10 Best Movies Like Hacksaw Ridge (Ranked & Where to Stream)

Much like Hacksaw Ridge, The Last Full Measure tells the powerful, true story of an Air Force medic who displayed extraordinary valor. William H. Pitsenbarger, a pararescueman, saved over sixty men during a brutal Vietnam War battle before making the ultimate sacrifice. The film brilliantly weaves together the harrowing battlefield sequences with a decades-long struggle to award Pitsenbarger the Medal of Honor, highlighting the profound impact of a single individual's selfless heroism and unwavering commitment to others amidst the chaos of war.

Angelina Jolie's Unbroken chronicles the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who, after a plane crash during WWII, endured an unimaginable odyssey of survival at sea and brutal Japanese POW camps. Like Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge, Zamperini's story is one of astonishing human endurance, resilience, and an unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering. It’s a testament to the power of the human will to survive and maintain dignity when everything else is stripped away, echoing Doss's moral fortitude.

Fury plunges audiences into the harrowing final days of WWII in Europe, depicting the visceral, grimy, and utterly brutal reality of tank warfare. Brad Pitt leads a battle-hardened crew whose bonds are forged in the claustrophobic confines of their Sherman tank. Much like Hacksaw Ridge's unvarnished combat scenes, Fury doesn't shy away from the horrific cost of war, exploring themes of survival, brotherhood, and the psychological toll on soldiers forced to commit unspeakable acts, making it a compelling, intense experience.

Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers offers a profound reflection on heroism, memory, and the complex psychological aftermath of war. Detailing the true story of the Marines who raised the flag on Iwo Jima, the film explores how their iconic image was used for propaganda while they grappled with their own trauma and the harsh realities of combat. It parallels Hacksaw Ridge in its historical accuracy and its unflinching look at the physical and emotional scars left by the brutality of one of WWII's most vicious battles.

The companion piece to Flags of Our Fathers, Clint Eastwood's Letters from Iwo Jima provides a deeply empathetic, yet equally brutal, perspective from the Japanese side of the battle. This film masterfully humanizes the 'enemy,' showcasing their immense courage, suffering, and resolve in the face of certain defeat. Like Hacksaw Ridge, it delves into the profound human cost of war, highlighting the universal experiences of fear, sacrifice, and duty, but from a rarely seen viewpoint that adds layers of tragic complexity.

Sam Peckinpah's Cross of Iron stands as one of the most raw and unflinching anti-war films ever made, focusing on a German squad on the Eastern Front in WWII. It shares Hacksaw Ridge's commitment to depicting the brutal, chaotic, and often senseless nature of close-quarters combat. With its visceral action and cynical outlook on military command, it strips away any romanticism of war, offering a stark portrayal of soldiers struggling for survival and meaning in a dehumanizing conflict.

Based on a harrowing true story, To End All Wars follows a group of Allied POWs held captive by the Japanese in Burma during WWII. The film explores themes of survival, spiritual endurance, and the search for humanity amidst unimaginable cruelty and torture. Like Desmond Doss's unwavering moral compass in Hacksaw Ridge, this movie focuses on individuals finding strength and maintaining their principles in the face of extreme adversity, making for a powerful and deeply moving experience about the triumph of the human spirit.

Indivisible tells the true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife, whose faith and marriage are severely tested by the horrors of war and its aftermath. This film directly addresses the 'Christian' aspect often associated with Hacksaw Ridge, exploring how profound faith can be both a source of strength and a challenge in the face of unimaginable circumstances. While less focused on combat, it powerfully portrays the spiritual and emotional battles fought by military families, offering a resonant, faith-driven narrative.

Brian De Palma's Casualties of War is a searing Vietnam War drama that powerfully illustrates the moral courage of an individual standing against injustice within their own unit. It stars Michael J. Fox as a soldier who refuses to participate in and then reports his squad's heinous crimes. This film resonates with Hacksaw Ridge's theme of an individual's unwavering conviction against the tides of violence and group mentality, showcasing the immense personal cost of upholding one's moral code in the crucible of war.

An overlooked gem, When Trumpets Fade is an HBO film that provides a gritty, unflinching look at the psychological toll of continuous combat during WWII's Hürtgen Forest campaign. It focuses on a reluctant soldier who, through no choice of his own, is forced into leadership roles, depicting the sheer exhaustion, moral compromises, and survival guilt inherent in relentless warfare. Like Hacksaw Ridge, it captures the raw, muddy, and terrifying reality of the front lines, emphasizing the human cost of every advance and retreat.