Top 10 Fantasy Films Set During World War II

Description: This British film involves time travel and ghostly children from the past, set against the backdrop of WWII, exploring themes of time, memory, and the impact of war on the innocent.

Fact: The film features a young Diana Dors in one of her last roles before her death.

Description: This Italian film uses a magical realist approach to narrate the story of a village during the last days of WWII, with elements of fantasy and folklore woven into the historical narrative.

Fact: The film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Description: Although not set during WWII, the film's themes of good versus evil and the fight against a malevolent force can be seen as an allegory for the moral battles of the war.

Fact: Anjelica Huston's performance as the Grand High Witch is widely acclaimed.

Description: While not directly set during WWII, the film's opening scenes show the Pevensie children being evacuated to the countryside, a common practice during the Blitz. Their journey into Narnia serves as an escape from the war, blending fantasy with the historical context.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, and the White Witch's castle was built on the same site where the Hobbiton set from "The Lord of the Rings" was constructed.

Description: Although primarily set in medieval Ireland, the film's themes of enlightenment and resistance against oppression resonate with WWII themes, with its magical elements providing a metaphor for hope and resilience.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Description: Set in Nazi Germany, this film introduces a touch of magic through the personification of Death as the narrator, offering a fantastical perspective on the grim realities of war.

Fact: The film's score was composed by John Williams, who also composed the music for "Schindler's List."

Description: While not overtly fantastical, the film's narrative structure and the innocence of the children involved give it a dreamlike quality, contrasting sharply with the harsh reality of the Holocaust.

Fact: The film was adapted from the novel by John Boyne, which has been translated into over 50 languages.

Description: This satirical dark comedy features a young German boy whose imaginary friend is Adolf Hitler. The film uses fantasy to explore the absurdity of Nazi ideology, providing a unique take on the war's impact on youth.

Fact: Taika Waititi, who plays Hitler, won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for this film.

Description: While primarily a historical drama, the film includes moments of surrealism and fantasy, particularly in Churchill's internal dialogues, adding a layer of depth to his character during the critical days of WWII.

Fact: Gary Oldman won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill.

Description: A classic British comedy where schoolboys encounter a ghost during WWII, blending humor with the supernatural in a time of national crisis.

Fact: This film was part of a series of Will Hay comedies, popular during the war for their light-hearted escapism.