8 movies based on the attack on Pearl Harbor

April 21, 2025

Overview: A historically accurate depiction of the Pearl Harbor attack from both American and Japanese perspectives. Known for: Realistic battle sequences and balanced narrative.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

Directed by: Michael Bay Stars: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale Overview: A romantic war drama that mixes a love triangle with the lead-up to and aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Stars: Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr Overview: Focuses on soldiers stationed at Pearl Harbor just before the attack. Known for: Oscar-winning performances and portrayal of military life pre-attack.

From Here to Eternity (1953)

Directed by: John Ford (with Gregg Toland) Overview: A wartime propaganda film partially dramatizing the Pearl Harbor attack. Academy Award: Best Documentary (Short Subject)

December 7th (1943)

Stars: John Wayne, Kirk Douglas Overview: Starts with the Pearl Harbor attack and follows U.S. Navy officers dealing with the aftermath. Style: War drama

In Harm's Way (1965)

Directed by: Roland Emmerich Overview: While focused on the Battle of Midway, the movie opens with the Pearl Harbor attack as a crucial turning point.

Midway (2019)

Stars: Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen Overview: A sci-fi twist: A modern aircraft carrier travels back in time to the day before the Pearl Harbor attack. – 

The Final Countdown (1980)

Japanese Title: Storm Over the Pacific Overview: A Japanese war film that gives a Japanese pilot’s perspective on the Pearl Harbor attack.

Hawai Middouei daikaikusen: Taiheiyo no arashi (1960)