5 Battle Of The Bulge Movies For Every History Buff

Wednesday, September 12 by Christopher Nowlin


The last gasp from the German armed forces happened in the forested Ardennes mountain region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg. After the allies invaded Normandy and got a foothold on European soil, Hitler was quick to attack the weak link. He attempted to split the allied forces, encircle the remaining armies and destroy them. It was done with radio silence, and Germany achieved some level of surprise when the fighting started. The U.S. media named it the Battle of the Bulge because the front line of the allies bulged inward while the battle raged on. The allies eventually won this month-long campaign to save the eastern front, and many of the heroic tales have been told in film since. Here are five Battle of the Bulge movies for every history buff.

"Battle of the Bulge"

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This film, made in 1965, tells the story of the end of the battle. It shows you an American Intelligence officer's view of the battle, as well as a German Panzer commander's view. The Panzer division, led by the brilliant and well known commander Hessler, must take control of an allied fuel supply before they run out of gas.

"Brothers in Arms"


Denzel Washington is set to direct a movie based on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's book of the same name. It chronicles the actions of the only black tank division in World War II. The story spans 183 days on the frontline for the 761st tank battalion, including time spent on the Battle of the Bulge.

"Silent Night"


Don't worry. Linda Hamilton doesn't have to think about terminators, but she does have to worry about the war that has landed in her backyard. On Christmas Eve, three U.S. soldiers and three German soldiers storm her house in the Ardennes. She convinces them to sit down and have a Christmas meal together, and nobody dies. This film is based on a true story.

"Everyman's War"


The 94th infantry division has dug into a ridge line just outside the town of Nennig, Germany, and the Panzer division slowly encroaches in the foggy weather. It is a key stronghold for the allies, who will lose the battle if Nennig is lost. Outgunned and out manned, Sgt. Don Smith has to come up with the courage to lead his men in this wintry battle.

"Band of Brothers"


This mini series, made by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, follows Easy Company of the 101st airborne division from training in the U.S. to the end of the War. The narrative takes a detour as the 101st is assigned to aid the ailing front in the forest of Ardennes. 

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