The roar of engines, the clank of metal, and the tension of battle - these are the hallmarks of films about tank warfare. This curated list of 10 films delves into the lives of tank crews, showcasing their bravery, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of war. From historical dramas to action-packed thrillers, these films provide a window into the intense and often overlooked world of armoured combat, offering both educational insights and gripping entertainment for enthusiasts of military history and cinema alike.

Sahara (1943)
Description: An American tank crew in North Africa during WWII, this film showcases the camaraderie and survival instincts of tankers.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Philip MacDonald and features a real M3 Lee tank.


Kelly's Heroes (1970)
Description: While not solely about tanks, this film features a Sherman tank crew as part of a group of American soldiers on a gold heist during WWII.
Fact: The tank used in the film was a real M4 Sherman, which was modified for the movie.


Patton (1970)
Description: While focusing on General Patton, the film includes significant tank warfare scenes, particularly during the Battle of El Guettar.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Big Red One (1980)
Description: This film, directed by Samuel Fuller, features a tank crew as part of the 1st Infantry Division, offering a raw look at WWII combat.
Fact: Fuller himself served in the 1st Infantry Division during WWII.


Tank (1984)
Description: While more of a drama than a war film, it features a Sherman tank prominently in a story about a military officer's fight against corruption.
Fact: The tank used was a real M4 Sherman, which was driven through city streets for filming.


Fury (2014)
Description: This film captures the essence of tank warfare through the eyes of a Sherman tank crew in the final days of WWII, highlighting the brutal realities of combat.
Fact: The film used a real, fully operational M4 Sherman tank, restored specifically for the movie.


T-34 (2019)
Description: A Russian film that dramatizes the story of a Soviet tank crew's daring escape from a German POW camp using a captured T-34 tank.
Fact: The film features actual T-34 tanks, which were restored to working condition for filming.


White Tiger (2012)
Description: This Russian film explores the psychological and mystical aspects of tank warfare, focusing on a legendary German tank known as the White Tiger.
Fact: The film uses a mix of real and CGI tanks to depict the mythical White Tiger.


The Beast (1975)
Description: A French film that focuses on the psychological effects of war on a tank crew, showcasing the claustrophobic and intense environment inside a tank.
Fact: The film was shot in a real AMX-13 tank, emphasizing the confined space.


The Tank Brigade (1953)
Description: This British film follows a tank brigade during WWII, offering a gritty portrayal of tank warfare from the British perspective.
Fact: It was one of the first films to use real tanks in combat scenes.
