The 20 Greatest War TV Series of All Time (2024)

War stories have an unmatched ability to grip audiences. Whether they are told through history books or Hollywood movies, they explore both the bigger strategic maneuvers as well as the smallest human moments in the best way possible. But perhaps the most powerful medium for bringing battles and personal tolls of conflict has always been television.

Over the decades, some truly outstanding TV series have revealed the messy, complex, and deeply moving reality of war from behind enemy lines as well as mundane trenches. Through intertwining storylines of compelling characters and the unbelievable hardships they faced, these TV shows completely immerse us in the thick of it all.

The genre clearly contains multitudes. From unflinching portraits of combat to more stylized and zany adventures, war television balances the thrilling action of war with sincere compassion for the fallen heroes. And for that reason alone, it is an important medium that preserves the glory and sacrifice of real people. Here are 20 of the greatest war TV series of all time.

20 World on Fire (2019-2023)

Set during the World War II, this excellent BBC series follows the intertwined fates of ordinary people across Europe while the conflict outside their walls escalates. The first season, while centering around five multifaceted characters from nations Britain, Poland, France, Germany, and the United States, covers events like the Battle of the River Plate and the Battle of Britain, while the second season returns to the resistance movement.

Poignant and Complex Portrayal of Humanity

Focusing on how war drastically alters human lives, World on Fire is brilliantly crafted over two seasons. Through the eyes of relatable individuals, who are complex, flawed, and fully realized, the series offers an intimate glimpse into the desperation that was born amidst the global conflict.

Mesmerizing performances from the likes of Jonah Hauer-King, Sean Bean, Lesley Manville, Mark Bonnar, and more, immerse you into the period of darkness. Overall, its attention to detail and deeply affecting narratives make the series a must-watch. Buy on Apple TV.

19 John Adams (2008)

John Adams

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An HBO miniseries on the life of U.S. Founding Father and President John Adams and the first 50 years of the United States.

Release Date

March 16, 2008

Cast

Paul Giamatti , Laura Linney , Mamie Gummer , David Morse , Rufus Sewell , Sarah Polley , Tom Wilkinson , Danny Huston

Main Genre

History

Seasons

1

Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, and Sarah Polley star in this award-winning drama miniseries. It breathes life into the fascinating story of one of America’s founding fathers in period-accurate detail.

From his involvement in the Boston Massacre as a defense counsel for the soldiers to the Declaration of Independence and his eventual election as the second President of the United States of America, the series traces John Adams’ incredible political journey.

A Richly Crafted War Spectacle

Spanning seven decades across seven enlightening episodes, John Adams guides you through the late 18th century and reveals what efforts and events shaped the nation. Giamatti delivers a stellar performance as the titular character, with the supporting cast offering equal amounts of grit and sacrifice.

The stunning locations and visually appealing cinematography pulls no punches, depicting the harshness of the revolutionary period. Not only did John Adams earn praise from critics, who stated the series “is, quite simply, as good as TV gets,” but it also won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. Stream on Max.

18 Catch-22 (2019)

Catch-22 (2019)

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Release Date

May 17, 2019

Cast

Christopher Abbott , Kyle Chandler , Rafi Gavron , Graham Patrick Martin , Kevin J. O'Connor , Tessa Ferrer , Grant Heslov , Jay Paulson

Main Genre

Crime

Seasons

1

Adapted from a 1961 novel of the same name written by Joseph Heller, Catch-22 offers a darkly humorous look at WWII through the eyes of a young soldier named Yossarian. As a member of a US Bomber squadron, he feels that his life is in danger because of the number of missions he has to fly out for. Determined to take no part in any more dangerous bombing missions, he resorts to using the bureaucratic rule Catch-22, which states that a soldier may be relieved on grounds of insanity or madness caused by war.

Sharp and Absurd Limited Series

Catch-22 is a six-episode limited series starring Christopher Abbott, Kyle Chandler, Hugh Laurie, and George Clooney, who also co-directed it. It captures both the black comedy and tragedy of war with an exceptional lens.

Clooney’s direction is flawless as he draws nuanced performances out of the rest of the cast and helps the viewers understand how maddening it is to have to survive the extremities of war. The frenetic pace elevates the experience and helps make a dark anti-establishment commentary. Stream on Hulu.

Related: The Best Anti-War Movies Ever Made

17 The Liberator (2020)

The only animated war drama on the list, The Liberator is also set during World War II. It tells the untold yet important story of the Allied forces as they pushed past Italy and into Nazi Germany. The 157th Infantry Regiment, led by U.S. Army officer Felix Sparks, was central to the mission. Their determination to get out of those treacherous grounds alive and eliminate Hitler at all costs led them to relentlessly engage in combat for over 500 days.

Offers a Fresh Lens to Look at History

Adding a whole new dimension to war television through the animation medium, The Liberator captures the violence of war in certain ways even live action could not. Each frame, however clichéd in terms of storytelling, feels well-researched and intimate.

The eye-popping animation makes up for the inconsistencies in narrative and paves the way for the ambitious scope of the genre to tackle serious stories for adult audiences. Critics marked The Liberator as an ideal example of why it's important to revisit WWII stories. Stream on Netflix.

16 Generation War (2013)

Soldiers and war veterans weren’t always their definitive titles, but people once. Ordinary individuals with mundane lives and friends to share joys and sorrows with. Generation War is a German miniseries that follows five friends who embark on different paths at the start of the Second World War. With Hitler rising to power, two Wehrmacht soldiers, an aspiring singer, a war nurse, and a Jewish tailor vow to meet again after years. However, when their lives are touched by war, they struggle to survive in a changing world.

Intimate and Character-Driven

Genuinely touching and gravely sentimental, Generation War crafts a portrait of normal Germans, but in the process, it never diminishes the atrocities of war.

Through interwoven tales, it plunges the viewers right into the thick of brutality and wartime challenges. Generation War generated a lot of controversy because of its less judgmental tale of the conflict as well as the portrayal of the Polish resistance movement. Yet, the series remains a necessary inclusion. Stream on Prime Video.

15 Holocaust (1978)

A four-part limited series starring Michael Moriarty, Meryl Streep and Blanche Baker, Holocaust documents the tragic experiences of Jewish families in 1940s Germany and Poland. After the Nazis began to ruthlessly carry out their systematic genocide, two families, one Jewish, in Nazi Germany, get embroiled in discrimination, and one of them must face the horrors of the camp. Meanwhile, Erik Dorf rises to the ranks as a Nazi.

One of the Grittiest Depictions of War on TV

Released in 1987, Holocaust brought a monumental change in television. It was meant to educate the newer generation about a grave event in history through an honest and unflinching lens. It delivered on its promise, sparing no detail and depicting every inhuman act with realism.

14 The Man in the High Castle (2015-2019)

The Man in the High Castle

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Release Date

January 15, 2015

Cast

Jaap Sinke , Ferry van Tongeren , Alexa Davalos , Jason O'Mara , Brennan Brown , Chelah Horsdal , Rufus Sewell

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

Seasons

4

An imaginative and truly thought-provoking feat, The Man in the High Castle tries to picture an alternate reality – a dystopian history where the Axis powers won World War II and ruled over a United States divided into three sections, one controlled by the Japanese and Nazis, each with a buffer zone between the two. However, a beacon of hope emerges when films that showcase a different reality of war and the possibility of Japan losing begin to surface, with one woman taking notice and plotting resistance.

A Thought-Provoking Re-Imagination of History

The Man in the High Castle is based on Philip K. Dick's 1962 novel of the same name, and it is told across four gripping seasons. Deeply layered, the series sparks discussions on propaganda, the meaning of fascism, and a general idea of what could've been the future had certain events played out differently.

The clever world-building and ingenious narrative devices keep the viewers guessing from start to finish. Stellar acting from stars like Rufus Sewell, Alexa Davalos, Luke Kleintank, and others bring authenticity and escapism to these what-ifs, making the series a standout in the genre. Stream on Prime Video.

13 Rome (2005-2007)

Rome (2005)

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Release Date

August 28, 2005

Cast

Kevin McKidd , Ray Stevenson , Ciarán Hinds , James Purefoy , Polly Walker , Tobias Menzies , Lindsay Duncan , Nicholas Woodeson

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

2

Rome is a spectacular international co-production between HBO/BBC Two. It is set in the 1st century BC, and it chronicles the power struggles between religious leaders and political parties during a time when the Roman Republic was transitioning into Imperial Rome. The story is told through the eyes of Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, two ordinary soldiers, who witness Caesar’s rise and fall to dictatorship as well as the ascension of Octavian Augustus.

Crafted on a Spectacular Scale

Produced on an astounding scale, Rome features luscious set pieces, period-accurate costumes, and grand battle sequences to bring ancient Rome to glorious life on the small screens.

The complex characters are anchored by a brilliant cast that comprises Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, and Polly Walker among others. They play people of the time with jarring reality and turn the story into something that is equal parts educating and entertaining. Overall, Rome demonstrated TV’s potential to understand history. Stream on Max.

12 Valley of Tears (2020)

Valley of Tears is an exceptionally tense Israeli miniseries that depicts the battles of the Yom Kippur War and the trauma inflicted by it through the experiences of young recruits. The season is set in October 1973, on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, when Egypt and Syria launched a sudden attack on Israel and surprised the country with air raids and an invasion that pushed them to their limits.

An Exceptional Israeli Miniseries

Told over ten distressing episodes, Valley of Tears has the distinct ability to transport viewers into the chaos of war. Because it focuses on the fear of young soldiers who’d barely stepped out of boyhood, there is an intense emotion to the series.

Even though the version is a dramatized one, creator Yaron Zilberman strives for full accuracy by getting input from war veterans. Even though the series was criticized for historical inaccuracies, it serves as a tribute to an overlooked chapter in Israeli history. Stream on Max.

11 Generation Kill (2008)

Generation Kill (2008)

TV-MA

Release Date

August 24, 2008

Cast

Alexander Skarsgard , James Ransone , Lee Tergesen , Jon Huertas , Stark Sands , Billy Lush , Jonah Lotan , Wilson Bethel , Pawel Szajda , Marc Menchaca , Rey Valentin , Kellan Lutz , Mike Figueroa , Josh Barrett

Main Genre

Drama

Seasons

1

A suspenseful political thriller series that aired on HBO in 2008, Generation Kill re-envisions the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The central characters are the U.S. Marine Corps' 1st Reconnaissance Battalion as well as Evan Wright, an embedded reporter, known throughout the series as “Rolling Stone.” As tensions flare among the men enlisted to fight, their impulsive decisions endanger lives, and they struggle to earn respect among themselves.

A Ground-Level Glimpse into the Invasion of Iraq

The series captures the adrenaline, mundanity, and the chaos of combat from the ground level, which is what makes it so immersive.

Known for its pitch-perfect casting (Lee Tergesen as Wright and Alexander Skarsgård and James Ransone as soldiers), it also embodies a dry humor that helps cope with trauma. Generation Kill also won a bunch of Emmys and was lauded by critics for its gritty authenticity and vivid storytelling. Stream on Max.

10 Strike Back (2010-2020)

Strike Back

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Release Date

May 5, 2010

Cast

Warren Brown

Main Genre

Action

See Also

The Best War Miniseries of All Time, Ranked

Seasons

7

An eight-season long, action-packed spy series, Strikes Back centers around John Porter, a British special forces soldier who is dispatched from service on grounds of sparing the life of a child linked to terrorists. Seven years later, he is called back to work on a major case involving the same boy he let go of, As'ad. From tracking Taliban leaders to infiltrating organized crime, every season of Strike Back (which is also titled differently) has something raw and unorthodox to offer.

Intriguing Espionage Thriller

A fast-paced adventure that combines the best elements of beloved action franchises like Bourne and Mission: Impossible as well as thriller series like Jack Ryan and 24, Strike Back offers a realistic take on covert missions across eight thrilling seasons. From explosive shootouts to car chases around the world, its grounded direction and attention to detail make every scene look like it was ripped right out of newspaper headlines. Philip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton were the series’ mainstays until they were replaced.

9 Masters of the Air (2024)

Masters of the Air

Release Date

January 26, 2024

Cast

Barry Keoghan , Austin Butler , Callum Turner , Ben Radcliffe , David Shields , Bel Powley

Main Genre

War

Seasons

1

Based on Donald L. Miller’s 2007 book of the same name, Masters of the Air is a recent war drama miniseries that tells the epic story of the 100th Bomb Group during World War II. from the deployment of the Eighth Air Force bomber boys to the harrowing missions they embarked on, the series depicts both the horrors and the heroism in their strategic campaign against the Nazis over the course of three years, from 1942 to 1945.

Star-Studded Aerial War Drama

Directed by Cary Joji f*ckunaga and backed by executive producers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, Masters of the Air was a highly anticipated series, primarily due to the involvement of A-list actors like Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan. The extensive research, the state-of-the-art production methods, and the ambitious scale, all work together to provide a sensory experience of the air-raids. In a way, the series preserves the legacy of the aircrews who served the country. Stream on Apple TV.

8 The Pacific (2010)

The Pacific

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Release Date

March 14, 2010

Cast

James Badge Dale , Jon Seda , Joseph Mazzello , Ashton Holmes , Jacob Pitts , Rami Malek , William Sadler , Jon Bernthal

Main Genre

Drama

Seasons

1

It is only fitting to mention The Pacific after Masters of the Air because they are companion pieces. Another epic limited series centers around the Second World War. It follows three US Marines from different regiments – Robert Leckie, Eugene Sledge, and John Basilone – as they battle a determined Japanese force on Okinawa. Graphic and truthful in its portrayal of the fights, it documents the warfare, the carnage, and the brotherhood.

Explores World War II’s Horrors and Heroism

Drawing inspiration from firsthand accounts, primarily from the memoirs of two US Marines, this war miniseries tried to “look beyond the combat, and it paints a full, vivid picture of the war and the people that fought in it through focused, individual stories.”

Because of its advanced use of prosthetics, location filming, and harrowing realism, The Pacific is not for the faint of heart. But that’s what makes it all the more important in preserving the soldiers’ bravery and humanity. Winner of dozens of awards, including Emmys and Television Critics Association Awards, the series is a must-watch. Stream on Netflix.

Related: The Best War Miniseries of All Time, Ranked

7 All the Light We Cannot See (2023)

Deftly directed by Shawn Levy, All the Light We Cannot See is a drama miniseries based on Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. It tells the story of Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French girl, and Werner Pfennig, a teenage German radio operator forced to join the Nazi regime. As their lives intersect in unexpected ways, the narrative steers in a direction where Marie and Werner fight for the light.

Poetic Ode to the Human Spirit

Spanning decades, the series was criticized for its dialogue but lauded for its production and locales, which ranged from France to Germany.

The visual storytelling was anchored by a soulful and profound tone, but most importantly, it was the core of the narrative that evoked emotion. The casting choice of Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure earned several claps, with the portrayal of acts of courage and compassion making even the darkest times seem survivable. Stream on Netflix.

6 Hogan's Heroes (1965-1971)

hogan's heroes

Release Date

September 17, 1965

Cast

Bob Crane , Richard Dawson , Robert Clary , Larry Hovis , Werner Klemperer , John Banner

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

6

The longest-running television series inspired by World War II, Hogan’s Heroes is a lighter and zanier take on the subject. It is set in a prisoner-of-war (POW) camp in Nazi Germany, where the bumbling commandant Colonel Klink and his subordinate are constantly outwitted by the clever exploits of a group of Allied prisoners. Their ultimate aim was to use the camp to sabotage the German effort by building elaborate tunnels from the barracks.

Comedic Gem That Finds Humor in the Darkest Hours

Praised for its clever writing and the phenomenal chemistry between leads Bob Crane and Werner Klemperer, Hogan’s Heroes broke ground as one of the first war TV series to satirize Nazism. Comprising 168 episodes, every one of the six seasons balanced light humor with the gravity of war. It pokes fun at both sides of conflict and delivers timeless jokes and a resilience that shines bright even in the darkest of hours. Stream on Pluto TV.

5 Shōgun (2024)

Shogun (2024)

TV-14

4.5/5

Release Date

February 27, 2024

Cast

Hiroyuki Sanada , Cosmo Jarvis , Tadanobu Asano , Anna Sawai

Main Genre

Adventure

Seasons

1

Shōgun is an ongoing miniseries adapted from James Cavell’s 1975 novel of the same name. It tells the interconnected story of three individuals – Lord Toranaga, a powerful and volatile feudal lord at constant odds with his rivals, John Blackthorne, an English sailor who finds himself stranded in the ritualized and violent world of 16th century Japan, and Lady Mariko, whose power and passion alone isn’t enough to prove her worth.

A Big-Budget and Visually Stunning Drama

With a budget close to $250 million, Shōgun is perhaps the most lavish historical drama Netflix has ever made for the screen.

Its storytellings significance lies largely in exploring the dynamic encounter between the East and the West. Early response, considering the viewership and critics reviews, is respectfully positive, with many admiring its “striking performances and stunning visuals.” There are currently five episodes streaming on the platform, and fans are more than excited for what lies ahead. Stream on Hulu.

4 Homeland (2011 – 2020)

Homeland

Release Date

October 2, 2011

Cast

Claire Danes , Maury Sterling , Numan Acar , Mandy Patinkin , Linus Roache , Costa Ronin

Main Genre

Action

In Homeland, Claire Danes plays the role of a brilliant CIA agent, Carrie Mathison, who suffers from bipolar disorder. Damian Lewis stars as US Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody, who has been held in captivity by al-Qaeda. After eight years, Brody was rescued in the Middle East, following which, Mathison is convinced that he was turned by the enemy and might have links to a possible threat. In determining the truth, Mathison goes undercover.

Tense and Morally Complex War Series

Homeland raised the espionage genre to dramatic heights by relying mainly on suspenseful revelations and unpredictable plot devices. Despite having a clear premise, the series kept viewers hooked for eight seasons, which were all ripe with outstanding scripts and intense storytelling. Apart from Danes and Lewis, stars like Mandy Patinkin and Rupert Friend delivered superb acting and left behind a defining portrait of wartime. Stream on Hulu.

Related: Top 10 Must-Watch World War II Spy Thrillers

3 The Americans (2013-2018)

The Americans

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Release Date

January 30, 2013

Cast

Keri Russell , Matthew Rhys , Noah Emmerich , Costa Ronin , Margo Martindale

Main Genre

Crime

Seasons

6

Created by Joe Weisberg, this FX war drama is set against the backdrop of 1980s Washington, D.C. Phillip and Elizabeth Jennings live the suburban dream, having built a home with their unassuming American-born children. However, behind closed doors, they are deep undercover KGB agents placed in the city to spy on the American government. As the Reagan administration finds a more stable ground, they balance their family life with clandestine missions.

Critically Acclaimed Slow-Burn Spy Thriller

Over six critically acclaimed seasons, The Americans not only reinvented the spy genre but also featured mind-blowing plots and morally ambiguous characters. While its core lies in espionage, the latter seasons transform into a Cold War thriller, making sharp commentary on patriotism and identity. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys portray multifaceted characters that move steadily and build intrigue, up until the breathtaking and emotionally wrecking finale. Stream on Hulu.

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2 Band of Brothers (2001)

Band of Brothers

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Release Date

September 9, 2001

Cast

Damian Lewis , Donnie Wahlberg , Eion Bailey , Ron Livingston , Matthew Settle , Michael Cudlitz , Neal McDonough , Scott Grimes

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

1

This universally recognized HBO miniseries was created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. It tells the history of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. Their heroic but agonizing exploits begin with the paratrooper training at Camp Toccoa and follow through the Allied victories in Europe – from D-day to the war’s end.

Striking Character Study Set Against the Backdrop of War

Featuring a dream ensemble cast made of Kirk Acevedo, Michael Cudlitz, Dale Dye, Eion Bailey, Scott Grimes, and more, Band of Brothers dunks viewers into wartime like no other television project before.

The on-location filming transports you to the actual experience of the battlefield, with each episode adding to the intensity. Winner of several Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globes Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film, the war drama remains the gold standard even over two decades later. Stream on Max.

1 M*A*S*H (1972-1983)

M*A*S*H

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Release Date

September 17, 1972

Cast

Alan Alda , Mike Farrell , Loretta Swit , Jamie Farr , Harry Morgan , David Ogden Stiers

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

11

Adapted from Richard Hooker's 1968 novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors, M*A*S*H is set in a Korean War Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, where the staff consists of wisecracking surgeons, head nurses, radar technicians, and clerks. As they cope with the madness of war and loss of life, the members of the hospital indulge in black humor. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake leads the team.

Subversive and Humorous Depiction of War

It rarely ever happens that war television taps into the refreshing and empathetic side of the subject. M*A*S*H took the road seldom taken and skewered the absurdities of the military and the bureaucratic systems.

And for that alone, the series became one of the most-watched and smartest TV shows of all time. The lighthearted but poignant script matched the direction of war tragedies and triumphs. Overall, its exploration of universal themes is the key to M*A*S*H’s enduring popularity. Stream on Hulu.