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Dunkirk tops UK poll for best second world war film

Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk is voted the favorite in a new poll on war movies.

May 10, 2025 at 09:32 AM

Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk tops poll of UK’s favourite second world war films

Dunkirk led a poll of the UK’s top second world war films, showcasing a mix of classics and modern favorites.

Dunkirk named UK’s favorite second world war film

Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk has been voted the UK’s favorite second world war film, surpassing classics like The Dam Busters and The Bridge on the River Kwai. Released in 2017, the film visually depicts the 1940 evacuation of Allied troops from France and stars actors such as Harry Styles and Cillian Murphy. Following Dunkirk, Saving Private Ryan came in second, while The Great Escape took third place. The top five also features The Dam Busters and Battle of Britain. The poll was conducted by Deltapoll for the War Movie Theatre podcast, which highlights a blend of both recent and classic war films.

Key Takeaways

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Dunkirk voted UK's top second world war film

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Poll shows combination of modern and classic favorites

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Themes of heroism and conflict remain strong in war narratives

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Debate on film representation continues among critics

"Cinema has always been looking for great stories, and war provides everything, heroism, moral conflict, adventure, romance."

Robert Hutton emphasizes the compelling nature of war stories in cinema.

"It's not surprising that Dunkirk is top of the list; it's the most successful war movie of the last decade."

Hutton discusses Dunkirk's popularity versus classic films.

"I'm a little sad that John Mills... doesn’t get a film in this list."

Hutton expresses nostalgia for classic wartime actors in film rankings.

"But mainly I'm appalled to see Pearl Harbor on the list, which ought to be a war crime."

Hutton critiques the inclusion of Pearl Harbor, reflecting debates around the film's quality.

The results of the poll reflect a strong appreciation for traditional narratives about the second world war, with many voters favoring films from the golden era of cinema. This trend suggests a nostalgic connection many have with the storytelling style used during that time. Interestingly, the mix of newer films like Dunkirk with classics hints at how contemporary directors are influenced by their predecessors. Robert Hutton from the podcast noted the enduring appeal of war stories in cinema, emphasizing their themes of heroism and moral conflict. However, some critics express disappointment over the absence of certain iconic films, such as those featuring John Mills or Alistair MacLean. This reveals an ongoing conversation about the cultural significance of war films and their representation in modern polls.