Resistance movies have captivated audiences for decades, showcasing the bravery and determination of those who fought against oppression during times of war. As we look back from 2025, let’s explore the 10 most-watched resistance movies of all time. These films have left a lasting impact on viewers around the world, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of resistance fighters.
1. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino’s unique take on World War II resistance has become a modern classic. Set in Nazi-occupied France, the film follows two plots to assassinate Nazi leaders. One involves a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the “Basterds,” while the other centers on a young French Jewish cinema owner seeking revenge.
The movie’s blend of humor, violence, and historical fiction has made it a fan favorite. Tarantino’s signature style, combined with stellar performances from Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz, creates an unforgettable viewing experience. The film’s alternative history ending, where Hitler meets a fiery demise in a movie theater, has become one of cinema’s most talked-about scenes.
2. Casablanca (1942)
This timeless classic set during World War II continues to captivate audiences even in 2025. The story revolves around Rick Blaine, an American expatriate who runs a nightclub in Casablanca. His life is turned upside down when his former lover, Ilsa, arrives with her husband, a renowned resistance leader.
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s on-screen chemistry is legendary. The film’s exploration of love, sacrifice, and doing the right thing in the face of evil has resonated with generations of viewers. Iconic lines like “Here’s looking at you, kid” and “We’ll always have Paris” have become part of popular culture.
3. The Great Escape (1963)
Based on true events, this film tells the story of Allied prisoners planning a mass escape from a German POW camp during World War II. The movie features an all-star cast, including Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough.
The Great Escape is remembered for its thrilling action sequences, particularly McQueen’s famous motorcycle chase. But it’s the camaraderie among the prisoners and their ingenious escape plans that make this film a beloved classic. The movie showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
4. Schindler’s List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s powerful drama about Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, continues to move audiences decades after its release. The film’s stark black-and-white cinematography and haunting score create a somber atmosphere that perfectly captures the horror of the time.
Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Schindler, a flawed man who becomes an unlikely hero, is deeply moving. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutalities of the Nazi regime, making Schindler’s acts of resistance all the more impactful. The final scene, where real-life Schindler Jews place stones on Schindler’s grave, serves as a poignant reminder of the real lives touched by his actions.
5. The Battle of Algiers (1966)
This Italian-Algerian historical war film depicts the Algerian War against the French government in North Africa. Known for its gritty, documentary-like style, the movie presents a balanced view of the conflict, showing the brutal tactics used by both sides.
The film’s portrayal of urban guerrilla warfare was so realistic that it was studied by various revolutionary groups. Its exploration of the moral complexities of resistance and occupation continues to resonate with audiences. The movie’s unflinching look at the human cost of colonial struggles has made it a timeless classic in the resistance film genre.
6. Army of Shadows (1969)
This French film, directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, offers a somber and realistic portrayal of the French Resistance during World War II. Unlike many resistance films that focus on heroic actions, Army of Shadows delves into the moral ambiguities and personal sacrifices of resistance fighters.
The movie follows a small group of Resistance members as they navigate danger, betrayal, and difficult decisions. Its muted color palette and understated performances create a tense atmosphere that reflects the constant fear and uncertainty of life in the Resistance. The film’s nuanced exploration of heroism and the toll of resistance has made it a favorite among critics and audiences alike.
7. The Lives of Others (2006)
Set in East Germany in 1984, this German drama explores resistance in a different context – against the oppressive surveillance state of the German Democratic Republic. The story follows a Stasi officer who becomes increasingly disillusioned with the system he serves as he monitors a writer and his lover.
The film’s taut screenplay and powerful performances bring to life the paranoia and fear of living under constant surveillance. As the Stasi officer begins to protect the couple he’s meant to be spying on, the movie explores themes of personal responsibility and the power of art to inspire change. Its portrayal of quiet, individual acts of resistance resonates deeply with viewers.
8. Defiance (2008)
Based on a true story, Defiance tells the tale of the Bielski brothers, who fled Nazi-occupied Poland and formed a Jewish partisan group in the Belorussian forests. The film stars Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell as the brothers who saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II.
The movie offers a different perspective on Jewish resistance during the Holocaust, focusing on armed struggle and survival in harsh conditions. It highlights the complexities of leadership and the challenges of maintaining humanity in inhumane circumstances. The film’s depiction of the partisans building a community in the forest while fighting against Nazi forces is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
9. Black Book (2006)
This Dutch thriller, set during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, follows a young Jewish woman who joins the Dutch resistance after surviving a massacre. She goes undercover, becoming involved with a Nazi officer as part of a dangerous mission.
Director Paul Verhoeven brings his signature style to this tale of espionage and survival. The film is notable for its morally complex characters and its refusal to paint anyone as purely good or evil. Its exploration of the gray areas of resistance and collaboration, as well as the personal cost of fighting oppression, has made it a standout in the genre.
10. Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005)
This German historical drama tells the true story of Sophie Scholl, a member of the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. The film focuses on the last days of Sophie’s life, from her arrest for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets to her trial and execution.
Julia Jentsch’s powerful performance as Sophie brings to life the courage and conviction of this young resistance fighter. The movie’s intimate focus on Sophie’s interrogation and trial creates a tense, emotional experience for viewers. It serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery of those who spoke out against tyranny, even at the cost of their own lives.
Bottom Line
These ten resistance movies have stood the test of time, continuing to captivate and inspire audiences in 2025. They offer diverse perspectives on resistance, from grand acts of defiance to small, personal stands against oppression. Whether set during World War II, the Cold War, or other periods of conflict, these films explore universal themes of courage, sacrifice, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of tyranny.
What makes these movies endure is not just their historical settings or thrilling plots, but their exploration of timeless questions: What would we do in similar circumstances? How far would we go to fight injustice? Can one person really make a difference?
As we watch these films, we’re reminded of the power of individual action and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in the darkest of times. They serve not only as entertainment but as important historical lessons and moral compasses, challenging us to consider our own roles in creating a just world.