The war, which has been going on since 2014, has become a source of inspiration for many directors who sought to convey to the world the truth about tragedies, heroism and human destinies against the backdrop of hostilities. Here is a list of the most famous films that highlight the realities of the Russian-Ukrainian war, touching on both dramatic and documentary stories.
Gray Bees (2024)
Two residents of the “gray zone” continue to live in an isolated village, despite the danger. Their opposing worldviews and reluctance to leave their home create a tense atmosphere, which is intensified by the appearance of a sniper.
Sniper. The White Raven (2021)
The film is based on the story of a teacher who turns into a sniper because of the war. This film is about the transformation of a pacifist into a fighter who fights loyally for his country.
Vision of a Butterfly (2022)
A female air scout who was in captivity faces difficult moral choices after returning home. The film shows how war changes not only lives, but also people themselves.
Klondike (2022)
The events take place in the village of Grabovoe in the Donetsk region during the shooting down of a Malaysian Boeing 777. The film won the award for directing at the Sundance Film Festival.
20 Days in Mariupol (2023)
A documentary about the siege of Mariupol in 2022. The film conveys the terrible events through the eyes of journalists who remained in the city to record the tragedy. The only Ukrainian film in history to receive an Oscar.
Mirny-21 (2023)
The film describes the heroic story of Luhansk border guards who remained faithful to their oath in 2014, despite enemy pressure.
Cyborgs (2017)
This film tells the story of the defenders of the Donetsk airport, who for four months repelled attacks by Russian troops. Seven volunteers find themselves on combat duty, and each of them has a real prototype. Hero of Ukraine Kyrylo Nedrya acted as a consultant.
Cherkasy (2019)
The film shows the tragic events of the occupation of Crimea in 2014. The crew of the minesweeper “Cherkasy” finds itself blocked in Lake Donuzlav, but, unlike other ships, decides to continue the fight to the last.
Atlantis (2019)
The action takes place in 2025, after Ukraine’s victory in the war. The main character, veteran Serhiy, finds himself in a volunteer job reburial of bodies in Donbas. The film received a prestigious award at the Venice Film Festival.
Bad Roads (2020)
This anthology of five short stories shows the stories of Donbas residents who found themselves on both sides of the line of contact. The dramatic fates of the characters are based on real events that screenwriter Natalka Vorozhbyt collected during the filming of “Cyborgs”.
Reflex (2021)
A military surgeon is captured by Russian executioners. His profession becomes his salvation, but the horrors he experiences leave a deep mark. This is the first Ukrainian film to participate in the main competition of the Venice Film Festival.
Call Sign “Banderas” (2018)
A counterintelligence captain tries to prevent sabotage by returning to his native village, where he is considered a traitor.
Ilovaisk 2014. Battalion “Donbas”
A story about the battles for Ilovaisk, where heroic Ukrainian fighters face the horrors of war and difficult moral choices.
Bucha (2024)
A film about the heroic actions of a citizen of Kazakhstan who saved people in the occupied Kyiv region during a full-scale invasion.
These films are not only about war, but also about humanity, strength of spirit and the fight for freedom. They leave a deep mark in the heart of every viewer.