Overview
A gripping tale of courage and sacrifice unfolds on the front lines of World War II.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- grim
- tense
- austere
- classic war movie night
- serious film night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a taut, focused World War II combat drama elevated by Steve McQueen’s performance and Don Siegel’s efficient direction.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The stranded GIs simulate a substantial force to deter German troops at the Siegfried line.
Reese risks court-martial and launches increasingly reckless attacks to establish that his judgment was right.
A handful of American infantrymen are left holding a wide front opposite a German pillbox and minefield.
The weary soldiers face impossible manpower demands, failed attacks, deaths, and military punishment.
Films like Hell Is for Heroes, and why
The Big Red One
shared world war ii infantry setting, battlefield suspense, and small-unit survival drama
Paths of Glory
shared war film intensity, exhausted soldiers, and morally pressured combat leadership
The Steel Helmet
shared world war ii combat setting, tactical deception, and ensemble military drama
Movie Details
- Director
- Don Siegel
- Release Date
- 1962-06-26
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (140)
Cast
- Steve McQueen
- Bobby Darin
- Fess Parker
- Harry Guardino
- James Coburn
- Mike Kellin
- Joseph Hoover
- Bill Mullikin
- L.Q. Jones
- Michele Montau
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 Hell Is for Heroes about?
- A weary American infantryman gambles everything on a defiant solo assault after his small unit deceives German forces into believing they face a larger army.
- What is Hell Is for Heroes like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Hell Is for Heroes as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Hell Is for Heroes violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Hell Is for Heroes as moderate.
- What did critics think of Hell Is for Heroes?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a taut, focused World War II combat drama elevated by Steve McQueen’s performance and Don Siegel’s efficient direction.
- Which films are like Hell Is for Heroes?
- Films with a similar feel include The Big Red One, Paths of Glory, and The Steel Helmet.
- How long is Hell Is for Heroes?
- Hell Is for Heroes runs 90 minutes.
- Where can I watch Hell Is for Heroes?
- In United States, Hell Is for Heroes is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
