Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- imposing
- earnest
- heightened
- classic war movie marathon
- military history viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film’s grand scale and star cast impressive but criticized its excessive length and substantial historical inaccuracies.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The production was designed for the wide Cinerama screen, presenting massed tanks and battlefield maneuvers as a sweeping visual event.
Lt Col Kiley and Col Hessler represent opposing command perspectives while the film fictionalizes and condenses historical figures and operations.
The plot alternates its focus between American intelligence officer Kiley and German Panzer commander Hessler during the offensive.
Critics specifically objected to altered weather conditions, inaccurate tanks, and a climactic charge staged like a western rather than a sober reconstruction.
Films like Battle of the Bulge, and why
The Longest Day
large-scale world war ii combat spectacle centered on an Allied defensive campaign and strategic command
A Bridge Too Far
morally serious historical war drama depicting Allied and German forces through multiple military perspectives
Patton
expansive wartime adventure with armored combat, command decisions, and a famous ensemble cast
Movie Details
- Director
- Ken Annakin
- Release Date
- 1965-12-16
- Runtime
- 169 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (292)
Cast
- Henry Fonda
- Robert Shaw
- Robert Ryan
- Dana Andrews
- Telly Savalas
- George Montgomery
- Ty Hardin
- Pier Angeli
- Barbara Werle
- Charles Bronson
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Battle of the Bulge about?
- An expansive World War II war drama contrasts American intelligence with a German Panzer command during the Ardennes offensive.
- What is Battle of the Bulge like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Battle of the Bulge as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Battle of the Bulge violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Battle of the Bulge as moderate.
- What did critics think of Battle of the Bulge?
- Critics broadly found the film’s grand scale and star cast impressive but criticized its excessive length and substantial historical inaccuracies.
- Which films are like Battle of the Bulge?
- Films with a similar feel include The Longest Day, A Bridge Too Far, and Patton.
- How long is Battle of the Bulge?
- Battle of the Bulge runs 169 minutes.
- Where can I watch Battle of the Bulge?
- In United States, Battle of the Bulge is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.
