The Longest Day (1962)

Before Saving Private Ryan, there was The Longest Day, a docudrama style account of the D-Day landings at Normandy. Featuring a massive ensemble cast, including the likes of Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Sean Connery, and Richard Burton, the film was one of the first to depict World War II from an international perspective. It jumps between critical moments of D-Day on the French, German, British, and American front lines, and the film employed the assistance of key military personnel from each nation who had witnessed the action firsthand. Director Daryl F. Zanuck even had a representative from each nation direct their country’s portions of the film in an effort to create an even-handed look at the military action. In a rare move, the film marked one of the first World War II films to feature soldiers speaking in their native tongues with subtitles at the bottom. Though great pains were taken to ensure accuracy, Dwight D. Eisenhower reportedly walked out of the film because he was so frustrated with its inconsistencies.

Available on: Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Vudu

The Great Escape (1963)

Based on a real mass escape from Stalag Luft III prison in Nazi occupied Poland, The Great Escape brought bravado stunts, motorcycle riding, thrilling action sequences, and a wry sense of humor to the war film. Though the film merged several characters and twisted many of the facts of the real-life escape, it has become one of the most beloved war/action-adventure films of all time. An ensemble film featuring James Garner, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, and more, it’s best remembered as Steve McQueen’s picture for his thrilling motorcycle stunts (a sequence that has been recreated in countless films, including this summer’s Wonder Woman). McQueen was a notorious daredevil in real life and earned multiple speeding tickets on his bike while shooting the film. In contrast to the cynicism and in-fighting of the POWs in Stalag 17, this film took the tack of amplifying the courage, resourcefulness, and foolhardy bravery of the prisoners in contrast to the strict obedience of their German captors. Ironically, many of the German actors in the film had been POWs in American and Soviet camps during the war and had made numerous escape attempts themselves.

Available on: Apple, Google Play, Vudu