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War TV shows have the unique ability to grip audiences in a way few other genres can. Whether they're fully based on true events or inspired by fiction, they don't just depict military strategy or the outcome of battles. Instead, these longer-format series immerse audiences in the grit, fear, chaos, and courage felt by those who lived through it.
It's this glimpse into the human experience that makes TV the perfect medium for exploring the deeper emotional and psychological impacts of war. So, here are the best war series ever aired on the small screen that really bring history to life.
Scroll to see all our favorite war TV shows you can stream right now!
Apple TV+
1. Masters of the Air
Released in 2024, Masters of the Air is a nine-part miniseries that chronicles the missions of the U.S. Army Air Forces' 100th Bomb Group amidst World War II. Adapted from Donald L. Miller's book and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the series delves into the lives of the young bomber crews who risked everything in the skies over Nazi-occupied Europe from 1942 to 1945.
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, this show features standout performances by Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan.
Hulu
2. Catch-22
Catch-22 is a dark six-part limited series that reimagines Joseph Heller's classic novel for modern audiences. It's set during World War II and follows John Yossarian, who's part of a U.S. Bomber squadron and believes he's in danger due to his high volume of missions. So, he tries to use the Catch-22 rule and declare himself insane in order to escape combat.
This series, which came out in 2019, stars Christopher Abbott, as well as Kyle Chandler, Hugh Laurie, and George Clooney, who also served as co-director.
HBO
3. Band of Brothers
Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, HBO's Band of Brothers premiered in 2001 as a ten-part miniseries. It follows East Company, a unit of the 101st Airborne Division, from their grueling training at Camp Toccoa through D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and ultimately the fall of Nazi Germany.
Featuring impressive performances by Michael Cudlitz, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Scott Grimes, and many others, Band of Brothers went on to win multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film.
FX
4. Shōgun
While Shōgun isn't a traditional war series, it explores the political and cultural battles of 17th-century Japan. Adapted from James Clavell's novel, this TV show centers on three different characters: Lord Toranaga, a feudal lord dealing with rivalries; John Blackthorne, a stranded English sailor; and Lady Mariko, a torn noblewoman.
Released on Netflix in 2024, Shōgun had a budget that neared $250 million, so it features incredible production design.
HBO
5. The Pacific
The Pacific, which premiered in 2010, follows the real-life accounts of U.S. Marines Robert Leckie, Eugene Sledge, and John Basilone, taking viewers into some of World War II's bloodiest battles, from Guadalcanal to Peleliu and Okinawa.
Produced again by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this series doesn't try to romanticize war, showing the painful reality of fighting in the Pacific. The stellar acting, coupled with the use of advanced prosthetics and immersive visuals, makes it a visceral watch.
HBO
6. Generation Kill
Generation Kill centers on the early days of the Iraq War, based on Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright's reporting with the U.S. Marines. Airing in 2008 on HBO, this seven-part miniseries tracks the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during the 2003 invasion, capturing the chaos, adrenaline, and dark humor that characterize modern combat.
Lee Tergesen stars as Evan, and other Generation Kill cast members include James Ransone, Alexander Skarsgård, and Billy Lush.
Max
7. Valley of Tears
Debuting in 2020, Valley of Tears is set during the Yom Kippur War of 1973 and follows a group of young Israeli soldiers caught off guard by a surprise attack from Egyptian and Syrian forces on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
The story is told over 10 tense and emotional episodes, combining large-scale combat scenes with more character-driven moments.
BBC
8. World on Fire
Last but not least is World on Fire, which takes a more interpersonal approach to depicting World War II. This show, which premiered in 2019, portrays the conflict unfolding through the eyes of ordinary people across various countries, including Britain, Poland, France, Germany, and the U.S.
It offers a very human look at how war disrupts lives way beyond the battlefield and features outstanding performances from Jonah Hauer-King, Lesley Manville, Sean Bean, and Mark Bonnar. The best part is that there are two seasons to binge.
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