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10 Of The Best World War II Documentaries Everyone Should Watch

Millions of people from all over the world took part in World War II, and its effects are still being felt today. There are countless books, movies, and documentaries about the war, but few have the impact and depth of a well-made documentary. In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 World War II documentaries that everyone should watch. From the front lines to the home front, these films provide a unique viewpoint on the conflict and are certain to make an impact on viewers.

So, if you’re interested in history, and movies, or just want to learn more about the past, don’t skip these documentaries.

1. Apocalypse: The Second World War (2009)

Second World War by Royal Air Force from

If you’re for a documentary that is not too long but captures everything you’d like to know about the World War then Apocalypse: The Second World War (2009) would be perfect for you. This documentary uses actual battle videos shot by soldiers, civilians, resistance fighters, and war correspondents. The colourization of the monochrome films and images is a plus for this programme.

The documentary has been shot in a way that allows you to feel like you were actually a part of the actual war. Most of the documentary was coloured apart from the Holocaust and a number of interviews with military officials from the Second World War are also included in this documentary.

2. The War (2007)

The War, a documentary series that looks into the lives of those who experienced World War II, premiered in 2007. The Ken Burns and Lynn Novick-directed series, which focuses on the experiences of regular Americans who were asked to serve their country, offers a distinctive viewpoint on the war.

The War takes viewers on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of the war, from the jubilation of victory to the devastating losses experienced by families across the country, through veteran interviews, archival footage, and photos. The series serves as a powerful reminder of the costs paid by those who fought and died in defence of their nation and as a testament to the resiliency and bravery of the American people.

3. Hitler’s Circle of Evil (2018)

Hermann Göring by Robert Röhr from

A compelling and educational documentary series, Hitler’s Circle of Evil (2018), investigates Adolf Hitler’s ascent to power and the men who made up his inner group. The series gives an intriguing glimpse into the political and social forces that contributed to the Nazi Party’s rise to power in Germany through a mix of expert analysis, historian interviews, and historical documents.

I’ve personally watched a lot of documentaries about Germany and I’d say that this one, in particular, explores the complex interpersonal relationships among a group of disturbed people who transform a political party from relative obscurity into the catalyst for a tragedy that affects the entire world. Hitler’s “inner circle” was made up of a collection of psychologically disturbed and fanatical people. It’s interesting to observe how they were successful in persuading a sizeable chunk of the German public to adopt their conceited and evil mindset by using Germany’s socioeconomic situation. 

4. The World at War (1973)

A groundbreaking series of World War II documentaries, The World at War (1973), established the standard for all other World War II documentaries. The Jeremy Isaacs-produced series includes a wealth of old films, veteran interviews, and in-depth commentary from some of the top scholars of the day.

However, The World at War stands out for its unwavering approach to the topic. The show presents a stark and unflinching portrait of the human cost of the war rather than minimising the atrocities of the war. The World at War doesn’t hold any punches as it takes readers on a sobering journey through the Holocaust and European battlefields, a stark reminder of the devastation caused by war and the necessity of making efforts to end current conflicts.

5. Victory at Sea (1952) 

Victory at Sea by National Broadcasting Company from

Victory at Sea is a documentary television series that first aired on NBC in the USA in 1952–1953. It is about naval warfare during World War II. In 1954, it was shortened into a movie. Richard Rodgers and Robert Russell Bennett’s music soundtrack included excerpts that were re-recorded and offered for sale as record albums.

The first 26 half-hour segments of the TV broadcasts aired on Sundays at 3 p.m. in most areas, beginning on October 26, 1952, and concluding on May 3, 1953. The series was instrumental in making historical “compilation” documentaries a successful television genre and earned an Emmy award in 1954 for “outstanding public affairs programme.”

6. Five Came Back (2017) 

Some film directors enlisted in the American military to work as documentary filmmakers during World War 2. They featured Frank Capra, John Ford, John Huston, William Wyler, and George Stevens, five of the best filmmakers of all time as well as that age. They had a significant role in the war, and the war also had a significant impact on them later in their film careers. The directors’ work helped to clear the way for the modern era of documentary filmmaking because of their experiences creating documentaries and propaganda movies, which gave them a newfound understanding of the power of film to influence public opinion.

This documentary series does a good job of demonstrating how the five of them participated, sometimes having to battle and influence their own War Department to get their videos released or, at the very least, unedited. They all returned as different men, both personally and in terms of their professions as filmmakers.

7. Auschwitz: The Nazis and the Final Solution (2005)

The 2005 documentary series Auschwitz: The Nazis and the Final Solution recounts the tale of one of the darkest periods in human history. The series offers a comprehensive and unflinching look at how the Auschwitz concentration camp operated during the Second World War through a mix of survivor accounts, old footage, and expert analysis.

However, focusing on the unique tales of those held in Auschwitz is arguably the most impactful feature of the series. The series offers a horrifying portrayal of the suffering and dehumanisation experienced by those who were subjected to the Nazi’s genocidal policies, from the arrival of the first transport to the petrol chambers.

8. The Untold History of the United States (2012)

WWII by State Archives of North Carolina Raleigh from

The innovative and thought-provoking video series The Untold History of the United States (2012) questions accepted ideas about American history. The series, which is produced by renowned director Oliver Stone and historian Peter Kuznick, provides a new viewpoint on significant occurrences and figures, from the Hiroshima bombing to George W. Bush’s presidency.

The series sheds light on the unseen forces and undervalued actors who helped shape American history through a mix of historical video, expert and eyewitness interviews, and insightful analysis. While some critics of the documentary have charged it with prejudice and rewriting of history, others have applauded it for attempting to shed light on the less favourable parts of American history and disprove the urban legends that have long shaped the nation’s sense of self.

9. The Blitz: London’s Longest Night (2010)

Dauntless bombers by Scouting Squadron from

The Blitz: London’s Longest Night is an intense and moving documentary about one of World War II’s key events (2010). The movie recounts the story of the German bombing campaign against London that started in September 1940 using a combination of historical footage, firsthand accounts, and professional research.

The movie provides a vivid and terrifying depiction of life during the Blitz, from the frantic efforts to put out fires and rescue survivors to the bravery of everyday people who endangered their lives to save others. The film’s emphasis on the human side of the bombing campaign and how ordinary people dealt with the daily terror and devastation of the attacks makes it especially fascinating.

10. Panzer Tank: The Most Destructive Tank In World War 2 – Documentaries about WWII

The documentary’s title shows how powerful and lethal this military equipment was. Armor is known as the Panzer Tank in German and this film was made to show how the members of the military used this large tank in battle. The operator and crew are shielded by this massive armour, because of the size it served as the perfect cover for the troops during battles. The Panzer Tank’s ability to create powerful fires and explosions helped several militaries win the war and safeguard their homes.

You can also read 15 Best World War II Movies on Netflix