If you loved
The Great War
Film · 1959
If you loved The Great War, you appreciate how the absurdity of military bureaucracy forces ordinary people to find dark humor in survival.
Books on the same thread
The Good Soldier Švejk (Osudy dobrého vojáka Švejka za světové války)
Jaroslav Hašek, Josef Lada · Book · 1923
Much like The Great War, this novel captures the ridiculous nature of military authority, using a simple-minded protagonist to expose the utter incompetence inherent in wartime bureaucratic systems.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky
Mark T. Sullivan · Book · 2018
This story mirrors the Italian setting of The Great War, focusing on the moral dilemmas and the desperate struggle for survival when individuals are caught within dangerous, oppressive systems.
Not So Quiet
Helen Zenna Smith · Book · 1989
Where The Great War highlights the irony of conflict, this novel offers a sharp, bitter look at the same war, focusing on the human cost through a similarly irreverent, honest lens.
The Nightingale
Kristin Hannah · Book · 2015
Fans of The Great War will recognize the tension of navigating a world at war, though this narrative shifts focus toward the resilience and sacrifice required during extreme historical upheaval.
Series on the same thread
M*A*S*H
Larry Gelbart · Series · 1972
This series perfectly channels the spirit of The Great War by using dark humor and camaraderie as essential coping mechanisms for those trapped in the insanity of a military conflict.
Catch-22
Luke Davies · Series · 2019
Sharing the Italian theater and satirical tone of The Great War, this adaptation masterfully explores how crushing bureaucracy and institutional insanity make the dream of returning home feel impossible.
IT: Welcome to Derry
Andy Muschietti · Series · 2025
If The Great War hit, IT: Welcome to Derry shares the thread.
Blackadder
Richard Curtis · Series · 1983
This series captures the same cynical view of military leadership found in The Great War, using biting social satire to highlight the utter incompetence of those commanding from the rear.
Podcasts on the same thread
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
If The Great War hit, Small Town Murder shares the thread.
The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
All Things Comedy · Podcast · 2026
If you enjoyed the historical irony in The Great War, these deep dives into obscure and absurdist past events provide the same blend of informative history and sharp, observational comedy.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Great War based on historical events?
Yes, The Great War is set in 1916 during the First World War. The story follows two Italian youths, Oreste Jacovacci and Giovanni Busacca, who are drafted into the military service and attempt to avoid their duties while serving in the army.
What is the primary plot of The Great War?
The Great War follows the experiences of two Italian men, Oreste Jacovacci and Giovanni Busacca, during the 1916 conflict. After being called to serve in the army, both characters spend their time trying to avoid their military obligations throughout the duration of the war.
Who are the main characters in The Great War?
The main characters in The Great War are Oreste Jacovacci and Giovanni Busacca. They are two Italian youths who are conscripted into the army in 1916 and spend the narrative attempting to evade their service requirements during the First World War.
When does The Great War take place?
The Great War takes place in Italy during the year 1916. The plot centers on the experiences of two Italian youths, Oreste Jacovacci and Giovanni Busacca, who are called to serve in the army and actively attempt to avoid their military responsibilities.