Introduction
Netflix continues to dominate the streaming landscape, not just with fictional series but also with compelling, high-quality documentaries. War documentaries, in particular, have found a passionate audience eager to explore historical battles, frontline stories, and tales of heroism from various eras and regions. In this article, we highlight the best 10 war documentaries currently streaming on Netflix in 2025. From the fierce conflicts of World War I and II to the Vietnam War and samurai battles in Japan, this list offers something for every history buff and documentary fan.
Top 10 War Documentaries on Netflix in 2025
Churchill at War
Release Date: December 4, 2024
Genre: Documentary, Biography, History
This four-part series delves into the life and leadership of Winston Churchill during the harrowing years of World War II. Featuring archival footage intertwined with cinematic reenactments starring Christian McKay, the documentary offers an immersive look into Churchill’s pivotal decisions and indomitable spirit. Notably, it incorporates an AI-generated voice to bring Churchill’s own comments to life, stirring some debate among viewers.
Turning Point: The Vietnam War
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Genre: Documentary, History, War
Director: Brian Knappenberger
This five-episode deep dive into the Vietnam War uses rare archival materials, including White House recordings and authentic Vietnamese footage, providing a fresh, unfiltered perspective on the conflict. For the first time, government records and crucial moments are unveiled, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the complexities of the war. It also links to other celebrated “Turning Point” docuseries found on Netflix.
Medal of Honor
Release Date: November 9, 2018
Genre: Documentary, War
Executive Producer: Robert Zemeckis
Director: James Moll
This 8-episode anthology highlights the bravery and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients across different wars. Mixing documentary storytelling with compelling live-action footage, it brings to life the emotional and inspiring stories behind some of the most courageous moments in military history.
Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan
Release Date: February 24, 2021
Genre: Documentary, History
Stepping outside the typical World War narratives, this documentary series focuses on the intense feudal battles in 16th-century Japan. Dynamic reenactments alongside expert commentary paint a vivid picture of samurai warfare and the power struggles that shaped Japan’s history.
Surviving Black Hawk Down
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Genre: Military, War
This docuseries revisits the harrowing 1993 Battle of Mogadishu through firsthand accounts from US soldiers and Somali civilians alike. It presents stark contrasts to Ridley Scott’s dramatized version, delivering raw and authentic perspectives on this pivotal conflict.
Five Came Back
Release Date: February 9, 2021
Genre: Documentary
Narrator: Meryl Streep
This moving documentary chronicles the stories of Hollywood filmmakers—John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra, and George Stevens—who served as wartime chroniclers during World War II. Featuring commentary from modern directors such as Steven Spielberg and Guillermo del Toro, it explores the legacy of filmmaking in war.
Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial
Release Date: June 5, 2024
Genre: Documentary, History
Director: Joe Berlinger
This detailed documentary examines Adolf Hitler’s rise and fall, exploring the propaganda, censorship, and antisemitism that defined the Nazi regime. Through historian interviews, archival footage, and impactful reenactments, it provides an insightful look into one of history’s darkest periods.
How to Become a Tyrant
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Genre: Documentary
Narrator: Peter Dinklage
This six-episode series explores how the most notorious tyrants in history—including Hitler, Stalin, Saddam Hussein, and the Kim family—rose to power. Filled with engaging narration, animation, and accessible history lessons, it’s an eye-opening exploration of tyranny. It’s followed by the 2023 series How to Become a Cult Leader.
World War II: From the Frontlines
Release Date: December 7, 2023
Genre: Documentary, History, War
Narrator: John Boyega
Director: Rob Coldstream
This immersive documentary uses enhanced archival footage to depict brutal and visceral moments from pivotal World War II battles. Highly praised with an IMDb rating of 8.2/10, it offers an unflinching frontline experience of the war’s most significant moments.
WWII in Color: Road to Victory
Release Date: December 22, 2021
Genre: Documentary, War
A spiritual successor to the original British WWII in Color series, this 10-episode documentary utilizes enhanced color footage of key WWII turning points combined with expert commentary. It delivers a captivating and immersive view of frontline battles in World War II, bringing history vividly to life.
Conclusion
These ten war documentaries currently streaming on Netflix in 2025 offer a powerful blend of education and emotional engagement. Whether you’re intrigued by historical battles, personal stories from the frontlines, or the inner workings of tyrannical regimes, there is something gripping for every viewer. Share with us your favorite war documentaries on Netflix and dive deeper into these incredible stories. Keep exploring and stay tuned with Keeperfact for the best streaming recommendations and entertainment news.
