Overview
A gripping portrayal of courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds during World War II.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- sober
- stoic
- elegiac
- classic cinema night
- military history viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as a beautifully directed, meticulously detailed, and moving World War II film distinguished by strong photography and Robert Montgomery's performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Brickley's PT boat squadron repeatedly proves its tactical value while the broader Philippine campaign collapses.
Critics specifically praised the film's vigorous open-air photography and its detailed maritime combat scenes.
The outnumbered American forces continue their mission despite the campaign's increasingly inevitable failure.
The central unit consists of experimental Patrol Torpedo boats whose speed and attack role drive the action.
Films like They Were Expendable, and why
Sands of Iwo Jima
shared World War II combat drama, military camaraderie, and tragic battlefield realism
In Harm's Way
shared Pacific Theater setting, naval warfare, sacrifice, and stoic wartime tone
The Long Gray Line
shared John Ford direction, wartime brotherhood, and emotionally restrained military drama
The Battle of Algiers
shared doomed military campaign, ensemble sacrifice, and sober anti-glory perspective
Movie Details
- Director
- John Ford
- Release Date
- 1945-12-07
- Runtime
- 135 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (140)
Cast
- Robert Montgomery
- John Wayne
- Donna Reed
- Jack Holt
- Ward Bond
- Marshall Thompson
- Paul Langton
- Leon Ames
- Arthur Walsh
- Donald Curtis
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is They Were Expendable about?
- John Ford’s sober Pacific War drama follows a pioneering PT boat squadron fighting with courage against an overwhelming Japanese advance.
- What is They Were Expendable like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of They Were Expendable as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is They Were Expendable violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in They Were Expendable as moderate.
- What did critics think of They Were Expendable?
- Critics broadly regard it as a beautifully directed, meticulously detailed, and moving World War II film distinguished by strong photography and Robert Montgomery's performance.
- Which films are like They Were Expendable?
- Films with a similar feel include Sands of Iwo Jima, In Harm's Way, The Long Gray Line, and The Battle of Algiers.
- How long is They Were Expendable?
- They Were Expendable runs 135 minutes.
- Where can I watch They Were Expendable?
- In United States, They Were Expendable is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
