If you were moved by the emotional depth and historical significance of 'The Zookeeper's Wife' (2017), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores gripping tales of courage, resilience, and humanity during wartime, offering recommendations that capture the same spirit. Whether you're drawn to true stories or fictional narratives set against historical backdrops, this list has something for you.

Sophie's Choice (1982)
Description: A deeply emotional story about a Holocaust survivor grappling with the traumatic choices she was forced to make, exploring themes of guilt, survival, and the lasting scars of war.
Fact: The title refers to the impossible decision Sophie had to make, which became a cultural reference for any no-win scenario.


Schindler's List (1993)
Description: A powerful historical drama set during World War II, focusing on the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit. It shares themes of survival, moral dilemmas, and the impact of war on ordinary people.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to give it a documentary-like feel, and the girl in the red coat is one of the few instances of color in the movie.


Life Is Beautiful (1997)
Description: A poignant blend of humor and tragedy set against the backdrop of the Holocaust, showcasing a father's efforts to shield his son from the horrors of their reality through imagination and love.
Fact: The film was initially met with skepticism for its comedic approach to such a dark subject but went on to win three Academy Awards.


The Pianist (2002)
Description: This film depicts the harrowing experiences of a Jewish musician during the Holocaust, emphasizing survival against all odds and the kindness of strangers in times of extreme adversity.
Fact: The lead actor, Adrien Brody, lost 30 pounds to accurately portray the emaciated state of his character during the war.


The Book Thief (2013)
Description: A story set in Nazi Germany, seen through the eyes of a young girl who finds solace in books, illustrating the power of literature and human connection in the face of oppression.
Fact: The novel on which the film is based spent over 230 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.


The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)
Description: A heartbreaking tale of an unlikely friendship between two boys on opposite sides of a concentration camp fence, highlighting innocence and the devastating consequences of hatred.
Fact: The film's ending was so emotional that it reportedly left audiences in stunned silence during screenings.


The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
Description: A timeless adaptation of the famous diary, capturing the fear, hope, and resilience of a Jewish family hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
Fact: The real Anne Frank's diary has been translated into over 70 languages, making it one of the most widely read books in the world.


Defiance (2008)
Description: Based on a true story, this film highlights the resistance and survival of Jewish partisans in Eastern Europe during World War II, focusing on themes of courage and community.
Fact: The real-life Bielski partisans, on whom the film is based, saved over 1,200 Jews during the war.


Sarah's Key (2010)
Description: A dual narrative that connects the past and present, uncovering the tragic fate of a young girl during the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in Paris and the impact of her story decades later.
Fact: The film is based on a bestselling novel that brought attention to a lesser-known atrocity of the Holocaust in France.


Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Description: A satirical take on World War II, blending dark humor with heartfelt moments, as a young boy navigates his indoctrination into the Hitler Youth while discovering the humanity of those he's been taught to hate.
Fact: The film's director also played the imaginary version of Adolf Hitler, adding a unique layer of absurdity to the narrative.
