One of the Greatest War Films Arrives on Netflix
Netflix is about to add a critically acclaimed World War II drama to its streaming library, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Hacksaw Ridge (2016), directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield, is widely regarded as one of the finest war movies of the 21st century. Inspired by a true story, the film combines intense battle sequences with a profoundly moving human story, making it a standout among other WWII classics.
Why World War II Movies Continue to Captivate Audiences
World War II has long been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers. From Saving Private Ryan to Dunkirk, directors return to this historic conflict because it blends large-scale action with deeply human stories of courage, sacrifice, and survival. Hacksaw Ridge embraces both elements, but what sets it apart is its focus on an unlikely hero—a soldier who went to war without ever carrying a weapon.
The True Story Behind Hacksaw Ridge
At the center of Hacksaw Ridge is Desmond Doss, played by Andrew Garfield. Doss was a U.S. Army medic during WWII who refused to bear arms due to his religious beliefs. Despite being ostracized by his fellow soldiers for refusing to fight, he went on to save the lives of 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa. For his extraordinary bravery and compassion, Doss became the first conscientious objector to receive the U.S. Medal of Honor.
The film is based on the book Redemption at Hacksaw Ridge by Booton Herndon and brilliantly portrays Doss’s journey from an outcast within his unit to one of the most celebrated war heroes in American history.
Cast, Crew, and Critical Reception
Mel Gibson assembled a remarkable cast to bring this story to life, including Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn, Teresa Palmer, Luke Bracey, Hugo Weaving, and Rachel Griffiths. Andrew Garfield’s performance as Doss was universally praised, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
When it first hit theaters in 2016, Hacksaw Ridge was met with both critical acclaim and audience admiration. The film currently holds an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and boasts an even more impressive 92% audience score. On IMDb, it’s ranked among the top 200 greatest films of all time.
Awards and Box Office Success
Beyond critical praise, Hacksaw Ridge was also a major box office hit. With a modest $40 million budget, it went on to gross over $180 million worldwide. The film secured six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won two Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
When Can You Watch Hacksaw Ridge on Netflix?
Fans of war dramas and historical films will soon be able to stream Hacksaw Ridge on Netflix starting October 1. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of WWII films or simply seeking a riveting story about human courage, this is a must-watch addition to your Netflix queue.
