The Dam Busters
1955 · Movie · NR · 124 min · ★ 6.9 · 95% critics
During World War II, a British team races to develop an untested weapon designed to breach key enemy dams, battling skepticism, tight deadlines, and repeated setbacks. As a specially trained air squadron prepares for a dangerous low-level raid, the film builds tension around whether ingenuity and teamwork can overcome the odds—and the human cost.
Based on The Dam Busters
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1955
- Release date
- 1955-05-16
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 124 min
- Critic score
- 95/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.9/10 (157 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a fact-based WWII drama focused on problem-solving, training, and high-stakes aerial action, similar in spirit to The Man Who Never Was; Not for you if you dislike older films, dated effects, or wartime themes.
Pros: tense mission build-up; strong central performance; inspiring teamwork focus | Cons: dated effects moments; some historical liberties; occasional old-fashioned tone
Themes
- world war ii
- air force
- based on true story
- dam
- lancaster bomber
- black and white
- docudrama
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Special Effects · 1956 · nominated
Cast & crew
Richard Todd
as Wing Commander Guy Gibson, V.C., D.S.O., D.F.C.
Michael Redgrave
as Doctor B. N. Wallis, C.B.E., F.R.S.
Ursula Jeans
as Mrs. Wallis
Basil Sydney
as Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris G.C.B., O.B.E., A.F.C.
Patrick Barr
as Captain Joseph (Mutt) Summers, C.B.E.
Ernest Clark
as Air Vice-Marshal The Hon. Ralph Cochrane G.B.E., K.C.B., A.F.C.
Derek Farr
as Group Captain J. N. H. Whitworth, D.S.O., D.F.C.
Charles Carson
as Doctor
Stanley Van Beers
as Sir David Pye, C.B., F.R.S.
Colin Tapley
as Doctor W.H. Glanville, C.B., C.B.E.
Directed by Michael Anderson