Stream the 'Best World War II Movie' Ever, 'Come and See,' for Free on YouTube
The horrors of World War II have been depicted on screen by many incredibly talented filmmakers who've made stunning works about the global conflict. Recently, an uncompromising film that can be streamed for free was chosen as the greatest of them all when it was ranked as the "best World War II movie" ever made.
Why Critics Ranked the Film No. 1
In May 2026, Time Out published its ranking of the 50 "best World War II movies." The list featured films released between 1942 and 2023 that were produced in several countries and languages. Ultimately, the outlet chose the 1985 Soviet film Come and See as the No. 1 entry.
While explaining its choice, Time Out praised Come and See for getting closer to depicting the "ruthlessly discombobulating sensory experience of war" than any other film. It also described the movie as a "disorienting, downbeat and unforgettable classic" that "argues convincingly that there are no heroes in war, only victims and perpetrators."
There are several other aspects of Come and See that make it a stunning cinematic achievement that Time Out didn't mention. Aleksei Kravchenko's central performance as a young soldier who is thrust into the worst humanity has to offer is astonishing to behold. The Elem Klimov-directed film also effectively makes viewers feel like they have been put through an ordeal when the credits roll due to several truly haunting sequences. While it is so intense that it certainly isn't for everyone, it is easy to see why Time Out chose to have Come and See top its list.
The Top 20: Time Out's "Best World War II Movies"
- No. 20 Where Eagles Dare (1968)
- No. 19 From Here to Eternity (1953)
- No. 18 Night and Fog (1956)
- No. 17 Listen to Britain (1942) / Fires Were Started (1943)
- No. 16 The Dirty Dozen (1967)
- No. 15 Rome, Open City (1945)
- No. 14 Cross of Iron (1977)
- No. 13 Kanal (1956)
- No. 12 Saving Private Ryan (1998)
- No. 11 Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
- No. 10 The Big Red One (1980)
- No. 9 A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
- No. 8 The Cranes Are Flying (1957)
- No. 7 Dunkirk (2017)
- No. 6 Went the Day Well? (1942)
- No. 5 Das Boot (1981)
- No. 4 Shoah (1985)
- No. 3 Schindler's List (1993)
- No. 2 The Thin Red Line (1998)
- No. 1 Come and See (1985)
How to Stream the Movie for Free
Before naming Come and See the "best World War II movie," Time Out published a separate list of legitimately great movies that can be watched on YouTube for free. Despite how intense and unflinching the film undeniably is, it can be watched on YouTube at this link without signing up for an account. It is available on the "Mosfilm" YouTube channel, which is one of the production companies behind Come and See.
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 7:15 AM.