Holocaust films depict the genocide of European Jews and other groups by Nazi Germany during World War II, often focusing on survival, resistance, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
In German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.
Why it’s great:
- Steven Spielberg‘s powerful direction
- Liam Neeson’s moving performance as Oskar Schindler
- Stark black-and-white cinematography capturing the period
2. The Pianist (2002)
A Polish Jewish musician struggles to survive the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto of World War II.
Why it’s great:
- Roman Polanski‘s personal connection to the material
- Adrien Brody’s Oscar-winning performance as Władysław Szpilman
- Harrowing portrayal of survival during the Holocaust
3. Life Is Beautiful (1997)
When an open-minded Jewish librarian and his son become victims of the Holocaust, he uses a perfect mixture of will, humor, and imagination to protect his son from the dangers around their camp.
Why it’s great:
- Roberto Benigni‘s heartfelt performance and direction
- Unique blend of comedy and tragedy
- Powerful exploration of a father’s love in the darkest circumstances
4. Son of Saul (2015)
In the horror of 1944 Auschwitz, a prisoner forced to burn the corpses of his own people finds moral survival upon trying to salvage from the flames the body of a boy he takes for his son.
Why it’s great:
- László Nemes’ innovative, immersive direction
- Géza Röhrig’s intense performance as Saul
- Unflinching portrayal of the concentration camp experience
5. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
Through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a German concentration camp, a forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences.
Why it’s great:
- Mark Herman’s sensitive adaptation of John Boyne’s novel
- Powerful performances by child actors Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon
- Exploration of innocence and friendship amid horror.
