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Why We Fight: Prelude to War poster

Why We Fight: Prelude to War

1942·Movie·53 min·6.5(73)

The US government puts the finger on the United Nations' enemies

Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Pentagon and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the Axis Powers during World War II. This film examines the differences between democratic and fascist states.

Where to watch Why We Fight: Prelude to War in United States

Click a service to open Why We Fight: Prelude to War there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.

Where is Why We Fight: Prelude to War streaming around the world?

CountryStreaming onRent / Buy
United StatesfuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, YouTube TVAmazon Video, FlixFling
IndiaPlex
United KingdomAmazon Prime Video, GuideDoc, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, PlexAmazon Video
CanadaFlixFling, GuideDoc, Hoopla, Tubi TVFlixFling
AustraliaHoopla, Tubi TV, PlexAmazon Video
GermanyGuideDoc, Plex
FrancePlex
SpainGuideDoc, Plex
BrazilLooke, Oldflix, NetMovies, Plex
JapanPlex

About Why We Fight: Prelude to War

Why We Fight: Prelude to War is a 1942 English-language documentary and war film directed by Frank Capra and Anatole Litvak. The cast is led by Walter Huston, Max Schmeling, Adolf Hitler. It has a runtime of 0h 53m. Viewers rate it 6.5/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel.

Why We Fight: Prelude to War was produced by War Activities Committee of the Motion Pictures Industry and U.S. War Department and made in United States of America. It was released on May 27, 1942.

Director
Frank Capra, Anatole Litvak
Release date
May 27, 1942
Original language
English
Status
Released
Country
United States of America
Production
War Activities Committee of the Motion Pictures Industry, U.S. War Department
#world war ii

Why We Fight: Prelude to War cast & crew

Why We Fight: Prelude to War was directed by Frank Capra and Anatole Litvak.

The cast features Walter Huston as Self - Narrator (voice), Max Schmeling as Self - German paratrooper (archive footage), and Adolf Hitler as Self.

Behind the camera, cinematography is by Robert Flaherty.

Is Why We Fight: Prelude to War worth watching?

Why We Fight: Prelude to War holds an audience score of 6.5/10 from 73 ratings, a solidly received documentary films.

At 0h 53m, it's an easy, time-light watch.

If you enjoy documentary and war, Why We Fight: Prelude to War is worth a place on your watchlist.

How and where to watch Why We Fight: Prelude to War

In United States, you can stream Why We Fight: Prelude to War on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, YouTube TV, and MGM Plus, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video and FlixFling. Click any service above to open it directly.

Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.

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Cast of Why We Fight: Prelude to War

Walter Huston

Walter Huston

Self - Narrator (voice)

Max Schmeling

Max Schmeling

Self - German paratrooper (archive footage)

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler

Self

More from the Why We Fight

Why We Fight: Prelude to War — FAQs

Where can I watch Why We Fight: Prelude to War in United States?

Why We Fight: Prelude to War is streaming on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, YouTube TV in United States.

Is Why We Fight: Prelude to War on fuboTV?

Yes — Why We Fight: Prelude to War is currently available on fuboTV in United States.

What language is Why We Fight: Prelude to War in?

Why We Fight: Prelude to War is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.

How long is Why We Fight: Prelude to War?

Why We Fight: Prelude to War runs 0 hours 53 minutes (53 minutes).

What is Why We Fight: Prelude to War rated?

It holds a 6.5/10 audience score from 73 ratings.

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