14 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Casablanca

Man Hunt is reminiscent of Casablanca in its portrayal of a man caught in extraordinary circumstances during World War II. While Casablanca focuses on the struggle of an American cafe owner in French Morocco, Man Hunt follows the journey of a British hunter who attempts to assassinate Hitler. Both films are set against the backdrop of a war-torn Europe and explore themes of espionage, danger, and romance. However, while Casablanca is known for its iconic dialogue and timeless love story, Man Hunt offers a different take on the war genre with its suspenseful plot and eloquent characterization of Hitler's regime. With Walter Pidgeon delivering a devil-may-care performance and John Carradine portraying a creepy Gestapo agent, Man Hunt captivates viewers with its superb writing and direction by Fritz Lang. So, if you're a fan of World War II movies and want to experience a thrilling and engaging story that sheds light on the era, Man Hunt is a must-watch.

"Reunion in France" is reminiscent of "Casablanca" in its setting of German-occupied France during World War II. Both movies explore the theme of romance intertwined with the challenges of war. While "Casablanca" captures the intrigue of a love triangle and the struggle to escape the Nazis in French Morocco, "Reunion in France" focuses on a Frenchwoman's efforts to help a downed RAF pilot reach Portugal, despite the watchful eyes of the Gestapo. Although "Reunion in France" may not reach the same level of critical acclaim as "Casablanca," it provides an entertaining experience, with the added appeal of seeing John Wayne in a non-western role. So, if you enjoyed the wartime romance and suspense of "Casablanca," "Reunion in France" offers a fresh take on similar themes in a different setting.

Secret Command is reminiscent of Casablanca, as both movies take place during World War II and involve espionage and undercover agents. While Casablanca is set in French Morocco and focuses on a cynical cafe owner deciding whether to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis, Secret Command takes place at a shipyard in the US and follows a government agent as he tries to root out Nazi saboteurs. Both films explore themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism, but Casablanca is more renowned for its iconic lines and memorable characters, while Secret Command is a lesser-known gem with a well-paced plot and likable leads. If you enjoyed the intrigue and romance of Casablanca, Secret Command offers a different perspective on the war effort and is definitely worth a watch.

Passage to Marseille takes us on a thrilling adventure as five patriotic convicts escape from Devil's Island to fight against the Nazis with the occupied Free French forces. While not as highly acclaimed as Casablanca, this film showcases another side of Humphrey Bogart's acting range. In Casablanca, Bogart played the romantic hero torn between love and duty, but in Passage to Marseille, he portrays a character who commits a war crime. This departure from his usual saintly roles adds an interesting layer of complexity to his character. The film also delves into the concept of war crimes, reminding us that they happen in times of war and that the perpetrators are not always as evil or different from us as we would like to think. While Passage to Marseille may not reach the same level of narrative brilliance as Casablanca, it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the complexities of war.

Fly-By-Night: After being charged with the murder of a scientist, a young doctor must track down a Nazi spy ring to clear his name. More than "the thirty-nine steps", Siodmak's movie will remind you of another Hitchcock's work, "saboteur", released the same year, starring Robert Cummings and Priscilla Lane whose characters are close to those of Richard Carlson and Nancy Kelly; he's a fugitive, chased by the strong arm of the law and she's dragged (reluctantly) into the plot by him because "she can sketch a portrait of him, which would help the police." The chase movie is not Siodmak's field: his is the gangsters saga or the psychological thriller, but he pulls it off efficiently. There's a lot of humor (the burning cigarettes, the fake wedding), plenty of suspense (the loony bin), and never a dull moment in this exciting man/woman hunt.

The Roaring Twenties takes us back to the 1920s, just like Casablanca did for the 1940s. While Casablanca captured the intrigue and romance of war-torn Europe, The Roaring Twenties delves into the Prohibition era in America. Both movies explore the consequences of war and how it shapes the lives of the characters. In Casablanca, we see a cynical American cafe owner torn between love and political intrigue, while The Roaring Twenties follows three men trying to make a living in America after fighting together in World War I.
But what sets The Roaring Twenties apart is its focus on the rise and fall of organized crime during the Prohibition era. It portrays the social confusion that resulted from the passage of an unpopular law meant to regulate character, which ironically led to an era of lawlessness.

Group Portrait with a Lady is reminiscent of Casablanca in its exploration of the human experience during a tumultuous time. While Casablanca focuses on the struggle against the Nazis in French Morocco, Group Portrait with a Lady follows the life of a regular German woman during the 1930s and 1940s. Both movies provide a glimpse into the lives of everyday people and their interactions with friends, family, and their surroundings during the Nazi era. However, while Casablanca is known for its classic status and memorable lines, Group Portrait with a Lady received mixed reviews and was considered confusing by some viewers. Despite this, the movie offers a unique perspective on the Nazi era and features a standout performance by Romy Schneider. If you enjoyed Casablanca's exploration of love, war, and moral dilemmas, Group Portrait with a Lady provides a different lens through which to view this period in history.

Soldier of Orange, also known as Soldaat van Oranje, is a Dutch film that shares similarities with Casablanca. Both movies are set during World War II and revolve around the theme of resistance against the Nazis. While Casablanca takes place in French Morocco, Soldier of Orange is set in the Netherlands. Both films depict the struggles and dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate through the difficult times of war. However, there are notable differences between the two movies. Casablanca is primarily a romantic drama that showcases a love triangle, while Soldier of Orange incorporates elements of romance, thriller, and war. Additionally, Casablanca is an American film directed by Michael Curtiz, whereas Soldier of Orange is a Dutch film directed by Paul Verhoeven. Despite their differences, both films are captivating and provide a unique perspective on the human experience during wartime.

Forbidden, released in 1984, is reminiscent of Casablanca. Both movies fall under the genres of Drama, Romance, and War, and are set in the 1940s during the time of the Nazis. In Forbidden, the young countess, Nina von Halder, falls in love with Fritz Friedlander, a young man she meets at the home of a former professor. However, their romance is forbidden due to the societal restrictions imposed by the Nazis. Similarly, in Casablanca, the expatriate American cafe owner, Rick, is faced with the decision of helping his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco. Both movies explore the themes of forbidden love and the struggles faced by individuals during this tumultuous time in history. While Casablanca is widely regarded as a classic American film, Forbidden offers a different perspective by focusing on the experiences of individuals living in Berlin.

Lore is reminiscent of Casablanca because both movies explore the complexities of war and its impact on individuals. While Casablanca focuses on the political and emotional turmoil of World War II, Lore delves into the aftermath of the war in post-Nazi Germany. The main characters in both films are forced to confront their own beliefs and prejudices as they navigate through challenging circumstances. In Casablanca, the protagonist must decide whether to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis. Similarly, in Lore, the titular character is confronted with the reality of her parents' beliefs and must rely on a person she has been taught to hate. Both movies raise thought-provoking questions about loyalty, morality, and the power of personal relationships in times of crisis. However, while Casablanca is a classic Hollywood romance with iconic lines and unforgettable performances, Lore takes a more symbolic approach, using its characters and plot to represent the struggles of post-war Germany.

"Edges of the Lord" takes us back to the time of the Nazis, just like "Casablanca" did. However, while "Casablanca" focused on a cynical expatriate cafe owner trying to help his former lover escape, "Edges of the Lord" tells the story of a twelve-year-old Jewish boy hiding with a family of Catholic peasant farmers to evade the Nazis. Both films explore the devastating impact of the Nazi regime, but from different perspectives. "Casablanca" captures the drama and romance of the era, while "Edges of the Lord" offers a unique portrayal of survival and the power of community. If you enjoyed the timeless classic "Casablanca," "Edges of the Lord" will provide a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the horrors of war.

Gebürtig is a movie that takes us back to the dark times of the Holocaust, just like Casablanca. While Casablanca focuses on a cynical American cafe owner who must decide whether to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis, Gebürtig tells the story of a holocaust survivor living in Manhattan who is the only person capable of identifying a suspected Nazi back in his native Austria. Both movies deal with the theme of confronting the past and making difficult decisions. However, while Casablanca is a classic American film known for its memorable quotes and iconic scenes, Gebürtig is a more complex and challenging movie, with a mix of characters and literary styles. It may not be perfect, but it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of the Holocaust. So if you enjoyed Casablanca and are looking for a deeper and more introspective film, Gebürtig is definitely worth a watch.

I Served the King of England is reminiscent of Casablanca in the sense that both movies take place during a time of political turmoil and explore the lives of individuals caught up in historical events. While Casablanca is set in French Morocco during World War II, I Served the King of England is set in old-world Prague during the Nazi occupation. Both films showcase the resilience and adaptability of their main characters, who find themselves navigating complex relationships and making difficult choices in the face of adversity. However, I Served the King of England brings a unique comedic element to its storytelling, offering a different perspective on the war and its impact on ordinary people. The film provides a glimpse into the glamorous life at a Prague hotel, adding a touch of charm and humor to the narrative.

Bon Voyage, released in 2004, is reminiscent of Casablanca, the classic American movie from 1942. Both films share a common thread of impending danger as the Nazis move into the city, creating a sense of urgency and uncertainty. However, while Casablanca is a drama and romance set in French Morocco, Bon Voyage takes a different approach, incorporating elements of comedy, mystery, and thriller. The French farce brilliantly captures the essence of human nature, even in the face of adversity, and offers a gentle comedy that is both engaging and insightful. The superb performances of the actors, the fantastic storyline, and the beautiful photography and staging make Bon Voyage a must-watch for fans of Casablanca.