COGG Picks - Favorite WWII Movies
These films are ones we return to often—not simply for their storytelling, but for the way they bring history to life. Many have influenced how we think about the past and how we share it with others. They are films that stay with us long after the screen goes dark, prompting reflection, conversation, and a deeper appreciation for the experiences of those who lived through the Second World War.
NOTE: Any links provided to these films, are offered solely as a convenience for visitors and for educational or historical reference. COGG (Conservators of the Greatest Generation) and its directors receive no financial compensation or revenue from the purchase or rental of these movies.
Dennis Blocker's Pick
Title: Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo
Released: 1944
Starring: Spencer Tracy, Van Johnson,
Directed By: Mervyn Leroy
This is my all time favorite WWII movie that I’ve watched multiple times. One of the writers of the script, Ted Lawson, was actually a pilot on the mission flying the Number 7 B-25 and the movie is in fact based off of his 1943 book of the same name. His presence is felt in the script as the dialogue feels true. Sure there are the “We can do it” vibes of the era, but the movie gets down into the dirt and mud and mushes your face into the peril these crews faced. It was one of the first war movies to really show that these guys were getting amputations under horrific circumstances and had suffered horrible, painful injuries. I appreciated that very much and for me this movie holds up, even after all these years. Van Johnson is golden. Oh and how about a young Robert Mitchum. Yeah, in here as wel
Dennis Blocker's Pick
Title: They Were Expendable
Released: 1945
Starring: Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed
Director: John Ford
This is my second favorite movie and I’ve watched it just as many times as Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. The fact this was shot by legendary director John Ford with real PT boats for many of the scenes brings a realism that was rare during that time period. This is also a true story and just like Thirty Seconds was based off a book of the same name. This movie gave me a huge crush on Donna Reed. She does a great job as a nurse on Corregidor. The tension is thick as the Japanese draw closer. The Ford movie has the same fun gang we have loved, Wayne’s life long buddy Ward Bond is in there. In fact, together they would be in 24 of John Ford’s movies but they didn’t come close to Jack Pennick who was in 41, including this one of course. I love this movie, perhaps you will love it too.
