World War 2 is one of human history’s saddest and most impactful events. The only good things that came out were the phenomenal stories of courage, loyalty, and love. We have compiled a list of the 15 best TV series about World War II:
15. SS-GB (2017)
This 2017 British drama series by the BBC explores an alternative timeline in which the United Kingdom is occupied by Nazi Germany during World War 2. The series is based on the 1978 novel of the same name by Len Deighton.
The story follows a British homicide detective who treads a thin line to investigate a murder in a country where his department is not fully in control of the policing.
The series has one season with five episodes, making it a perfect choice for weekend binge-watching.
14. The Heavy Water War: Stopping Hitler’s Atomic Bomb (2015)
Photo by Filmkameratene AS/Robert Holand Dreier
This six-episode war drama mini-series is produced by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation.
The story written by Peter S. Rosenlund explores Germany’s attempt to develop an atomic bomb during World War 2. The Allies wanted to sabotage the heavy water program in Rjukan, Norway that was under Nazi control to slow down the Nazi efforts in acquiring heavy water (deuterium oxide), a critical component required for developing the nuclear bomb. The story is told from different points of view of the Germans, the Allies, and saboteurs, and the company.
Again, a series for those who want to enjoy a wartime TV series but don’t want to invest a lot of time in it.
13. The Man in the High Castle (2015-2019)
Have you ever wondered what would have happened had the Axis powers won World War 2? Think no further, The Man in the High Castle series focuses on the exact premise where the USA is conquered and divided between Nazis and Imperial Japanese.
It focuses on different characters that have to navigate the authoritarian regimes after they discover secret film reels that depict alternate realities where the Allies won World War 2.
It’s an excellent watch for anyone looking for an intellectual dystopian experience on TV.
12. The Liberator (2020)
This is a treat for our audience who are more into animated action. This war drama TV series is unique as it uses a blended mixture of animation and live-action.
The Liberator is based on the book The Liberator: One World War II Soldier’s 500-Day Odyssey by Alex Kershaw. The war drama follows a diverse and tough group of soldiers from the 157th Infantry Regiment as they lead the Allied Invasion of Italy during World War 2.
11. Das Boot (2018-2023)
Image Source: IMDb
Das Boot is a German TV series that is a sequel to the movie of the same name. It is based on Lothar-Günther Buchheim’s book, Die Festung.
The television series is produced by Bavaria Fiction for Sky One and focuses on events at sea and on land during World War II.
An inexperienced U-boat crew goes on a secret mission with slim chances of survival. Meanwhile, on land, a young German woman is in a big dilemma as she has to choose between loyalty to her home country and her love.
10. World on Fire (2019-2023)
Image Source: IMDb
World War II affected every part of the population. World on Fire explores stories of ordinary people from all sides of the conflict during WWII. The British War Drama is created by Peter Bowker.
The first seven episodes tell the story of the first year of the war. The series opens up with the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 and ends with the Battle of Britain.
The first season follows translator Harry Chase as he navigates the chaotic war terrain in Warsaw to help his love Kasia flee. But a dilemma awaits him even if he reaches Britain safely. His sweetheart Lois is waiting for him in Manchester.
9. Generation War (2013)
This is the story of five young German friends (two soldiers on the Eastern Front, a war nurse, an aspiring singer, and a Jewish Tailor) that starts in 1941 in Berlin during World War 2. The group promises each other to meet after WWII ends, but their wish for peace and happiness becomes a long and tragic nightmare spanning four years.
8. Holocaust (1978)
Holocaust follows the slow and tragic end of the Jewish Weiss family under Nazi Law. The mini series follows each member of the Weiss family throughout Hitler’s reign in Germany. One by one, they are exterminated until only one son remains at the end of World War II.
Another prominent character in the TV series is Eric Dorf, a kind-hearted young German lawyer who becomes a mass murderer when he takes membership of the SS.
7. The Winds of War (1983)
The Winds of War series closely follows the plot of Wouk’s novel of the same name. It shows the events from March 1939 until the United States enters World War 2 after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
The story centers on Victor “Pug” Henry, a Naval Officer in the United States and a close confidant of the President during wartime. Victor and his family navigate the turbulent challenges of the war.
The subplot of the series follows Adolf Hitler and the German General Staff. The subplot mainly follows the fictional General Armin von Roon.
6. Rogue Heroes (2022-2025)
The British Army Special Air Service (SAS) played a vital role for the Allied forces in World War II. SAS Rogue Heroes (Rogue Heroes in the US) is a British historical drama TV series created by Stephen Knight that premiered on BBC One.
The show depicts the origins of the British Army Special Air Service (SAS) during the Western Desert Campaign in World War 2. The show follows the fresh recruits of the SAS as they carry out a disastrous and devastating first mission.
Reg Seekings, one of the original members of the L Detachment SAS Brigade, forms an unlikely friendship with a young Italian Boy named Matteo. But the friendship is overshadowed by the dark realities of war, resulting in a tragic outcome.
5. War and Remembrance (1988-1989)
Based on another Herman Wouk novel, War and Remembrance is an American miniseries released in 1988. It is considered a sequel to The Winds of War and continues the story of the Henry “Pug” family’s life during World War 2. The show takes us through historical events and the global conflicts during WWII.
The show also tells the story onwards from its prequel and covers the day after the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan.
It’s a very thought-provoking and engaging series.
4. Catch-22 (2019)
Who says you can’t laugh about war? Catch-22 is a satirical dark comedy based on the famous novel by Joseph Heller. The show premiered in 2019 on Hulu in the US.
John Yossarian, a World War 2 bombardier and a Captain, is stationed on Pianosa Island. The captain is an individualist and wants to save his life. But what can he do to protect himself in such a dangerous line of work?
He flees to a hospital to avoid going into dangerous situations, but a Catch-22 in the army regulations doesn’t allow him to be grounded for illness and to obtain leave. A very funny and engaging take on the ironies of life. A treat for those who love comedy and war movies. You’re getting two-for-one with this one.
3. Masters of the Air (2024)
Masters of the Air is a master class in aerial cinematography. The Apple TV+ follows a group of World War II pilots from the 100th Bomb Group during their bombing missions deep inside Nazi occupied Europe.
You can feel the intensity of war and the dangers the fighter pilots face thousands of feet in the air when you watch the show. Watch as friendships and relationships develop throughout the show, even in the uncertain and terrifying times of war.
If you’ve watched the famous Band of Brothers, you’ll surely love this one.
2. The Pacific (2010)
From thousands of feet in the air, straight to the Pacific. This show follows the Marines in the Pacific Theater as they do their duty just like their brothers in the air.
After Japan attacks Pearl Harbour and the US enters World War 2, Robert Leckie immediately enlists in the Marines. Eugene Sledge wants to enlist, but a heart condition makes things difficult for him. John Basilone is a sergeant in the Marines.
The 10-part miniseries covers the first battles against Japan on Guadalcanal, the sands of Iwo Jima, the horrors of Okinawa, and concludes with V-J Day. The story is told from the intertwined perspectives of the three Marines.
1. Band of Brothers (2001)
In our opinion, Band of Brothers is the best World War 2 TV series of all time. It is based on Stephen E. Ambrose’s book of the same name. It follows Easy Company’s journey in the war, from their training days to the Allied Campaigns across Europe. The show does justice to campaigns like the D-Day landings, the Battle of France, the airborne assault during the Battle of the Rhine, and the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. A historical piece of cinema. A must-watch.
We hope you loved this curated list of the best World War 2 TV series. If we missed any TV Series you think should have made it to our list, we’d love to hear from you.
