14 Movies like M*A*S*H: Laughing through the Drama and War

M*A*S*H, the iconic comedy-drama set in the Korean War, showed us how laughter can be the ultimate remedy in times of chaos. If you're looking for more movies that blend humor with the challenges of war, we've got you covered. From witty banter to heartwarming camaraderie, our handpicked selection of 14 films will keep you entertained while exploring the complexities of life on the frontlines.

1) The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is like watching M*A*S*H, but instead of dealing with the horrors of war, you get to witness the ups and downs of three couples on their seasonal vacations. Both films have Alan Alda at the helm, showcasing his talent both in front of and behind the camera. While M*A*S*H provides a satirical take on the Korean War through the lens of a mobile army surgical hospital, The Four Seasons explores the complexities of friendship and marriage as these couples navigate through life's challenges. In true Alda fashion, the film touches on deeper themes while injecting humor into the mix. The Four Seasons may not have the same critical acclaim as M*A*S*H, but it still offers an entertaining and thought-provoking experience, reminding us that relationships can be just as messy and rewarding as war itself. So, if you're in the mood for a heartfelt comedy that delves into the intricacies of human connections, give The Four Seasons a watch.

Release date: May, 1981
IMDB Rating: 6.8

2) M*A*S*H

M*A*S*H is one of those movies that makes you laugh and think at the same time. It's about the staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War who find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation. The movie provides a humorous insight into an otherwise overlooked time in American society. Every character offers a different perspective on the evils of war through their use of satire. The TV show based on this movie is a classic American series that is still hilarious to this day. Now, let me tell you about a similar movie that you should definitely watch. "M*A*S*H" (1970) captures the essence of the original movie. It's not just funny; it's also great in many other ways. The film's style breaks the rules of mainstream cinema, giving us something different and new. The director, Robert Altman, lets his actors improvise and uses tons of hilarious and chaotic overlapping dialogue.

Release date: March, 1970
IMDB Rating: 7.4

3) Welcome to Dongmakgol

Welcome to Dongmakgol is a film that takes place during the Korean War, just like M*A*S*H. However, while M*A*S*H focuses on the staff of an Army hospital using humor to cope with the war, Welcome to Dongmakgol explores the lives of soldiers from both sides of the Korean divide living among villagers who know nothing of the war. Both movies use comedy and drama to shed light on the human experiences during wartime, but Welcome to Dongmakgol takes a different approach by emphasizing the power of innocence and humanity in bringing people together. The film's visually beautiful scenes and well-cast characters, especially the crazy girl of the village, add layers of depth to the story. With its touching tale and the example it sets of different sides seeing eye to eye, Welcome to Dongmakgol is a heartwarming film that showcases the best of Korean cinema.

Release date: August, 2005
IMDB Rating: 7.6

4) The Long Way Home

The Long Way Home takes us on a journey back to the Korean War, just like M*A*S*H did in 1972. While M*A*S*H used satire to shed light on the evils of war, The Long Way Home takes a different approach, mixing drama and comedy to tell the story of a North and South Korean soldier having a private war in the last days of the conflict. This movie focuses more on the personal experiences of the main characters rather than on battle action, providing a touching and easy-going viewing experience. With a different tone and perspective, The Long Way Home offers a unique take on the Korean War that fans of M*A*S*H should definitely check out.

Release date: September, 2015
IMDB Rating: 6.4

5) One Minute to Zero

One Minute to Zero is reminiscent of M*A*S*H because both movies take place during the Korean War and involve the U.S. military. However, the similarities end there. While M*A*S*H uses comedy to deal with the harsh realities of war, One Minute to Zero is a drama that focuses on the evacuation of American civilians from the war zone. M*A*S*H provides a humorous insight into the war, whereas One Minute to Zero is a more serious portrayal. Despite their differences, fans of M*A*S*H should watch One Minute to Zero for a different perspective on the Korean War and to see how the U.S. military handles evacuations during a time of conflict.

Release date: August, 1952
IMDB Rating: 5.8

6) Sweet Liberty

Sweet Liberty, released in 1986, is a delightful comedy that explores the challenges faced by a writer who sells the rights of his book to a movie production company. As the film crew arrives to shoot on location, the writer finds himself grappling with the many egos and differing opinions that surround him. Reminiscent of M*A*S*H, this movie captures the essence of a creative mind clashing with the demands of Hollywood. Both films showcase the struggles of individuals trying to maintain their artistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures. While M*A*S*H focuses on the staff of an Army hospital during the Korean War, Sweet Liberty delves into the world of filmmaking. Despite their different settings, both movies employ humor and satire to shed light on serious subjects. M*A*S*H uses laughter to cope with the horrors of war, while Sweet Liberty humorously portrays the clash between the writer's vision and the film crew's interpretations.

Release date: August, 1986
IMDB Rating: 5.7

7) A New Life

A New Life is reminiscent of M*A*S*H, but with a twist. While M*A*S*H uses humor to tackle the serious topic of war, A New Life dives into the world of blind dates and new relationships. Both movies have Alan Alda in the cast, and he even takes on the role of writer and director in A New Life. However, unlike the hilarious insights M*A*S*H provides into the Korean War, A New Life falls a bit short in terms of wit and laughs. The characters in A New Life don't quite have the same depth and the lines lack the cleverness that we've come to expect from Alda. Nevertheless, if you've enjoyed M*A*S*H and want to see a different side of Alan Alda, A New Life might just be worth a blind date.

Release date: March, 1988
IMDB Rating: 5.8

8) Betsy's Wedding

Betsy's Wedding is reminiscent of M*A*S*H in its comedic take on a serious topic. While M*A*S*H used laughter to deal with the Korean War, Betsy's Wedding takes a lighthearted approach to the complexities of marriage. Both movies use humor to shed light on otherwise overlooked aspects of society. However, Betsy's Wedding falls short of the brilliance of M*A*S*H. The various plot strands in Betsy's Wedding are not woven together as effectively, and some characters are almost forgotten about during lengthy periods off-screen. Despite this, Betsy's Wedding still offers a charming and entertaining experience, especially with the unlikely romance between Ally Sheedy and Antony LaPaglia. So, if you enjoyed the witty satire of M*A*S*H and are looking for a fun and heartwarming movie about love and family, Betsy's Wedding is worth a watch.

Release date: June, 1990
IMDB Rating: 5.6

9) Period of Adjustment

Period of Adjustment is reminiscent of M*A*S*H in its ability to combine comedy and drama to explore complex human relationships. While M*A*S*H uses humor to cope with the horrors of war, Period of Adjustment delves into the challenges of marriage. Both movies tackle serious subject matters with a light-hearted touch, making them accessible and enjoyable to watch. However, Period of Adjustment lacks the depth and maturity of other Tennessee Williams adaptations, and its message could have been delivered with more subtlety. Nevertheless, the film's luminous photography, sumptuous production design, and well-timed comedy make it a visually appealing and entertaining experience. The cast, particularly Lois Nettleton and Anthony Franciosa, deliver standout performances that elevate the movie. If you enjoyed the witty banter and poignant moments of M*A*S*H, you should give Period of Adjustment a watch for its exploration of relationships and its charming cast.

Release date: October, 1962
IMDB Rating: 6.2

10) Soldier in the Rain

Soldier in the Rain is a delightful film that shares some similarities with M*A*S*H, making it a must-watch for fans of the latter. Both movies fall under the comedy and drama genres and explore the theme of the military. While M*A*S*H focuses on a group of doctors finding humor in the midst of the Korean War, Soldier in the Rain takes a different approach. It tells the story of the bond between a seasoned Army Master Sergeant and his naive admirer. Despite their differences, both films use comedy to shed light on the realities of military life. Soldier in the Rain stands out with its unexpectedly dramatic moments, like the touching and romantic scene between Tuesday Weld and Jackie Gleason at the fair. This film proves that even screwball comedies of the 1960s can have depth and heart.

Release date: November, 1963
IMDB Rating: 6.7

11) Gone Are the Days!

Gone Are the Days! is a comedy-drama that takes us back to a different time and place, just like M*A*S*H did. While M*A*S*H used the Korean War as the backdrop for its story, Gone Are the Days! is set on a plantation. Both movies highlight the absurdity of their respective situations, using satire and humor to shed light on serious topics. M*A*S*H showed us that laughter can be the best medicine, and Gone Are the Days! follows suit by delivering hilarious moments despite its low budget. The cast in both movies is exceptional, with charismatic performances that make us laugh and think. While M*A*S*H was a TV series, and Gone Are the Days! is a cinema movie, they both captivate the audience with their charm and wit. If you enjoyed M*A*S*H, you should definitely watch Gone Are the Days! for a different but equally entertaining experience.

Release date: September, 1963
IMDB Rating: 6.5

12) The Moonshine War

The Moonshine War is reminiscent of M*A*S*H in its humorous take on a serious subject. While M*A*S*H uses laughter to cope with the Korean War, The Moonshine War finds humor in the last days of Prohibition. Both movies use satire to shed light on the absurdities of their respective time periods. Alan Alda, known for his role in M*A*S*H, delivers a completely different performance in The Moonshine War as a moonshiner with valuable whiskey. In this film, he shares the screen with Richard Widmark, who plays a gangster, and Patrick McGoohan, who portrays a treasury agent. The Moonshine War is an entertaining watch, not quite reaching the same heights as M*A*S*H but still enjoyable. So, if you've seen M*A*S*H and want to see Alan Alda in a different role, grab some popcorn and settle in for The Moonshine War.

Release date: November, 1970
IMDB Rating: 5.9

13) California Suite

California Suite: This movie is reminiscent of M*A*S*H in its comedic portrayal of a group of characters in unconventional circumstances. While M*A*S*H uses laughter to cope with the horrors of war in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, California Suite takes a lighter approach, showcasing the misadventures of four groups of guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Both movies bring together an ensemble cast, with California Suite featuring the talents of Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, and Maggie Smith. While M*A*S*H focuses on the satire of war, California Suite explores the complexities of human relationships with humor and charm. So, if you enjoyed the witty banter and clever storytelling of M*A*S*H, California Suite offers a delightful escapade in a different setting.

Release date: December, 1978
IMDB Rating: 6.2

14) Same Time, Next Year

"Same Time, Next Year" takes you on a nostalgic journey through the 50s, 60s, and 70s, just like "M*A*S*H" did for the Korean War era. While "M*A*S*H" used humor to cope with the horrors of war in a field hospital, "Same Time, Next Year" uses comedy and romance to explore the evolving relationship between a married man and a married woman. Both movies capture the essence of their respective time periods, providing a unique perspective on the social issues and cultural norms of the era. While "M*A*S*H" focuses on the camaraderie and satirical commentary of the characters in a war setting, "Same Time, Next Year" delves into the complexities of human relationships and how they evolve over time. So if you enjoyed the witty banter and insightful storytelling of "M*A*S*H," you'll definitely appreciate the charm and nostalgia of "Same Time, Next Year.

Release date: March, 1979
IMDB Rating: 7.2

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