20 Best War TV Shows on Netflix 2026
Discover 20 of the most gripping war TV picks on Netflix, from SEAL Team and Fauda to Vikings, The Last Ship, and more dramatic must-watch series.
If you want gripping military stories, tense missions, and big historical stakes, this roundup brings together the shows that fit the bill on Netflix right now. You’ll find modern combat drama in SEAL Team and The Last Ship, brutal power struggles in Vikings, and espionage pressure in Fauda. For something more atmospheric, All the Light We Cannot See and The Great War take a different route, while Troy: Fall of a City and Shine add mythic and fresh action energy. With 20 titles on the page, there’s plenty here whether you prefer war dramas, thriller-heavy series, sci-fi edge, or character-driven conflict.
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01
Fauda
action · crime · drama · thriller · war
A top Israeli agent comes out of retirement to hunt for a Palestinian militant he thought he'd killed, setting a chaotic chain of events into motion.
Directed by Rotem Shamir, Omri Givon, Assaf BernsteinCast Netta Garti, Lior Raz, Itzik Cohen, Yaakov Zada-Daniel, Doron Ben-DavidNetflix -
02
The Last Ship
action · drama · sci-fi · thriller · war
Their mission is simple: Find a cure. Stop the virus. Save the world. When a global pandemic wipes out eighty percent of the planet's population, the crew of a lone naval destroyer must find a way to pull humanity from the brink of extinction.
Directed by Paul Holahan, Jack Bender, Peter Weller, Michael Katleman, Steven KaneCast Eric Dane, Adam Baldwin, Charles Parnell, Travis Van Winkle, Marissa NeitlingNetflix -
03
SEAL Team
action · drama · war
Military drama following the professional and personal lives of the most elite unit of Navy SEALs as they train, plan and execute the most dangerous, high stakes missions our country can ask of them.
Directed by Christopher Chulack, Ruben Garcia, J. Michael Muro, David Boreanaz, Gonzalo AmatCast David Boreanaz, Neil Brown Jr., A.J. Buckley, Toni Trucks, Justin MelnickNetflixParamount Plus -
04
Vikings
action · adventure · drama · history · romance · war
The adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age. The series tells the sagas of Ragnar's band of Viking brothers and his family, as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. As well as being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods. Legend has it that he was a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.
Directed by Ciaran Donnelly, Ken Girotti, Steve Saint Leger, Jeff Woolnough, Helen ShaverCast Katheryn Winnick, Gustaf Skarsgård, Alexander Ludwig, Georgia Hirst, Alex Høgh AndersenNetflix -
05
All the Light We Cannot See
drama · history · war
A blind French girl and a young German soldier's paths collide during WWII.
Directed by Shawn LevyCast Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Lars Eidinger, Hugh Laurie, Mark RuffaloNetflix -
06
Shine
comedy · drama · history · romance · war & military
Five young Thais resist the strict social norms of 1969, risking everything as their interwoven forbidden loves defy an intolerant world.
Directed by Ning Bhanbhassa Dhubtien, Pond Krisda WitthayakhajorndetCast Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, Mile Phakphum Romsaithong, Son Yuke Songpaisan, Yotsawat Tawapee, JJay Patiphan FueangfunuwatNetflix -
07
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.
Directed by Malcolm VenvilleCast Graham Sibley, Stefan Adegbola, Jenny Stead, Andre Jacobs, Colin MossNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHulu -
08
Troy: Fall of a City
action · adventure · romance · war
A rich story of love, intrigue, betrayal and belonging told from the perspective of the Trojan royal family at the heart of the siege of Troy.
Directed by Mark Brozel, Owen Harris, John StricklandCast Louis Hunter, Christiaan Schoombie, Bella Dayne, Chloe Pirrie, Johnny HarrisNetflixAmazon Prime VideoFreevee -
09
Halo
action · adventure · sci-fi · thriller · war
Depicting an epic 26th-century conflict between humanity and an alien threat known as the Covenant, the series weaves deeply drawn personal stories with action, adventure and a richly imagined vision of the future.
Directed by Otto Bathurst, Jonathan Liebesman, Roel Reiné, Dennie Gordon, Debs PatersonCast Pablo Schreiber, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac, Olive Gray, Yerin HaNetflixParamount Plus -
10
Roman Empire
documentary · biography · drama · history · war
This stylish mix of documentary and historical epic chronicles the reign of Commodus, the emperor whose rule marked the beginning of Rome's fall.
Directed by Richard Lopez, John Ealer, David O'NeillCast Aaron Jakubenko, Edwin Wright, Genevieve Aitken, Jared Turner, Jessica GreenNetflix -
11
Gunshi Kanbee
drama · history · war
July 1590, Odawara. Toyotomi Hideyoshi's army had surrounded the Odawara Castle for over 3 months, hoping to conquer this last obstacle to his dream of the country's unification. Standing at the gate of the castle, a lone man facing the menacing guards shouted out: "Do not throw your lives away. Treasure living!". Not long after, the castle gates opened and the reigning lord surrendered. The name of that man is Kuroda Kanbee. An excellent military strategist, he worked hand-in-hand with Hideyoshi to unify the country.
Directed by Kenji Tanaka, Kazuhiro Motoki, Taku Ohara, Hideki Fujinami, Hirokazu OsakiCast Jun'ichi Okada, Gaku Hamada, Miki Nakatani, Mokomichi Hayami, Issei TakahashiNetflix -
12
Turning Point: The Vietnam War
documentary · history · war
The Vietnam War's profound effects on American identity, causing social division and eroding government trust. More than military defeat, it transformed US politics and culture.
Directed by Brian KnappenbergerCast Nguyen Van Tau, Nguyen Huy Hieu, Nguyen Van ThienNetflix -
13
Churchill at War
documentary · biography · history · war
This captivating docuseries examines Winston Churchill's pivotal role in World War II and the formative events that made him an ideal leader for the era.
Directed by Malcolm VenvilleCast Langley Kirkwood, Christian McKay, Deon Lotz, Chris van Rensburg, Stephen JenningsNetflix -
14
Vikings: Valhalla
action · adventure · drama · history · romance · war
In this sequel to "Vikings," a hundred years have passed and a new generation of legendary heroes arises to forge its own destiny — and make history.
Directed by David Frazee, Hannah Quinn, Emer Conroy, Jan Matthys, Steve Saint LegerCast Sam Corlett, Leo Suter, Frida Gustavsson, Laura Berlin, David OakesNetflix -
15
Surviving Black Hawk Down
documentary · history · war
Documents the real 1993 Battle of Mogadishu through firsthand accounts from U.S. soldiers and Somali civilians, detailing the mission to capture warlord Aidid and the downing of two helicopters.
Directed by Sam Hobkinson, Jack MacinnesCast Matthew Thomas-Robinson, Alex Brockdorff, Nick Pinninger, Robbie Taylor, Reggie McHaleNetflix -
16
Boots
comedy · drama · history · war
After impulsively joining the U.S. Marine Corps, a bullied teen finds new purpose — and unexpected brotherhood — with his motley team of fellow recruits.
Directed by Phil Abraham, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Silas Howard, Tanya Hamilton, Peter HoarCast Miles Heizer, Ana Ayora, Blake Burt, Cedrick Cooper, Dominic GoodmanNetflix -
17
Hostage
drama · war & military · mystery & thriller
When the British prime minister's husband is kidnapped and the French president starts receiving threats, both leaders must face an impossible choice.
Netflix -
18
Five Came Back
documentary · biography · history · war
Five acclaimed contemporary directors tell the story of five legendary Hollywood filmmakers who enlisted in the armed forces to document World War II.
Directed by Laurent BouzereauCast Meryl StreepNetflix -
19
The Liberator
animation · drama · war
A diverse, dedicated, rough-and-tumble squad of soldiers spearheads the Allied invasion of Italy during World War II.
Directed by Grzegorz JonkajtysCast Bradley James, Martin Sensmeier, Jose Miguel Vasquez, Forrest Goodluck, Billy BreedNetflix -
20
Leviathan
animation · action · drama · fantasy · history · sci-fi · war
Set in an alternate steampunk past, an Austrian fugitive prince and a Scottish airman in disguise embark on an unexpected quest to prevent a world war.
Directed by Christophe FerreiraCast Ayumu Murase, Natsumi Fujiwara, Genta Nakamura, Naoto Kobayashi, Dor GvirtsmanNetflix
Wrapping Up
This list is built for viewers who want more than simple battle scenes, blending strategy, sacrifice, suspense, and character depth across a wide range of war-related series. From survival-heavy action to historical drama and tense intelligence stories, there’s something here for a quick binge or a longer watchlist. Bookmark this page and come back when you need your next series pick, because it’s updated regularly to reflect what’s available now.
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 Netflix subscription to watch these?
Yes — every title on this list is currently available on Netflix. 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.
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Last updated: September 11, 2026