The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted not only the region but the entire world. This conflict has been depicted in a range of films, capturing the resilience, struggle, and humanity of those affected. From documentaries and dramas to historical reflections and future projections, these films offer diverse perspectives on the realities of war, the personal stories of those on the front lines, and the historical context that continues to shape Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
In this article, we explore 20 notable films that delve into the war in Ukraine. These films provide valuable insight into the courage, sacrifices, and indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people, and they offer audiences around the globe a deeper understanding of the conflict and its lasting effects.
Table of Contents
- Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (2015)
- Donbass (2018)
- Cyborgs: Heroes Never Die (2017)
- The Earth Is Blue as an Orange (2020)
- Ukraine on Fire (2016)
- Homeward (2019)
- Breaking Point: The War for Democracy in Ukraine (2017)
- Bad Roads (2020)
- Mr. Jones (2019)
- No Obvious Signs (2018)
- This Rain Will Never Stop (2020)
- Mariupolis (2016)
- Atlantis (2019)
- The Distant Barking of Dogs (2017)
- Invisible Battalion (2017)
- Sniper: The White Raven (2022)
- War Note (2020)
- The War of Chimeras (2017)
- The Guide (2014)
- Klondike (2022)
1. Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (2015)
This documentary captures the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests in Ukraine, showing how the fight for democracy and freedom led to the larger conflict with Russia.
2. Donbass (2018)
A surreal look at life in the war-torn Donbass region, exploring how propaganda, violence, and human rights abuses affect civilians caught in the conflict.
3. Cyborgs: Heroes Never Die (2017)
Based on real events, this movie tells the story of Ukrainian soldiers defending Donetsk Airport, symbolizing resilience and sacrifice.
4. The Earth Is Blue as an Orange (2020)
A family living in Donbass uses filmmaking as a way to cope with the horrors of war. This documentary explores the healing power of art amid chaos.
5. Ukraine on Fire (2016)
Directed by Oliver Stone, this documentary examines Ukraine's history with Russia and the West, offering a unique perspective on the geopolitical struggles that led to the war.
6. Homeward (2019)
Following the story of a Crimean Tatar father and son, this drama delves into themes of loss, heritage, and the emotional toll of displacement due to war.
7. Breaking Point: The War for Democracy in Ukraine (2017)
An in-depth documentary chronicling the stories of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who joined the fight for their country’s future.
8. Bad Roads (2020)
This series of vignettes takes viewers on a journey through war-torn Eastern Ukraine, highlighting personal, often haunting stories of those affected.
9. Mr. Jones (2019)
While set in the 1930s, this biographical thriller reveals the horror of the Holodomor in Ukraine, linking historical suffering to contemporary struggles.
10. No Obvious Signs (2018)
This documentary examines the hidden scars of war by following a female soldier’s journey through post-traumatic stress disorder.
11. This Rain Will Never Stop (2020)
An exploration of war's cyclical nature through the story of a young Red Cross worker navigating personal and cultural conflict.
12. Mariupolis (2016)
Documenting daily life in Mariupol, this film provides an observational look at the resilience of civilians in a city on the brink.
13. Atlantis (2019)
Set in a near-future Ukraine after the war, this haunting film explores the psychological scars and efforts at healing in a ravaged landscape.
14. The Distant Barking of Dogs (2017)
Following a boy living on the front lines, this documentary provides an intimate view of childhood impacted by the trauma of war.
15. Invisible Battalion (2017)
Highlighting the experiences of female Ukrainian soldiers, this documentary challenges stereotypes and portrays women’s significant roles in the war.
16. Sniper: The White Raven (2022)
A fictionalized account of a Ukrainian sniper's journey, inspired by real-life stories from the front lines.
17. War Note (2020)
This documentary uses raw footage from soldiers’ cameras, providing an unfiltered and personal look at the daily reality of warfare.
18. The War of Chimeras (2017)
Blending documentary and fiction, this film follows a young couple as they cope with the horrors of war and the loss of loved ones.
19. The Guide (2014)
Set against the backdrop of Stalin's repression in 1930s Ukraine, this historical drama mirrors themes of resistance that resonate with Ukraine’s present.
20. Klondike (2022)
Set during the early days of the war, this film explores a pregnant woman’s life near the Donetsk airport, underscoring the futility and tragedy of conflict.