The 60+ Best War Drama Series Ever Made, Ranked
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Vote up the best war drama shows that have aired on television.
- 1Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Rick GomezBand of Brothers, a gripping World War II miniseries, delves into the harrowing experiences and unwavering camaraderie of Easy Company, a unit of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. With masterful storytelling, the show garnered critical acclaim, earning numerous awards including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries. The ensemble cast skillfully portrays real-life soldiers, such as Major Richard Winters (Damian Lewis) and Captain Lewis Nixon (Ron Livingston), capturing the essence of their valiant struggles and sacrifices. From the treacherous airborne landings in Normandy to the war's bitter end, Band of Brothers remains a poignant tribute to the Greatest Generation's heroism.More Band of Brothers
- #3 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
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- #5 of 650 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 2James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon SedaThe Pacific, a gripping war drama series, delves into the harrowing experiences of three U.S. Marines - Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale), Eugene Sledge (Joe Mazzello), and John Basilone (Jon Seda) - during World War II's Pacific campaign. With its masterful storytelling and compelling performances, this ten-episode miniseries garnered an impressive 24 Emmy nominations, winning eight. The Pacific immerses viewers in the visceral realities faced by these soldiers, both on and off the battlefield, while exploring the impact of war on their personal lives. This critically acclaimed series is not only a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Marines but also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for the greater good.More The Pacific
- #27 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #385 of 447 onThe 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
- #11 of 81 onThe 75+ Best HBO Shows, Ranked
votes needed!NEW TO THE LIST
NEW#68The Sympathizer- NEW#69The Tattooist of Auschwitz
- 3Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony BoyleDuring World War II, airmen risk their lives with the 100th Bomb Group, forging a brotherhood.More Masters of the Air
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- 4Alan Alda, McLean Stevenson, Wayne RogersSet against the backdrop of the Korean War, MASH is a groundbreaking dramedy that masterfully blends humor and heartache to explore the complexities of wartime camaraderie. The show boasts an ensemble cast led by the wisecracking surgeon Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and his colleagues, who navigate the harsh realities of war while finding solace in their shared experiences. Over its 11-season run, MASH garnered critical acclaim, earning numerous Emmy Awards and Golden Globe nominations. Its compelling storylines, memorable characters, and powerful commentary on the human condition continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in television history.More M*A*S*H
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- 5Connor Swindells, Jack O'Connell, Alfie AllenAn officer forms a plan to radicalize traditional commando units.More Rogue Heroes
- #406 of 682 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #171 of 1,051 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #600 of 650 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 6Alexander Skarsgård, James Ransone, Lee TergesenGeneration Kill is a tough, unflinching HBO miniseries that captures the early stages of the Iraq War through the eyes of the First Reconnaissance Battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Based on the award-winning book by journalist Evan Wright, who was embedded with the unit, the series presents a raw and authentic portrayal of military life during the conflict. It stars Alexander Skarsgård as Sergeant Brad 'Iceman' Colbert and features a breakout performance by Stark Sands. The show addresses themes such as brotherhood, the chaos of war, and the often stark contrast between strategic decisions and their execution on the ground. Generation Kill offers an unvarnished look at the complexities and moral ambiguities faced by soldiers in combat.More Generation Kill
- #66 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #39 of 71 onThe Best HBO Dramas Of All Time
- #85 of 113 onThe Best Dramas On HBO Max
- 7Vicky Krieps, Tom Wlaschiha, Thierry FrémontDas Boot (Sky plc, 2018) is a German historical drama television series based on the Lothar-Günther Buchheim's 1973 book of the same name and as a sequel to the 1981 German film of the same name. Set in 1942, the storyline is split into two narratives, one based on land around the French resistance, the other set around a German U-boat crew.More Das Boot
- #26 of 78 onThe 70 Best TV Shows Set In The 1940s, Ranked
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- #11 of 54 onThe Best World War II TV Shows
- 8Katheryn Winnick, Moe Dunford, Josefin AsplundA historical drama of epic proportions, Vikings delves into the brutal and complex world of Norse warriors, exploring their customs, beliefs, and conquests. The series follows the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a farmer-turned-king, as he navigates both political intrigue and fierce battles in his quest for greatness. Supported by a stellar cast, including Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) and Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård), the show has garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations throughout its six-season run. With stunning cinematography and meticulous attention to detail, Vikings transports viewers to a time of bloodshed, loyalty, and ambition, providing an enthralling glimpse into a long-gone era.More Vikings
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- #5 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
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- 9Terence Knox, Stephen Caffrey, Tony BeckerTour of Duty is an American drama television series on CBS. It ran for three seasons from September 1987 to April 1990 as 58 one-hour episodes. The show was created by Steve Duncan and L. Travis Clark, and produced by Zev Braun. It was the first television series to regularly show Americans in combat in Vietnam and was one of several similarly themed series to be produced in the wake of the acclaimed Oliver Stone film, Platoon.More Tour of Duty
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- 10Robert Conrad, Simon Oakland, Dana ElcarBlack Sheep Squadron is the 2-hour pilot film for the TV adventure series Baa Baa Black Sheep. Robert Conrad stars as real-life World War II ace Gregory "Pappy" Boyington. Ever at odds with his superiors, the highly decorated Boyington quits the Flying Tigers, finagles a major's commission, and organizes his own squadron of misfits and screw-ups, which he dubs the Black Sheep Squadron. In true buck-the-establishment fashion, Pappy's boys prove to be better and braver pilots than practically anyone else in the whole durned Marine Corps. Among the Black Sheep are such personable young performers as James Whitmore Jr., Dirk Blocker (son of Dan Blocker) and John Larroquette. Originally titled Baa Baa Black Sheep when it first aired on September 21, 1976, Black Sheep Squadron was later syndicated as Flying Misfits.
- 11
North and South
Patrick Swayze, James Read, Terri GarberA 1985 miniseries about the Civil War.More North and South- #21 of 53 onThe Best ABC Dramas of All Time
- #9 of 17 on11 War TV Shows That Hit As Hard As A Movie
- #42 of 183 onThe 150+ Best Historical Drama TV Shows
- 12David Boreanaz, Max Thieriot, Neil BrownA tight-knit unit of Navy SEALs trains, plans and executes dangerous, high-stakes missions.More SEAL Team
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- #10 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
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- 13Vic Morrow, Rick Jason, Pierre JalbertCombat! is an American television program that originally aired on ABC from 1962 until 1967. The show covered the grim lives of a squad of American soldiers fighting the Germans in France during World War II. The program starred Rick Jason as platoon leader Second Lieutenant Gil Hanley and Vic Morrow as Sergeant "Chip" Saunders. The series was unusual in that Jason and Morrow would play the lead in alternating episodes.More Combat!
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- #42 of 53 onThe Best ABC Dramas of All Time
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- 14Jamie Bell, Seth Numrich, Daniel HenshallSet against the backdrop of the American Revolution, Turn: Washington's Spies offers a thrilling dive into the world of espionage and intrigue. This historical drama, which has received critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling and powerful performances, follows the journey of Abraham Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a farmer who becomes an integral part of America's first spy ring. With an ensemble cast that brings to life the complex relationships between friends, foes, and families during this tumultuous time, the show skillfully weaves together the personal and political stakes at play. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, viewers are treated to a suspenseful and engaging exploration of an often-overlooked aspect of the nation's founding.
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- #228 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- #5 of 17 on11 War TV Shows That Hit As Hard As A Movie
- 15Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna SawaiLord Toranaga is fighting for his life when a mysterious ship is marooned in a nearby village.More Shōgun
- #27 of 682 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #63 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #127 of 1,051 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 16Christopher George, Gary Raymond, Eric BraedenThe Rat Patrol is an American action and adventure television series that aired on ABC between 1966 and 1968. The show follows the exploits of four Allied soldiers — three Americans and one Englishman — who are part of a long-range desert patrol group in the North African campaign during World War II. Their mission: "to attack, harass and wreak havoc on Field Marshal Rommel's vaunted Afrika Korps".
- 17Dennis Haysbert, Scott Foley, Robert PatrickThe Unit, which premiered on March 7, 2006, is a thrilling action-drama series that follows the lives of a top-secret military team executing covert missions abroad while their families navigate life back home. The show offers a dual perspective on the personal and professional challenges faced by these special forces operatives. Notable cast members include Dennis Haysbert and Robert Patrick who deliver gripping performances as leaders of the elite squad. The Unit, during its four-season run, received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination, underscoring its commitment to powerful action sequences.More The Unit
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- 18Michael Kitchen, Anthony Howell, Honeysuckle WeeksFoyle's War is a British detective drama set against the backdrop of World War II, which premiered on October 27, 2002. The series focuses on Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen), who investigates crimes on the home front while the war rages across Europe. Aided by his driver Samantha Stewart (Honeysuckle Weeks) and his Sergeant, Paul Milner (Anthony Howell), Foyle contends with the challenges of wartime conditions, espionage, and the moral complexities of a society under the stress of constant threat. The show intertwines personal drama with historical events. It touch on themes of justice, loyalty, and the gray areas of war.More Foyle's War
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- #7 of 109 onThe Best British Detective Series
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- 19Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Mark RuffaloA blind French girl and a young German soldier's paths collide during WWII.
- #30 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #394 of 650 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #204 of 650 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 20Michael Kelly, Jason Ritter, E.J. BonillaThe 2004 ambush on a U.S. platoon in Sadr City, Baghdad, that came to be known as Black Sunday.More The Long Road Home
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- 21Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, Michael KellyJoe attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA's spear.More Special Ops: Lioness
- #170 of 263 onThe 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
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- 22
Oppenheimer
Sam Waterston, David Suchet, Barry DennenOppenheimer is a television miniseries about J. Robert Oppenheimer, produced by the BBC. It was broadcast in the United Kingdom on 29 October 1980 and in the United States on 11 May 1982. The series starred Sam Waterston as Oppenheimer. The miniseries had seven "episodes". It was nominated for seven BAFTA Television Awards and won three. It was nominated for two Emmy Awards, for Outstanding Limited Series and for Outstanding Writing in a Limited Series or a Special. It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV. The miniseries depicted Oppenheimer's wartime role as head of the weapons laboratory of the Manhattan Project, during which he was under constant surveillance by the federal government because of his association with Communists. The teleplay culminates in an U.S. Atomic Energy Commission hearing in 1954, in which Oppenheimer is stripped of his security clearance. Kenneth Nichols wrote that, contrary to the series which: portrayed me serving as a personal aide to Groves on frequent visits to Los Alamos, the only time I ever accompanied him to Los Alamos was during my March 1943 visit. - 23Anthony Andrews, Maurice Roëves, George InnesThe exploits of a bomb disposal unit that handles unexploded bombs in London.
- 24Bradley James, Martin Sensmeier, Jose Miguel VasquezThe Liberator is an animated war drama series based on the true story of U.S. Army officer Felix Sparks and his infantry unit's experiences during World War II. The series utilizes a unique animation technique called Trioscope Enhanced Hybrid Animation to blend CGI with live-action performances. It chronicles the harrowing journey of Sparks and the 157th Infantry Regiment from the invasion of Italy to the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp, showcasing the grit, brotherhood, and resilience of the soldiers. The show looks into the brutality of war, leadership, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. The Liberator offers an immersive and emotionally charged portrayal of one of history's most tumultuous times.More The Liberator
- #518 of 650 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
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- #471 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- 25Lior Ashkenazi, Aviv Alush, Lee BiranYoung combatants are thrust into Israel's 1973 Yom Kippur War.More Valley of Tears
- #581 of 1,051 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #99 of 142 onThe Best New HBO Shows of the Last Few Years
- #92 of 113 onThe Best Dramas On HBO Max
- 26Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Tamzin Merchant, Joss StoneThe Tudors, a historical-fiction drama series, masterfully weaves the tumultuous tale of King Henry VIII's reign over England. With a keen eye for detail, the show transports viewers to the heart of the 16th century, delving into the political intrigue and personal passions that shaped the era. Jonathan Rhys Meyers delivers a powerful performance as the notorious king, while Natalie Dormer captivates audiences as Anne Boleyn, his ill-fated second wife. Boasting multiple Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy win, The Tudors strikes a delicate balance between accuracy and creative storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden period of history.More The Tudors
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- #23 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
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- 27
Wings
John Hallam, Tim Woodward, David TroughtonWings is a drama series about the Royal Flying Corps that ran on BBC television from 1977 to 1978. It stars Tim Woodward as Alan Farmer, a young blacksmith turned fighter pilot in World War I. Nicholas Jones played his teacher and mentor, Captain Triggers, and Michael Cochrane played his upper-class friend, Charles Gaylion, who began a relationship with Farmer's girlfriend while Farmer was believed dead, shot down over France. The series reveals that the British pilots are struggling with aeroplanes which are both unreliable and inferior to the German machines, and with an Establishment that classes voicing an opinion to that effect as being tantamount to cowardice. The airmen must also face the resentment of British soldiers who see them having an ‘easy' life. The rigidity of the British class structure is highlighted when Farmer becomes an officer in the second series - he faces resentment both from some COs because of his class and NCOs because of his new rank. The series takes great care with historical accuracy, covering the early days of the parachute, the fitting of weaponry to British biplanes and the horrors of trench warfare. - 28John Benjamin Hickey, Olivia Williams, Ashley ZukermanScientists -- and their families -- navigate a world where secrets and lies are a way of life.More Manhattan
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- #15 of 17 on11 War TV Shows That Hit As Hard As A Movie
- #14 of 78 onThe 70 Best TV Shows Set In The 1940s, Ranked
- 29
Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years
Robert Hardy, Tim Pigott-Smith, Nigel HaversWinston Churchill: The Wilderness Years is an 8-part 1981 drama serial based on the life of Winston Churchill, and particularly his years in enforced exile from political position during the 1920s and 30s. It was made by Southern Television on a budget of £3¼ million and originally broadcast on ITV on Sunday nights at 10 pm. It was written and directed by Ferdinand Fairfax, with historian Martin Gilbert as co-writer. Churchill was played by Robert Hardy. - 30Ian McShane, Matthew Macfadyen, Eddie RedmayneThe Pillars of the Earth is a historical drama miniseries based on Ken Follett's novel of the same name. The show is in the 12th century during a period of political turmoil known as The Anarchy. The series weaves a tale around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. It explores themes of ambition, power, corruption, and faith through an ensemble cast that includes Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, and Hayley Atwell. The narrative follows various characters such as a righteous master builder, a manipulative bishop, and a resourceful noblewoman whose lives intersect amidst the backdrop of war and religious strife.
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- #22 of 91 onThe 70+ Best Historical Fiction Shows
