7 Great War Documentaries You Must Watch
Eyewitness to Chaos: Documentaries That Refuse to Glorify Conflict
'Shoah'
“War does not determine who is right—only who is left,” someone once said.
War reshapes lives, leaving stories of courage, loss, and survival. Filmmakers have made countless great war movies — but what about documentaries?
Great war documentaries do not just recount battles and present all the facts. Their main objective is to reveal the human cost. They bring history to life through raw footage and personal testimony and remind us why remembering war is essential to understanding peace.
Here are seven war documentaries that stand apart.
7 Greatest War Documentaries
1. Shoah (1985)
Subject: The Holocaust
Director: Claude Lanzmann
Claude Lanzmann’s Shoah is a nine-hour-long deep dive into one of history’s darkest chapters, the Holocaust. Entirely told through the testimonies of the survivors, former Nazi officials, and witnesses, and without using a single frame of archival footage, the film’s powerful narrative reconstructs the horrors of concentration camps, all while showing haunting personal stories and visiting the sites where this monstrosity unfolded.
It received a BAFTA win and monumental international acclaim. It is raw, unfiltered, and absolutely soul-crushing as it brings the Holocaust disturbingly close to the viewers. No wonder it is hailed as one of the greatest historical documentaries ever made.
If you are looking to make a documentary, try to grasp one lesson Shoah gives: sometimes, the most powerful stories emerge not only from the visuals but also from the voices and memories of those who lived through history.
It also shows that the responsibility of telling stories that resonate deeply with humanity’s darkest moments is at the heart of documentary filmmaking.
2. The World at War (1973)
Subject: World War II
Director: David Elstein
Hailed as arguably the best documentary on World War II, The World At War gives a definitive account of the deadliest human conflict in world history. With Sir Laurence Olivier’s narration, this 26-part series covers every front and aspect of the conflict with extensive archival footage and interviews with those who witnessed it and lived it. The sheer depth and scope of it make it an unparalleled historical resource.
This documentary's accomplishment lies in its meticulous research, powerful narration, and ability to make history feel immediate and personal. It won an international Emmy and remains a gold standard for WWII documentaries.
The World at War underscores the importance of thorough research and the human element in storytelling, showing how connecting audiences to the personal experiences behind historical events creates a lasting emotional impact.
3. The Fog of War (2003)
Subject: Warfare
Director: Errol Morris
Errol Morris’ The Fog of War doesn’t focus on any single war but explores the complexities of warfare through the eyes of Robert S. McNamara, the former U.S. Secretary of Defense. Using McNamara’s reflections and Morris’ signature “Interrotron” interview technique, the film dissects war's moral and strategic ambiguities.
This Oscar-winning documentary is gripping because it intimately examines the psychology of warfare, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, decision-making, and human mistakes.
A critical takeaway from this movie is how deeply personal and reflective storytelling can create a powerful connection with audiences, urging them to engage critically with the subject matter. Blending history with human emotion demonstrates the impact of nuanced, honest filmmaking.
4. The Civil War (1990)
Subject: American Civil War
Director: Ken Burns
America’s deadliest conflict comes to life in Ken Burns’ The Civil War, and the lion’s share of credit goes to its expressive narration, period photographs, and expert interviews. Over nine episodes, it dissects the causes, course, and roles of key figures involved in the war. The haunting music and stunning visuals do the rest.
The docuseries revolutionized filmmakers’ outlooks on documentaries with its sheer emotional depth and storytelling. It earned widespread praise and two Emmys.
By blending historical rigor with an emotional connection, the series reminds us that great documentaries are about more than just presenting facts. They are about making history resonate with the viewer, creating a powerful, reverberating narrative.
5. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
Subject: World War I
Director: Peter Jackson
We know Peter Jackson as a powerful filmmaker because of the blockbuster films he has given us. However, through They Shall Not Grow Old, he comes across as a sensitive person with a melancholic insight into the past.
His technical grasp comes in handy when century-old World War I footage transforms into a vivid, colorized experience, complete with restored sound. It makes history feel immediate with its soldier testimonies, giving a feel as if these men could step out of the screen.
The film humanizes soldiers by bringing them out of the grainy black-and-white images and into a colorized, lively experience. Nominated for a BAFTA and widely acclaimed, it’s truly a groundbreaking tribute to the forgotten voices of the war.
It also serves as a quiet reminder that innovation in storytelling isn’t just about technology—it’s about using it to bring emotional truth to the surface.
6. For Sama (2019)
Subject: Syrian War
Director: Waad Al-Kateab, Edward Watts
This deeply personal documentary follows Syrian filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab as she documents life in war-torn Aleppo while raising her newborn daughter, Sama. It’s an intimate, heartbreaking portrayal of survival, love, and loss amidst relentless conflict.
The film’s unflinching honesty and emotional depth earned it an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA win. Few war documentaries capture the devastation and the resilience of civilians with such raw intensity.
For Sama shows how the power of a personal lens can cut through the voice of war, making distant tragedies feel achingly close and impossible to ignore.
7. Restrepo (2010)
Subject: Afghanistan War
Director: Tim Hetherington, Sebastian Junger
Filmmakers Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger delve into the lives of U.S. soldiers stationed in the perilous Korangal Valley of Afghanistan, documenting the harsh realities of warfare without any narration, only raw, unfiltered, unscripted reality. The result is a harrowing experience for the audience.
Its authentic portrayal of the Afghanistan War establishes it as one of the most impactful contemporary war documentaries. With an Oscar nomination and the Grand Jury prize at Sundance, Restrepo allows viewers to step into the soldiers' shoes (or boots) in a way that very few films can achieve.
Restrepo is a powerful example of how proximity and patience can open doors to moments no script could ever predict.
Conclusion
These seven documentaries offer deep insights into the intricate nature of human conflicts and their enduring effects on societies and individuals.
Ranging from personal stories to broad geopolitical discussions, each film encourages us to confront tough realities and gain a richer understanding of how war influences our world long after the battles are over.
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