Cross of Iron
Directed by Sam Peckinpah
German commander Hauptmann Stransky places a squad in extreme danger after Sergeant Rolf Steiner refuses to lie for him.
Where to Watch Cross of Iron
- Plexxor the Pretty GoodMay 11, 2026Absolutely epicly watchable Peckinpah, not all of his are, they may be great but this is a cohesive storyline. Tells another side of German soldiers just trying to maintain their humanity as proud Germans...not all were monsters, most were just soldiers like you or me.
- flavo43November 28, 2025Cross of Iron is a brutal, unflinching war film that stands out for showing the conflict from the German side—something rarely explored with such honesty. Sam Peckinpah’s signature chaotic, gritty style is on full display, painting war as senseless, exhausting, and corrosive to everyone involved. James Coburn delivers a powerful performance as Sergeant Steiner, a battle-weary soldier whose face alone conveys the futility and despair of endless fighting. Yet despite his disillusionment, Steiner remains fiercely loyal to his men, embodying a raw, grounded bravery. Maximilian Schell offers a sharp counterpoint as the newly arrived officer desperately chasing glory and the prestigious Iron Cross, even at the cost of others’ lives. Their conflict drives the film’s tension, highlighting pride, class resentment, and the moral collapse of war. While Cross of Iron may not be Peckinpah’s finest work, it is undeniably impactful—chaotic, violent, deeply antiwar, and ultimately an engrossing, memorable piece of cinema.
Cross of Iron Trivia
Cross of Iron was released on February 10, 1977.
Cross of Iron was directed by Sam Peckinpah.
Cross of Iron has a runtime of 2h 13m.
Cross of Iron was produced by Wolf C. Hartwig, Alex Winitsky, Arlene Sellers.
German commander Hauptmann Stransky places a squad in extreme danger after Sergeant Rolf Steiner refuses to lie for him.
The key characters in Cross of Iron are Unteroffizier / Feldwebel Rolf Steiner (James Coburn), Hauptmann Stransky (Maximilian Schell), Oberst Brandt (James Mason).
Cross of Iron is rated R.
Cross of Iron is a War, Drama, Action film.
Cross of Iron has an audience rating of 8.7 out of 10.
Cross of Iron had a budget of $6M.
Cross of Iron has made $1.5M at the box office.