The Dirty Dozen

If you want action that respects the story underneath it, The Dirty Dozen is available in the UK on HBO Max Amazon Channel right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. With 1,335 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Lee Marvin is the obvious draw, but the supporting cast gives the action its context. Available now on HBO Max Amazon Channel — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Dirty Dozen earns its spot. The set pieces are impressive, but it is the story underneath them that gives The Dirty Dozen its staying power. 12 American military prisoners in World War II are ordered to infiltrate a well-guarded enemy château and kill the Nazi officers vacationing there. The soldiers, most of whom are facing death sentences for a variety of violent crimes, agree to the mission and the possible commuting of their sentences. Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine lead a cast that earns every set piece rather than just filling it. The Dirty Dozen came out in 1967. The Dirty Dozen earns its bigger moments by making you care about the outcome before it happens. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

Action fans who want craft and story alongside the spectacle will find exactly that in The Dirty Dozen. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Lee Marvin anchors the chaos with real screen presence. Every set piece here is doing more than one job at once.