The war genre has become a fascinating subject to explore as audiences can’t seem to get enough of it in movies and TV shows these days. For years, Hollywood has produced some of the most extreme and captivating war films ever made; ones that have the lingering power to emotionally impact whoever watches them, even on repeat. Indeed, there are many, many compelling war stories in the media, and while the film industry is a great place to look for them, plenty of them also appear on the small screen.
No other decade had so many riveting war shows as the 2000s. The turn of the 21st century saw some huge changes to the television world, as stories were becoming more in-depth, compelling, and enhanced by bigger budgets and production values. The war genre on TV changed as well during this time, and we got to see some of the most jaw-dropping, magnificent shows that are still honored today. From BBC dramas to game-changing HBO miniseries, here are the ten best war shows from the 2000s.
10
‘Hitler: The Rise of Evil’ (2005)
Created by Christian Duguay
A fascinating two-parter detailing the rise of one of the most vile dictators in history, Hitler: The Rise of Evil, is a biographical miniseries that offers a unique, detailed look into the early years of this infamous monster. Starring Robert Carlyle in the title role, it tells of Adolf Hitler from adolescence to his time as a soldier during WWI, then to his political ascent and becoming Germany’s leader.
Any story talking about Hitler is bound to hit challenges, considering they have to be bold when showing the touchy subject of his ideology and horrible deeds, but Hitler: The Rise of Evil tells its story remarkably well. Yeah, it’s a bit melodramatic and not the most historically accurate, but it’s well acted, well directed, and offers a deep look into the mind and backstory of this terrifying 20th-century figure. Somewhat flawed but mostly compelling, it’s one of the most underrated war shows around.
- Release Date
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2003 – 2002
- Network
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CBC Television
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Harvey Friedman
Friedrich Hollaender
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Peter O’Toole
President Paul von Hindenburg
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Robert Carlyle
Adolf Hitler
9
‘Occupation’ (2009)
Created by Nick Murphy and Peter Bowker
Premiering on the BBC One channel in 2009, Occupation is a three-part war drama miniseries created by director Nick Murphy and writer Peter Bowker. Starring James Nesbitt, Stephen Graham, and Warren Brown, it follows the unique perspectives of three British army soldiers, each with their own different reasons for signing up, during their time in Basra after the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The Iraq War has been featured heavily in movies in recent years, but not so much on the small screen. Occupation offers a more grounded and thought-provoking look into this war, showing its complexity and its toll on the men who went there. Performances are all around incredible, as each main actor makes their character feel genuine and believable. It’s not the most exciting or action-packed war show, but its story is rooted in realism, and it’s a must-watch for anyone wanting to learn more about this recent conflict.
8
‘Over There’ (2005)
Created by Steven Bochco and Chris Gerolmo
Another compelling show depicting the events of the Iraq War was Over There, an American action war drama series which premiered on the FX channel in 2005. Showing the USA’s involvement in the conflict, it follows a unit of freshly arrived troops as they experience the horrors of front-line combat, facing constant dangers on their mission to just make it home alive.
This is an intense, harrowing, and frighteningly realistic war series that doesn’t get as much praise as it should. Over There tells a hard but necessary tale that wasn’t afraid to show some of the darkest outcomes of this terrible conflict. It’s a shame it’s not as well-known today as some others from the 2000s because it has a powerful story and message that sheds light on how difficult it must have been for men and women who served during that time. It may not be the most remembered series, but it’s definitely worth the audience’s time.
7
‘A French Village’ (2009–2017)
Created by Frédéric Krivine, Philippe Triboit, and Emmanuel Daucé
Depicting the harsh conditions of living during an occupation, A French Village is a compelling 2009 historical war show from France. A riveting series that explores the terrible harms of war and the complexity of human behavior, it tells the story of a small community thrown into chaos by the German military’s grip on the country during World War II.
Elevated by its compelling drama and historical accuracy, A French Village is truly an essential WWII television series. It’s perfectly acted, directed, and especially written. The production values are top-notch, and it really captures the feel of this iconic time period. It may not be as exciting or action-packed as other shows depicting World War II, but it can amaze any history buffs out there.
6
‘The Unit’ (2006–2009)
Created by David Mamet
The Unit is an action drama series that aired on the CBS network from 2006 to 2009. Though not a traditional war show, it instead explores the idea of secret wars, following members of an elite U.S. Army operations unit, Delta Force, as they engage in counter-terrorist missions across the globe.
Fueled with pulse-pounding action and drama, The Unit is a riveting series that never fails to blow your mind. It’s a unique viewing experience that offers a different kind of war show; one that’s secretive, intriguing, and full of danger. While it might have slipped under a few people’s radars in recent years, it’s a highly recommendable series that, honestly, gets more exciting with every episode.
- Release Date
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2006 – 2008
- Network
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CBS
- Directors
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Steven DePaul, James Whitmore Jr., Michael Zinberg, Steve Gomer, Terrence O’Hara, David Mamet, Helen Shaver, Bill L. Norton, Alex Zakrzewski, Krishna Rao, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Oz Scott, David Paymer, Scott Foley, Ron Lagomarsino, Davis Guggenheim, Dean White, Lesli Linka Glatter, Fred Gerber, Jesús Salvador Treviño, Jean de Segonzac, J. Miller Tobin, Guy Ferland, Félix EnrÃquez Alcalá
- Writers
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Eric L. Haney, Frank Military, Sterling Anderson, Carol Flint, R. Scott Gemmill, Shawn Ryan
5
‘WWII in HD’ (2009)
Created by Frederic Lumiere and Matthew Ginsburg
An intense war docuseries that covers the harsh, brutal extent of the Second World War in color and with better focus, WWII in HD is truly a masterful show, which aired on the History Channel in 2009. Featuring ten intense chapters, it covers World War II from its beginning to its conclusion, using compelling narration and authentic, restored footage from the battlefields in high definition and in color.
For hardcore WWII buffs, this show is a must-watch. WWII in HD is a fantastic piece that’s both educational and truly gripping from start to finish. It cuts right to the point of each significant chapter of the war, and doesn’t shy away from some of the gruesome, unpleasant aspects of this dark time in history. It’s riveting throughout and never fails to keep your attention. It’s definitely one of the most striking shows of the decade.
4
‘The First World War’ (2003)
Created by Jonathan Lewis
Premiering on the British public broadcast network Channel 4, The First World War is a compelling ten-part miniseries covering the extent of World War I. Based on a novel by Oxford history professor Hew Strachan, it covers every key event of this brutal, but at times often forgotten war, from its early years to its bleak outcome.
This is really a show for everyone, even if wars and history aren’t really their thing. It keeps viewers glued to their screens with the powerful history and message it’s trying to tell about wars and their tragic results. Anyone not too familiar with a particular conflict could find great value in this series, as it covers every major part of WWI and why it’s become such a significant and dark chapter in our recent history. It truly needs to be seen.
- Release Date
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2003 – 2002
- Network
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Channel 4
- Directors
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Ben Steele, Corina Sturmer, Marcus Kiggell, Simon Rockell
- Writers
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Hew Strachan
3
‘Generation Kill’ (2008)
Created by Susanna White and Simon Cellan Jones
A groundbreaking seven-parter, hailed as one of the most riveting miniseries on HBO, Generation Kill is truly a magnificent show that needs to be seen. Based on the 2004 novel by former Rolling Stone writer, the late Evan Wright, it follows an embedded reporter during his time on the battlefield as he accompanies a Marine reconnaissance battalion as part of the invasion of Iraq.
It’s perfectly acted, neatly paced, brilliantly shot, and most importantly, never lets go of your attention. Generation Kill is truly a master class in drama and complex storytelling, offering a unique look into the lives of men who fought in this war and how it affected them in many ways. It’s worth multiple rewatches to fully understand and appreciate the powerful message it’s trying to tell. Surely, it’s a war show nobody will forget after seeing it.
2
‘Rome’ (2005–2007)
Created by John Milius, William J. Macdonald, and Bruno Heller
Take a journey back to the ancient Roman Empire with HBO’s Rome, a historical drama television series that aired for two seasons from 2005 to 2007. It details many memorable moments from the first century of this iconic civilization, from its formation as a republic to becoming an empire.
It’s a compelling mix of drama and historical accuracy that many viewers can get behind. Rome has a lot of things that make it so unique and worth watching. For any Game of Thrones fans, this is definitely right for you, as it has much to enjoy from that show, like magnificent performances, brilliant writing, and graphic violence.
1
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
Created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg
Coming in as the undisputed best war show of the 2000s is HBO’s Band of Brothers, a compelling ten-part miniseries created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Based on a novel by historian Stephen Ambrose, this story follows the brave American volunteers of the 101st Airborne unit of Easy Company from their harsh training to becoming paratroopers to their intense fighting in Europe during WWII.
Band of Brothers truly is one of the most important television shows ever created. It’s simply and undeniably magnificent. Each Band of Brothers episode is masterful, featuring so much compelling drama, action, and powerful storytelling. At the end of it all, was there ever a doubt this wouldn’t be at number one?
