6 Must-Watch World War II Documentaries

World War II was a massive part of our history that changed the world in many ways. It involved many countries from around the globe and showed both the best and worst of what humans can do. Many stories came from this time, filled with bravery, sadness, and the fight for freedom. Documentaries about World War II help us understand these stories and remember the people who lived through them. Here are six documentaries that provide a window into the past.

World War II in HD

Released by the History Channel in 2009, “World War II in HD” is a ten-episode series. Gary Sinise, an actor you might know from the movie “Forrest Gump,” narrates it. This documentary stands out because it shows a lot of footage in color, which is rare for World War II films. It feels like stepping into the past and witnessing events firsthand.

The documentary covers both the war in Europe and the Pacific. It’s not just about the battles, though. It shares personal stories from journalists, medics, and soldiers who were there, using voices of actors to bring these tales to life. It shows the horror and bravery of war, making it more real for us today.

Inside World War II

National Geographic released “Inside World War II” in 2012. This three-part series digs deep into personal stories from the war. It looks at the experiences from a lot of different people: soldiers who fought and also civilians who lived through the terror. The documentary uses both color and black-and-white footage, and it walks us through the war’s major events, step by step.

Hearing from people who were actually there makes the war come alive in a new way. You learn about what it was like to live through such a dangerous time, from the big battles to the quiet moments of fear and hope.

The World at War

“The World at War” is a British series from 1973 that is often called one of the best documentaries about World War II. It has 26 episodes, so it covers a lot of ground. Laurence Olivier, a famous actor, narrates the series, which looks at 15 major parts of the war. It also talks about how the war affected people, from soldiers to civilians caught in the middle.

This documentary is special because it tries to show all sides of the war. It includes stories from people who were attacked and also from those who attacked, giving a full picture of the war’s impact on the world.

World War II: The Last Heroes

This documentary focuses on the ordinary soldiers, the “foot soldiers,” who fought in the war. It begins with D-Day and goes through to the end of the war. By sticking closely to the stories of these soldiers, the series shows what the war was like for the people on the ground.

“World War II: The Last Heroes” is available on Amazon Prime. It helps us understand that heroes can come from anywhere, and often, they were just regular people who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

World War 2: The Complete History

For people who love history and want to dive into the details, “World War 2: The Complete History” is a great choice. Released in 2000, with narration by Peter Dickson, this series starts even before the war, discussing the Treaty of Versailles. It then moves through the entire war, ending with the Nuremberg trials and the start of the Cold War.

This documentary looks at parts of the war that often don’t get as much attention. It’s a good pick for anyone who wants to understand the bigger picture of how the war happened and what came after.

Apocalypse: The Second World War

This is a six-part French documentary that brings a new perspective to World War II. The version for U.S. audiences, narrated by Martin Sheen, is particularly accessible for those new to World War II history. It uses footage taken by journalists, soldiers, and even civilians, some of which has been colorized to make it more vivid.

What makes “Apocalypse: The Second World War” stand out is how personal it feels. You get up close with the people who lived through the war, seeing what they saw and feeling a bit of what they felt. It’s a powerful reminder of the human side of history.