“IF YOU THINK YOU’VE ALREADY SEEN THE MOST INTENSE WAR FILMS… THIS ONE MIGHT CHANGE YOUR MIND.”

‘Greatest ever war film’ on Netflix beats Saving Private Ryan

The war drama is based on true events during WW2 and viewers are calling it ‘one of the best war movies ever – now streaming on Netflix.

The war epic is based on a true story from World War II (Image: Courtesy of Netflix)

Films such as Saving Private Ryan and All Quiet on the Western Front are frequently celebrated as amongst the finest war pictures ever made, yet viewers now claim an ‘unexpected gem’ is mounting a serious challenge to their status. Audiences are hailing the underrated treasure as ‘one of the best war movies ever’ with fans unable to contain their enthusiasm for the

Available on Netflix, Number 24, also known as Nr 24, is a Norwegian biographical war drama inspired by the true story and experiences of resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby during World War II. Gunnar remains Norway’s most decorated citizen, and stands as the sole individual to have received the War Cross with three swords — the nation’s highest military distinction.

The ‘outstanding’ war drama has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (Image: Courtesy of Netflix)

Helmed by John Andreas Andersen, Number 24 originated as an original spec script by debut writer Espen von Ibenfeldt, with a screenplay crafted by Erlend Loe.

The film’s title pays homage to Gunnar, mirroring the most famous code name adopted by the war veteran, who operated as ‘Agent No 24’ or ‘Kjakan’ (The Chin) throughout the Norwegian resistance movement during World War II, reports Wales Online.

The movie’s official synopsis reads: “Young apprentice Gunnar Sønsteby from Rjukan decides to resist Nazi-Germany on the day of the invasion to later become the leader of the “Oslo-gang” carrying out countless daring acts of sabotage making him Norway’s greatest war hero.”

Number 24 made its debut in Norway in October 2024 before landing on Netflix in 2025, where it swiftly claimed the title of the most-streamed film in Norway during its opening weeks following release.

The sweeping war drama features Sjur Vatne Brean and Erik Hivju sharing the lead role of decorated war veteran Gunnar Sønsteby, with Sjur portraying the hero in his younger years and Erik depicting him in later life. The pair are supported by Philip Helgar, Magnus Dugdale, Jakob Maanum Trulsen, Jacob Jensen, Flo Fagerli and Ines Høysaeter Asserson, completing an impressive ensemble cast.

The ‘underrated gem’ is available to stream on Netflix (Image: Courtesy of Netflix)

Boasting a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Number 24 has garnered widespread critical acclaim.

One critic said of the film: “Based on the real-life story of Norwegian hero Gunnar Sønsteby, director John Andreas Andersen delivers a gripping, often violent thriller that highlights the best and worst of humankind.”

Another reviewer praised the war drama: “This biopic about Gunnar Sønsteby, the most highly decorated citizen in Norway, explores the moral grey areas during war under brutal invading forces. Switching between the past and the present, the film sensitively contrasts justice and necessity.”

One critic simply described the film as “tense in the best way”.

Audiences have proved equally enthralled, with one viewer writing on IMDB: “Fantastic movie. As an ex serviceman and history buff I found this to be one of the best films concerning WW2 I have ever seen.

“Without the gore and action of Saving Private Ryan, it is more cerebral on the effects and the sadness that war brings and how people can behave in certain situations that they find themselves in.”

Another admirer of the war epic commented: “One of the best movies I have ever seen. Outstanding storytelling. Truly amazing until the very end. Unbelievably timely.”

While one viewer said: “WOW! WOW!! Fantastic in every way. My wife and I loved this. So realistic and well acted, directed, etc. Watch,enjoy and respect the Norwegian patriots.”

One audience member heaped considerable praise upon the film: “This will go down as one of my all-time favourite war films, in a league with All Quiet on the Western Front. The structure of the storytelling is brilliant, as is every aspect of this film. It’s heartbreaking and profoundly chilling”.

While another viewer posted on IMDB: “One of THE BEST movies about WW2 I’ve watched. This was one of the best movies I have watched in a long while. A very touching story of a resistance fighter during WW2 that was both exciting, thrilling and left me very moved with the ending that I actually shed a tear. Not many movies will do that but this one did and I am very glad I had the opportunity to watch it. A must see.”

One fan simply stated: “This was an unexpected gem of a movie.”

Number 24 is available to stream on Netflix.

CRE: https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/2222302/greatest-ever-war-film-streaming-netflix