Must-See 9 Holocaust Movies, Documentaries, and Books now

The Holocaust Movies are a complex and devastating period in history, with various films, documentaries, and books that offer a unique perspective on the Holocaust. Some notable works in Holocaust movies include Schindler’s List, Sophie’s Choice, Life Is Beautiful, Kapo, Holocaust, The Pianist, Train of Life, Fateless, and Playing for Time. Schindler’s List is a 1993 American historical drama film based on the novel by Thomas Keneally, while Sophie’s Choice is a 1982 American drama film about a Polish immigrant who survived Auschwitz.

Life Is Beautiful is an Italian comedy-drama film about a Jewish bookshop owner’s efforts to protect his son from internment in a Nazi concentration camp. Fateless is a 2005 Hungarian drama film about a teenage boy’s experiences in Auschwitz and Buchenwald.

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Table of Contents

Are you seeking recommendations for Holocaust movies, documentaries, and books? This article presents a curated selection of acclaimed works that offer profound insights into this dark period in history. Here are some of the must-see Holocaust movies, documentaries, and books that you can consider:

Section 1: Holocaust Movies

Here are some of the must-see Holocaust movies that you can consider:

“Schindler’s List” (1993)
- Directed by Steven Spielberg
- Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler
- Winner of seven Academy Awards
Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” movingly portrays Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Jewish lives during the Holocaust. This masterpiece clinched seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
“Life is Beautiful” (1997)
- An Italian film that masterfully blends humor and tragedy
- Winner of three Academy Awards
“Life is Beautiful” is a heartwarming Italian gem that skillfully combines humor and heartache. It narrates the story of a Jewish father who shields his son from the grim reality of a Nazi concentration camp through a fantastical game. The film secured three Academy Awards.
“The Pianist” (2002)
- Directed by Roman Polanski
- Based on the true story of Władysław Szpilman
- Winner of three Academy Awards
Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist” provides a gripping account of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust. The film received three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Actor.
“Sophie’s Choice” (1982)
- Adapted from William Styron’s novel
- Meryl Streep’s award-winning performance
“Sophie’s Choice” brings to life the harrowing tale of Sophie Zawistowska, a Polish immigrant who survived Auschwitz but lost her family. Meryl Streep’s remarkable performance earned her an Academy Award.
“The Diary of Anne Frank” (1959)
- Based on Anne Frank’s diary
- Shelley Winters’ Academy Award-winning performance
This film offers a poignant adaptation of Anne Frank’s diary, providing a window into her family’s life in hiding during the Nazi occupation. Shelley Winters won an Academy Award for her role.
“Son of Saul” (2015)
- A haunting Hungarian film set in Auschwitz
- Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film
“Son of Saul” is a haunting Hungarian film that delves into the life of Saul Ausländer, a Jewish prisoner in Auschwitz forced to work in the crematoriums. It received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” (2008)
- A poignant British-American film
- Nominated for several awards
This British-American film tells the touching story of eight-year-old Bruno, who forms an unlikely friendship with a Jewish boy named Shmuel through the fence of a concentration camp. It garnered multiple award nominations.

Section 2: Holocaust Documentaries

“Shoah” (1985)
- Directed by Claude Lanzmann
- A nine-hour oral history of the Holocaust
- Widely praised for its depth and emotional impact
“Shoah” stands as a monumental documentary, offering a nine-hour oral history of the Holocaust. Directed by Claude Lanzmann, it features interviews with survivors, witnesses, and even perpetrators, leaving a profound impact on viewers.
“Night and Fog” (1955)
- Directed by Alain Resnais
- A poignant short film that delves into Nazi concentration camps
- Praised for its artistic merit
“Night and Fog” is a powerful short film that explores the horrors of Nazi concentration camps. Directed by Alain Resnais, it combines powerful footage from the camps with evocative narration, creating a visually striking and emotionally resonant work.
“The Sorrow and the Pity” (1969)
- Directed by Marcel Ophüls
- Explores life in France during the Nazi occupation
- Praised for its historical accuracy
Marcel Ophüls’ “The Sorrow and the Pity” provides an in-depth exploration of life in France during the Nazi occupation. The documentary features interviews with French citizens who lived through this tumultuous period and examines the complex issue of collaboration.
“Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State” (2005)
- A documentary series that delves into life in Auschwitz
- Features survivor interviews
- Praised for its historical accuracy
This documentary series offers a comprehensive look at life in Auschwitz, one of the most notorious concentration camps. It includes powerful survivor interviews and is lauded for its historical accuracy.
“The Last Days” (1999)
- Directed by James Moll
- Chronicles the journey of five Hungarian Jews from Auschwitz to freedom
- Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature (1999)
“The Last Days” is a deeply moving documentary that follows the journey of five Hungarian Jews who survived Auschwitz and their pursuit of freedom. The film received the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1999.

Section 3: Holocaust Books

“Night” by Elie Wiesel
- An autobiographical account of Auschwitz and Buchenwald
- A powerful portrayal of the horrors of the Holocaust
Elie Wiesel’s “Night” offers a haunting autobiographical account of his experiences in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. It powerfully portrays the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust and its profound impact on the human spirit.
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl
- A memoir of Auschwitz experiences
- Explores the psychological effects of the Holocaust and the importance of finding meaning in adversity
Viktor E. Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” is a profound memoir of his time in Auschwitz. It delves into the psychological effects of the Holocaust and argues that finding meaning in life can help individuals overcome even the darkest of circumstances.
“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
- Anne Frank’s firsthand account of life in hiding
- Honesty and insight into the human experience
Anne Frank’s diary, “The Diary of a Young Girl,” provides a poignant firsthand account of life in hiding during the Nazi occupation. It stands as a testament to honesty and offers invaluable insights into the human experience.
“Survival in Auschwitz” by Primo Levi
- A memoir of daily struggles in Auschwitz
- A vivid portrayal of life in the concentration camp
Primo Levi’s “Survival in Auschwitz” offers a vivid memoir of his daily struggles in Auschwitz. It provides a stark and unflinching portrayal of life in the concentration camp.
“The Holocaust: A History of the Jews of Europe During the Second World War” by Martin Gilbert
- A comprehensive history of the Holocaust
- Details the events leading up to the Holocaust and the genocide itself
Martin Gilbert’s “The Holocaust” serves as a comprehensive history of the Holocaust. It provides an in-depth overview of the events leading up to this tragic period and offers a detailed account of the genocide.
“The Nazi Doctors: Medical Killing and the Psychology of Genocide” by Robert Jay Lifton
- Explores the role of doctors in the Holocaust
- Examines the psychological impact on doctors
Robert Jay Lifton’s book delves into the disturbing role of doctors in the Holocaust, examining how they justified their participation and the impact on their own psychology.
“The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness” by Simon Wiesenthal
- Memoir exploring forgiveness and justice after the Holocaust
Simon Wiesenthal’s “The Sunflower” is a thought-provoking memoir that explores complex questions of forgiveness and justice in the aftermath of the Holocaust.

Conclusion: Holocaust Movies, Documentaries, and Books

Which one of these books won the most awards? “Night” by Elie Wiesel stands out with over 40 awards, including the National Jewish Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction. Explore these movies, documentaries, and books to gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust, ensuring that the memories of this tragic history are never forgotten.

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