20 Best War TV Shows on Hulu 2026
Explore Hulu’s strongest war series picks, from Shōgun and M*A*S*H to Das Boot, No Man’s Land, and more history-driven dramas.
If you’re searching for the best war TV shows on Hulu, this list gives you a wide mix of battlefield history, tense missions, and character-driven drama. You’ll find major picks like Shōgun, MAS*H, Catch-22, Das Boot, and The Unit, plus more recent options such as We Were the Lucky Ones, No Man’s Land, and Paris Has Fallen. Some titles lean into history and military action, while others blend war with comedy, romance, or documentary storytelling. That range makes it easier to match your mood, whether you want a classic, a modern miniseries, or something with a different angle on conflict.
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01
Shōgun
Won 18 Emmys Outstanding Drama Series (2024) · 25 nominations
action · adventure · drama · history · war
In Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.
Why watch: If you enjoy historical drama with a war backdrop, this is a strong pick thanks to its 1600 Japan setting and civil-war tension. The action, adventure, and history mix gives it a broad appeal.
Directed by Frederick E.O. Toye, Jonathan van Tulleken, Charlotte Brändström, Takeshi Fukunaga, Hiromi KamataCast Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroyuki Sanada, Yûki KedôinHuluMore details on IMDb → -
02
M*A*S*H
Won 14 Emmys Outstanding Comedy Series (1974) · 109 nominations
comedy · drama · war
The 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital is stuck in the middle of the Korean war. With little help from the circumstances they find themselves in, they are forced to make their own fun. Fond of practical jokes and revenge, the doctors, nurses, administrators, and soldiers often find ways of making wartime life bearable.
Why watch: If you like war stories that also use comedy and character banter, this is a classic choice. Its Korean War setting and ensemble focus make it a good fit for viewers who want conflict with a lighter edge.
Directed by Charles S. Dubin, Alan Alda, Burt Metcalfe, Gene Reynolds, Hy AverbackCast Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, William Christopher, Harry MorganHuluMore details on IMDb → -
03
Catch-22
2 Emmy nominations
action · comedy · drama · thriller · war
Pianosa Island, Italy, World War II. Bombardier John Yossarian tries to fulfill his duty, maintain sanity and return home as soon as possible, but incompetence and bureaucracy constantly stand in his way.
Why watch: If you enjoy war stories with satire and frustration at bureaucracy, this may be the right fit. The World War II setting and comedy-drama tone point to a more ironic take on military life.
Directed by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Ellen KurasCast Christopher Abbott, Kyle Chandler, Daniel David Stewart, Rafi Gavron, Graham Patrick MartinHuluMore details on IMDb → -
04
Das Boot
drama · war
An inexperienced U-boat crew has to survive a secret mission and a young German woman is torn between loyalty for her home country and the French resistance in the WWII drama.
Why watch: If you want a WWII drama with a serious tone, this title fits well. The U-boat setting and drama-war mix suggest a tense, survival-focused watch.
Directed by Dennis Gansel, Andreas Prochaska, Hans Steinbichler, Matthias Glasner, Rick OstermannCast Franz Dinda, Tom Wlaschiha, Rick Okon, Rainer Bock, Leonard ScheicherHuluMore details on IMDb → -
05
Gate
animation · action · adventure · comedy · fantasy · war
Off-duty Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) officer and otaku, Youji Itami, is on his way to attend a doujin convention in Ginza, Tokyo when a mysterious portal in the shape of a large gate suddenly appears. From this gate, supernatural creatures and warriors clad in medieval armor emerge, charging through the city, killing and destroying everything in their path. With swift actions, Youji saves as many lives as he can while the rest of the JSDF direct their efforts towards stopping the invasion.
Three months after the attack, Youji has been tasked with leading a special recon team, as part of a JSDF task force, that will be sent to the world beyond the gate—now being referred to as the "Special Region." They must travel into this unknown world in order to learn more about what they are dealing with and attempt to befriend the locals in hopes of creating peaceful ties with the ruling empire.
Why watch: If you like war stories that lean into fantasy and animation, this is worth a look. Its action, adventure, comedy, and war mix makes it a good choice for viewers who want a genre blend.
Directed by Toshimasa Ishii, Takahiko KyôgokuCast Jun'ichi Suwabe, Nao Tôyama, Brittney Karbowski, David Wald, Molly SearcyHuluMore details on IMDb →
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06
Paris Has Fallen
action & adventure · war & military · drama
A protection officer and an MI6 operative team up after a terrorist attack. They suspect a mole as they race to thwart a larger conspiracy threatening Paris.
Why watch: If you prefer modern action with military and thriller elements, this one may appeal to you. It centers on a race to stop a larger conspiracy, so it suits viewers who like war-adjacent suspense.
Directed by Hans Herbots, Oded Ruskin, David Caffrey, Alice TroughtonCast Tewfik Jallab, Ritu Arya, Sean Harris, Emmanuelle Bercot, Paul GorostidiHuluMore details on IMDb → -
07
The Unit
1 Emmy nomination
action · drama · thriller · war
A covert team of special forces operatives risk their lives on undercover missions around the globe, while their wives maintain the homefront, protecting their husbands' secrets.
Why watch: If you enjoy covert-operations stories, this series should fit nicely. Its action, drama, thriller, and war mix makes it a strong pick for viewers who like special-forces missions.
Directed by Steven DePaul, Bill Norton, James Whitmore Jr., Vahan Moosekian, Terrence O'HaraCast Dennis Haysbert, Regina Taylor, Audrey Marie Anderson, Robert Patrick, Max MartiniAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
08
Abraham Lincoln
documentary · biography · drama · history · war
The true story of America's iconic 16th president as told by weaving together both scripted dramatizations of important moments in his life and commentary by authoritative historians and public figures.
Why watch: If you want a war-related watch that leans documentary and historical, this is a solid option. The biography and history elements make it especially good for viewers interested in context as well as drama.
Directed by Malcolm VenvilleCast Graham Sibley, Stefan Adegbola, Jenny Stead, Andre Jacobs, Colin MossNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubiMore details on IMDb → -
09
Our Last Crusade or The Rise of a New World
animation · action · fantasy · romance · war
For years, a great war has raged on between the scientifically advanced Empire and a paradise of witches known as the Nebulis Sovereignty. This age-old battle sets the scene for a fateful encounter between two young combatants: an imperial swordsman, Iska, and the witch princess, Aliceliese. As sworn enemies, they vow to cut each other down in order to unite their worlds, and yet Iska finds himself entranced by her beauty and righteousness, while Aliceliese is moved by his strength and resolve. In the midst of a never-ending war that forbids them from being together, they have no choice but to destroy each other-or find another way.
Why watch: If you like anime that combines war with romance and fantasy, this one stands out. The opposing sides and action-driven setup should appeal to viewers who want a more stylized conflict story.
Directed by Mirai Minato, Shin ÔnumaCast Yûsuke Kobayashi, Sora Amamiya, Alejandro Saab, Lindsay Seidel, Jason LiebrechtHuluMore details on IMDb → -
10
Army Wives
drama · romance · war
Army Wives is an American drama series that follows the lives of four army wives, one army husband, and their families.
Why watch: If you want a series about the homefront rather than the battlefield, this is a natural fit. The drama and romance angles make it appealing for viewers interested in military family life.
Directed by John T. Kretchmer, Rob Spera, Joanna Kerns, Chris Peppe, Kevin DowlingCast Brian McNamara, Wendy Davis, Catherine Bell, Sterling K. Brown, Terry SerpicoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
11
Whiskey on the Rocks
biography · comedy · drama · history · war
Inspired by the events of the 11-day standoff in 1981 between Sweden and the U.S.S.R. when a Soviet U-137 'Whiskey'-class submarine ran aground on rocks deep inside Swedish territorial waters.
Why watch: If you enjoy historical stories with a comedic twist, this is a good match. Its biography, history, and war tags suggest a political standoff told with a lighter tone.
Directed by Björn SteinCast Rolf Lassgård, Anders Mossling, Artur Svorobovich, Kęstutis Jakštas, Andrius BialobžeskisHuluDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
animation · action · drama · sci-fi · war
When Banagher Links meets the mysterious Audrey Burne, he inherits the Unicorn Gundam and is swept up into the battle for space colony independence.
Why watch: If you like animated sci-fi stories built around war and independence, this is a strong choice. The space-colony conflict gives it clear appeal for viewers who enjoy broader military struggles.
Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, Teruo Satô, Kôichi Hatsumi, Kazuya Murata, Hirotaka EndôCast Daisuke Namikawa, Troy Baker, Yuri Lowenthal, Keith Silverstein, Colleen O'ShaughnesseyHuluMore details on IMDb → -
13
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
animation · action · drama · romance · sci-fi · war
Ensign Shiro Amada is transferred to Southeast Asia to take command of the 08th MS Team. In their first guerilla operation, Shiro's team is tasked with distracting the Zeon forces while Federation ground troops locate a mysterious new Zeon weapon.
Why watch: If you want an animated military story with action and romance in the mix, this series is a great fit. Its guerrilla-operation setup makes it appealing for fans of tactical conflict.
Directed by Umanosuke Iida, Takeyuki Kanda, Kunihiro Mori, Atsuko Kase, Akira NishimoriCast Steve Staley, Steve Kramer, Debra Rogers, David Ellenstein, Emilie de Azevedo BrownHuluMore details on IMDb → -
14
No Man's Land
drama · thriller · war
Dive into the depths of the Syrian civil war through the eyes of Antoine, a young French man, in search for his estranged, presumed to be dead sister. While unraveling the mystery, piece by piece, Antoine’s journey crosses paths with adventurers and anarchists, spies and innocent victims, and provides a unique look on the tragic events in Syria, and the way they affect the entire world.
Why watch: If you prefer war dramas that follow civilians and outsiders affected by conflict, this one is worth considering. Its thriller edge and Syrian civil war setting suggest a tense, serious watch.
Directed by Oded Ruskin, Rotem ShamirCast Souheila Yacoub, James Krishna Floyd, Dean Ridge, Mélanie Thierry, Félix MoatiHuluMore details on IMDb → -
15
We Were the Lucky Ones
drama · history · war
A Jewish family is determined to survive and reunite after being separated in World War II.
Why watch: If you want a World War II drama focused on family survival, this is an emotional pick. The history and war elements make it a good choice for viewers who like grounded, human stories.
Directed by Amit Gupta, Neasa Hardiman, Thomas KailCast Joey King, Logan Lerman, Hadas Yaron, Robin Weigert, Lior AshkenaziHuluMore details on IMDb → -
16
Battleground
war & military · comedy · drama
Battleground is a mockumentary comedy-drama television series created by J. D. Walsh streamed on Hulu. The show follows a group of political campaign staffers working to elect a dark horse candidate to the U.S. Senate in the battleground state of Wisconsin. Walsh serves as executive producer alongside Hagai Shaham and Marc Webb.
The show marks Hulu's first foray into original scripted programming. It premiered online on February 14, 2012.
Why watch: If you’re open to a war-adjacent title with comedy and drama, this mockumentary is a different kind of pick. Since it follows political staffers rather than soldiers, it works best for viewers who enjoy ensemble workplace stories.
Directed by J.D. WalshCast Jack De Sena, Jay Hayden, Teri Reeves, Alison Haislip, Meighan GerachisHuluMore details on IMDb → -
17
Pancho Villa: The Centaur of the North
action · adventure · biography · drama · war · western
This is the story of Doroteo Arango, of a life that began on the wrong side of the law, to becoming "Pancho Villa", the feared commander and key figure in the Mexican Revolution. Buried within the story is a man fixated on his own myth, a man whose efforts to become a larger-than-life figure would shape history, but also leave him with many vengeful and powerful enemies.
Why watch: If you like historical action with biography and western elements, this series should hold your attention. The Mexican Revolution setting makes it a solid choice for viewers who want a larger-than-life war story.
Directed by Rafa LaraCast Jorge A. Jimenez, Juan Luis Medina, Andrés Montiel, Marco Treviño, Pablo AbitiaHuluMore details on IMDb → -
18
The World Wars
3 Emmy nominations
documentary · history · war
The story of three decades of war told through the eyes of various men who were its key players: Roosevelt, Hitler, Patton, Mussolini, Churchill, Tojo, DeGaulle and MacArthur. The series examines the two wars as one contiguous timeline starting in 1914 and concluding in 1945 with these unique individuals coming of age in World War I before ultimately calling the shots in World War II.
Why watch: If you prefer documentaries that connect major conflicts into one timeline, this is an easy recommendation. The focus on the World Wars and their key figures should suit history-minded viewers.
Directed by John EalerCast Maximilian Klas, Ian Beyts, Jacopo Rampini, Jonathan Hartman, Nabil VinasHuluMore details on IMDb → -
19
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
science-fiction · war & military · action & adventure · animation · drama
On a terraformed post-disaster Mars, a group of child security agents rebel against the adults who betrayed them and the oppressive Earth government.
Why watch: If you enjoy anime about rebellion, military power, and a sci-fi world on Mars, this is a strong match. Its drama and action blend well with the war and military themes.
Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, Ei Aoki, Naomichi Yamato, Shôji Ikeno, Shin'ya WatadaCast Bill Rogers, Adin Rudd, Landon McDonald, Kengo Kawanishi, Jennifer AlyxHuluMore details on IMDb → -
20
Mobile Suit Gundam 00
action & adventure · animation · drama · science-fiction · war & military
The year is 2307 A.D. Although fossil fuels have been depleted, humanity has obtained a new source of energy to replace them, in the form of a large-scale solar power generation system based on three huge orbital elevators. However, the benefits of this system are available only to a handful of major powers and their allies. In this world of never-ending conflict, a private armed organization appears, dedicated to the elimination of war through armed force. Its name is Celestial Being, and it is in possession of "Gundam" mobile suits.
Why watch: If you like futuristic military sci-fi with a strong political conflict, this series is worth a spot on your list. Its action, drama, and war-and-military elements make it a good fit for viewers who enjoy large-scale conflict.
Directed by Seiji Mizushima, Masaki Kitamura, Kenji Nagasaki, Kazuki Tsunoda, Tatsuyuki NagaiCast Sam Vincent, Mamoru Miyano, Shin'ichirô Miki, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Hiroshi KamiyaHuluMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This collection brings together war stories from many different eras and styles, from historical drama to action-heavy series and sharper, more reflective titles. If you want a starting point, the highest-rated options here include Shōgun, MAS*H, The Unit, and Mobile Suit Gundam 00, but the full list has plenty of variety beyond the obvious picks. Bookmark this page and come back when you want a new series to queue up, since it’s updated regularly to keep the recommendations current.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Hulu subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Hulu. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these war shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the war titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.