A German war film on Prime Video is coming that refuses to salute the genre’s old rules. Will it be hailed as a breakthrough or condemned as heresy?
Dennis Gansel, the filmmaker behind Die Welle, returns with Der Tiger, a World War II drama tracking a German Tiger crew on a secret 1943 mission to retrieve a high-ranking Wehrmacht officer. Inside the tank, pressure and drug use pit five soldiers against each other as the operation heads deeper behind enemy lines. The result invites comparisons to Herz aus Stahl, blends the claustrophobia of Das Boot with the hallucinatory pull of Apocalypse Now, and has already drawn praise from Moviepilot’s Jan Felix Wuttig alongside a 7.1 score from early viewers. After a limited cinema run, it lands on Amazon Prime Video on January 2, 2025.
A bold new chapter in war filmmaking
Coming January 2, 2025, Amazon Prime Video is set to release an ambitious German war film that’s already sparking conversation, Der Tiger. Directed by Dennis Gansel, the visionary behind The Wave, the film immerses viewers in the harsh realities of World War II. After a limited theatrical release in September 2025, this marks one of Germany’s most daring contributions to the war genre in recent years.
The gripping story of Der Tiger
Set against the backdrop of 1943, Der Tiger takes its audience into the cramped, ominous confines of a German Tiger tank. The crew embarks on a highly sensitive mission to retrieve a high-ranking Wehrmacht officer stranded deep behind Soviet lines. Far from being just another war film, the journey isn’t defined only by battles, it’s also a raw, emotional exploration of the men inside the tank.
The stunning narrative delves into themes of loyalty, duty, and the devastating pressures of war. As the group inches closer to their goal, the external chaos is mirrored by mounting internal unrest. Command decisions, strained tempers, and even drug use blur the lines between camaraderie and conflict, creating a volatile storm within their steel sanctuary.
The faces behind the tank crew
The ensemble cast brings unforgettable intensity to their roles, making each crew member distinct. David Schütter takes on the role of Philip, the crew’s conflicted leader, while Laurence Rupp complements him as the steadfast Christian. Leonard Kunz, Sebastian Urzendowsky, and Yoran Leicher round out the team, portraying Helmut, Keilig, and Michel respectively. Their dynamic performances breathe life into a story that demands both tension and heart.
Philip (David Schütter): The self-doubting but determined leader.
Christian (Laurence Rupp): The crew’s anchor amidst chaos.
Helmut (Leonard Kunz): The unpredictable wildcard.
Keilig (Sebastian Urzendowsky): A character struggling to cope with the mission’s toll.
Michel (Yoran Leicher): The youngest, clinging to humanity in inhumane circumstances.
Redefining German war cinema
What sets Der Tiger apart? Many are comparing it to classics like Das Boot and Apocalypse Now for its depiction of claustrophobic tension and psychological unraveling. Yet, it also appeals to fans of modern productions like Fury, aligning war’s brutal reality with a touch of cinematic grandeur. With a 7.1/10 rating from early viewers, it’s already capturing critical approval.
In a crowded genre, the film’s hybrid storytelling pairing visceral action with nuanced character studies offers something rarely done in German cinema. Even Jan Felix Wuttig from Moviepilot praised its execution, calling attention to its tight premise and emotional resonance. It’s also noteworthy as one of Amazon’s ambitious German Originals to cross into theaters before streaming.
Ready to stream in the new year
After its limited theatrical run earlier this fall, Der Tiger makes its grand debut on Amazon Prime Video just in time for the new year. If you’ve ever wondered how far a man or a team can be pushed in the name of duty, this might just be the next must-watch movie on your list.