Movies like Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS (2017)
The best movies like Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS (2017) are Cries from Syria (2017), Mosul (2019) and Escape from Kabul (2021). If Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedCitizenfour (2014)7.7/10 from 1,472 votes
- NewestMen of War (2024)Released 2024
Cries from Syria (2017)
An attempt to re-contextualize the European migrant crisis and ongoing hostilities in Syria, through eyewitness and participant testimony. Children and parents recount the revolution, civil war, air strikes, atrocities and ongoing humanitarian aid crises, in a portrait of recent history and the consequences of violence.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Mosul (2019)
An Iraqi journalist joins an army of uneasy allies and unforgettable characters in the epic battle to liberate the city of Mosul from the Islamic State.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEscape from Kabul (2021)
Captured through rare archival footage and firsthand accounts, this documentary details the harrowing 18-day evacuation at Kabul airport in August 2021 from the perspectives of fleeing Afghan citizens, U.S. Marines, and Taliban fighters.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Hondros (2018)
HONDROS follows the life and career of famous war photographer Chris Hondros by exploring the poignant and often surprising stories behind this award-winning photojournalist's best-known photos. Driven by a commitment to bear witness to the wars of our time after the events of 9/11, Chris was among the first in a new generation of war photographers since Vietnam. HONDROS explores the complexities inherent in covering more than a decade of conflict, while trying to maintain a normal life. It also examines the unknowable calculus involved in making split-second life and death decisions -- before, during and after his photos were made. Chris was killed in Libya in 2011, but he left a lasting impact on his profession that is still felt today.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
City of Two Springs (2019)
In 2017, Mosul was liberated after three years under IS control. The battle to reclaim the city had razed it to the ground and displaced thousands of civilians who are now trying to return home. Told through the parallel stories of Ala' and a senior UN figure leading international efforts to rebuild the city, this powerful film profiles the efforts to raise a city, and a people, from the rubble.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Which Way Is The Front Line From Here? The Life and Time of Tim Hetherington (2013)
A portrait of photographer Tim Hetherington's work in war zones around the world.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Under the Wire (2018)
On 12 February 2012, two journalists entered war-ravaged Syria. One of them was celebrated Sunday Times war correspondent, Marie Colvin. The other was photographer, Paul Conroy. Their aim was to cover the plight of Syrian civilians trapped in Homs, a city under siege and relentless military attack from the Syrian army. Only one of them returned.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
City of Ghosts (2017)
With unprecedented access, this documentary follows the extraordinary journey of “Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently”—a group of anonymous citizen journalists who banded together after their homeland was overtaken by ISIS—as they risk their lives to stand up against one of the greatest evils in the world today.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLegion of Brothers (2017)
Afghanistan, immediately post-9/11: Small teams of Green Berets arrive on a series of secret missions to overthrow the Taliban. What happens next is equal parts war origin story and cautionary tale, illuminating the nature and impact of 15 years of constant combat, with unprecedented access to U.S. Special Forces.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Last Men in Aleppo (2017)
A searing example of boots-on-the-ground reportage follows the efforts of the internationally recognized White Helmets, an organization consisting of ordinary citizens who are the first to rush towards military strikes and attacks in the hope of saving lives. Incorporating moments of both heart-pounding suspense and improbable beauty, the documentary draws us into the lives of three of its founders — Khaled, Subhi, and Mahmoud — as they grapple with the chaos around them and struggle with an ever-present dilemma: do they flee or stay and fight for their country?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGilbert (2017)
The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMen of War (2024)
Jordan Goudreau finds himself in over his head and on the run after mounting the failed Venezuela coup and being chased by the American government who he spent his life fighting for.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Ready for War (2019)
Andrew Renzi’s heartfelt and hard-hitting documentary sheds light on the lives of three of the estimated thousands of immigrants who volunteer for service in the American military, yet find themselves deported from the US once their tours of duty are over.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)
In August, 2014, a video of the public execution of American photojournalist James Foley rippled across the globe. Foley wore an orange jumpsuit as he knelt beside an ISIS militant dressed in black. That image challenged the world to deal with a new face of terror. And it tested one American family. Seen through the lens of filmmaker Brian Oakes, Foley’s close childhood friend, Jim takes us from small-town New England to the adrenaline-fueled front lines of Libya and Syria, where Foley pushed the limits of danger to report on the plight of civilians impacted by war.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCitizenfour (2014)
In June 2013, Laura Poitras and reporter Glenn Greenwald flew to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden. She brought her camera with her.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNo End in Sight (2007)
Chronological look at the fiasco in Iraq, especially decisions made in the spring of 2003 - and the backgrounds of those making decisions - immediately following the overthrow of Saddam: no occupation plan, an inadequate team to run the country, insufficient troops to keep order, and three edicts from the White House announced by Bremmer when he took over.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Cave (2019)
Deep beneath the surface in the Syrian province of Ghouta, a group of female doctors have established an underground field hospital. Under the supervision of paediatrician Dr. Amani and her staff of doctors and nurses, hope is restored for some of the thousands of children and civilian victims of the ruthless Syrian civil war.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFrank Serpico (2017)
In 1972, officer Frank Serpico exposes the corruption which poisons the roots of the NYPD and becomes famous in 1973 when director Sidney Lumet tells his story in the classic film “Serpico,” starring Al Pacino.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Tickling Giants (2017)
The Arab Spring in Egypt: From a dictator to free elections, back to a dictatorship. One comedy show united the country and tested the limits of free press. This is the story of Bassem Youssef, a cardiologist turned comedian, the Jon Stewart of Egypt, and his show "The Show".
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Imminent Threat (2015)
A look at the War on Terror and the threat it's causing to our civil liberties and political discourse. Academy Award nominee James Cromwell presents Janek Ambros' directorial debut. The feature doc tackles the War on Terror's impact on civil liberties and the strange coalition it's creating between the progressive left and libertarian right. The doc examines the NSA, drones, the war on journalism and other encroachments on civil liberties started by the Bush era and expanded by the Democratic establishment.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
I Am Evidence (2017)
The modern criminal justice system is hindered by the fact that countless rape kits remain untested in police evidence storage facilities across the United States. Only eight states currently have laws requiring mandatory testing of rape kits.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
A Gray State (2017)
In 2010 David Crowley, an Iraq veteran, aspiring filmmaker and charismatic up-and-coming voice in fringe politics, began production on his film Gray State. Set in a dystopian near-future where civil liberties are trampled by an unrestrained federal government, the film’s crowd funded trailer was enthusiastically received by the burgeoning online community of libertarians, Tea Party activists and members of the nascent alt-right. In January of 2015, Crowley was found dead with his family in their suburban Minnesota home. Their shocking deaths quickly become a cause célèbre for conspiracy theorists who speculate that Crowley was assassinated by a shadowy government concerned about a film and filmmaker that was getting too close to the truth about their aims.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTheo Who Lived (2016)
In the late fall of 2012, Theo Padnos, a struggling American journalist, slipped into Syria to report on the country's civil war and was promptly kidnapped by Al Qaeda's branch in Syria.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Notturno (2020)
Shot over three years on the borders between Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria and Lebanon, the film depicts the everyday struggles of people attempting to rebuild their lives amongst the devastating effects of civil wars, dictatorships, foreign invasions, and the deadly presence of ISIS.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMine (2009)
A story about the essential bond between humans and animals told against the backdrop of one of the worst natural disasters in the U.S.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Fire at Sea (2016)
Capturing life on the Italian island of Lampedusa, a frontline in the European migrant crisis.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKilling Escobar (2021)
The untold story of the attempted assassination of Pablo Escobar, while at the height of his powers, by a small team of elite mercenaries.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Path of Blood (2018)
Deep in the Saudi desert, young thrill-seekers at jihadi boot camp sign up to a plot to overthrow the Saudi government. They detonate three horrific car-bombs at Western compounds in downtown Riyadh and become embroiled in a nail-biting game of cat and mouse with government forces. As their plans unravel, they resort to ever more brutal tactics. Exposing the dark side of the human soul, Path of Blood reveals Al Qaeda as you've never seen it before. Using a treasure trove of Al Qaeda home-movie footage captured by the security services, this haunting documentary film shows how brainwashed idealism and the youthful pursuit of adventure can descend into madness and carnage.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Combat Obscura (2018)
Former combat videographer Miles Lagoze presents personal footage of U.S. Marines in the Afghan war zone.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Terror at the Mall (2014)
A documentary detailing an indiscriminate terrorist attack that left 71 dead in Kenya.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS?
The closest matches to Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS are Cries from Syria (2017), Mosul (2019) and Escape from Kabul (2021). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS?
People who watched Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS most often go on to Cries from Syria (2017), Mosul (2019) and Escape from Kabul (2021).
What is the highest-rated movie like Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS?
Citizenfour (2014), rated 7.7/10 by 1,472 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS?
Men of War (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS?
Yes: Cries from Syria (2017), Mosul (2019) and Escape from Kabul (2021).
How are movies similar to Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.