10 Shows & Movies Similar to Catch-22 (2019)

Description: Like 'Catch-22', 'M*A*S*H' blends dark humor with the grim realities of war, set against the backdrop of a military conflict (the Korean War). Both explore the absurdity and bureaucracy of war, with a focus on the characters' coping mechanisms through humor. The satirical tone and critique of military inefficiency are central to both.

Fact: 'M*A*S*H' was originally a novel before being adapted into a film and then a highly successful TV series. The film's director, Robert Altman, used overlapping dialogue to create a more realistic and chaotic atmosphere. The TV series, which followed, became one of the most beloved and longest-running shows in American television history.

Description: Stanley Kubrick's film, like 'Catch-22', uses dark humor and satire to critique the dehumanizing effects of military training and war. Both films highlight the absurdity and brutality of war, though 'Full Metal Jacket' is more graphic in its portrayal.

Fact: The film is based on Gustav Hasford's novel 'The Short-Timers'. R. Lee Ermey, who played the drill instructor, was a real-life Marine drill instructor. The film's second half was shot in England, standing in for Vietnam.

Description: Like 'Catch-22', 'Saving Private Ryan' delves into the personal and collective trauma of war, though it does so with a more visceral and less satirical approach. Both works highlight the futility and cost of war, focusing on the human stories behind the conflict.

Fact: The film's opening D-Day sequence is considered one of the most realistic and intense war scenes ever filmed. Steven Spielberg won his second Academy Award for Best Director for this film. Many veterans praised the film for its accuracy and emotional impact.

Description: This philosophical war film, like 'Catch-22', explores the existential and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. Both use nonlinear storytelling and introspective narration to delve into the minds of their characters, though 'The Thin Red Line' is more meditative in tone.

Fact: Directed by Terrence Malick, it was his first film in 20 years. The film features an ensemble cast, including many actors who were cut from the final edit. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: This miniseries shares with 'Catch-22' a deep dive into the lives of soldiers during WWII, focusing on camaraderie, the psychological toll of war, and the absurdity of military life. While 'Band of Brothers' is more serious in tone, both highlight the personal stories and struggles of soldiers behind the front lines.

Fact: Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, following their collaboration on 'Saving Private Ryan'. The series is based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose's book of the same name. Many of the actors underwent rigorous military training to prepare for their roles.

Description: This film, set during the Battle of Stalingrad, shares with 'Catch-22' a focus on the psychological and strategic aspects of war. Both depict the randomness and brutality of combat, though 'Enemy at the Gates' is more of a straightforward war drama.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life sniper duel between Vasily Zaitsev and a German sniper. It stars Jude Law, Ed Harris, and Rachel Weisz. The production faced challenges due to its large-scale battle scenes and harsh filming conditions.

Description: While 'Foyle's War' is a detective series set during WWII, it shares with 'Catch-22' a focus on the moral complexities and bureaucratic challenges of war. Both explore how individuals navigate the chaos and corruption of wartime, albeit from different angles.

Fact: The series was created by Anthony Horowitz, who also wrote many of the episodes. It was initially intended to be a one-off drama but became a long-running series due to its popularity. The show is noted for its meticulous attention to historical detail.

Description: A companion piece to 'Band of Brothers', 'The Pacific' focuses on the Pacific Theater of WWII. Similar to 'Catch-22', it portrays the chaos and horror of war, but from a more visceral and personal perspective. Both series underscore the dehumanizing effects of war on individuals.

Fact: The series is based on the memoirs of two U.S. Marines, 'With the Old Breed' by Eugene Sledge and 'Helmet for My Pillow' by Robert Leckie. It won 8 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries. The production was noted for its intense and realistic battle scenes.

Description: This miniseries, like 'Catch-22', offers a satirical and critical look at modern warfare (the Iraq War), focusing on the absurdities and inefficiencies within the military. Both use humor and irony to highlight the disconnect between command decisions and ground realities.

Fact: Based on the book by Evan Wright, who was embedded with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The series was praised for its authenticity, with many real-life Marines serving as consultants. It features a largely unknown cast, adding to its gritty realism.

Description: Francis Ford Coppola's epic, like 'Catch-22', is a surreal and satirical take on war (Vietnam War), exploring the madness and moral ambiguity of conflict. Both films use absurdity and irony to critique the futility and chaos of war.

Fact: The production was notoriously troubled, with delays, budget overruns, and health issues among the cast and crew. Marlon Brando's Colonel Kurtz was paid $1 million for a minimal role. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival.