If you enjoyed the thrilling wartime drama of 'The Eagle Has Landed' (1976), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same blend of suspense, espionage, and historical intrigue. Whether you're a fan of World War II narratives or gripping action, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Guns of Navarone (1961)
Description: A tense, large-scale WWII operation where a team of specialists must destroy an impenetrable enemy fortress, emphasizing teamwork and sacrifice.
Fact: The film was based on Alistair MacLean's novel, which he wrote in just four weeks.


The Longest Day (1962)
Description: A sprawling, multi-perspective account of D-Day, balancing grand-scale battles with intimate human stories of soldiers on both sides.
Fact: The film employed several actual D-Day veterans as technical advisors and extras.


The Great Escape (1963)
Description: A meticulously planned POW escape during WWII, showcasing ingenuity, camaraderie, and the relentless spirit of defiance against overwhelming odds.
Fact: The motorcycle jump scene was performed by stuntman Bud Ekins, who actually cleared the barbed wire fence in one take.


The Train (1964)
Description: A tense cat-and-mouse game between resistance fighters and Nazis over priceless art, emphasizing sabotage and moral dilemmas in wartime.
Fact: Most of the train crashes and stunts were performed for real, with minimal special effects.


Von Ryan's Express (1965)
Description: A thrilling POW escape via hijacked train, combining relentless action with themes of leadership and sacrifice under pressure.
Fact: The film's climactic tunnel scene was shot in a real railway tunnel in Italy, adding to the authenticity.


The Dirty Dozen (1967)
Description: A gritty war film focusing on a group of convicted soldiers given a suicide mission, highlighting themes of redemption and unconventional warfare.
Fact: The movie's success spawned a subgenre of 'men-on-a-mission' war films in the late 1960s and 1970s.


Where Eagles Dare (1968)
Description: A high-stakes World War II mission involving espionage, daring rescues, and treacherous alpine settings, blending action with intricate plotting.
Fact: The film's famous cable car sequence was shot using a real cable car system in Austria, with no special effects.


Kelly's Heroes (1970)
Description: A mix of war and heist film, featuring a ragtag group of soldiers going behind enemy lines for personal gain, blending action with dark humor.
Fact: Clint Eastwood's character was originally written as a much more serious role, but he insisted on adding comedic elements.


Patton (1970)
Description: A character-driven war epic focusing on a brilliant but controversial general, blending battlefield strategy with psychological depth.
Fact: The opening monologue was filmed in one continuous take with no rehearsal, using a massive American flag as the backdrop.


A Bridge Too Far (1977)
Description: An epic depiction of a daring but doomed Allied operation, emphasizing the chaos and bravery of large-scale airborne assaults.
Fact: The film used actual WWII-era planes and equipment, some of which were still operational at the time of filming.
