Dad's Army
"The British Empire Strikes Back"
This 2016 cinema version revisits the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard with a light energy. A visiting journalist named Rose Winters stirs things up as World War II nears its end, while a suspected German agent hides in the town. Captain Mainwaring upholds his stiff routine, and he is matched by the... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 28, 2026
About Dad's Army
This 2016 cinema version revisits the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard with a light energy. A visiting journalist named Rose Winters stirs things up as World War II nears its end, while a suspected German agent hides in the town. Captain Mainwaring upholds his stiff routine, and he is matched by the dependable Sergeant Wilson and a crew of quirky volunteers whose missteps fuel the comedy. The ensemble plays off warm chemistry and straightforward character humor, blending nostalgia for the TV classic with a brisk pace. The film keeps the focus on teamwork and small town resilience rather than big battles. The tone stays light and affectionate, with playful nods to fans of the original while keeping the humor accessible for viewers.
Directed by Oliver Parker, this 2016 adaptation brings the 1968 Dad's Army to cinemas and preserves the series warm hearted satire while inviting a new audience to meet its familiar cast. The production leans on period detail and breezy humor.
This film leans on the enduring appeal of the original series, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to connect with the Walmington crew. Catherine Zeta-Jones as Rose Winters adds a fresh energy that sits against the era's norms, while the rest of the ensemble preserves the familiar rhythm. It also stirs a gentle conversation about gender roles and social class in a lighthearted way.
Critics offered mixed takes, praising the cast's chemistry while noting the update can soften the sharper lines of the original. Some reviews felt the movie leans too much on slapstick, yet the core themes endure: teamwork, duty, and the idea that humor keeps a community cohesive under pressure.
Box office information isn't provided in the available data, so a precise worldwide gross can't be confirmed here. The focus remains on the film's production and reception rather than financials.
Details
- Release Date
- February 05, 2016
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Rating
- PG-13
- User Ratings
- 216 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, War
- Country
- France
- Studio
- DJ Films +4 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Rose Winters
Bill Nighy
Sergeant Wilson
Michael Gambon
Private Godfrey
Toby Jones
Captain Mainwaring
Mark Gatiss
Colonel Theakes
Sarah Lancashire
Mrs. Pike
Tom Courtenay
Lance Corporal Jones
Blake Harrison
Private Pike
Alison Steadman
Mrs. Fox
Daniel Mays
Private Walker
Director: Oliver Parker
Written by: Hamish McColl, David Croft, Jimmy Perry