‘Greatest war film ever’ on Netflix rivals Saving Private Ryan for best war film title
The ‘outstanding’ war drama on Netflix is based on true events from World War II and viewers can’t stop raving about it, declaring it rivals the best films in the genre
The ‘underrated gem’ is available to stream on Netflix(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 films ever made, and now viewers are declaring an ‘unexpected gem’ is giving them a serious run for their money.
Audiences are hailing the underrated title as ‘one of the best war movies ever’, with fans unable to stop singing the praises of this gripping action drama.
Available to stream on Netflix, Number 24, also known as Nr 24, is a Norwegian biographical war drama inspired by the remarkable true story of resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby during the Second World War. Gunnar was Norway’s most highly decorated citizen, and remains the only individual to have been awarded the War Cross with three swords – Norway’s highest military honour.
Helmed by director John Andreas Andersen, Number 24 was crafted from an original spec script by debut writer Espen von Ibenfeldt, with a screenplay penned by Erlend Loe.
The ‘outstanding’ war drama has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes(Image: Courtesy of Netflix)
The film’s title serves as a tribute to Gunnar himself, mirroring the most widely recognised code name assigned to the war veteran, who was referred to as ‘Agent No 24’ or ‘Kjakan’ (The Chin) throughout the Norwegian resistance movement of the Second World War, reports Wales Online.
The film’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 first hit Norwegian screens in October 2024 before landing on Netflix in 2025, where it rapidly became the most-streamed film in Norway during its opening weeks following release.
The sweeping war drama sees Sjur Vatne Brean and Erik Hivju share lead duties as Gunnar Sønsteby, with Sjur portraying the celebrated war veteran in his younger years and Erik stepping into the role during his later life. The pair are joined by Philip Helgar, Magnus Dugdale, Jakob Maanum Trulsen, Jacob Jensen, Flo Fagerli and Ines Høysæter Asserson, who together form an impressive supporting cast.
Boasting a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Number 24 has attracted widespread 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.”
The war epic is based on a true story from World War II(Image: Courtesy of Netflix)
One critic simply described the film as “tense in the best way”.
Viewers have been left equally enthralled, with one 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 fan 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.
