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Netflix’s Number 24 received a lot of hype because it is based on a true story. Directed by John Andreas Andersen, it focuses on World War II resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby who is about to give a lecture to students in Rjukan. The narrative shifts between the present and Sønsteby's experiences as a member of the Norwegian resistance movement during the German occupation of Norway.
Erik Hivju plays the senior Sønsteby while Sjur Vatne Brean plays his younger version. While there are many World War II movies worth watching, Number 24 stands out for its interesting titular character. Young Sønsteby is not exceptionally talented or powerful, he is just a normal young Norwegian man but he is still able to use his sharp wit to stump the Nazis which viewers will find inspiring.
Cinephiles who enjoyed watching Number 24 should check out the World War II titles on this list that boast equally moving narratives.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the copy are solely those of the author.
Operation Mincemeat, Sisu, and four other movies like Number 24 that are suspenseful and thought-provoking
1) The Catcher Was a Spy (2018)
Number 24's Sønsteby stepped up to fight for his country because he knew in his heart that was the right thing to do. The same is the case with the protagonist of The Catcher Was a Spy, Moe Berg. Based on Nicholas Dawidoff's biography, the movie focuses on how major league baseball player, Berg, became involved in espionage for the U.S. Government during World War II.
Ben Lewin's war film stars Antman star, Paul Rudd, in the lead. Even though Rudd is mostly known for his comedic roles, the actor does a great job of capturing Berg's analytical and intellectual side. As Berg spoke multiple languages, one of the many reasons he made a good spy, Rudd certainly had his work cut out for him but he managed to make it look believable on screen.
Like Number 24, this movie presents a well-paced narrative carried by an endearing lead character who can hold the viewer's attention throughout the runtime.
Where to watch: The Catcher Was a Spy can be streamed on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
2) The Photographer of Mauthausen (2018)
All World War II movies, Number 24 included, tend to explore the brutality of war and the hardships people have to face to survive. The Photographer of Mauthausen by Mar Targarona also presents a similar emotional picture.
Starring Mario Casas in the lead, The Photographer of Mauthausen, like Number 24, is based on a true story. It recounts the experiences of Francesc Boix, a Catalan veteran, who was imprisoned at the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp complex. Boix and a few other brave prisoners do everything in their power to save negatives and evidence of the atrocities taking place in Mauthausen.
The Photographer of Mauthausen explores a sad time in history, but the film leaves viewers with a sense of hope because it showcases that courage can be found even in extreme conditions.
Where to watch: The Photographer of Mauthausen is available for streaming on Netflix, Plex, and Roku.
3) Operation Mincemeat (2021)
Like Number 24, this war drama by John Madden is based on real historical events. Based on Ben Macintyre's book, provides insight into a British deception operation put into action during World War II to disguise the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily. Operation Mincemeat stars Colin Firth, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Penelope Wilton, and more.
The movie takes a little time to pick up the pace, once it does, viewers will become hooked on the intriguing plot complemented by astute performances by the talented cast.
This war film, like Number 24, has a good mix of intense scenes and light-hearted moments that help the viewer stay invested in the plot without feeling overwhelmed.
Where to watch: Operation Mincemeat is available on Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Plex.
4) The Shadow in My Eye (2021)
The intelligent narrative of Number 24 reminds viewers that no war can be fought without bloodshed. Every action can have grave consequences and that theme is also present in The Shadow in My Eye, also known as The Bombardment, by Ole Bornedal.
This Danish war film depicts the series of events that take place after the Royal Air Force makes plans to bomb the Gestapo police office in German-occupied Denmark. It stars Alex Høgh Andersen, Fanny Bornedal, Danica Curcic, and others.
The Shadow in My Eye is a meaningful watch because it captures the devastation of the war not only through the eyes of the adults but also from the perspective of young children who are equally affected by it. Like Number 24, this movie thrives on moving performances by the cast, especially the child actors.
Where to watch: The Shadow in My Eye can be streamed on Netflix.
5) Sisu (2022)
In Number 24, viewers can't help but become inspired by Sønsteby's relentless spirit. Even though he doesn't have any remarkable talents as such, he is still able to evade the Nazis with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Sisu by Jalmari Helander also boasts of a clever protagonist who gives SS soldiers a fight to remember.
In this thriller, Jorma Tommila plays Aatami Korpi, a prospector who uncovers a rich gold deposit. As he makes his way to Rovaniemi with his nuggets, he is stopped by SS soldiers who plan to execute him and take his gold. But Aatami kills them first. The gunfire alerts another platoon led by Obersturmführer Bruno Helldorf (Aksel Hennie) who decides to hunt down Aatami.
Similar to Number 24, the narrative of Sisu also celebrates perseverance and grit in the face of overwhelming adversity. But unlike Number 24, this Finnish thriller packs plenty of intense fight scenes that will appease even the most ardent action fans.
Where to watch: Sisu is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
6) The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, like Number 24, is themed around espionage and covert operations. Based on a book by Damien Lewis, the film by Guy Ritchie puts forth a fictionalized version of Operation Postmaster. It has a star-studded cast which includes Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Henry Golding, and Alex Pettyfer.
The film's Ritchie-style depiction makes it stylish and entertaining. Each character is distinctive and adds to the group dynamic in some way or another. One of the main highlights of this movie is the well-written dialogue that comes across as intelligent and cheeky.
While this movie does stray from the historical facts, unlike Number 24, it still offers a compelling narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Where to watch: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare can be streamed on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
These captivating war films, like Number 24, will appeal to cinephiles who enjoy historical narratives with a good mix of suspense and drama.
