# The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

> Three World War II veterans struggle to reclaim love, work, dignity, and belonging in an America that has changed while they were away.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/731

## Facts

- Runtime: 171 min
- Genres: Drama, Romance, War
- Director: William Wyler
- Cast: Dana Andrews, Fredric March, Harold Russell, Teresa Wright, Myrna Loy, Cathy O'Donnell, Virginia Mayo, Hoagy Carmichael
- TMDB rating: 7.7/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036868/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: mild
- Mood: humane, melancholic, earnest, classic film night, historical drama viewing

## Synopsis

A poignant exploration of the struggles faced by veterans returning home after war.

## Movies like The Best Years of Our Lives

- [Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)](https://ember.film/movie/26228)
- [Causeway (2022)](https://ember.film/movie/417258)
- [The Men (1950)](https://ember.film/movie/1258)
- [Coming Home (1978)](https://ember.film/movie/19839)
- [Since You Went Away (1944)](https://ember.film/movie/27385)
- [From Here to Eternity (1953)](https://ember.film/movie/6408)
- [The Young Lions (1958)](https://ember.film/movie/25952)
- [Johnny Got His Gun (1971)](https://ember.film/movie/9879)
- [Captain Newman, M.D. (1963)](https://ember.film/movie/21127)
- [The Miniver Story (1950)](https://ember.film/movie/64734)

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