10 Must-Watch Movies That Boldly Fight Against Fascism!

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Numerous individuals express apprehension about the current political atmosphere in the United States. Some analysts and commentators, as well as the present vice president, have likened President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler and his administration to a fascist government. Moreover, Elon Musk’s recent gesture towards an audience, which bore a striking resemblance to a Nazi salute, has not improved the situation. In light of this political turbulence, it seems fitting to reflect on some of cinema’s most impactful anti-fascist films during this period.

These movies offer stark critiques of the ideologies embedded in fascism, depicting the perils of authoritarian rule and the suppression of minorities. By doing so, filmmakers underscore the devastating consequences of fascism on society, revealing how it undermines human rights and democratic values. Yet, these films also chronicle the struggles of tenacious characters who champion freedom, figures who defy tyranny and challenge oppressive systems at great personal risk. Arranged by their release years, these 10 movies function as a warning and a rallying cry, urging viewers to remember the precarious nature of liberty and its importance in preservation.

10
‘Jojo Rabbit’ (2019)

There’s nothing more indicative of fascism than World War II and Adolf Hitler, but the movie “Jojo Rabbit” stands out. The film tells the story of a naive Hitler Youth named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) who has a different perspective on the war and Jewish people when he discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is concealing a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their household.

By employing satire and absurd comedy, the film “Jojo Rabbit” playfully criticizes fascism and the Nazi regime, with Jojo’s fictional and foolish friend, Hitler (portrayed by Taika Waititi). Initially, the movie maintains a comedic tone, but as the harsh realities of war begin to affect Jojo personally, the atmosphere becomes more somber. In a succession of poignant scenes, Jojo encounters the devastating consequences of fascism as he loses loved ones one after another and witnesses his hometown being decimated by conflict. Eventually, Jojo comes to understand that his admired fascist figures don’t value him, and that Jews are not despicable as he had been led to believe. In the climax, Jojo decisively discards Hitler and his fascist beliefs from his life – quite literally.

9
‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

Imagine a situation where a group of soldiers, with an intense hatred for the Nazis, managed to assassinate Hitler and bring an end to World War II on their own terms. Instead of speculating about this hypothetical storyline, you can experience it through Quentin Tarantino’s film Inglourious Basterds. This movie follows several characters from different locations, all sharing a strong loathing for the Nazi regime. As Lieutenant Aldo Raine says during his recruitment speech, “Our mission is clear: we’re here to do one thing and one thing only – eliminate Nazis.” And that’s essentially what the entire film revolves around.

In a style reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino, the movie brutally eliminates Nazis in gruesome manners, ranging from scalping to being brutally clubbed with baseball bats. It satirizes a caricatured representation of Hitler, but it’s not Hitler who serves as the main antagonist in this tale. Instead, the ruthless and cunning officer Hans Landa (played by Christoph Waltz) takes on that role. Considered one of Tarantino’s finest works, Inglourious Basterds revises history and offers a revised, more satisfying end to Hitler’s life narrative.

8
‘V for Vendetta’ (2006)

In essence, the movie “V for Vendetta,” derived from the graphic novel of the same title, portrays a chilling vision of England transformed into a oppressive totalitarian regime. The lone figure who dares to defy this tyranny is an enigmatic, lethal vigilante identified merely as ‘V’ (portrayed by Hugo Weaving). V breathes his last in a manner as dramatic as his life, yet it seems vital for the storyline’s resolution. In one of his dying words, V imparts, “Under this mask is not just skin and bone, but an idea, Mr. Creedy. Ideas are impervious to bullets.” This quote, echoing from the film, embodies the thought that a potent idea has the power to transform and inspire the world.

V’s actions stir the suppressed populace of England, prompting them to rise against the oppressive regime governing their land. Eventually, V entrusts his cause to his disciple, Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman). She positions V’s body onto a train laden with explosives and guides it toward Parliament. As the train detonates, the sound of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture resonates, mirroring the rhythm of the building’s destruction. Simultaneously, numerous individuals wearing V’s signature Guy Fawkes mask bear witness in awe, finally finding liberation.

7
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

The film “Pan’s Labyrinth,” directed by Guillermo del Toro, is often considered his greatest work. This captivating tale unfolds in 1944 Spain under fascist rule, where we meet Ofelia (played by Ivana Baquero), a young girl who is presented with a magical mission to gain immortality and restore her rightful place as a princess in her kingdom. As Ofelia ventures forth on this enchanting journey, the adult characters become entangled in a tumultuous rebellion against their oppressors.

In “Pan’s Labyrinth,” we encounter one of cinema’s most detestable antagonists, Captain Vidal (played by Sergi López), a fascist character who unflinchingly resorts to brutality to uphold order. This film is a dark fairy tale that skillfully blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy, juxtaposing the harshness of adult life – war, fascism, oppression, and violence – with the purity and enchantment of childhood.

6
‘American History X’ (1998)

The movie “American History X” presents two narratives concurrently. One storyline revolves around the imprisonment of a violent Neo-Nazi, Derek (played by Edward Norton), and how his extremist views influence his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong). At the beginning, Derek is deeply involved in a hate group that discriminates against people of color.

In prison, Derek experiences a transformation when he’s deserted by his Neo-Nazi associates and forms an unlikely friendship with an African-American inmate who later rescues him. Upon release, Derek emerges as a changed person, having adopted a broader perspective on life. However, his efforts to shield his brother from their previous way of life and ideologies come too late. The film’s somber conclusion serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of fascism and racism, highlighting the inequalities that lie beneath each.

5
‘Come and See’ (1985)

The movie titled “Come and See” is a Soviet film that delves into the anti-war theme. It chronicles the story of a young man who becomes part of a resistance group as they struggle against Germany’s invasion of Belarus during World War II.

The movie “Come and See” is often praised as a powerful anti-war and anti-fascist masterpiece. It stands out for its chilling and authentic depiction of war, covering everything from the heart-wrenching realities of war crimes to the profound psychological scars left by combat. Since it first hit the screens, it has earned a reputation as one of the greatest films ever produced.

4
‘Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Stepping into the realm of cinema, I embark on a thrilling retrospective of the timeless saga, “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”. As an intrepid moviegoer, I find myself introduced to the indomitable spirit of Indiana Jones, portrayed by none other than Harrison Ford. In this inaugural cinematic escapade, our hero embarks on a global quest to unearth one of history’s most enigmatic lost artifacts – the Ark of the Covenant. Yet, it’s not just about finding the Ark; rather, the stakes are heightened as he races against time to secure the Ark before it falls into the hands of the relentless Nazi forces.

Similar to how the U.S. government worries about the consequences if Hitler’s fascist regime obtains a weapon of mass destruction before them, Indiana shares the same concern. Fortunately, Indy manages to secure the Ark and supposedly places it in the care of trusted individuals for safekeeping.

3
‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)

In a more casual and relatable way, one could say: Just like our world, there are oppressive regimes even in a distant galaxy. The story of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” revolves around an unconventional group of rebels standing up against the tyrannical empire that dominates their galaxy.

In simpler terms, the evil character known as Darth Vader symbolizes the oppressive system of fascism, employing force and brutality to suppress any dissent. Our protagonists embark on a grand galactic adventure, battling for their liberty while challenging Darth Vader and his ruling Empire.

2
‘Casablanca’ (1942)

1941 finds Rick Blaine, a suave nightclub proprietor in Casablanca, unexpectedly encountering his former lover Ilsa during the turmoil of World War II. As an American in 1941, Rick embodies a man torn between isolationism and a complex ethical dilemma, with no desire to be entangled in the ongoing conflict.

Just as I found myself drawn into the heart of America’s struggles, so too did Rick find himself ensnared by larger forces beyond his control. Reluctantly, he transformed into a hero, placing his love for Ilsa aside to assist her husband in their ongoing battle against the oppressive Nazis. This selfless act paved the way for one of cinema’s most unforgettable endings.

1
‘The Great Dictator’ (1940)

Perhaps the most influential and widely recognized anti-fascist movie is ‘The Great Dictator.’ This film was created and acted in by the legendary Charlie Chaplin, marking his debut into the realm of true sound films. The storyline revolves around a ruthless dictator and an impoverished Jewish barber, both portrayed by Chaplin.

During that period, America maintained a neutral stance towards Nazi Germany and World War II, but Charlie Chaplin was anything but indifferent. Spurred by the growing turmoil abroad, he employed political satire and dark humor to criticize fascism and its prominent figures like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. His portrayal of a fascist dictator in The Great Dictator is strikingly reminiscent of Hitler. In fact, the movie targets fascism in every scene, even using Esperanto, a language that Hitler disapproved of, for shop signs in the ghetto.

As legend goes, Chaplin dispatched a version of his film to Hitler. Later on, the filmmaker expressed that if he had been aware of the full horrors of the Holocaust, he wouldn’t have produced The Great Dictator. It might be fortunate for us that he didn’t find out, as it would have prevented him from creating one of the most impactful films in movie history.

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2025-02-06 05:32