The First World War is easily one of the most famous events in history, and as expected, it has been televised and revisited several times.

In this post, I’ve listed some of my personal favorite World War 1 TV shows that I believe everyone should watch because they are truly amazing.

I’ve watched a good number of them, while others are recommendations I’ve received from various sources, but I promise they are all worth watching.

1. Apocalypse: World War I (2014)

This French documentary series brings World War I to life with colorized footage and firsthand stories, covering everything from the trenches to life on the home front.

2. Parade’s End (2012)

Based on Ford Madox Ford’s novels, this British miniseries dives into the complexities of relationships and societal shifts during World War I.

3. War Horse (2011)

Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel follows a young man and his horse through the war, highlighting how conflict impacts both soldiers and animals alike.

4. The Great War (1964)

A documentary series narrates World War I history through archival footage and interviews with veterans, offering a comprehensive view of the conflict.

5. Birdsong (2012)

Based on Sebastian Faulks’ novel, this British miniseries portrays a love story set against the backdrop of war, exploring themes of love, loss, and the horrors of trench warfare.

6. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

Directed by Peter Jackson, this documentary restores and colorizes footage to bring the experiences of British soldiers in World War I to life.

7. All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)

A TV movie adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, focusing on the experiences of German soldiers in the trenches of the Western Front.

8. The Crimson Field (2014)

British drama series focusing on volunteer nurses on the front lines in France, highlighting their contributions and challenges during the war.

9. The Trench (1999)

British drama film set in the trenches of the Western Front, following a group of soldiers as they await an impending battle.

10. Gallipoli (2015)

Australian series that dramatizes the infamous Gallipoli campaign from the perspective of soldiers who fought in the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

11. Secrets of World War I (2014)

Documentary series uncovering lesser-known stories and aspects of World War I, including espionage, technology, and social changes.

12. The Passing Bells (2014)

British drama series following the lives of two young soldiers from Britain and Germany, illustrating how the war affected both sides and their families.

13. 14 Diaries of the Great War (2014)

German documentary-drama series that follows the lives of 14 individuals from different countries, reflecting on how the war affected ordinary people.

14. Blackadder Goes Forth (1989)

A British sitcom that humorously portrays the futility of trench warfare during World War I through the eyes of Captain Blackadder and his comrades.

15. 1914-1918: The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century (1996)

This is one of the best PBS documentary series that explores the causes and consequences of World War I, featuring insights from historians.

16. Journey’s End (1988)

TV adaptation of R.C. Sherriff’s play, that shows the experiences of British officers in the trenches as they await a major German offensive.

17. Testament of Youth (2014)

Based on Vera Brittain’s memoir, this British film explores her experiences as a nurse and pacifist during and after World War I, highlighting its impact on women.

18. The Wipers Times (2013)

British television film based on the true story of soldiers who published a satirical magazine during the war, providing humor amidst the horrors of battle.

19. Paths of Glory (1957)

Though a film rather than a series, this Stanley Kubrick classic depicts the French army’s brutal treatment of soldiers during World War I, focusing on a court-martial trial.

20. The First World War From Above (2010)

Documentary that uses aerial footage to provide a unique perspective on the landscapes, trenches, and battlefields of World War I.

21. Our World War (2014)

British miniseries based on true stories from World War I, offering a dramatic portrayal of soldiers’ experiences in various battles, including the Somme and Passchendaele.

22. The World Wars (2014)

Although primarily covering both World Wars, this miniseries includes episodes dedicated to World War I, examining key events and figures.

23. 1917 (2019)

While a feature film, its continuous-shot style and intense narrative offer a gripping portrayal of two soldiers tasked with delivering a critical message across enemy lines during World War I.

24. The World War One in Colour (2003)

Documentary series that uses colorized footage to chronicle World War I, offering a vivid look at the conflict’s battles, technology, and impact.

25. Apocalypse: World War I (2014)

French documentary series that uses colorized footage and firsthand accounts to depict the global impact of the war, from the trenches to the home front.

26. The Lost Battalion (2001)

TV movie based on the true story of the 77th Infantry Division, known as the Lost Battalion, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918.

27. Death of a Pilgrim (2013)

Swedish miniseries that spans from the beginning of the 20th century to the end of World War I, focusing on espionage and political intrigue during the war.

28. 37 Days (2014)

British drama miniseries that chronicles the events leading up to World War I, including the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the subsequent diplomatic tensions.

29. The Last Day (2004)

German TV movie that depicts the final day of World War I from the perspective of soldiers on both sides, examining the emotions and consequences of the war’s end.

30. La Grande Guerre (1964)

French documentary series that provides a detailed historical account of World War I, focusing on military strategies, battles, and the human experience.

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Are you planning to watch any of these amazing World War 1 TV shows? Let me know in the comment section if you have any personal favorites you’d like others to check out. 

In the meantime, make sure to check out the related posts below. If you’d like more fantastic recommendations, here’s a post on the best TV shows to watch if you loved Game of Thrones.