War movies have a knack for captivating audiences with their powerful narratives, leaving a lasting impression on the big screen. From crowd-pleasing blockbusters to hidden gems, this genre effectively sheds light on the devastating consequences of large-scale armed conflicts.
But war stories aren’t confined to movie theaters alone. Television has its fair share of shows that tackle this subject matter with great skill and finesse. Some of these series boast mind-blowing special effects, A-list actors, and massive budgets that rival those of movies. Others capitalize on the unique advantages of television, like longer episodes and expansive casts, to create captivating storylines that focus on character dynamics and enthralling relationships rather than extravagant spectacles.
Regardless of the approach, these TV war dramas pack an emotional wallop just like their silver screen counterparts. They delve deep into the human experience of warfare and deserve to be revisited for their gripping storytelling.
1. Band of Brothers
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks team up once again in the miniseries Band of Brothers, which can be seen as a spiritual successor to their 1998 film Saving Private Ryan. Similar to the movie, this 2001 series is set in World War II and centers around “Easy Company,” a parachute infantry regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. The story is based on Stephen E. Ambrose’s book of the same name.
Taking cues from Saving Private Ryan, Hanks, Spielberg, and their team crafted a show that matches the high production value and intense atmosphere of a big-budget film. The effort paid off, as the series garnered a total of seven Emmy awards. By focusing on real-life stories, Band of Brothers offers a grounded portrayal of the harrowing experiences endured by numerous characters amid the chaos of war.
2. The Pacific
HBO followed up the success of Band of Brothers with a companion piece called The Pacific. This 2010 series, like its predecessor, showcased true accounts of American soldiers during World War II. However, The Pacific specifically focused on the experiences of those in the Pacific theater of the war. The series highlighted three Marines as lead characters: Robert Leckie played by James Badge Dale, Eugene Sledge portrayed by Joseph Mazzello, and John Basilone played by Jon Seda.
One of the aspects that garnered praise for The Pacific was its stunning visual effects, which brought the war to life on screen. Additionally, the series was commended for its honest and unflinching portrayal of the brutal realities of war. Unlike Band of Brothers, which was based on a single book, The Pacific drew from a collection of memoirs written by various soldiers. As a result, the series offered a diverse range of experiences from different individuals who participated in the Pacific campaign and its numerous battles.
The Pacific received widespread acclaim, further solidified by its Emmy win for Outstanding Miniseries.
3. Turn: Washington’s Spies
The AMC series Turn: Washington’s Spies, aired from 2014 to 2017, delves into the intriguing world of the Culper Ring – a group of spies who played a crucial role in fighting against the British during the American Revolution. Across its four seasons, the show explores the formation of the Culper Ring and their daring missions carried out under the guidance of General George Washington (played by Ian Kahn) and Major Benjamin Tallmadge (played by Seth Numrich) of the Continental Army.
Initially, Turn faced some challenges in capturing the attention of its audience. However, with each passing season, the show manages to crank up the excitement level. It offers a captivating perspective on a lesser-known aspect of the Revolutionary War. While the series does take some creative liberties for the sake of television drama, it still provides a fascinating glimpse into the early days of American espionage.
4. Rome
Rome is a captivating historical drama that delves into the fascinating transition of the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. It covers significant events like Julius Caesar’s civil war and the Gallic Wars, spanning over two seasons from 2005 to 2007.
This series has garnered immense praise, having been awarded seven Emmys within just two years. The show’s intricate characters and stunning production design have mesmerized both viewers and critics alike. It truly transports you into the world of Ancient Rome, even if it takes some creative liberties with historical accuracy. Despite its relatively short run due to the high production costs, Rome remains a true gem that deserves the attention of historical TV enthusiasts – whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it.
5. Generation Kill
Generation Kill is a gripping series that recounts journalist Evan Wright’s firsthand encounters as he accompanied the Marine Corps during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Through the eyes of Wright, brilliantly portrayed by Lee Tergesen, we witness the operations of the Second Platoon, led by the formidable Staff Sergeant Brad “Iceman” Colbert, played by Alexander Skarsgård.
This seven-part miniseries has received high acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to create an authentic atmosphere that immerses viewers in the intensity of the battlefront. What sets this show apart is its commitment to delivering a nuanced and journalistic perspective on the war, striving to present the events with minimal bias.
By shedding light on the experiences of those involved, Generation Kill offers a unique glimpse into the realities of war, bringing audiences as close as possible to the challenges faced by the Marines during this historic period.
6. The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is a TV series adapted from Bernard Cornwall’s novels, The Saxon Stories. It delves into the intense conflicts between Vikings and Anglo-Saxons in England from 866 to 920. Spanning over several years, the show boasts a vast ensemble of characters based on real historical figures from that era.
What sets The Last Kingdom apart is its stunning visual appeal. Every action sequence is meticulously crafted, while the cinematography brilliantly captures the grandeur of the historical battles. It truly feels like watching a high-budget film rather than a typical TV show. Moreover, the performances in the series are exceptional, which can be challenging to achieve with such an extensive cast. The consistent level of talent across the board contributes to the show’s enduring popularity throughout each season. As characters meet their demise or exit the plot, other outstanding actors step in seamlessly to fill the void.
7. Sons of Liberty
The 2015 History Channel series Sons of Liberty is set in the time leading up to the American Revolutionary War. It follows historical figures such as Sam Adams, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere as they resist British rule, primarily in Boston. The show takes some creative liberties with historical accuracy in order to create a more dramatic and thematic portrayal of the characters and the era.
Critics were not particularly pleased with the inaccuracies, but audiences seemed to enjoy this more mythologized version of America’s founding fathers. The series aligns itself more with popular media like Hamilton and 1776, which aim to capture the ideals of the American Revolution, rather than focusing on historical accuracy. This is in line with the History Channel’s promotion of the series as a “dramatic interpretation of events.
8. China Beach
The 1988 drama series China Beach is set in a hospital during the Vietnam War. A unique aspect of the show is its focus on the perspectives of women involved with the war effort, with main roles played by Dana Delany, Nan Woods, and Marg Helgenberger. While the series received critical acclaim during its four-season run, it unfortunately did not receive enough sustained ratings to be renewed beyond 1991.
One of the strengths of China Beach is its ability to portray the human toll of war. Despite being limited by network TV restrictions, the show effectively showcases the horrors of war, comparable to a feature film. The series offers a glimpse into the difficult situations faced by medical personnel in war zones on a daily basis. Additionally, it highlights the complex emotions experienced by the characters upon their return to the United States.
Though China Beach was canceled, its impact should not be underestimated. It successfully brings attention to the sacrifices made by those who fought in the Vietnam War and sheds light on the challenges faced by military medical personnel.
9. Roots
The 1977 miniseries Roots, based on Alex Haley’s novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family, delves into various periods of history, including the US Civil War. However, the main focus of the series is not solely centered on this war. Instead, it follows the journey of Kunta Kinte, a Mandinka warrior who is captured and forced into the slave trade from West Africa. The series also explores the lives of his descendants, spanning from the Civil War to the turbulent postwar era.
Roots provides a powerful portrayal of some of the most shameful and unethical practices in American history. While it may tone down certain aspects from the book it is based on, it still delivers a hard-hitting narrative. The series compels viewers to confront the enduring impact of slavery on Black Americans across generations, as well as the ongoing struggles that persisted even after the abolition of slavery.
Roots has garnered widespread acclaim for its profound storytelling, supported by exceptional performances from renowned actors such as Ben Vereen, Leslie Uggams, and John Amos.
10. Vikings: Valhalla
Vikings: Valhalla is Netflix’s exciting continuation of the popular History channel series, Vikings. Set during the final years of the Viking Age, Valhalla incorporates real historical figures and events from that era, including the remarkable Leif Erikson (portrayed by Sam Corlett), who is recognized as the first European to reach North America. The upcoming 2022 series primarily focuses on Erikson’s conquests during this pivotal time period, delving into the intense conflicts between the Norse and the English, leading up to the infamous Battle of Stamford Bridge.
One of the standout aspects of the show is its captivating adventure-style storytelling, which keeps viewers engaged and entertained throughout. Moreover, Valhalla delivers visually stunning battle scenes that truly leave a lasting impression. While it’s important to note that the accuracy of the depicted events may vary, those seeking thrilling action rather than a strict history lesson will undoubtedly find the series immensely satisfying. And the excitement doesn’t end there, as the drama is set to continue captivating audiences until 2024.
