16 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Paths of Glory

Spartacus, like Paths of Glory, is a captivating and grandiose film that tells an epic story. While Paths of Glory focuses on the futility and insanity of war during World War I, Spartacus takes us back to the time of the Roman Republic and follows the slave rebellion led by the courageous Spartacus. Both films showcase Stanley Kubrick's ability to create visually stunning scenes and draw exceptional performances from the cast.
Paths of Glory explores the depths of the human spirit and the hypocrisy of the military commanding class, while Spartacus delves into themes of freedom, power, and rebellion. The two movies may be set in different time periods, but their underlying messages resonate strongly. While some may criticize the historical inaccuracies in Spartacus, it is important to remember that it is a movie meant to entertain and convey a story to the viewer, which it does with great success.

Witness for the Prosecution is reminiscent of Paths of Glory in its gripping courtroom drama and unexpected plot twists. While Paths of Glory focuses on the horrors of war and the moral dilemma faced by soldiers, Witness for the Prosecution delves into the intricacies of a murder trial. Both movies feature powerful performances from their lead actors, with Kirk Douglas delivering a compassionate portrayal of a French Colonel in Paths of Glory and Tyrone Power giving a memorable performance as Leonard Vole in Witness for the Prosecution. Moreover, both films explore themes of justice and the flaws within the legal system. However, Paths of Glory is set in the backdrop of World War I, emphasizing the futility of war, while Witness for the Prosecution takes place in a courtroom, highlighting the complexities of the legal process. With its surprising twists and stellar performances, Witness for the Prosecution is a must-watch for those who enjoyed the thought-provoking nature of Paths of Glory.

Journey's End is a captivating and deeply moving film that takes us back to France in 1917, during the horrors of World War I. While it may not have the same sensational antiwar treatise as Paths of Glory, it offers a unique perspective on the war. The story revolves around an alcoholic captain who fears that his new replacement, the brother of his sweetheart, will ultimately lead to his downfall. Unlike Paths of Glory, which delves into the futility and insanity of war, Journey's End focuses more on the personal relationships and the brotherly love formed amidst the stress of battle. It provides a nuanced look at the emotional toll that war takes on individuals. Although it may not be as well-known as Paths of Glory, Journey's End is certainly worth watching for its authentic portrayal of the trenches and its exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Tolkien, like Paths of Glory, transports viewers to a time of conflict, where the horrors of war leave an indelible mark on its characters. While Paths of Glory delves into the trenches of World War I, Tolkien explores the impact of the war on the legendary author's life. Both films capture the essence of the era, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices of those caught in the chaos of battle. However, while Paths of Glory focuses on the soldiers and their commanding officer, Tolkien takes a more personal approach, delving into the life of J.R.R. Tolkien himself. Through his relationships, experiences, and the power of storytelling, Tolkien finds solace and inspiration amidst the turmoil. With its captivating performances and the backdrop of World War I, Tolkien offers a unique perspective on the life of a literary genius.

Journey's End is a movie that takes us back to the trenches of World War I, just like Paths of Glory. While Paths of Glory focuses on the accusation of cowardice against soldiers and the subsequent defense by their commanding officer, Journey's End delves into the lives of a group of British officers as they await their fate in a dugout. Both films capture the horrors and futility of war, but in different ways. Paths of Glory presents a relentless denouncement of the military commanding class, while Journey's End reflects on the human spirit in adversity. The characters in both movies face unimaginable challenges and are forced to confront the harsh realities of war. If you enjoyed Paths of Glory, Journey's End offers a poignant and beautifully written reflection on the sacrifices made by soldiers and the psychological toll of war.

All Quiet on the Western Front is reminiscent of Paths of Glory, but with its own unique flavor. While both movies explore the harrowing experiences of soldiers during World War I, All Quiet on the Western Front takes a slightly different approach. It immerses the audience in the terrifying realities of war, using the horrors of the western front to sober them with facts and dismal truths. The film's story is worth telling, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll. It gracefully handles weighty themes such as a young man's journey through war, the difficulties of combat, the cruelty of desperation, and the value of friendship and camaraderie. With first-rate production values, breathtaking visuals, and a terrific score (though slightly over the top at times), the film oozes with artistry. However, its drawn-out length, occasional plot dragging, and a few confusing moments hamper its overall impact.

Home of the Brave is reminiscent of Paths of Glory in its portrayal of the harsh realities of war and the impact it has on the soldiers. Both movies delve into the psychological and emotional toll of warfare, highlighting the futility and insanity of it all. Paths of Glory focuses on a French Colonel who must defend his soldiers against charges of cowardice, while Home of the Brave explores racial tensions among a reconnaissance platoon during World War II. The two films share a similar theme of moral courage and the struggle against injustice within the military. However, Home of the Brave takes a different angle by examining racial bigotry of its time, adding another layer of complexity to the story. Overall, both movies offer thought-provoking and intelligent perspectives on war, making them essential viewing for those interested in exploring the human experience in times of conflict.

The Pathfinder, released in 1952, shares some similarities with Paths of Glory. Both films take place during wartime and involve military officers as central characters. However, that's where the similarities end. While Paths of Glory is a gripping and thought-provoking antiwar drama set in World War I, The Pathfinder leans more towards an adventure and Western genre. The Pathfinder tells the story of a white man raised by the Mohican Indians who joins forces with the British army to seek revenge on the Mingo warriors and the French. The film takes us on a mission to retrieve secret plans from a French fort. Although it may not reach the same level of critical acclaim as Paths of Glory, The Pathfinder offers a nostalgic journey through the wilderness, complete with Technicolor visuals and a fine supporting cast. So, if you're a fan of military-themed films and enjoy a touch of adventure, The Pathfinder is worth watching.

The Longest Day is reminiscent of Paths of Glory in its epic scale and its portrayal of war from multiple perspectives. While Paths of Glory focuses on the futility and insanity of World War I trench warfare, The Longest Day takes on the monumental task of documenting the events of D-Day during World War II. Both films feature all-star casts and meticulously detail the military operations, showcasing the experiences of soldiers and commanders on both sides of the conflict. However, while Paths of Glory delves into the moral dilemma faced by a commanding officer defending his soldiers against accusations of cowardice, The Longest Day takes a more objective approach, presenting the events of Operation "Overlord" without a pro-war or anti-war agenda. If you enjoyed Paths of Glory's thought-provoking examination of the human cost of war, you should watch The Longest Day to witness the sheer scale and complexity of one of the most pivotal moments in history.

The Better 'Ole" takes us back to the trenches of the First World War, just like Paths of Glory did, but with a comedic twist. While Paths of Glory portrayed the harsh realities of war and the injustices faced by soldiers, The Better 'Ole" offers a lighthearted take on the subject. The adventures of Old Bill and his friends Bert and Alf provide a humorous and entertaining perspective on life in the trenches. While Paths of Glory focused on the drama and intensity of the war, The Better 'Ole" embraces the comedy and camaraderie that can be found even in the darkest of times. So, if you enjoyed Paths of Glory and want to see a different side of the war, The Better 'Ole" is definitely worth a watch.

War Nurse, released in 1930, shares some similarities with Paths of Glory. Both movies explore the theme of war, but from different angles. While Paths of Glory focuses on the heartbreaking consequences of war, War Nurse takes a more romantic and sentimental approach. The two films also depict trench warfare, illustrating the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the front lines. However, War Nurse places a greater emphasis on the experiences of women who volunteer as nurses during World War I. With its touching storyline and exceptional performances, particularly by Anita Page as Joy Meadows, War Nurse captivates the audience and tugs at their heartstrings. If you enjoyed the gripping anti-war message of Paths of Glory, you should definitely give War Nurse a watch for its unique perspective and emotional depth.

Land and Freedom is reminiscent of Paths of Glory in its portrayal of the horrors of war and the struggle for justice. Both movies delve deep into the human psyche and question the morality of military actions. Paths of Glory focuses on the cowardice accusations against soldiers and the subsequent court-martial, while Land and Freedom explores the Spanish Civil War and the fight against fascism. Both films highlight the sacrifices made by ordinary people caught up in the chaos of war and the camaraderie that develops among them. However, Land and Freedom also sheds light on the internal conflicts between different factions fighting for the same cause, specifically the animosity between anarchists and communists. While Paths of Glory is set in World War I and Land and Freedom in the Spanish Civil War, both movies effectively convey the senselessness and futility of war. If you enjoyed the thought-provoking nature of Paths of Glory, Land and Freedom is a must-watch as it offers a similar exploration of war's impact on individuals and society.

The Killing is reminiscent of Paths of Glory, but with a twist. While Paths of Glory is a thought-provoking war drama set during World War I, The Killing takes us into the world of a meticulously-planned racetrack robbery. Both films are masterfully directed by Stanley Kubrick, showcasing his unique style and attention to detail. Paths of Glory captivates with its powerful antiwar message, condemning the military commanding class, while The Killing modernizes the film noir genre with its partly documentary style. The similarities lie in Kubrick's ability to create tension and engage the audience through well-crafted storytelling. However, where Paths of Glory delves into the futility and insanity of war, The Killing explores the complex motives of its characters, from repaying debts to seeking approval from a vamp wife. The women's roles in The Killing may seem old-fashioned by today's standards, but the standout performances of the cast, particularly Elisha Cook Jr.

The Juggler is reminiscent of Paths of Glory, as both movies explore the psychological impact of war on individuals. While Paths of Glory focuses on the soldiers in the trenches during World War I, The Juggler takes place in 1949 and follows the story of Hans Muller, a former concentration camp inmate who struggles to adjust to peacetime life in Israel. Both films delve into the trauma and psychological problems faced by their main characters, with Kirk Douglas delivering solid performances in both movies. However, Paths of Glory is a powerful anti-war drama that denounces the military commanding class, while The Juggler falls short of making a lasting impact. The story values of The Juggler are ordinary, and the character development remains somewhat incomplete. Nevertheless, for fans of Kirk Douglas, The Juggler offers an intriguing exploration of the effects of war on a tormented individual.

Act of Love is reminiscent of Paths of Glory because both movies explore the effects of war on individuals. While Paths of Glory focuses on the futility and insanity of war, Act of Love delves into the dark consequences of WWII on individuals during and after the war. Both films portray the brutal impersonality of war and highlight the crushing impact it has on people's lives. Kirk Douglas, who delivers a great performance in both movies, adds to the similarity between the two films. Despite their similarities, Act of Love takes a different approach by incorporating a love story set against the backdrop of war. The film shows how love can flourish even in the midst of chaos and turmoil. If you enjoyed Paths of Glory and want to see Kirk Douglas in another captivating role, Act of Love is a must-watch.

The Hook: In the final days of the Korean War, an enemy airman is captured by three American soldiers who cannot bring themselves to follow the order to execute their prisoner.
"The Hook" is reminiscent of "Paths of Glory" in its exploration of the moral dilemma faced by soldiers during war. While "Paths of Glory" focuses on the cowardice charges against soldiers, "The Hook" delves into the struggle of three American soldiers who find themselves unable to obey orders to execute an enemy airman. Both movies highlight the conflict between duty and humanity, showcasing the emotional toll war takes on individuals. However, unlike "Paths of Glory," which takes place during World War I, "The Hook" is set in the final days of the Korean War. The different historical contexts provide distinct perspectives on the horrors of war and the moral decisions soldiers have to make.