Top 12 Masterpiece WWII Documentaries You Should Watch

World War II remains one of the most intensely studied and documented events in history, with countless stories, battles, and individuals that shaped its course. Over the years, filmmakers have attempted to capture the war’s complexity through detailed documentaries, offering viewers a deeper understanding of both the front lines and the home front. The following documentaries stand out for their ability to convey the intensity and scope of WWII, showing its impact through historical footage, interviews, and expert insights.

1. The World at War (1973)

Considered one of the greatest WWII documentaries ever made, The World at War covers the conflict from a global perspective across 26 episodes. Narrated by Laurence Olivier, it delves into key battles, significant political decisions, and personal stories from people on all sides of the conflict. With rare archival footage and interviews with survivors and military leaders, this documentary brings viewers face-to-face with the people who lived through the war. It took four years to complete and is known for its thoroughness and respectful handling of sensitive subjects.

2. Shoah (1985)

Directed by Claude Lanzmann, Shoah focuses on the Holocaust, providing an in-depth, haunting look at the experiences of those affected. Through interviews with survivors, witnesses, and former officials, this nine-hour film does not use archival footage, focusing solely on personal accounts to convey the horror and human impact. The documentary’s raw, unfiltered approach to a difficult topic gives it an emotional weight that leaves a lasting impression.

3. The Fog of War (2003)

In The Fog of War, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara reflects on his role in WWII and the Cold War. Directed by Errol Morris, this film combines McNamara’s insights with historical footage, presenting his “11 lessons” learned from the war. The documentary provides a unique look into the moral and strategic challenges faced by leaders, as McNamara discusses topics ranging from the firebombing of Japan to the ethical dilemmas of modern warfare.

4. Night and Fog (1956)

One of the earliest documentaries to examine the Holocaust, Night and Fog combines archival footage with scenes of abandoned concentration camps a decade after WWII. Directed by Alain Resnais, the documentary is a short but powerful piece that contrasts the bleak, desolate camps with their horrific pasts. Its stark visuals and quiet narration highlight the enduring scars of these camps, showing the haunting reminders of what happened there.

5. Battlefield (1994)

The Battlefield series presents a detailed look at major battles from WWII, such as the Battle of Stalingrad, the Battle of the Bulge, and the D-Day landings. Each episode covers the strategies, equipment, and leaders on both sides, giving a clear picture of how these battles unfolded and impacted the course of the war. The series uses maps, historical footage, and expert analysis to provide an in-depth view that’s both informative and accessible to viewers with varying levels of knowledge about the war.

6. The Rape of Europa (2006)

The Rape of Europa explores the systematic looting of European art by German forces during WWII. Based on a book by the same name, the documentary follows the efforts of museum curators, art historians, and resistance fighters who worked to protect invaluable art from being stolen or destroyed. It covers both the devastation of cultural heritage and the ongoing efforts to return art to its rightful owners, highlighting a lesser-known but crucial aspect of the war.

7. WWII in HD (2009)

Using rare color footage, WWII in HD brings viewers closer to the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the war. Narrated by celebrities voicing real-life characters, this series reconstructs the experiences of ordinary people, including medics, soldiers, and nurses, based on their personal accounts. Its use of colorized footage and sound effects provides an immersive experience, allowing viewers to witness WWII in a way that feels immediate and real.

8. Apocalypse: The Second World War (2009)

Apocalypse: The Second World War uses colorized footage to recount the war’s major events, from the invasion of Poland to the fall of Berlin. Narrated by Mathieu Kassovitz, this six-part series presents a chronological overview, making it easy to follow the unfolding of battles and political events. With attention to detail and rich visual restoration, this documentary offers a vivid experience that brings the events of WWII into sharp focus for modern audiences.

9. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

Directed by Peter Jackson, They Shall Not Grow Old focuses on the experience of British soldiers during World War I, but its colorization and restoration techniques have greatly influenced WWII documentaries. Using advanced technology to colorize and add sound to old footage, Jackson brings a new level of realism to historical films. Although focused on an earlier conflict, its approach has inspired WWII documentaries and left an impact on how filmmakers handle historical footage.

10. The Greatest Events of WWII in Colour (2019)

This Netflix series uses restored color footage to showcase key moments of the war, including Pearl Harbor, Stalingrad, and D-Day. Each episode dives into one significant event, using both archival footage and modern CGI to enhance the visual experience. By focusing on pivotal moments, the series offers an easy-to-follow yet comprehensive look at the war, making it suitable for viewers who want a broad overview with striking visuals.

11. World War II: The Lost Color Archives (1999)

World War II: The Lost Color Archives is a three-part series showcasing rare color footage that brings a new dimension to WWII’s visuals. With a focus on events like the Blitz, the invasion of France, and the North African campaign, the series highlights the war’s geographical diversity and the experiences of soldiers from various backgrounds. The color footage allows viewers to see WWII as it might have looked at the time, adding a layer of realism that black-and-white footage can’t provide.

12. Nuremberg: Tyranny on Trial (2006)

Nuremberg: Tyranny on Trial examines the Nuremberg Trials, where leading German officials were prosecuted for war crimes after WWII. This documentary dives into the legal, ethical, and moral challenges of bringing justice to some of the conflict’s most notorious figures. By using historical footage and courtroom records, it presents a gripping look at the pursuit of accountability and the foundations of modern international law. The documentary provides insight into how the trials reshaped the global legal landscape and underscored the importance of justice after immense suffering.