8 Best Movies Like 1917 (Ranked & Where to Stream)

Terrence Malick's masterpiece The Thin Red Line shares 1917's immersive, often disorienting perspective on combat, though with a more philosophical, internal monologue-driven approach. While not a "one-shot," its fluid, dreamlike cinematography places the viewer directly into the psychological and physical landscapes of Guadalcanal. It's less about a singular mission and more about the collective experience of men facing the brutal indifference of nature and war, echoing the existential dread underlying Schofield's journey. The raw, unglamorous portrayal of warfare and its profound impact on the human spirit aligns perfectly with the depth 1917 achieved.

David Ayer's Fury delivers a relentless, ground-level account of WWII tank warfare that captures the visceral intensity and claustrophobic terror reminiscent of 1917. Focused on a small, tight-knit crew, it immerses viewers in their perilous journey through enemy lines, highlighting brotherhood, the psychological toll of combat, and the sheer grit required for survival. The film's unwavering realism, depicting the mud, blood, and moral ambiguities of war, creates a constant sense of urgency and puts the audience directly into the heart of the conflict, much like Schofield and Blake's desperate race against time.

The Outpost plunges viewers into the horrifying reality of modern warfare with an almost unbearable intensity that mirrors 1917's immersive approach. Chronicling the Battle of Kamdesh, it eschews glorification for a brutal, minute-by-minute depiction of soldiers fighting for their lives against overwhelming odds. The film excels at conveying the chaos, isolation, and sheer desperation of the besieged soldiers, placing you squarely in the middle of the firefight. Its focus on individual courage and the relentless, suffocating threat echoes the constant peril and high stakes of Schofield's impossible mission.

Set during the final days of WWI, The Great War shares 1917's historical backdrop and a similar mission-driven narrative: a unit venturing behind enemy lines to rescue a lost platoon. This provides a direct thematic echo of Schofield and Blake's desperate journey. While not employing the single-shot technique, the film strives for a raw, uncompromising portrayal of trench warfare, emphasizing the brutality, the moral quandaries, and the sheer exhaustion of soldiers. It captures the muddy, desolate landscape and the grim realities of the Western Front, offering a complementary perspective on the era.

This intense Australian film thrusts audiences into the heart of one of the Vietnam War's most pivotal battles, akin to 1917's relentless, immersive combat experience. Focusing on a small company of ANZAC soldiers facing overwhelming enemy forces, Danger Close excels at conveying the chaos, tension, and sheer will to survive under siege. The film's meticulous attention to tactical detail and the grim reality of jungle warfare creates a palpable sense of danger and urgency. It mirrors 1917's emphasis on individual and collective resilience when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.

Diverging from the open-field and trench warfare of 1917, Beneath Hill 60 offers a unique, claustrophobic look at a lesser-known but equally perilous aspect of WWI: underground mine warfare. This true story highlights a specialized and incredibly dangerous mission, requiring meticulous planning and immense courage, much like the impossible task given to Schofield and Blake. The film generates a powerful sense of tension and dread in its confined spaces, immersing the viewer in the silent, deadly cat-and-mouse game played beneath the battlefield, showcasing the ingenuity and ultimate sacrifice of soldiers in unique WWI circumstances.

Before Dawn directly connects to 1917 with its WWI setting and focus on an individual's harrowing journey into the conflict. Following a young man from the Australian outback to the Western Front, the film promises a raw, personal perspective on the transformation and trauma of war. While details are still emerging due to its recent release, the premise suggests an emphasis on the psychological and physical toll endured by frontline soldiers, reflecting 1917's dedication to portraying the lived experience of combatants in one of history's most brutal conflicts.

Though set during the Iraq War, The Yellow Birds resonates with 1917's deep exploration of the psychological weight and moral ambiguities of conflict. It follows two young soldiers navigating the horrors, specifically focusing on a promise made and the subsequent search for meaning and truth amidst the brutality. While not a continuous-shot, linear journey, its non-linear narrative effectively conveys the lasting impact of war trauma and the individual's struggle with duty and survival. It offers a powerful, introspective look at the human cost, echoing the internal burden carried by Schofield.