By Meghan O'Keefe@megsokay
Published June 6, 2019, 8:00 a.m. ET
Photos: Everett Collection ; Illustration: Dillen phelps
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On June 6, 1944, Allied troops launched a daring assault on the German-occupied coast of Normandy, France. Men dropped from the skies and stormed the beaches, and after a long day of fighting, an Western European front was finally established in France. D-Day was one of the most pivotal days in World War II’s history as it provided the hard squeeze on Nazi forces that would eventually lead to V-E Day.
Today marks the 75th anniversary of that historic day, full of sacrifices and heroism that should never be forgotten. Since World War II, there have been multiple attempts in film, documentaries, and television to recapture the chaotic feeling of taking Normandy from the seas and from above. In honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, here are the five best versions of that day’s events to watch. There are two spellbinding documentaries on Netflix, two famously epic war movies, and one ground-breaking HBO miniseries. (Oh, and Tom Hanks is involved with three of these projects!)
Get ready to storm Omaha Beach with Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Vin Diesel, Ed Burns, and director Steven Spielberg, time travel into the past with documentarians Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, and hang out with Easy Company’s brave “Band of Brothers” on HBO.
Here are the 5 best movies, shows, and docs to watch on the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
1
'Saving Private Ryan'
Steven Spielberg’s 1998 film, Saving Private Ryan, is the searing story of one squad’s journey into Nazi-occupied France to save one singular soldier. However, the film is best known for its intense opening sequence which transplants viewers right into the maelstrom of the U.S. Army’s charge on Omaha Beach. Horrifying, shocking, and absolutely mesmerizing, it makes you understand precisely the hell Allied soldiers went to in order to take that beach. (Note: Saving Private Ryan is currently only available to buy or rent on SVOD.)
Where to Stream Saving Private Ryan
2
'The Longest Day'
Before Saving Private Ryan shocked us with its all-too-visceral (in a good way) look at the Omaha Beach Landings, The Longest Day was considered the paramount cinematic retelling of D-Day. The 1962 black and white film featured an all-star cast including John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Sean Connery, Robert Mitchum, Richard Burton, Robert Wagner, and Red Buttons. A colorized version was released 25 years ago, and today you can buy or rent it on VOD.
Where to stream The Longest Day
3
'Band of Brothers'
After the success of Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg and his star Tom Hanks teamed up to produce an epic look at the lives of the men of “Easy” Company, aka the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, of the 101st Airborne Division. Band of Brothers was a landmark HBO miniseries in that it recreated Stephen E. Ambrose’s non-fiction book of the same name and featured interviews with the real soldiers reflecting upon the events of the episode. It also introduced audiences to a new generation of actors, including the likes of Damien Lewis, Tom Hardy, and James McAvoy. The best news: You don’t need an HBO login to watch it, because it’s free to stream if you have Prime Video.
Where to stream Band of Brothers
4
'D-Day'
D-Day is a 2004 BBC documentary featuring archival footage, dramatic recreations, and a look at the day from Britain’s POV. Sure, they feature the stories of a French resistance fighter and an American war photographer, but this two hour film has a major British slant. It could be a fascinating watch for those viewers only familiar with America’s contribution to the war effort. This film is also currently available on Netflix.
5
'The War: A Film By Ken Burns and Lynn Novick,' Episode 4, "Pride of our Nation"
Naturally, Ken Burns’s take on World War II is one of the most tender and well-researched. The War: A Film By Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, Episode 4, “Pride of our Nation” looks at the lives of soldiers from one small town as they prep to do battle in Normandy. Constructed from interviews, letters, photos, and footage from the day, this miniseries is as authentic as it gets. And it’s on Netflix.
Watch The War: A Film By Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, Episode 4, "Pride of our Nation" on Netflix
- Band of Brothers
- Netflix
- Saving Private Ryan
- war movies
