We’ve seen plenty of WWII movies that focus on the front lines, but Nuremberg (2025/2026) takes us inside the cells and the courtroom of the 1945 trials. Based on the non-fiction book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai, the film centers on Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), an American military psychiatrist.

His job? To determine if the high-ranking Nazi prisoners—specifically the charismatic and monstrous Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe)—are sane enough to stand trial.

It’s less of a "legal drama" and more of a "psychological chess match." Crowe is terrifyingly good as Göring, using every bit of his screen presence to play a man who is trying to win over his captors and rewrite his own legacy. Malek plays the "straight man" who slowly finds himself being affected by the sheer proximity to such concentrated evil.

Netflix’s algorithm is pushing this hard, and for good reason. It has that "prestige" feel that usually wins awards, and the pairing of Crowe and Malek is a huge draw for anyone who appreciates acting-heavy dramas.

In our community data, we’re seeing a spike in interest among 10th-12th graders. This usually happens when a movie hits that sweet spot of "stuff I’m learning in AP Euro/World History" and "stuff that looks mature and gritty." It’s the kind of movie kids watch when they want to feel like they’re engaging with "grown-up" cinema.

This isn't a sanitized version of history. Here is the no-BS breakdown of what you're actually sitting down to watch:

This is the biggest hurdle for parents. The film uses actual historical footage from the liberation of the concentration camps—the same footage that was shown during the real Nuremberg trials to shock the defendants. It is graphic, heartbreaking, and deeply disturbing. Unlike "movie gore" in a horror flick, this is real human suffering. If your child is sensitive to real-world trauma, this is a hard "no."

The movie explores how Göring was able to charm people around him. It’s a sophisticated look at how "monsters" don't always look like monsters—sometimes they’re funny, articulate, and seemingly reasonable. This is a great teaching moment, but it requires a certain level of maturity to process without being confused by the "villain’s" charisma.

It’s a R-rated movie for a reason. There’s heavy smoking (period accurate), strong language, and an unrelenting sense of dread. There are no "hero shots" or explosions to break the tension. It’s a slow burn.

Learn more about how to discuss historical trauma with your kids

If your teen watches Nuremberg, they’re going to have questions—or they’ll just be very quiet. Here are a few ways to open that door:

If Nuremberg sparked an interest in history or psychological dramas, these are some Screenwise-approved next steps that offer high quality without the "brain rot" of typical streaming fare:

A haunting look at the family life of the commandant of Auschwitz. It’s artful, chilling, and contains no graphic violence, yet it’s one of the most disturbing movies ever made because of what it doesn't show.

The gold standard for WWII storytelling. It’s visceral and violent, but it focuses on the camaraderie and the human cost of the war on the ground.

The essential companion piece. If they haven't seen it, this is the definitive cinematic record of the Holocaust. It’s heavy, but intentional parents often find it’s a "must-watch" for high schoolers.

If they liked the "men in rooms talking about the fate of the world" vibe, Christopher Nolan’s epic about the atomic bomb is a perfect follow-up.

Check out our full guide on the best historical dramas for families

Nuremberg is an excellent, well-acted, and historically significant film. It is also an emotional gauntlet.

For Middle Schoolers (Ages 11-13): Skip it. The psychological complexity and the archival footage are too much. If they want history, try Hidden Figures or The Book Thief.

For Younger Teens (Ages 14-15): Watch it with them. You’ll want to be there to pause and explain the context or talk through the more disturbing images.

For Older Teens (16+): This is a great solo or family watch. It’s the kind of movie that builds "cultural literacy" and actually rewards them for paying attention.

Parenting in 2026 means we can't always block the heavy stuff—the algorithm will find them eventually. But we can be the ones who help them process it. Nuremberg isn't "fun," but it is important. Just make sure you have something lighter queued up for afterward—maybe a few episodes of The Great British Baking Show to cleanse the palate.

Ask Screenwise: Is my teen ready for R-rated historical dramas?