10 Times Hollywood Got Historical Battles Completely Wrong

Hollywood has long been known for its creative liberties when it comes to depicting historical events, and battles are no exception. From exaggerating the scale of conflicts to completely fabricating key details, filmmakers have consistently taken artistic license with the truth. In this article, we’ll explore 10 historical battles that were completely misrepresented in popular films.

1. The Battle of Agincourt – Henry V (1989)

Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry V is a masterclass in epic filmmaking, but its portrayal of the Battle of Agincourt is far from accurate. The film depicts the English army as vastly outnumbered, with the French knights charging into a wall of English longbowmen. In reality, the English were not as outnumbered as the film suggests, and the French knights were not as reckless in their attack.

2. The Battle of Gettysburg – Gettysburg (1993)

This Civil War epic, directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, is widely regarded as one of the most accurate historical films of all time. However, its depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg is not without its flaws. The film shows the Union lines being broken on the third day of the battle, which is not entirely accurate. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of the Confederate army’s charge on the third day is also somewhat exaggerated.

3. The Battle of Thermopylae – 300 (2006)

Zack Snyder’s visually stunning adaptation of the Battle of Thermopylae is a work of fiction rather than a historical drama. The film depicts the Spartans as a small band of warriors fighting against an invading army of monsters and mythical creatures. In reality, the Spartans were fighting against a massive Persian army, and the battle was much more complex and nuanced than the film suggests.

4. The Battle of Waterloo – Waterloo (1970)

This Soviet-Italian epic, directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, is a sprawling and ambitious film that attempts to recreate the Battle of Waterloo in all its glory. However, its depiction of the battle is not entirely accurate. The film shows Napoleon’s army being vastly outnumbered, which is not entirely true. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of the Duke of Wellington’s tactics is also somewhat exaggerated.

5. The Battle of Midway – Midway (1976)

This World War II epic, directed by Jack Smight, is a classic example of Hollywood’s tendency to exaggerate and distort historical events. The film depicts the Battle of Midway as a heroic victory for the United States, with the Japanese navy being utterly destroyed. In reality, the battle was much more complex and nuanced, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

6. The Battle of Stalingrad – Enemy at the Gates (2001)

This World War II epic, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, is a tense and gripping film that explores the Battle of Stalingrad from a personal perspective. However, its depiction of the battle is not entirely accurate. The film shows the Soviet army being vastly outnumbered, which is not entirely true. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of the German army’s tactics is also somewhat exaggerated.

7. The Battle of Iwo Jima – Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of the Battle of Iwo Jima is a powerful and moving film that explores the human cost of war. However, its depiction of the battle is not entirely accurate. The film shows the American flag being raised on the fifth day of the battle, which is not entirely true. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of the Japanese army’s tactics is also somewhat exaggerated.

8. The Battle of Normandy – Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the D-Day landings is a visceral and intense film that puts the viewer in the midst of the action. However, its depiction of the battle is not entirely accurate. The film shows the American army being vastly outnumbered, which is not entirely true. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of the German army’s tactics is also somewhat exaggerated.

9. The Battle of Borodino – War and Peace (1966)

This Soviet epic, directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, is a sprawling and ambitious film that attempts to recreate the Battle of Borodino in all its glory. However, its depiction of the battle is not entirely accurate. The film shows Napoleon’s army being vastly outnumbered, which is not entirely true. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of the Russian army’s tactics is also somewhat exaggerated.

10. The Battle of Gallipoli – Gallipoli (1981)

This Australian epic, directed by Peter Weir, is a powerful and moving film that explores the Battle of Gallipoli from a personal perspective. However, its depiction of the battle is not entirely accurate. The film shows the Australian army being vastly outnumbered, which is not entirely true. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of the Turkish army’s tactics is also somewhat exaggerated.