Now streaming on Netflix, Number 24 tells the true story of Gunnar Sønsteby, Norway’s most decorated war hero. The Norwegian war film currently holds a rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising it for its powerful storytelling, historical significance, and emotional depth. The film recounts the life of Sønsteby, who joined the resistance movement the very day Nazi Germany invaded Norway in 1940.
Played with quiet intensity by Sjur Vatne Brean, Sønsteby emerges not as a mythologised war figure, but as a deeply human character navigating impossible choices in a country under siege. Rather than glorifying violence or treating history as spectacle, Number 24 carefully reconstructs a lesser-known chapter of World War II, emphasising the personal cost of resistance and the quiet bravery of those who refused to accept occupation.
Number 24 delves into the psychological toll of conflict, portraying the immense burden Sønsteby carried as he faced impossible decisions and personal sacrifices in the fight against Nazi occupation at just 25 years old.
Directed by John Andreas Andersen, the film follows Sønsteby’s transformation from an ordinary university student into the key leader of the Oslo Gang, which was one of the most effective sabotage units in the Norwegian resistance.
Known by his codename Agent No. 24, Sønsteby became Norway’s most highly decorated war hero and remains the only individual ever awarded the War Cross with three swords, the country’s highest military distinction.
Shot in a documentary style, Andersen seamlessly transitions between present-day Norway and the turmoil of the 1940s.
One person said: “First movie of 2025. this was SO GOOD. They literally killed it with including exit music (for a film). IT WAS PERFECT.”
Another viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “This is probably the most enjoyable films I’ve seen all year. Both actors playing the younger and older version of Gunnar did an incredible job.”
Someone else said: “Number 24 is more than just a film—it’s an experience. It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer, leaving you inspired and deeply touched.
“Whether you’re a fan of sports dramas or simply someone who loves a beautifully told story, Number 24 is a cinematic gem that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.”