10 Gripping War Docs Like Wartorn: 1861-2010

Description: This documentary critically examines the Vietnam War through interviews with both Americans and Vietnamese, presenting a stark contrast between official narratives and the realities on the ground. Its unflinching critique of war and its impact on civilians and soldiers alike aligns with the themes of truth and consequence.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Its title comes from a phrase used by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who said the ultimate victory in Vietnam would be won in the 'hearts and minds' of the Vietnamese people.

Description: This miniseries follows the Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division during World War II, showcasing the brutal realities of combat and the bonds formed between soldiers. Its unflinching portrayal of warfare and emphasis on personal narratives align closely with the exploration of military experiences.

Fact: The series was based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose's book of the same name, which was itself based on interviews with veterans of Easy Company. Many of the actors underwent a rigorous 10-day boot camp to prepare for their roles.

Description: This documentary profiles former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, offering a reflective and often critical look at his role in the Vietnam War and other 20th-century conflicts. Its introspective examination of decision-making and morality in war provides a thought-provoking parallel to the exploration of military history.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. McNamara's interviews were conducted over 20 hours, during which he reflected on his life and the lessons he learned from his experiences in war and politics.

Description: A companion piece to Band of Brothers, this miniseries focuses on the Pacific Theater of World War II, highlighting the intense and often overlooked battles fought by U.S. Marines. Its gritty realism and focus on the psychological toll of war resonate with the themes of conflict and survival.

Fact: The production budget for The Pacific was approximately $200 million, making it one of the most expensive TV miniseries ever made. The series was filmed in Australia, where many of the Pacific battles were recreated.

Description: This miniseries follows the First Reconnaissance Battalion of the U.S. Marine Corps during the early stages of the Iraq War, offering a darkly humorous yet brutally honest look at modern military life. Its candid portrayal of the chaos and absurdity of war aligns with the unvarnished truths explored in similar works.

Fact: Generation Kill was based on the book by Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright, who embedded with the Marines during the invasion of Iraq. Many of the characters in the series are based on real Marines, and some even consulted on the production.

Description: This documentary explores the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66 by having the perpetrators reenact their crimes in the style of Hollywood films. Its surreal and disturbing approach to examining violence and impunity offers a unique perspective on the legacy of conflict.

Fact: The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Director Joshua Oppenheimer worked on the project for nearly a decade, often under dangerous conditions, to document the stories of the killers and their victims.

Description: This documentary provides an intimate look at the experiences of U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley, one of the most dangerous postings in the war. Its raw, unfiltered approach to documenting the daily lives and struggles of soldiers offers a poignant examination of modern warfare.

Fact: Korengal is a sequel to the 2010 documentary Restrepo, both directed by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington. The film was shot entirely on location in Afghanistan, with the filmmakers embedding with the troops for months.

Description: This groundbreaking documentary uses restored and colorized archival footage to bring World War I to life, accompanied by the voices of veterans. Its innovative approach to historical storytelling and focus on the human side of war resonate deeply with the themes of memory and sacrifice.

Fact: Director Peter Jackson and his team spent years restoring the century-old footage, using advanced technology to stabilize, colorize, and even lip-read the soldiers, whose words were then voiced by actors. The film was released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

Description: This documentary series delves deep into the American Civil War, offering a comprehensive look at the conflict through personal letters, photographs, and historical accounts. Its focus on the human cost and societal impact of war mirrors the thematic depth and historical scrutiny found in similar works.

Fact: It was the most-watched program ever to air on PBS at the time of its release, with an audience of nearly 40 million viewers. The series also won more than 40 major awards, including two Emmys and two Grammys.

Description: This documentary series uses high-definition footage and firsthand accounts to tell the story of the Vietnam War from the perspective of those who fought it. Its immersive storytelling and focus on individual experiences echo the personal and historical depth of similar works.

Fact: The series features narration by actors such as Michael C. Hall and Edward Burns, who voice the letters and diaries of soldiers. Much of the footage was colorized to bring a new level of realism to the historical events depicted.