Zaitsev became a celebrated figure during the war and later a Hero of the Soviet Union, and he remains lauded for his skills as a sniper. His life and military career have been the subject of several books and films: his exploits, as detailed in William Craig's 1973 book "", would serve as the lead figure for the 2001 film "Enemy at the Gates", with Jude Law portraying Zaitsev. He is also featured in David L. Robbins's 1991 historical novel "War of the Rats".