Where to stream

Why We Fight: Prelude to War

6.4194253mMovieDocumentaryWar

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…

DirectorsFrank Capra·Anatole Litvak

Where to watch

fuboTV

MGM+ Amazon Channel Philo

Philo

MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel

Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Frank Capra

Walter Huston

Self - Narrator (voice)

Max Schmeling

Self - German paratrooper (archive footage)

Adolf Hitler

Self

More from Walter Huston · Lead actor

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More from Max Schmeling · Co-star actor

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More from Frank Capra · Director

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1961 · 7.3

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town

1936 · 7.5

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1932 · 6.5

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Why We Fight: Prelude to War — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Why We Fight: Prelude to War?

Why We Fight: Prelude to War is streaming on fuboTV, MGM+ and Philo in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Why We Fight: Prelude to War on Netflix?

No, Why We Fight: Prelude to War is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on fuboTV and MGM+.

Is Why We Fight: Prelude to War on Amazon Prime Video?

Why We Fight: Prelude to War isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch Why We Fight: Prelude to War for free?

Why We Fight: Prelude to War is available to stream free (with ads) on Kanopy and Hoopla in United States.

Is there a sequel to Why We Fight: Prelude to War?

Yes — Why We Fight: Prelude to War is followed by Why We Fight: The Nazis Strike (1943) in the Why We Fight.

Is there a prequel to Why We Fight: Prelude to War?

Why We Fight: Prelude to War is the first film in the Why We Fight.

Is Why We Fight: Prelude to War part of a trilogy?

No — Why We Fight: Prelude to War is part of the Why We Fight, which has 7 films.

How many movies are in the Why We Fight?

There are 7 films in the Why We Fight: Why We Fight: Prelude to War (1942), Why We Fight: The Nazis Strike (1943), Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer (1943), Why We Fight: The Battle of Britain (1943), Why We Fight: The Battle of Russia (1943), Why We Fight: The Battle of China (1944) and War Comes to America (1945).