Movies, books, & documentaries on Auschwitz Birkenau

Schindler's List (1993)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, "Schindler's List" is a powerful portrayal of Oskar Schindler's efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust. With its haunting scenes and stellar performances, it earned Spielberg an Academy Award for Best Director. 

IMDB Rating: 9/10

Life is Beautiful (1997)

Directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, this Italian film combines humor and heartbreak as it tells the tale of a father shielding his son from the harsh reality of a concentration camp. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Benigni. 

IMDB Rating: 8.6/10

The Pianist (2002)

Directed by Roman Polanski, "The Pianist" follows the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Jewish pianist's struggle for survival in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. Adrien Brody's remarkable performance won him the Best Actor Oscar, and Polanski won the Best Director Oscar for the movie. 

IMDB Rating: 8.5/10

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)

Directed by Mark Herman, this poignant film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two boys, one Jewish and one the son of a concentration camp commandant. The film, while heartbreaking, offers a unique perspective on innocence amid horror. 

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

The Champion of Auschwitz (2021)

Directed by Maciej Barczewski, this film tells the story of Tadeusz "Teddy" Pietrzykowski, a Polish boxer who found solace and strength through sport within the walls of Auschwitz. The film explores the power of human determination and the pursuit of normalcy in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Heather Morris tells the incredible love story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man forced to work as a tattooist in Auschwitz, and Gita Furman, a fellow prisoner. This compelling novel offers a unique perspective on love and hope amid unimaginable horror.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

A psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl reflects on his experiences in Auschwitz and offers profound insights into finding purpose and meaning in the face of immense suffering in the book Man's Search for Meaning, one of the best books on Auschwitz.

Survival in Auschwitz/ If This Is a Man by Primo Levi

Primo Levi, an Italian Jewish chemist, recounts his experiences in Auschwitz Birkenau in this poignant memoir. Levi's narrative explores the dehumanizing effects of the Holocaust, offering a chilling but essential perspective on the resilience of the human spirit.

The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart

Anna Stuart's compelling narrative revolves around a midwife in Auschwitz who grapples with the moral dilemma of bringing life into a place dominated by death. The book powerfully explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Night by Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel's autobiographical account of his time in Auschwitz with his father is a powerful and moving exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure and question. "Night" serves as a haunting reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust.

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

This novel, authored by Antonio Iturbe, tells the true story of Dita Kraus, a young girl who risked everything to ensure that the children in Auschwitz had access to the world of books. It highlights the importance of preserving culture and knowledge even in the darkest of times.

The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield

This heart-wrenching tale, penned by Jeremy Dronfield, unfolds the story of a father and son's journey through the horrors of Auschwitz. It explores themes of sacrifice, familial bonds, and the lengths people go to protect their loved ones.

The Dressmakers of Auschwitz by Lucy Adlington

Author Lucy Adlington weaves a narrative around the lives of women who used their skills as dressmakers to survive the brutality of Auschwitz. The book sheds light on the remarkable courage and resourcefulness of individuals in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

The Twins of Auschwitz by Eva Mozes Kor

Eva Mozes Kor's memoir delves into her childhood as a twin subjected to inhumane medical experiments by Josef Mengele. It's a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to find healing and forgiveness in the face of unspeakable atrocities.

The Man Who Broke into Auschwitz by Denis Avey and Rob Broomby

This gripping account by Denis Avey, with Rob Broomby, narrates Avey's daring experiences as a British soldier who intentionally got himself captured to witness the horrors of Auschwitz firsthand. It provides a unique perspective on the atrocities and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood

Ellie Midwood's novel explores the role of music in the lives of those imprisoned in Auschwitz. The protagonist, a violinist, uses music to defy the dehumanization of the camp, offering a testament to the enduring power of art even in the darkest of times.

The Daughter of Auschwitz by Tova Friedman

Tova Friedman's memoir provides a gripping firsthand account of survival. Born in the infamous concentration camp, Friedman's narrative is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her resilience shines through the darkest of times, offering readers a personal and powerful perspective on the Holocaust.

The Redhead of Auschwitz by Nechama Birnbaum

Nechama Birnbaum's memoir explores the indomitable spirit of Birnbaum, a redhead who defied the dehumanizing conditions of the camp. Her tale is one of courage, resistance, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Shoah

Directed by Claude Lanzmann, "Shoah" is an epic documentary that meticulously uncovers the Holocaust's profound impact. Lanzmann's extensive interviews with survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators create an emotionally charged narrative. With a runtime exceeding nine hours, the film's comprehensive approach has earned it critical acclaim.

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Night and Fog

Alain Resnais's "Night and Fog" is a haunting exploration of the Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz. Through a combination of archival footage and contemporary scenes, the documentary exposes the chilling reality of genocide. Its evocative storytelling leaves a lasting impression, making it a classic in Holocaust documentaries.

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State

This docudrama series provides a detailed account of Auschwitz's history. Blending historical footage, dramatic reenactments, and interviews with survivors, the series unfolds the complex narrative of the camp. It offers a comprehensive understanding of Auschwitz's role in the Nazi machinery of death. 

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The Seven Dwarfs of Auschwitz

Directed by David Evans, this documentary delves into the lives of seven Jewish dwarfs who were in Auschwitz. Their story is a testament to resilience, showcasing how the human spirit can endure even in the darkest of times.

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

The Accountant of Auschwitz

Directed by Matthew Shoychet, this documentary follows the trial of Oskar Gröning, an accountant at Auschwitz. Gröning's trial becomes a moral reckoning, questioning the responsibility of individuals within the broader context of atrocities. 

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10