Netflix’s New War Movie is the First Must-Watch of 2025 — and Viewers Rate it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes
"Number 24": A Thrilling War Movie on Netflix
Sometimes good movies need just a little time to find their audience, and that seems to be the case with "Number 24," Netflix’s stirring new war thriller. This Norwegian film landed on the streaming service on January 1, but it’s taken almost two weeks to make an impression on the platform’s most-watched list. But its current ranking is richly deserved.
As of today, January 13, "Number 24" has claimed the No. 9 spot on the global Netflix top 10 list, and I believe it deserves to climb the charts even higher in the days ahead. Having streamed the movie myself, I’d rank it as Netflix’s first must-watch movie of 2025, and I was deeply moved by its dramatic portrayal of a Norwegian war hero, Gunnar Sønsteby, who led a resistance group in Oslo.
What is ‘Number 24’ about?
"Number 24" opens with Europe on the brink of war in 1937 before jumping forward three years to the day German soldiers marched into Oslo, Norway, and took the capital with just 800 soldiers on April 9, 1940. Gunnar Sønsteby (Sjur Vatne Brean) faces an unimaginable decision on that traumatic day: to keep his head down and allow the Germans to invade his country without resistance, or to fight back and risk his life for a cause much greater than himself. He picks the latter.
Over the next several years, Sønsteby leads a group of resistance fighters as they seek to disrupt the Nazi war machine in any way possible. From small but impactful acts of sabotage to more ruthless efforts like murdering local informants and sympathizers, "Number 24" focuses on Sønsteby’s heroism but also shows the great toll that fighting back takes on the man and his companions. With the Germans capable of great cruelty, these resistance fighters put everything on the line to defend their freedom and secure their country’s future.
Chronicles the Efforts of a True Hero
‘Number 24’ chronicles the efforts of a true hero. Inspired by the acts of Norway’s most decorated civilian war hero, this film is smartly framed around two distinct timelines. We follow Sønsteby’s actions during World War II but frequently return to scenes that depict an older Sønsteby giving a recount of his life to a school class in the modern day. This narrative framing adds a real sense of weight to "Number 24," as we are shown that the scars of war never truly healed and that while Sønsteby never regretted the actions he took, each one left an indelible mark.
Sjur Vatne Brean portrays Sønsteby in the past (with Erik Hivju playing the hero in the present), and he does a fantastic job. Sønsteby is determined to fight back against the Nazis from the very first day they arrive in his country. Leading the resistance movement takes a great personal toll, but not for a moment does he waver. Even when faced with the decision to authorize the murder of a friend who has offered the Germans information in exchange for a large sum of money, Sønsteby refuses to turn his back on his country.
As “Number 24” takes place away from the frontlines, it’s a war movie focused specifically on the homefront. It’s more about striking back against oppression rather than large-scale battles or lengthy shootouts. Sønsteby and his allies fight from the shadows, engaging in sabotage and subterfuge. Director John Andreas Andersen does a great job wringing out every moment of tension during these scenes. One sequence, where the group attempts to blow up a German factory, had my heart beating louder than the television.
Depiction of Heroism in Dark Times
The movie’s biggest strength is that it’s not afraid to showcase the difficult decisions that Sønsteby and his allies are forced to take. It also doesn’t gloss over the cruelty of the German regime. Scenes of torture are hard to watch but feel vital to the point the movie is trying to make. And the movie refuses to flesh out any of the Nazi characters, which helps make them feel like foreign invaders and keeps them detached from our heroes.
“Heroes” is the word that kept popping up in my mind throughout “Number 24.” Seeing the brutal impact of the Nazi regime on Norway is tough, not to mention the toll the war takes on Sønsteby and his companions. But overall, I came away inspired by their actions. And “Number 24” is a reminder that even in the darkest times, people will stand up for what they believe is right. I’ll admit I was unfamiliar with Gunnar Sønsteby’s story before watching this Netflix movie, but I feel privileged to have seen it depicted in such a manner.
Stream ‘Number 24’ on Netflix Now
I know “Number 24” is a Netflix movie I’ll be reflecting on and recommending for a long time. While it’s very early days, I’m extremely confident it will be ranked as one of the platform’s best movies of 2025. It’s easily the first truly must-watch movie on the world’s biggest streaming service this year.
I’m not the only one inspired by “Number 24” either. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the Netflix movie currently scores a seriously impressive 95% on the Popcornmeter (the site’s slightly silly name for its audience score). Viewer viewers label it “captivating,” “fascinating,” and "brilliant" with one user review declaring it “an excellent film in every way.” I’m in total agreement.
“Number 24” is a vital watch on Netflix this month. Its depiction of a wartime hero who should never be forgotten is stirring, and its comments on mankind’s capacity for cruelty feel more relevant than ever. It’s one of my favorite streaming movies in several months, and it’s one that I desperately implore you to watch as soon as possible. “Number 24” is something special.
Not convinced? Well, if you’re looking for alternative options, check out our roundup of new on Netflix in January.
Watch "Number 24" now on Netflix.
Conclusion:
“Number 24,” the stirring new war thriller on Netflix, is a film that has deservedly taken the No. 9 spot on the global Netflix top 10 list as of January 13, 2025. Inspired by the real-life story of Gunnar Sønsteby,norway’s most decorated civilian war hero,this Norwegian film masterfully chronicles the efforts of a true hero who led a resistance group in Oslo against the Nazi occupation during World War II.
Directed by John Andreas Andersen, “Number 24” is framed around two distinct timelines, allowing viewers to see both Sønsteby’s actions during the war years and his reflections in the modern day. The film’s narrative is expertly woven,highlighting not only the heroism but also the immense personal toll that fighting back against oppression takes on Sønsteby and his companions. The performances, especially by Sjur Vatne Brean as the younger Sønsteby and Erik Hivju as the elder, are commendable for capturing the complexity and emotional depth of Sønsteby’s character [[1]] [[3]] [[4]].
As we delve into the story, we witness Gunnar Sønsteby facing an unimaginable decision on April 9, 1940, where he chooses to fight back against the German invasion despite the risks [[3]]. The film meticulously depicts the various missions and strategies employed by Sønsteby and his resistance group, from small acts of sabotage to more ruthless operations against Nazi informants and sympathizers. Director Andersen’s direction skillfully crafts every scene to maximize tension and highlight the psychological impact of the war, never shying away from portraying the darker aspects of conflict [[4]].
“Number 24″ stands as a substantial and impactful portrayal of resistance and heroism during a tragic period in history. While it may have taken some time to gain traction, its current ranking on Netflix is richly deserved. This film is not just about a war hero but also serves as a testament to the collective efforts of ordinary people who risked everything for their freedom and the future of their country. As Netflix’s first must-watch movie of 2025,”Number 24” is a compelling reason to revisit the lessons of World war II and honor the sacrifices made by those who fought in the shadows.
“Number 24” is a gripping and emotionally resonant film that not only highlights Gunnar Sønsteby’s extraordinary contributions to the Norwegian resistance movement but also pays tribute to the enduring legacy of courage and resilience during times of war. Its past accuracy, coupled with its modern-day reflections, makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in true stories of heroism and resistance during World War II.
“number 24,” the stirring new war thriller on Netflix, is a film that has deservedly taken the No. 9 spot on the global Netflix top 10 list as of January 13, 2025. Inspired by the real-life story of Gunnar Sønsteby, NorwayS most decorated civilian war hero, this Norwegian film masterfully chronicles the efforts of a true hero who led a resistance group in oslo during World War II.
The film, directed by John Andreas Andersen, seamlessly transitions between two timelines: the wartime period where Gunnar Sønsteby (played by Sjur Vatne Brean) leads the norwegian resistance against nazi occupation, and the modern-day scenes where an older Sønsteby recounts his life to a school class (portrayed by erik Hivju). This narrative framing adds a profound sense of weight to “Number 24,” highlighting that the scars of war never truly heal.
With its gripping storyline and powerful performances, “number 24” not only chronicles the heroism of Gunnar Sønsteby but also delves into the psychological impact of war on its participants. The film’s focus on homefront actions,such as sabotage and subterfuge,creates a sense of tension that is expertly woven throughout the narrative.
the movie’s biggest strength lies in its willingness to depict the arduous decisions made by Sønsteby and his allies. It does not shy away from the brutality of the German regime, making the invasion of Norway feel like a starkly personal and intrusive event. Despite the intense and often hard-to-watch scenes, “Number 24” remains a deeply moving and inspiring film that underscores the importance of standing up for what is right even in the darkest of times.
With a near-perfect 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and universal praise for its portrayal of wartime heroism and humanity’s capacity for cruelty, “Number 24” is a must-watch on Netflix. Its depiction of a wartime hero who should never be forgotten serves as a vital reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and liberty. I believe it has just started its ascent to being one of Netflix’s best movies of 2025.
Thus, if you are looking for a film that will leave you inspired and moved, “number 24” is the perfect choice. Stream it now on Netflix and experience a gripping and historically important war thriller that will linger in your thoughts for a long time.