10 Movies and Shows Similar to Panfilov’s 28 Men (2016)

Description: While more harrowing and artistic than 'Panfilov's 28 Men', 'Come and See' similarly portrays the horrors of war on the Eastern Front. Both films are unflinching in their depiction of the suffering endured by Soviet civilians and soldiers. They share a deep anti-war message, though 'Come and See' is far more experimental in its approach.

Fact: Directed by Elem Klimov, the film is considered one of the greatest war movies ever made. It was based on a combination of real events and a novel by Ales Adamovich. The lead actor, Aleksey Kravchenko, was only 14 during filming and reportedly suffered psychologically from the intense experience.

Description: While an American film, 'Saving Private Ryan' shares with 'Panfilov's 28 Men' a visceral, realistic portrayal of combat and the bonds between soldiers. Both films focus on small units facing impossible odds. They also share a similar approach to depicting the chaos and brutality of war.

Fact: The film's opening D-Day sequence is considered one of the most realistic depictions of combat ever filmed. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Spielberg. Many WWII veterans praised the film for its accuracy, though some scenes were criticized for historical inaccuracies.

Description: This film shares with 'Panfilov's 28 Men' a focus on the Eastern Front of WWII and the brutal urban warfare that characterized battles like Stalingrad. Both films depict the harsh realities of war and the psychological toll on soldiers. They also emphasize the individual heroism within larger historical events.

Fact: The film stars Jude Law as Vasily Zaitsev, a real-life Soviet sniper. It was one of the most expensive European films ever made at the time of its release. The movie's depiction of the Battle of Stalingrad was criticized by some historians for its inaccuracies.

Description: Like 'Panfilov's 28 Men', this film depicts the heroic defense of a Soviet position against German forces during WWII. Both films emphasize the courage and sacrifice of the defenders. They share a similar visual style and patriotic tone, focusing on a specific, historically significant battle.

Fact: The film is about the defense of the Brest Fortress in the early days of Operation Barbarossa. It was a major box office success in Russia and Belarus. The production used the actual Brest Fortress as a filming location.

Description: Like 'Panfilov's 28 Men', this film tells the true story of extraordinary bravery under fire. Both focus on individuals who stood firm against overwhelming enemy forces. They share themes of courage, faith, and the power of conviction in the face of war's horrors.

Fact: The film tells the story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who saved 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa without carrying a weapon. It marked Mel Gibson's return to directing after a ten-year hiatus. Andrew Garfield spent six months preparing for his role, including living with Doss's family.

Description: This Russian war film shares with 'Panfilov's 28 Men' a focus on tank warfare and the mystical aspects of war. Both films blend historical events with elements of legend and national mythology. They also explore the psychological impact of war on soldiers.

Fact: The film was Russia's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards. It's based on a novel by Ilya Boyashov. The 'White Tiger' of the title refers to a mysterious, indestructible German tank that becomes almost supernatural in its abilities.

Description: Similar to 'Panfilov's 28 Men' in its focus on tank warfare and the camaraderie of soldiers in extreme conditions. Both films depict the final stages of WWII and the desperate resistance against German forces. They share a gritty, realistic approach to combat sequences.

Fact: Brad Pitt starred in and produced the film. The production used the only surviving operational Tiger I tank, which is owned by a British museum. The actors underwent intense military training to prepare for their roles.

Description: Similar to 'Panfilov's 28 Men' in its portrayal of the heroism and sacrifice of Soviet soldiers during World War II. Both films focus on historical battles and the resilience of the defenders against overwhelming odds. 'Battle for Sevastopol' also shares a strong nationalistic tone and a dedication to historical accuracy.

Fact: The film is a biographical war drama about Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a Soviet sniper credited with 309 kills. It was a co-production between Russia and Ukraine, released shortly before relations between the two countries deteriorated. The film was Ukraine's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.

Description: While about a different theater of war, 'Dunkirk' shares with 'Panfilov's 28 Men' a focus on the experience of soldiers under extreme pressure. Both films use immersive techniques to put viewers in the middle of the action. They also share a nonlinear narrative structure that builds tension.

Fact: Christopher Nolan's film tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation from three perspectives: land, sea, and air. It was shot using large-format IMAX cameras. The film features minimal CGI, with real ships and planes used whenever possible.

Description: Like 'Panfilov's 28 Men', 'T-34' is a Russian war film that glorifies the bravery and ingenuity of Soviet soldiers during WWII. Both films feature intense battle sequences and a focus on tank warfare. They also share a similar visual style, with a mix of gritty realism and patriotic heroism.

Fact: The film's title refers to the T-34, a Soviet medium tank that played a crucial role in WWII. 'T-34' was a major box office success in Russia and was praised for its action sequences, though some critics noted its historical inaccuracies. The film uses advanced CGI to recreate tank battles.