Amazon Prime Video isn’t usually the first name that comes to mind when fans think of war dramas, but it has a surprisingly deep bench. While the platform is better known for fantasy, sci-fi, and crime series, there are still plenty of excellent war shows on Prime Video worth discovering- each delivering gripping tales of courage, strategy, and survival.
One of Prime Video’s strongest assets is the variety of conflicts its war shows cover. Unlike many platforms that focus almost exclusively on WW1 or WW2, Prime’s library spans centuries and continents. From the battlefields of the American Civil War to Napoleon’s sweeping European campaigns, and from covert Cold War espionage to modern-day military missions, there’s a remarkable breadth to explore.
The best war shows on Amazon Prime Video are the series that combine high-stakes action with deeply personal stories. Many are underrated gems from decades gone by focusing on both famous and lesser-known conflicts while capturing the human cost of war in compelling, unforgettable ways. Others are modern hits, but all of them are sure to keep fans of war shows hooked.
10
Enemy At The Door (1978)
A Tense Depiction Of Life Under Nazi Occupation
Set during the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II, Enemy at the Door stands out for focusing on the civilians caught between collaboration, resistance, and survival. The show takes a grounded, human approach, depicting how war shapes moral choices far from the frontlines.
Central to the drama is Dr. Philip Martel (Bernard Horsfall), whose medical duties force him to navigate a tightrope between the needs of his patients and the demands of the occupying forces. Alongside him, local police and community leaders wrestle with impossible decisions – whether to protect their neighbors or bend to Nazi rule to keep the peace.
Rather than leaning solely on large-scale battles, the series thrives on slow-burn tension and interpersonal drama. This makes Enemy at the Door one of the most distinctive war shows on Prime Video, showing that wartime heroism and betrayal often unfold in the shadows, far from the sound of gunfire.
9
Totems (2022)
A Cold War Spy Thriller With Personal Stakes
Totems offers a fresh twist on the war genre by immersing viewers in Cold War espionage. Set in 1965, it follows French scientist-turned-spy Francis Mareuil (Niels Schneider) as he’s recruited by the French Secret Service and the CIA for a dangerous mission targeting the Soviet Union.
What elevates Totems is its blending of personal and political intrigue. Francis’s growing relationship with Soviet pianist Lyudmila Goloubeva (Vera Kolesnikova) adds emotional weight to his work, forcing him to balance loyalty to his mission with feelings for someone on the other side. This isn’t just spycraft – it’s a test of humanity under geopolitical pressure.
The series stands out among war shows on Prime Video because it treats the Cold War as a battlefield without trenches, showing that the fight for dominance is just as much about manipulation, secrets, and personal sacrifice as it is about firepower. It’s tense, unpredictable, and quietly devastating.
8
Gallipoli (2015)
A Visceral Look At One Of WW1’s Most Infamous Campaigns
Chronicling the harrowing Gallipoli campaign of World War I, this Australian miniseries puts the focus on the soldiers’ perspective. Following 17-year-old Thomas “Tolly” Johnson (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and his brother Bevan (Harry Greenwood), Gallipoli doesn’t shy away from the brutal reality of trench warfare.
The show balances the horrors of combat with moments of camaraderie, humor, and resilience, painting a complete picture of young men thrust into history’s bloodiest conflicts. Each episode is steeped in mud, fear, and exhaustion, immersing viewers in both the physical and emotional toll of battle.
Unlike some war dramas that romanticize heroism, Gallipoli embraces the tragedy and futility of the campaign, making it one of the most affecting war shows on Prime Video. Its raw, unflinching portrayal of loss ensures it lingers long after the credits roll.
7
The White Queen (2013)
A Gripping Political War Drama Set In Medieval England
Based on Philippa Gregory’s novels, The White Queen dramatizes the Wars of the Roses – a brutal 15th-century conflict for the English crown. Centered on Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson), the show offers a rare war series told through the eyes of women navigating the battlefield of court politics.
Elizabeth’s marriage to King Edward IV (Max Irons) propels her into a world of power struggles, alliances, and betrayals. While knights clash on the battlefield, the real power plays often unfold in the throne room, where strategy is just as important as swords.
With lavish costumes and rich historical detail, The White Queen captures both the grandeur and ruthlessness of the period. As one of the most unique war shows on Prime Video, it demonstrates that warfare is not only fought with weapons, but also through political maneuvering and personal ambition.
6
Grant (2020)
A Dramatized Documentary That Brings The Civil War To Life
Grant blends dramatized scenes with expert analysis to explore the life of Ulysses S. Grant (Justin Salinger), the general who led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War. Across three episodes, it presents Grant as a complex leader whose determination and strategic mind shaped U.S. history.
The series doesn’t just cover battles – it examines Grant’s personal struggles, from his early failures to his political career as President. By humanizing him, the documentary avoids the trap of portraying historical figures as untouchable icons.
With cinematic reenactments and commentary from historians, Grant transforms what could be a dry history lesson into a tense, character-driven war story. It’s one of the most accessible yet insightful war shows on Prime Video, offering both spectacle and substance for viewers eager to revisit a defining chapter in American history.
5
A Small Light (2023)
A Powerful Retelling Of Anne Frank’s Protector’s Story
While many war dramas focus on soldiers, A Small Light shifts the perspective to Miep Gies (Bel Powley), the woman who hid Anne Frank and her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The series captures the constant fear and quiet heroism required to resist oppression.
Bel Powley’s performance grounds the show in humanity, portraying Miep as both courageous and flawed. Supporting characters like Jan Gies (Joe Cole) and Otto Frank (Liev Schreiber) bring depth to the portrayal of those risking everything to protect the innocent.
A Small Light stands out as one of the most poignant war shows on Prime Video because it tells a familiar WWII story from a fresh angle. Instead of grand battles, the stakes are intimate but no less life-and-death – reminding viewers that in war, acts of compassion can be as defiant as gunfire.
4
War And Peace (2016)
An Epic Retelling Of Tolstoy’s Masterpiece
BBC’s War and Peace adaptation captures both the grand sweep of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and the intimate struggles of its characters. Following figures like Pierre Bezukhov (Paul Dano), Natasha Rostova (Lily James), and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky (James Norton), it blends personal drama with the chaos of war.
The battle sequences are visually stunning, but it’s the emotional complexity that sets War and Peace apart. The characters’ shifting loyalties, romantic entanglements, and moral dilemmas mirror the unpredictable tides of war itself.
By balancing large-scale historical events with deeply human stories, War and Peace cements itself as one of the most ambitious war shows on Prime Video. It’s sweeping, emotionally rich, and faithful to the spirit of Tolstoy’s timeless novel.
3
Bluestone 42 (2013-2015)
A Sharp And Darkly Funny Look At Modern Warfare
Set in Afghanistan, Bluestone 42 follows a British bomb disposal unit whose job is as absurd as it is dangerous. Mixing comedy with moments of sudden tension, the series explores how soldiers cope with life-and-death situations through humor and camaraderie.
Captain Nick Medhurst (Oliver Chris) leads the team, supported by a lively ensemble including the sharp-tongued Corporal Millsy (Gary Carr) and the earnest Lt. Simon Lansley (Stephen Wight). Their banter keeps the tone light – until a mission turns deadly.
This M.A.S.H.-like blend of gallows humor and gritty realism makes Bluestone 42 one of the most unconventional war shows on Prime Video. It captures the human side of conflict without losing sight of the ever-present danger, making it a standout in the modern military drama landscape.
2
Turn: Washington’s Spies (2014-2017)
A Gripping Revolutionary War Spy Drama
Based on Alexander Rose’s book Washington’s Spies, this AMC original series follows farmer-turned-spy Abe Woodhull (Jamie Bell) as he becomes part of the Culper Ring – George Washington’s intelligence network during the American Revolutionary War.
The show thrives on intrigue, double-crosses, and tense encounters rather than large-scale battles. Abe’s shifting alliances and dangerous missions highlight the risks taken by those who fought not on the battlefield, but in the shadows.
With rich period detail that places viewers in the heart of the Revolutionary War and strong performances, Turn: Washington’s Spies is among the best war shows on Prime Video for fans who appreciate the quieter, more calculated side of warfare. It’s a story of loyalty, sacrifice, and the hidden figures who shaped history.
1
Our Girl (2013-2020)
A Heartfelt And Action-Packed Modern Military Drama
Spanning multiple tours and changing lead characters, the BBC war drama Our Girl combines frontline action with emotional storytelling. The series begins with medic Molly Dawes (Lacey Turner) joining the British Army, later shifting focus to Georgie Lane (Michelle Keegan) as she navigates both dangerous deployments and personal challenges.
The show’s strength lies in balancing high-stakes missions with the relationships between soldiers, locals, and their families back home. Locations range from Afghanistan to Kenya, giving a wide view of modern military operations.
As one of the most engaging war shows on Amazon Prime Video, Our Girl blends action, drama, and heartfelt moments, making it both thrilling and deeply human. Its focus on medics brings a refreshing perspective to the war genre, proving that bravery comes in many forms.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
