10 Movies and Shows Similar to Patton (1970)

Description: Like 'Patton,' this film blends war drama with strong character studies, though it's set in a POW camp. Both movies explore themes of leadership, loyalty, and survival, with a mix of tension and humor.

Fact: The film won William Holden an Academy Award for Best Actor. It was based on a Broadway play written by two former POWs. The movie inspired the TV series 'Hogan's Heroes.'

Description: This film shares 'Patton's' epic scale and focus on a high-stakes military mission. Both movies highlight strategic planning and the bravery of soldiers, with a mix of action and drama.

Fact: The film was based on Alistair MacLean's bestselling novel. It was one of the first war movies to be shot in widescreen Technicolor. The movie was a box office hit and won an Oscar for Best Special Effects.

Description: Similar to 'Patton' in its epic scale and historical accuracy, 'The Longest Day' is a detailed portrayal of the D-Day invasion during World War II. Both films focus on military strategy and leadership, with a large ensemble cast and a documentary-like approach to storytelling.

Fact: The film features an all-star cast including John Wayne, Henry Fonda, and Sean Connery. It was one of the most expensive black-and-white films ever made at the time. The movie was based on Cornelius Ryan's book of the same name, which was meticulously researched.

Description: While 'Patton' focuses on leadership and strategy, 'The Great Escape' delves into the resilience and ingenuity of soldiers. Both films are set during World War II and emphasize the human spirit under extreme conditions, with a blend of drama and action.

Fact: The film is based on a true story of a mass escape from a German POW camp. Steve McQueen performed many of his own stunts, including the famous motorcycle jump. The movie's iconic theme has become synonymous with escape and adventure.

Description: This film shares 'Patton's' focus on unconventional military tactics and the complexities of leadership. Both movies feature strong, charismatic leaders and explore the moral ambiguities of war, though 'The Dirty Dozen' has a more action-oriented approach.

Fact: The film was based on a novel inspired by real-life Allied special operations. It helped popularize the 'men on a mission' war movie subgenre. Lee Marvin's performance as the tough-as-nails Major Reisman is a standout.

Description: While 'Patton' is a serious war biography, 'Kelly's Heroes' offers a more lighthearted take on World War II, focusing on a heist during the war. Both films, however, explore the motivations and personalities of soldiers, with a strong emphasis on camaraderie.

Fact: The film stars Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, and Donald Sutherland. Sutherland's character, Oddball, is one of the first hippie soldiers depicted in cinema. The movie's theme song, 'Burning Bridges,' became a hit.

Description: Like 'Patton,' this film is a historical war drama that emphasizes accuracy and a multi-perspective narrative. It details the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, showcasing both American and Japanese viewpoints, much like 'Patton's' focus on the titular general's strategies and personality.

Fact: The film was a co-production between American and Japanese studios. It was praised for its historical accuracy, even using actual Imperial Japanese Navy veterans as consultants. The title is a coded message meaning 'Attack! Attack! Attack!' used by the Japanese during the Pearl Harbor attack.

Description: This film shares 'Patton's' grand scale and focus on a specific military operation—Operation Market Garden. Both movies highlight the complexities and challenges of wartime leadership and strategy, with a mix of action and historical detail.

Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Robert Redford. It was based on Cornelius Ryan's book, continuing the tradition of detailed historical accounts. The title refers to the ambitious and ultimately flawed objective of the operation.

Description: Similar to 'Patton,' 'Das Boot' provides a detailed, immersive look at military life, though from the German perspective. Both films emphasize the psychological and physical toll of war, with a focus on leadership and survival.

Fact: The film was originally a German TV miniseries before being edited into a feature film. It is renowned for its claustrophobic cinematography, putting viewers inside the U-boat. Director Wolfgang Petersen later became famous for Hollywood films like 'The Perfect Storm' and 'Troy.'

Description: Like 'Patton,' this film is a gritty, realistic portrayal of World War II, focusing on the experiences of soldiers. Both movies are known for their intense battle sequences and emotional depth, though 'Saving Private Ryan' is more personal in its storytelling.

Fact: The opening D-Day sequence is considered one of the most realistic war scenes ever filmed. Tom Hanks' character was inspired by real-life officers who led similar missions. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Spielberg.