10 Must-Watch War Documentaries Similar to ‘Day of Days’

Description: A classic war film that provides a comprehensive, multi-national perspective on the D-Day invasion, blending large-scale battle sequences with personal stories of soldiers, much like other detailed war narratives.

Fact: The film featured an international cast and was shot in black and white to match the newsreel footage of the actual event.

Description: This epic war film details the ambitious but ill-fated Operation Market Garden, showcasing the strategic complexities and human costs of war, similar to other films that focus on pivotal military operations.

Fact: The film's production involved the use of real military equipment and thousands of extras, including Dutch civilians who had lived through the actual events.

Description: This film is renowned for its realistic and harrowing depiction of World War II combat, particularly in its opening sequence, which immerses viewers in the chaos and brutality of war. Its focus on the personal experiences of soldiers aligns closely with the thematic exploration of individual heroism and sacrifice.

Fact: The Omaha Beach scene took 25 days to film and involved up to 1,000 extras, many of whom were members of the Irish Army Reserve.

Description: A poetic and philosophical take on war, this film explores the inner lives of soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal, offering a meditative and often surreal perspective on the nature of conflict and humanity.

Fact: Director Terrence Malick spent months editing the film, cutting out several major actors' performances entirely, including those of Adrien Brody and Mickey Rourke.

Description: A miniseries that follows the journey of Easy Company from training through the end of WWII, it provides an intimate look at the bonds formed between soldiers and the psychological toll of war, mirroring the personal narratives often highlighted in war documentaries.

Fact: The series was based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose's book of the same name, which was itself based on interviews with surviving members of Easy Company.

Description: Set during the Battle of Stalingrad, this film focuses on the psychological and physical toll of war through the lens of a sniper duel, highlighting individual bravery and the stark realities of combat.

Fact: The film's depiction of the ruined city of Stalingrad was created using a combination of miniatures and CGI, with some scenes shot in Germany.

Description: This miniseries complements its predecessor by focusing on the Pacific Theater, offering a gritty, personal perspective on the war's impact on individual Marines, emphasizing the emotional and physical challenges they faced.

Fact: The production used actual WWII battle sites in Australia to film many of the scenes, adding to the authenticity of the series.

Description: This film tells the true story of a conscientious objector who served as a medic during the Battle of Okinawa, highlighting themes of courage, faith, and the moral complexities of war, much like other war narratives that focus on individual stories.

Fact: The battle scenes were filmed in Australia, and the production team used a massive set to recreate the terrain of Hacksaw Ridge accurately.

Description: Set during the final days of WWII in Europe, this film explores the camaraderie and moral dilemmas faced by a tank crew, offering a visceral and personal look at the horrors of war and the bonds between soldiers.

Fact: The film's tank battles were choreographed using real WWII-era tanks, some of which were still operational and used in filming.

Description: With its intense, immersive storytelling and minimal dialogue, this film captures the desperation and heroism of soldiers during a pivotal moment in WWII, focusing on survival and the human spirit under extreme duress.

Fact: Director Christopher Nolan insisted on using practical effects and real ships and planes wherever possible to enhance the film's realism.