Catch-22 (1970) based on the book Catch-22 (1961) by Joseph Heller

Based on Joseph Heller’s landmark novel, Catch-22 is a darkly absurd take on the madness of war and military bureaucracy. Alan Arkin stars as Yossarian, a World War II bombardier caught in an impossible logic loop: to be declared insane and avoid combat, he must ask for relief—but asking proves his sanity. Director Mike Nichols brings Heller’s chaotic narrative to the screen with biting satire and surreal humor. Featuring a strong ensemble cast—including Jon Voight, Anthony Perkins, Orson Welles, and Art Garfunkel—the film captures the novel’s circular logic and disorienting tone, with visuals that underscore the insanity of war.