Over the past decade, Ukrainian cinema has undergone a powerful transformation. The full-scale war, which began in 2014 and escalated in 2022, became a central theme in many powerful dramas. These films not only depict reality, but they also tell deeply personal, emotional, and honest stories. Here are 10 Ukrainian war films from the past ten years that are impossible to forget.
1. Cyborgs: Heroes Never Die (2017)
Director: Akhtem Seitablaiev
This is a modern classic of Ukrainian war cinema. Set during the defense of Donetsk Airport in 2014, it follows seven volunteer soldiers on a two-week rotation that turns into a brutal battle. Based on real stories and people, with direct input from war veterans, the film earned over 22 million UAH and was watched by over 300,000 people in theaters.
2. Frost (2017)
Director: Sharunas Bartas
A European co-production (Lithuania, France, Ukraine, Poland). A young Lithuanian couple delivers humanitarian aid to Ukraine and finds themselves on the front line. Ukrainian soldiers appear in the film as themselves. Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was Lithuania’s Oscar submission.
3. Atlantis (2019)
Director: Valentyn Vasyanovych
A dystopian vision of the Donbas in 2025 after Ukraine’s victory. A veteran searches for meaning amid ruins. The cast includes real veterans and volunteers. Won Best Film in the Venice Horizons program.
4. Bad Roads (2020)
Director: Natalka Vorozhbyt
Five interwoven stories from both sides of the conflict in Donbas. Based on real accounts collected by the writer during her work on “Cyborgs.” The film was featured at the Venice Film Festival and was Ukraine’s Oscar submission.
5. Reflection (2021)
Director: Valentyn Vasyanovych
Russian forces imprison a military surgeon in Donetsk’s infamous “Isolation” prison. After his release, he must learn to reconnect with civilian life and his daughter. Based on journalist Stanislav Aseev’s real-life ordeal. Premiered in Venice’s main competition.
6. Sniper: The White Raven (2022)
Director: Marian Bushan
Based on the true story of Mykola Voronin — a pacifist turned sniper and defender of Donetsk Airport. Premiered on Ukraine’s Independence Day, August 24, 2022. Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
7. Butterfly Vision (2022)
Director: Maksym Nakonechnyi
A female aerial scout returns from Russian captivity, pregnant. The film explores trauma, bodily autonomy, and healing. It premiered at Cannes, and lead actress Rita Burkovska won a Septimius Award for Best European Actress.
8. Klondike (2022)
Director: Maryna Er Gorbach
A family living near the Russian-Ukrainian border faces the MH17 plane crash. A tragic story about the war’s civilian toll: Won Best Director at Sundance and was Ukraine’s Oscar submission. Available on Netflix.
9. Stay Online (2023)
Director: Eva Strelnikova
Ukraine’s first screenlife war drama. A volunteer in Kyiv connects via laptop with a boy whose parents went missing during Bucha’s evacuation. Filmed in de-occupied towns in 2022 — a tech-savvy portrayal of war’s impact.
10. Peaceful-21 (2023)
Director: Akhtem Seitablaiev
It is based on the true story of Ukrainian border guards in Luhansk resisting surrender in 2014. Colonel Anatoliy Kotsiurba co-wrote it. It features real military equipment and is streaming on Netflix.
These films aren’t just cinema—they’re memory, resilience, and truth. Each one is a story of dignity, struggle, and freedom. They are essential viewing.
