Updated July 17, 2023 30.3K votes 7.9K voters 1.3M views
Voting Rules
Vote up the impressively accurate details that make these war movies as authentic as they are memorable.
Since the early days of cinema, filmmakers and audiences alike have been captivated by depictions of the victories and horrors of war. There are times when these films lack historical integrity, instead focusing on the entertainment value of epic battles and conquering heroes. However, there are also many incredible examples where films have gone above and beyond to represent these harrowing moments of conflict in the most accurate ways possible. From decades-old classics like The Longest Day to more contemporary visions such as 1917 and Dunkirk, big screen war movies have shown the ability to accurately replicate details related to weaponry, uniforms, landscapes, and everything else in between.
Check out this list of impressively accurate details from war movies, and don't forget to vote up your favorites.
In 1917 (2019), the death of a soldier from a hemorrhage is really accurate. When you die for this reason you became pale. This fact, in movies, is always ignored.
3,358 votes
2
4,942 VOTES
These "German" Soldiers Are Actually Czech Conscripts In 'Saving Private Ryan'
In this scene in Saving Private Ryan (1998), the two German soldiers who try to surrender are actually Czechoslovakian conscripts. What they are saying translates to something along the lines of "Do no shoot. I am Czech. I did not shoot anyone. I am Czech!"
4,942 votes
3
2,994 VOTES
Jackson Has A Common WWII Thumb Bruise In 'Saving Private Ryan'
In Saving Private Ryan (1998), Jackson has a bruise on his thumb that was a common injury during WWII from soldiers' thumbs getting caught in the loading mechanism of M1 Garands.
2,994 votes
4
2,504 VOTES
Underwater Explosions Hurt Alex's Ears In 'Dunkirk'
In Dunkirk (2017), Alex is in noticeable pain underwater during explosions and battle overhead. This makes sense because the sound waves travel four times faster underwater, and the intensity of sound would be unbearable.
2,504 votes
5
2,211 VOTES
Ferrier's Aircraft Fires At An Accurate Rate In 'Dunkirk'
Tom Hardy’s dogfight scenes in Dunkirk (2017) show around 15 seconds of gunfire, fired in two-second bursts. Real Spitfires had a total of 15-18 seconds firing time, which pilots fired in two-second bursts.
2,211 votes
6
1,942 VOTES
William Preserves His Rifle's Magazine Spring In '1917'
In 1917 (2019), the main character is seen loading 5 rounds into his rifle. Later on, he shoots 9 times without reloading. This is because the Lee-Enfield magazine holds 10 rounds, but were usually only loaded with 1 clip of 5 to save the magazine spring. They are preparing 10 rounds for battle.
