War Docos
Innovative German film-maker Leni Riefenstahl's pioneering masterwork epic "Triumph of the Will" (1934) was explicitly propagandistic yet historical in its spectacular yet horrifying documentation of the Nazi Party Congress rally in Nuremberg in 1934. It was a revolutionary film combining superb cinematography and editing of Third Reich propaganda. She also documented the 1936 Berlin Olympics in the stunning film "Olympia" (1938) - with graceful and beautiful images of 'Aryan' athletes in competition. To respond to the Nazi propaganda, Frank Capra was commissioned by the US War Department to direct seven films in a "Why We Fight" (1943) series of narrated WWII newsreel-style films. The first in the series, "Prelude to War," a look at the events from 1931-1939, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1942. These and many other truely great War Documentaries, including the BBC's brilliant "World At War" series, are available by scrolling below.
Right: William Wyler's Academy Award winning "The Memphis Belle"Â
National Geographic: The Final Days of Anne Frank (2014)
7.5/10
Anne Frank's world-famous diary comes to an abrupt end shortly before she and her companions in the secret annex were arrested on August 4, 1944. This... Read more
Instant Expert: The Battle of Britain (2009)
Germany's devastating campaign to gain air superiority over the RAF and the British isle was the first such battle to be fought entirely in the air an... Read more
The Tillman Story (2010)
7.8/10
Director: Amir Bar-Lev
Pat Tillman gave up his professional football career to join the Army Rangers in 2002 - and became an instant symbol of patriotic fervor and unflinchi... Read more
The Lancaster at War (2009)
Director: Stephen Saunders
Starring: Narrated by, Stuart Rodgers
The Avro Lancaster is widely regarded as the finest British heavy bomber of the Second World War. Using the best wartime film and air-to-air footage o... Read more
Deadmen's Secrets: Plotting to Kill Hitler (2005)
Over the course of World War II there were several attempts to assassinate the Fuhrer, but none were successful. This documentary uses archival foota... Read more
Submariners: The Complete Series (2006)
7.9/10
Director: Hugh Piper
A six-part expository-style documentary series following the crew of HMAS Rankin, the newest of Australia's Collins Class Submarines, as they undertak... Read more
In Love with Adolf Hitler (2007)
Director: Isabelle Clarke, Daniel Costelle
Starring: Eva Braun, Adolf Hitler
A unique, compelling and thoroughly fascinating documentary drawing on the vast personal film and photo archives of Eva Braun along with exclusive sho... Read more
When the Lights Go On Again - Britain's Home Front 1943-1947 (2002)
The story of wartime Britain from 1941 to the final Allied victory. This programme looks at the contribution made by women during these years and how... Read more
The Great Ships (1997)
7/10
From ancient Viking ships to modern aircraft carriers, "The Great Ships" lets you step on board to explore the design, construction, technology and ar... Read more
World War II: Vol. 4 - War Comes to America/D-Day The Normandy Invasion (1945)
7.9/10
Director: Frank Capra
Aka "Why We Fight". "War Comes to America" - Documents the gradual shift of opinion from isolationism to support of the U.S. entry into World War II.... Read more