10 More Excellent War Dramas
All The Light We Cannot See is the latest Netflix miniseries, tackling the harrowing effect of war, based on the book sporting the same name.
If you’ve finished this one and are looking for something similar, we’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing.
Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming All The Light We Cannot See.
Rebellion
Similarities – War
Rebellion is an Irish historical drama that portrays the events surrounding the Easter Rising of 1916. It follows a group of characters from various backgrounds as they navigate turmoil leading up to the Irish seeking independence from the United Kingdom.
The show is rich in historical detail and offers a look at a pivotal moment in Irish history. It’s certainly worth watching, although the second season is noticeably not as good as the first.
The World at War
Similarities – Comprehensive look at WWII
The World at War is a comprehensive documentary that provides an in-depth look at the Second World War. The episodes are long, insightful and incredibly detailed. It covers WWII from multiple perspectives, using a mix of archival footage, interviews with military and political leaders, and eyewitness accounts.
The World at War has a breadth of historical coverage, and boasts the narration of Laurence Olivier too. This certainly adds to the prestige of this one, which is an absolute must-watch.
Charité
Similarities – Characters & Drama
Set in the late 19th century, Charité is a German drama that centers on the Charité hospital in Berlin. The series follows the lives of staff and patients at one of the world’s most advanced hospitals at the time, set against a backdrop of medical breakthroughs and the personal and professional trials of the era.
Charité is a decent series, albeit a bit slow at times, but it’s a fascinating look at the medical science and social challenges of the period.
Resistance
Similarities – War
Resistance focuses on the French Resistance during the Second World War. Following a young group of resistance fighters, the series showcases the resistance against the German occupation of France and the sacrifices made by those involved.
The series provides a gripping narrative that looks at the moral ambiguities of war and resistance. In particular, the focus on ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances makes it an inspiring watch.
Medal of Honor
Similarities – Sacrifices made in wartime
Medal of Honor is an anthology series on Netflix that dramatizes real-life stories of heroism leading to the awarding of the US. military’s highest honor. While it’s not based on World War II, it does showcase the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers in the heart of various conflicts.
This is an emotional tribute to the military heroes, with high production values and a deep respect for the subjects it portrays.
The Americans
Similarities – War & Character Drama
Set during the Cold War in the 1980’s, The Americans follows Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple living in the suburbs of Washington, DC. The show explores their complex marriage, as well as teasing plenty of espionage thrills between the USSR and the USA.
The Americans is well-regarded for its stellar performances, particularly by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys who are both excellent in this. The series also skilfully blends family drama with spy thrills, making for a great watch.
Band of Brothers
Similarities – War & Characters
Band of Brothers is an excellent miniseries, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. With interviews at the start of every episode, this incredible show follows the history of Easy Company, who were part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
From jump training in the United States through to participation in major actions in Europe, Band of Brothers is renowned for its historical accuracy, character depth, and emotional impact. This attention to detail in telling the true stories of these men make it a standout piece of war drama.
The Pacific
Similarities – War
The companion piece to Band of Brothers, The Pacific, focuses on the Pacific conflict of World War II. The series follows three Marines—Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone—as they endure the brutal combat faced in battles like Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima.
The Pacific emphasizes the psychological and physical toll of war on soldiers, just like Band of Brothers does too. This graphic realism makes it a great watch.
War Sailor
Similarities – Drama
War Sailor centres around Norway’s unwitting and unwilling participation in WWII, especially its naval merchant ships. Freddy (Kristoff Joner), a family man, takes a sailor’s job before the war begins with his best friend Sigbjorn.
That is when the war begins in 1941. He and thousands of other Norwegians have to wait years to learn their fate, which is out of their hands.
The tragic war uprooted many homes and destroyed umpteen families but War Sailor makes a strong case for those who got involved unjustly and non-consensually. Even though the Netflix series is holistically about Norway, it more specifically plants the narrative seeds on an individual level to accentuate its hardened character study.
Transatlantic
Similarities – War & Drama
Transatlantic marries comedy and drama together within the conflict of World War II. The story itself takes place in Marseille, right in the heart of France.
With refugees stuck from all over Europe, the town has turned into a melting pot of foreign influence. Unfortunately, that’s not to the liking of the local police, nor to the Germans who are swiftly increasing their efforts in invading France.
The story works well for the most part, and historical drama fans should be in their element with this one.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching All The Light We Cannot See
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!