15 of The Best UK War Documentaries
The subject of war has captured the minds of filmmakers for decades. There are many reasons behind this, but one is assuredly to tip the scale of public opinion. Not all of the films on today’s list are pacifist in nature, but all are great pieces of filmmaking and belong to the best military documentaries, so-called army documentaries.
War is a major part of any country's history, and the UK is no exception. The country has been involved in some of the world's most significant wars, including World War I, World War II, and the Falklands War. War documentaries provide a glimpse into the lives of the people that fought for the country and the struggles they went through. In this post, we will explore some of the best UK war documentaries that you should watch today.
1. The Lion Has Wings (1939)
This documentary was produced in 1939 as a government propaganda tool. It isn’t the traditional filmmaking we’re accustomed to today, but it uses the abilities and features of film to get its points across. At the least, it is an interesting trip back in time.
The film showcases life in Nazi Europe and the UK’s preparations for war on a large scale, focusing on the life and family of one particular RAF officer. It was one of the first propaganda films to be featured in theatres.
The Lion Has Wings on Wikipedia
2. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
We shift from old to new with this next film: a 2018 documentary made from original footage that was digitally re-mastered and colorized. The film uses footage from World War 1, showcasing the lives and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought and died. The film is produced and directed by Peter Jackson.
👉 Watch They Shall Not Grow Old on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy They Shall Not Grow Old as DVD on Amazon
3. A Diary for Timothy (1945)
This is yet another documentary about WW2, produced during the war. The film tells the tale of the war’s last six months, detailing the victory of the Allied forces in Europe with Britain as the focus. The documentary film showcases the events of the wary as the diary for a newborn baby, named Timothy. The film is informative, but just emotional enough to tug at the heart strings.
A Diary for Timothy on Wikipedia
4. The War Game (1966)
The War Game is a film that bends the rules of its genre, mixing documentary with television drama. The film depicts what a Soviet attack on the UK would look like, in terms of both politics and the effects on the population. It is made to mimic the style of newsreels, thus appearing authentic.
👉 Watch The War Game on Amazon Prime UK
👉 Buy The War Game as DVD on Amazon UK
5. Hiroshima (2005)
In a similar fashion, the BBC documentary film Hiroshima follows the events of a nuclear attack, but one that actually took place at the end of World War 2. The docudrama was produced in 2005, featuring interviews with those involved in the bombing from both sides.
👉 Watch Hiroshima on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Hiroshima as DVD on Amazon
6. Hell And Back Again (2011)
This documentary is intriguing in both its content and overall production. The film was produced between a British and Afghan movie crew, covering the war in Afghanistan. It focuses on the life and work of one American soldier, and the PTSD he acquired from his experiences during the war.
👉 Watch Hell And Back Again on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Hell And Back Again as DVD on Amazon
7. The Great War (1964)
This groundbreaking BBC series focused on the experiences of those who fought in World War I. The series includes interviews with more than 400 survivors of the conflict and uses original footage to illustrate the stories. The documentary examines the social and political climate of the time, as well as the military strategies used in the conflict.
This series is an extraordinary documentary that chronicles the events of WW1 with authentic footage that shows the brutality and horrors of war.
8. Falklands War: The Untold Story (2022)
The Falklands War was a turning point in UK history. This documentary provides a fresh perspective on the conflict, with interviews from both British and Argentinean veterans. The documentary is packed with previously unseen footage from the war and gives us a real sense of how the conflict unfolded.
Falklands War: The Untold Story on IMDb
9. The World at War (1973)
Considered by many to be the greatest war documentary of all time, The World at War provides a detailed examination of World War II. The documentary features interviews with key figures involved in the conflict, as well as archive footage and reconstructed scenes. The series covers all major events of the war, including the Holocaust, D-Day, and the bombing of Hiroshima.
This 26-part documentary provides a comprehensive and deeply moving account of WW2 through interviews with veterans, politicians, and civilians who experienced the war firsthand.
👉 Watch The World at War on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The World at War as DVD on Amazon
10. Burma: Forgotten Allies (2019)
This documentary tells the untold story of British and Indian soldiers who fought against the Japanese in the jungles of Burma during WW2.
Forgotten Allies is a powerful documentary that tells the stories of the UK's forgotten allies fighting alongside British forces in the battle against the Japanese in World War II. These allies were the Kachin people of Burma, who still face discrimination and persecution. The documentary narrates the bravery and sacrifice of the Kachin soldiers, both women, and men, fighting alongside the British to defend their homeland.
👉 Watch Burma: Forgotten Allies on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Burma: Forgotten Allies as DVD on Amazon UK
11. The Falklands War (1992)
This documentary recounts the events of the 1982 Falklands War between the UK and Argentina, using the testimony of soldiers who participated and archival footage.
The Falklands War is a must-watch for anyone interested in the events of the 1982 conflict between the UK and Argentina. This documentary is rich in historical footage, and it balances the perspectives of both the British soldiers and Argentinean soldiers who fought in the war. The documentary is narrated by Adrian Cronauer and it covers the conflict's political and geographical context.
12. Our War (2011)
Our War is a five-part documentary series that aired on BBC Three in the UK. It shows the life of British soldiers from their own point of view via helmet cameras. The documentary focuses on the war in Afghanistan, and it's a compelling and visceral insight into the experiences of young soldiers, which includes their high and low moments in the battlefield.
👉 Watch Our War on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Our War as DVD on Amazon
13. Behind the Lines (1985)
This documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Jeremy Isaacs is an excellent look at the British soldiers' experiences during World War II. With rare archival footage and interviews with veterans, the film gives you an inside look into the lives and battles of the soldiers who fought and died for their country. The film does an excellent job of highlighting the importance of the "Forgotten Army" of Burma Campaign and paying homage to the brave soldiers that fought there.
14. PARA Platoon (2014)
This BBC Three production follows the story of a platoon of soldiers from the Parachute Regiment as they train for deployment to Afghanistan. It provides an in-depth look at the young men who are willing to put their lives on the line for their country. The film is an emotional rollercoaster, showing how soldiers struggle with the physical and mental pressures of war. The documentary is raw and honest, providing viewers with an unfiltered look at the realities of war and their impact on soldiers’ lives and families.
👉 Watch PARA Platoon on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy PARA Platoon as DVD on Amazon
15. Commando: On the Front Line (2007)
This documentary by Chris Terrill is an incredible insight into the Royal Marine Commandos' lives. Follow 37 men as they undertake a ten-week training operation that will determine whether they are tough enough to join the elite fighting force. The soldiers' determination and grit are astounding, and it's remarkable to see the transformation from civilian to elite commando. The film highlights the grueling training process that these soldiers must endure and the mental toughness necessary to survive in the front line.
Commando: On the Front Line on IMDb
Conclusion
Many great British army documentaries depict the wars, such as the First World War (World War I) and Second World War (World War II) in which the UK has been involved. Most have an antiwar air to them, perhaps due to the realism of how they are depicted.
These documentaries provide us with a glimpse into the human experience during wartime. They help us understand the nuances of war and encourage us to reflect on its impact on society. It's essential to learn from history, and these documentaries do precisely that. They provide us with insightful and balanced perspectives on conflicts that shaped our world today.
These UK war documentaries are not only educational and a fascinating insight, but also humanizing, as they tell the stories of the individuals who fought, suffered, and perished in the wars. By watching them we can foster empathy and understanding towards the experiences and sacrifices of those who lived and fought through war.
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