Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Jan 19, 2026

10 Best Movies Like They Were Expendable

If you loved They Were Expendable, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for They Were Expendable.

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#1
Pickup on South Street

Pickup on South Street

1953★ 7.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to They Were Expendable for fans of Thriller. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

In New York City, an insolent pickpocket, Skip McCoy, inadvertently sets off a chain of events when he targets ex-prostitute Candy and steals her wallet. Unaware that she has been ...

#2
Operation Pacific

Operation Pacific

1951★ 6.0

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to They Were Expendable for fans of Drama & War. It captures a similar adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

During WWII, Duke E. Gifford is second in command of the USS Thunderfish, a submarine which is firing off torpedoes that either explode too early or never explode at all. It's a di...

#3
3 Godfathers

3 Godfathers

1948★ 6.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to They Were Expendable for fans of Western. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

Three outlaws on the run discover a dying woman and her baby. They swear to bring the infant to safety across the desert, even at the risk of their own lives....

#4
Body and Soul

Body and Soul

1947★ 6.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to They Were Expendable for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Charley Davis, against the wishes of his mother, becomes a boxer. As he becomes more successful the fighter becomes surrounded by shady characters, including an unethical promoter ...

#5
The Fighting Seabees

The Fighting Seabees

1944★ 6.2

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to They Were Expendable for fans of Drama & War. It captures a similar adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

Construction workers in World War II in the Pacific are needed to build military sites, but the work is dangerous and they doubt the ability of the Navy to protect them. After a se...

#6
Operation Petticoat

Operation Petticoat

1959★ 7.2

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to They Were Expendable for fans of War. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

A World War II submarine commander finds himself stuck with a damaged sub, a con-man executive officer, and a group of army nurses....