectory of World Military II, and they are still legendary occurrences in war films. This is a list of IMDb’s top 14 D-Day movies.

On June 6, 1944, D-Day transformed the direction of World War II and permanently altered the course of human history.

To pay honor to D-Day, Hollywood would have to develop a number of films that referenced the historic occasion.

Films concerning the D-Day invasion can be found on IMDb, a database that ranks and rates nearly every film ever made. To see precisely how many films were created about the subject and how each one achieved its own score is interesting. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a history buff or not; these movies have something for everyone.

As of August 24, 2021, this page has been updated by Derek Draven: Without a doubt, the most critical event of World War II was Operation Overlord; had it failed, the course of history could have been drastically altered. For centuries to come, the heroics of the D-Day veterans who assaulted the beaches on that day needed to be preserved on film. Some of the best D-Day movies are based on adventure films, while others aim to be as accurate as they can. All of these films offer a unique viewpoint on D-Day and are sure to appeal to WWII enthusiasts.

14. D-Day The Sixth Of June (1956) – 6.0

D-Day The Sixth Of June (1956)

Movies like this paved the way for future historical romances set during World War II. American and British soldiers who met Valerie Russell and fell in love relate their memories of their romance in a new film that stars Robert Taylor, Richard Todd, and Dana Wynter.

On the bright side, Richard Todd was a veteran of D-Day; he served in the 7th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and made touch with Major Howard on the Orne Bridge. Even though the real battle only takes place in the last minutes of the movie, it’s still a noteworthy casting choice.

13. Storming Juno (2010) – 6.7

While most D-Day movies and articles focus on the battle on Omaha Beach, military enthusiasts know that the event was a multi-pronged attack. For this docudrama film, the second-most famous beach in the world was Juno.

This particular beach is assaulted by Canadian soldiers instead of American ones, as depicted in the film. Several soldiers from the paratroop brigade, tank crew, and front-line infantry are featured in the book, which offers a variety of perspectives on the tragic day.

12. Breakthrough (1950) – 6.7

Breakthrough (1950)

Because so many of the films from World War II were made by, directed by, and acted in by people who were alive at the time, they have a distinct look and feel. Movies like this one often have unique aspects that mirror the filmmakers’ real-life experiences, which enhance their appeal.

In Breakthrough, a WWII unit gets put into the heart of the action and fights its way into Germany after training for D-Day. The story is told through the use of footage from the armed services of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. As a result, it was a surprise box office hit.

11. A Matter of Resistance (1966) – 6.9

French love comedy A Matter of Resistance is set during the Normandy invasion. Marie, a village girl who is the bride of an older farmer, is played by a young Catherine Deneuve. A German general encamps his forces near her after noticing her.

French resistance warrior who’s spying on Germans to prepare for the Allied invasion also falls for her. All the males in the picture make a fool of themselves trying to earn her affections, which causes him to become distracted from his purpose. With D-Day providing an important backdrop, this film is all about the slapstick hilarity and romantic drama.

10. The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (1951) – 6.9

The Allies have long regarded Erwin Rommel as a hero. Unlike political generals, Rommel is viewed in the United States as a German general rather than a Nazi, and this film played a significant role in establishing this perception. A depiction of Rommel by James Mason is not far off the mark, as the character is complex and conflicted.

Despite its modest involvement, D-Day had a significant impact on the film. Hitler blocks Rommel from preparing the Normandy invasion, so he chooses to join an assassination conspiracy against the Fuhrer. His role is uncovered and he has the option of taking his own life to save his family’s reputation. An uncommon and effective approach to the other side distinguishes this picture from its competitors.

9. Ike: Countdown to D-Day (2004): 7.1

Ike Countdown to D-Day (2004)

It wasn’t just the mustache that was shaved off for Tom Selleck to play General Dwight D. Eisenhower in Magnum PI and Blue Bloods; he shaved off more than that. The film begins 90 days prior to Operation Overlord and gradually builds up to the inevitable battle that would occur.

Selleck’s portrayal of Eisenhower as a man attempting to carry out the most momentous invasion in history while avoiding the politics of his colleagues like Patton is flawless. The film brilliantly demonstrates how he does the impossible using a combination of diplomacy and strategy.

8. Overlord (1975): 7.1

In the immediate post-WWII era, many of the best D-Day movies were made, and they represented the attitudes of war that were formed during the struggle itself. A D-Day movie like Overlord, which takes place after the end of World War II, doesn’t fit into this category. Not only is this film about the Normandy invasion but it also examines the war itself as an instrument of fate that churns through inexperienced young soldiers and eventually brings them to an untimely and bloody death.

Aside from that, it’s a wonderful black-and-white film that blends new and old footage better than most. Ultimately, the outcome is a visceral World War II film that fits in nicely with the nihilism of the 1970s.

7. The Big Red One (1980): 7.1

While Breakthrough follows five men from their first battles in North Africa to D-Day and into Germany, The Big Red One is almost like an updated and expanded version of Breakthrough. The film’s depiction of World War II is more nuanced than most of its contemporaries.

This is a picture that combines dramatic action with hard-hitting philosophical concerns, from troops battling with the obligation to kill adversaries to the difficulties of comprehending what happened in the Holocaust. One of Mark Hamill’s most memorable parts is also featured in this film.

6. 36 Hours (1964) – 7.3

36 Hours (1964)

During World War II, both sides created intricate strategies to fool the other.

An American commander is tricked into believing that the war is over by German intelligence in this film in order to gain access to plans for an Allied invasion of the country.

Eva Marie Saint, best known for her roles in North by Northwest and Superman Returns, also stars in the film. Also a thriller because of the German’s subtle deceptions, which make it easier for details to slip and create a sense of anxiety.

5. The Americanization of Emily (1964) – 7.4

Charlie, the adjutant of a rear admiral, was played by James Garner in this 1964 World War II film. Admiral and his comrades will have all the comforts they desire, including “companionship,” thanks to his primary responsibility. His commanding officer chooses to order Charlie to be one of the first ashore on D-Day so that he can document the first casualty.

After losing her husband to the war, Emily (Julie Andrews) falls in love with Charlie (David Strathairn) and faces the possibility of losing him as well. With a dash of romance thrown in, it manages to capture the absurdity of war in the same way Catch-22 did.

4. Where Eagles Dare (1968) – 7.6

As a young Ranger, Clint Eastwood played Lt. Schaffer, an American Ranger who was thrust into a British effort to rescue General George Carnaby from the Nazis before he could reveal the preparations for D-Day.

However, things aren’t always as they appear. After a while, it becomes clear that there is a secondary goal in addition to the primary one. In addition to Eastwood’s impressive performance, the picture was praised by reviewers and spectators alike for the work of Richard Burton, Mary Ure, and Patrick Wymark. One of the film’s greatest assets is its plot twist, which is both startling and too wonderful to reveal.

3. The Longest Day (1962) – 7.8

The Longest Day (1962)

To date, this is the only film to focus solely on D-Day. Almost three hours long, it’s no slouch and attempts to convey the event from different viewpoints, including numerous Allied and German soldiers on opposing sides of the conflict.

The cast includes John Wayne, Sean Connery, Robert Mitchum, Henry Fonda, and even Planet of the Apes star Roddy McDowell. Despite the fact that the human drama is occasionally overshadowed by the epic scope of the film, it does an excellent job of capturing the events of D-Day.

2. Patton (1970): – 7.9

Of course, Patton’s concern extends beyond the assault of Normandy. Because of its concentration on General George S. Patton, this film does the finest job of weaving together the European war as a whole. With his lovable sincerity, actor George C. Scott portrays the legendary character, and it’s difficult not to empathize with his actions.

In this film, D-Day has a prominent role, although the focus is not on the fighting but rather on the significance of the event. How does Patton weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each decision he makes? The film attempts to solve these difficult topics.

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998) – 8.6

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

In my opinion, Saving Private Ryan is the most accurate and historically accurate picture of D-Day ever put on screen. With his extensive knowledge of visual effects and action sequences, Steven Spielberg used the D-Day landings as a starting point for the film’s major narrative. It is still one of the most violent and bloody battles of World War II depicted in film.

 

In contrast to Hollywood’s usual glamorization of war, the savagery of the D-Day landing sequence is praised as a true picture of the horrors that transpired on that day.