If you loved the Soviet war comedy 'Only Old Men Are Going to Battle' (1973), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that blend humor, camaraderie, and wartime drama. Whether you're a fan of classic Soviet cinema or just looking for lighthearted yet poignant war stories, these picks will keep you entertained.

The Cranes Are Flying (1957)
Description: Explores the personal and emotional devastation of war, emphasizing the human cost and the resilience of the spirit amidst chaos.
Fact: Won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, a rare achievement for a Soviet film at the time.


The Bridge (1959)
Description: A tragic story of young soldiers' futile sacrifice, capturing the disillusionment and senseless loss inherent in war.
Fact: Based on a novel by Gregor Dorfmeister, who drew from his own experiences as a teenage soldier in WWII.


Ivan's Childhood (1962)
Description: A poignant tale of a child's loss of innocence due to war, blending poetic imagery with stark realism to convey the tragedy of conflict.
Fact: This was Andrei Tarkovsky's first feature film, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in cinema.


The Longest Day (1962)
Description: An epic portrayal of D-Day, balancing grand-scale battle scenes with intimate human stories, reflecting the collective and individual struggles of war.
Fact: The film features three different segments directed by different filmmakers, each handling a different perspective of the invasion.


The Great Escape (1963)
Description: A thrilling tale of prisoners of war plotting a daring escape, blending tension, humor, and camaraderie in the face of adversity.
Fact: The film's iconic motorcycle jump was performed by stuntman Bud Ekins, who later doubled for Steve McQueen in other films.


The Train (1964)
Description: A tense wartime thriller about a group's desperate attempt to prevent valuable art from falling into enemy hands, emphasizing moral dilemmas under pressure.
Fact: The film's climactic train crash was one of the most expensive and elaborate stunts of its time.


The Red and the White (1967)
Description: Depicts the chaos and absurdity of war through a series of vignettes, showcasing the senselessness of violence and the shared humanity of enemies.
Fact: Filmed in black and white, it uses long takes and minimal dialogue to create a stark, immersive experience.


A Bridge Too Far (1977)
Description: Chronicles the ambitious yet doomed Operation Market Garden, illustrating the high stakes, strategic errors, and personal bravery in wartime.
Fact: The film's production involved thousands of extras and real military equipment to recreate the massive scale of the operation.


Come and See (1985)
Description: A harrowing portrayal of war's brutality, focusing on the psychological and emotional toll on individuals, much like the grim yet humanistic depiction of conflict.
Fact: The film's sound design was so intense that it reportedly caused physical discomfort to some viewers during screenings.


The Star (2002)
Description: Focuses on a small group of soldiers on a dangerous mission, highlighting camaraderie, sacrifice, and the futility of war.
Fact: The film is a remake of a 1949 Soviet movie of the same name, both based on a real WWII reconnaissance unit.
