Films about Auschwitz and the Holocaust – Which Ones Are Worth Watching?
April 30, 2021
A selection of 10 films about Auschwitz and the Holocaust – from award-winning productions to controversial titles. Which are worth watching? Check our ranking.
April 30, 2021
Between History and Interpretation: Auschwitz in Cinema
Films about Auschwitz and the Holocaust can be a moving way to acquaint oneself with history, but it is important to approach them with caution. Even works based on facts often contain simplifications or artistic interpretations that may lead to misleading impressions. Staff at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum have repeatedly criticized some popular titles – such as "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" or "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" – for inaccuracies and the reinforcement of myths.
On the other hand, there are films made in cooperation with museums and historians which – although still interpretations – can serve as a valuable prompt for reflection. We have compiled for you a list of 10 feature and documentary films that are worth watching – though sometimes also critically examined.
It is important to remember, however, that no film can replace a personal encounter with history. If you truly want to understand what the Auschwitz camp was, visit the Memorial and Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum – a place that may be silent, but says it all.
10 Films That Help Understand Auschwitz and the Holocaust
1. Strefa interesów (2023, dir. Jonathan Glazer)
The film was made in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and won two Oscars. It portrays the daily life of Commander Rudolf Höss and his family, living behind the camp’s walls. It is a shocking tale of the banality of evil – without depicting violence directly, but with its constant presence in sounds and silences. 🎥 Watch the trailer
2. Shoah (1985, dir. Claude Lanzmann)
A documentary over nine hours long, based solely on the testimonies of survivors, witnesses, and perpetrators. It contains no archival footage – the film’s power lies in the spoken word and memory. It is one of the most acclaimed Holocaust documentaries, recommended by educational institutions worldwide.
3. Auschwitz. Nazi and the “Final Solution” (2005, dir. Laurence Rees, BBC)
This multi-episode BBC documentary, produced in cooperation with the Auschwitz Museum, presents the history of the camp from its inception to liberation, combining reenactments, witness testimonies, and archival materials. It is a valuable and reliable educational resource.
4. Portrecista (2005, dir. Ireneusz Dobrowolski)
This documentary recounts the story of Wilhelm Brasse, a prisoner who took photographs in Auschwitz. It was produced in cooperation with the Museum and serves as a unique testimony to the fate of those behind the barbed wire. 🎥 Film clip (YouTube)
5. Syn Szawła (2015, dir. László Nemes)
This Oscar-winning film tells the story of a member of the Sonderkommando in Auschwitz. It presents camp life from a subjective, claustrophobic perspective – full of sound and unsaid words. Its message is brutal, even though it shows almost no direct violence. 🎥 Trailer (YouTube)
6. Pianista (2002, dir. Roman Polański)
The story of Władysław Szpilman – a Polish-Jewish pianist – is one of the most powerful portrayals of survival in occupied Warsaw. The film won three Oscars and is considered a prime example of well-balanced historical cinema.
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Duration: 7hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Secure your skip-the-line entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and take part in an official guided tour led by a licensed museum educator. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on history in a respectful setting. Skip-the-line tickets are ideal for visitors who prefer to travel to the site independently and join the guided group on location.
Duration: 4hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
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Duration: 11hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
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Based on true events, this film tells the story of a German industrialist who saved over a thousand Jews. Part of the film was shot in Krakow, and today a museum operates in the building of the former factory. It is a classic of the genre and one of the most frequently recommended films about the Holocaust.
8. Korczak (1990, dir. Andrzej Wajda)
This biographical film tells the story of Janusz Korczak, who remained with the children from the Orphanage until the end. Without unnecessary sentimentality, it portrays both dignity and tragedy in one. It is one of the most moving Polish films about the Holocaust.
9. Life is Beautiful (1997, dir. Roberto Benigni)
This Italian drama with elements of comedy tells the story of a father who tries to protect his son in a camp by pretending that everything is just a game. The film is deeply moving, though some historians criticize it for excessive fictionalization. Nevertheless, it is worth watching as a perspective on war seen through a child’s eyes.
10. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008, dir. Mark Herman)
A controversial title. Although popular, it has been criticized by historians and the Auschwitz Museum for numerous inaccuracies – such as the friendship between an SS boy and a Jewish prisoner or the child’s ignorance of the war. It is worth watching, but with a critical perspective and an awareness of its fictional elements.
Summary
Films about Auschwitz and the Holocaust can be moving, educational, and inspiring, but it is important to remember that they are ultimately the vision of the director. Sometimes the portrayal is very accurate, sometimes it is simplified.
If you truly wish to understand the history of Auschwitz, visit the Memorial and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. No film can replace a personal encounter with what transpired there.
Duration: 7h
Live guide
Skip-theLine
Transportation included
