Audiences can’t get enough of the war genre these days. Some other genres are perhaps more profitable and praised, but this one always remains bright in the public eye. Today, war is one of the most popular genres of filmmaking, leading to some of the most influential and acclaimed movies in major motion picture history. There sure are a lot of great war stories to choose from when it comes to movies, but what about the ones from television?

The last several decades have seen plenty of great war shows. Most have captivated audiences, thrilling them or making them shed tears with their compelling stories that blend drama, action, and history all into one. If there’s a decade full of these televised wonders, it would be the glorious 1980s. The ’80s were a blast of creativity on the big and small screens, and it was a time when the war genre thrived in both forms of media. In honor of the genre and this thrilling time, here are the ten best ’80s war shows.

10

‘Mussolini: The Untold Story’ (1985)

Created by William A. Graham

First is Mussolini: The Untold Story, which aired on the NBC network in 1985. A detailed and fascinating biographical drama miniseries, it features the late Academy Award-winning actor George C. Scott giving a stupendous performance portraying tyrannical Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Including a star-studded cast including Raul Julia, Virginia Madsen, Lee Grant, and Robert Downey Jr., this show offers a compelling insight into the rise and fall of the infamous leader from his early years in power to his ousting during World War II.

The plot is engaging, and the acting exceptional, especially from George C. Scott, who’s no stranger to playing famous historical figures, having already won an Oscar for Patton. Critics were a bit mixed with this one upon release, claiming the show doesn’t paint the full picture of who Mussolini was and his horrible crimes. Some viewers might be turned off by this one’s attempts to make him look more sympathetic. But aside from its inaccuracies, Mussolini: The Untold Story is a pretty interesting miniseries that sheds light on an iconic WWII figure who surprisingly hasn’t been brought up as much in movies.

9

‘Allo ‘Allo!’ (1982–1992)

Created by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd

‘Allo ‘Allo! is a British sitcom which aired on BBC1 from 1982 to 1992. Created by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd, it’s a hilarious spoof show that pokes fun at other war series and movies rather than war itself. Set during WWII in German-occupied France before the liberation of Europe, it follows the owners and patrons of a Nouvion café as they deal with their situation as well as problems between German officers and the local French resistance.

‘Allo ‘Allo! takes a comedic approach to the classic war show formula, giving it a hilarious twist without mocking the severity of the war or its outcomes. Instead, it takes jabs at other war shows, mainly BBC’s Secret Army, which this one is a direct parody of. Though not action-oriented and certainly not as dramatic as some other series, this amusing war comedy show will certainly make viewers laugh.

8

‘The Jewel in the Crown’ (1984)

Created by Christopher Morahan, Jim O’Brien, Ken Taylor, et al.

A riveting tale with compelling drama and striking visuals, The Jewel in the Crown is a 1984 British television series that aired on the ITV network. Based on author Paul Scott‘s The Raj Quartet book series, it follows the struggles and hardships of several groups dealing with relationships and class issues, set against the backdrop of the fall of the British Raj in India during and after WWII.

Though a bit obscure for most audiences today, it’s important not to skip over this essential war drama. The Jewel in the Crown tells a remarkable tale that perfectly balances drama, war, romance, and history, all into fourteen incredible episodes. While it’s not for everyone, considering it shows some heavy subject matter and shocking scenes, it’ll certainly fascinate anyone who gives it a try.

7

‘The Winds of War’ (1983)

Created by Dan Curtis

Based on a 1971 novel, The Winds of War is a 1983 war drama miniseries that premiered on ABC. Starring the late Robert Mitchum, it follows the lives of the Henry family, led by their Naval Commander patriarch Victor “Pug” Henry, from the outbreak of conflicts in Europe to eventually the United States’ entry into World War II.

While, admittedly, it’s a tad melodramatic and drags on at certain points, The Winds of War is a genuinely compelling show that can fascinate any viewer with its great acting and gripping drama. It may not be the most thrilling watch, but it offers some decent history and a unique insight into the rising tensions in the early days of WWII and how it affected Americans before it even started.

6

‘Sword of Honour’ (1986)

Created by Pino Amenta and Catherine Millar

Sword of Honour is an Australian war drama miniseries released in 1986 on the Seven Network. It’s a remarkable, heartbreaking tale that highlights the devastating results of war on the mind and the lingering effects it has on the brave souls who fought in them. It’s about several Australian soldiers struggling to adapt back home and moving past the horrors they’ve experienced after serving in the Vietnam War.

War has a horrifying lasting impact on all who serve in it and this idea has been greatly explored in cinema through emotional anti-war films that captured how difficult it must have been for so many of these individuals. Sword of Honour does fantastic work with its message here about the true reality of war and what it’s truly like. It’s an unflinching and uncompromising war miniseries that truly feels powerful to watch.

5

‘Vietnam’ (1987)

Created by Chris Noonan and John Duigan

Vietnam is another compelling war show hailing from Australia. Featuring great direction, brilliant writing, and exceptional acting from a talented cast, including future Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman in one of her early appearances, it’s a tale that grips viewers right from the start. It tells the story of a family, the Goddards, as they’re torn apart and all affected in some way by the war after their son is drafted to fight in South Vietnam.

This heartbreaking war miniseries doesn’t shy away from showing the haunting, gruesome aspects of the Vietnam War. It’s an emotional and psychological delve into the minds of those who fought in this conflict and how it even ruined the lives of those back home. The message is powerful, the story is mostly flawless, and each episode can leave anyone profoundly emotional.

4

‘North and South: Books 1, 2, and 3’ (1985–1994)

Created by David L. Wolper

Depicting one of the bloodiest wars in American history has been done time and again in cinema, but not so much on the small screen. The North and South miniseries is one of the most outstanding war shows that depict this conflict, a riveting tale with splendid acting and a respect for history. It tells the story of an enduring friendship between two soldiers fighting on opposite sides of the war.

With all-around fantastic performances, gripping drama, wonderful costumes, and spectacular production values, North and South is truly a sight to behold. It keeps viewers drawn to each episode with each new powerful story to tell. While, admittedly, the third season, Heaven and Hell, is often seen as a downgrade compared to the first two, considering its deviation from the plot and lack of characters from the previous seasons, it’s still an incredible show to watch and perfect for any Civil War buffs out there.

3

‘Shōgun’ (1980)

Created by Jerry London

Before checking out the 2024 smash hit Hulu series Shōgun, give its 1980s original a watch. Released on the NBC Network, this intriguing five-part miniseries greatly honors James Clavell’s novel it’s based on. It follows the story of an English navigator through his adventures and becomes a dominant figure in 17th-century feudal Japan.

Much like its ’24 adaptation, the 1980 Shōgun is a truly gripping series with excellent writing, superb acting, and full of stunning visuals. The entire cast does great work here, especially the late Toshirō Mifune, whose role as the fierce Lord Yoshi Toranaga is one of the most captivating performances outside of his career in films. It’s an overall fantastic watch that everyone who’s a fan of the Hulu series has to see.

2

‘Tour of Duty’ (1987–1990)

Created by Steve Duncan and L. Travis Clark

NBC’s Tour of Duty has some of the most raw, gritty, and realistic depictions of the Vietnam War ever to appear on television. Inspired by Oliver Stone‘s Best Picture-winning war drama Platoon, this riveting series explores the immense physical and psychological toll the war had on U.S. foot soldiers as it follows an infantry unit as they endure constant struggles during their tours in Vietnam.

There’s a heavy emphasis on realism here that’s not so present in other war shows from its time. Tour of Duty shines, giving an authentic portrayal of the life of the average soldier during the war and the challenges and horrors that they frequently faced. It certainly keeps viewers invested with each episode.

1

‘Das Boot’ (1985)

Created by Wolfgang Petersen

Hailed as one of the greatest, most haunting submarine warfare movies of all time, Wolfgang Petersen‘s 1982 masterpiece Das Boot is truly one of the most essential films for any war movie buff to see. Thankfully, it’s even essential for TV fans too, as it was later released uncut as a three-part miniseries in 1985. It follows a German U-boat crew as they face constant dangers and tensions among themselves while on a dangerous assignment in the Atlantic during WWII.

This televised version shows Petersen’s magnificent tale in all its intense glory. Each part takes viewers on an amazing journey as they follow these men through challenging times and impossible-to-survive situations. It’s an absolute roller coaster of a show that only gets better and better with every watch.

NEXT: The Best War Shows of the 2010s, Ranked