The epic war drama is the sixth best movie of all time, according to Rotten Tomatoes

One of cinema’s finest achievements, depicting the harsh realities of existence during World War Two, can now be watched without charge across the UK.

Running for more than three hours, Schindler’s List stands as Steven Spielberg’s greatest triumph and chronicles the real-life tale of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman portrayed by Liam Neeson, who rescued over a thousand predominantly Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany throughout the Holocaust.

Schindler, himself a member of Hitler’s Nazi party, utilised his manufacturing plants in occupied Poland to give work to Jewish labourers, eventually rescuing approximately 1,200 individuals.

“Spielberg employs all the emotive Hollywood tools at his disposal, and the result is a remarkable film with wide appeal and real importance,” film critic Wendy Ide wrote for The Times during a 2024 revist, adding that “[Liam] Neeson is phenomenal, but matched by towering performances from Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes.”

British viewers can now watch this cinematic gem at no cost as it becomes available on BBC iPlayer, accessible to anyone holding a valid TV Licence, reports the Express.

However, the platform confirms the film will only remain viewable until Sunday, so viewers must ensure they catch this ‘essential’ picture before that deadline.

Digital film review platform Rotten Tomatoes places Schindler’s List as the sixth greatest film ever created, awarding it a 98% audience approval rating through its Tomatometer system.

Originally hitting the screens in 1993, the film was showered with critical praise and public adoration, bagging seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and securing nominations for Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively.

Fiennes, known for his roles as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series and M in James Bond, arguably delivers his most sinister performance as Nazi SS officer, Amon Göth, the commandant of the Paszów concentration camp.

His bone-chilling portrayal won him a host of awards and nominations, including an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor. His depiction was so authentic that a Holocaust survivor on set trembled with fear upon meeting him in character.

“To be honest, I think this is the most important movie ever made. An absolute masterpiece,” wrote Rotten Tomatoes user Liam B in a glowing five-star review for the film, which clocks in at three hours and 15 minutes.

Another user said: “Where do you start? The score? The writing? The acting? The direction? Everything is 100% on point.

“Fiennes’ performance shames unworthy Oscar winners before and since-incredible. Neeson gives the performance of his life. Spielberg delivers arguably his greatest film.

“And it’s black and white apart from the little girl in that red dress. The ghetto liquidation is one of the most harrowing scenes in mainstream cinema history. Always as relevant as it is brilliant.”