20 Shows To Watch if You Love 'Band of Brothers'

After its debut on the HBO network in 2001, Band of Brothers quickly became one of the most iconic and revered war shows of all time. Based on a famous historical novel by American historian Stephen Ambrose, this ten-part miniseries tells the incredible true story of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division during their time fighting in the European Theater of WWII. It's a gripping tale about brotherhood, sacrifice, and determination in the face of so much adversity.

It's an emotional and thrilling story unlike anything audiences have ever experienced. Thanks to its pulse-pounding action, magnificent characters, and mature storytelling, it continues to bring them back for more viewings. Hardly anything can trump Band of Brothers' style, but there are similar war shows out there that capture some of its unique feel. Anyone who is a fan of the show could appreciate some of these other series, as they are set around WWII and other conflicts and even feature similar themes and ideas. Here are twenty shows to appreciate for anyone who enjoys Band of Brothers.

20 'A Small Light' (2023)

Inspired by a true story about heroism during the heartbreaking events of the Holocaust, A Small Light is a biographical war drama miniseries that first premiered on National Geographic in 2023. It tells the story of Dutch secretary Miep Gies (Bel Powley) during her time in the German occupation of the Netherlands after the outbreak of WWII, in which she helped Jewish refugees hide from the Nazis, including the family of Anne Frank.

It's a story about defiance against evil and showing people can do incredible things in the face of so much tragedy. It brilliantly highlights the courageous actions of this real-life hero of WWII, who did everything she could to save innocence and to stand against what the Nazis were doing. It shows the horror of war but also the hope of humanity as it tells one woman's remarkable tale of risking everything for what she thought was right.

19 'Turn: Washington's Spies' (2014–2017)

Telling an often forgotten part of the American Revolutionary War, Turn: Washington's Spies is a period drama television series that aired on the AMC network from 2014 to 2017. Loosely telling the real-life story of the men who formed the "Culp Spy Ring," it follows this network of secret agents as they become instrumental in America's battle for independence.

It's a riveting historical drama with gripping performances, authentic costumes and set pieces, and it offers to tell a story from American history that's not often shown on mainstream television. Not too much is known about this secret network of spies, but Turn: Washington's Spies brings their story to life with excellent writing and a respect for history, which should satisfy anyone curious about this war.

18 'The Unit' (2006-2009)

The Unit is a riveting action drama television show that premiered on CBS from 2006 to 2009. Telling a different kind of war story, it follows a unit of elite special forces operatives as they embark on assignments across the globe, joining in counterterrorism operations and completing dangerous rescue missions.

It's packed with thrilling action sequences, tense suspense, and exciting storylines that any viewer can appreciate. Though not the most accurate type of military show, it offers a fun television-watching experience for fans of Band of Brothers who were completely blown away by its intense violence.

17 'The Man in the High Castle' (2015–2019)

The Man in the High Castle has become one of the most thrilling original shows ever released on Amazon Prime. Loosely based on the novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick, it's set in a parallel universe where the Axis Powers have won WWII and conquered the world. It follows the lives of several characters living under the oppression of the Nazis and the Japanese Empire.

It offers a unique, frightening look into an alternate, darker history, one that thankfully was avoided. The Man in the High Castle is sharply written, well-acted, and thrives on its unique and intriguing premise. It's worth watching for those curious about scenarios of WWII.

16 'Shōgun' (2024–present)

2024's Shōgun has become one of the most fascinating and visually spectacular shows on the AMC network in recent years. This Emmy and Golden Globes-nominated period drama brings author James Clavell's 1975 novel to the glorious small screen with marvelous production values and a stellar cast. Set in 1600s feudal Japan, a shipwrecked English sailor becomes instrumental in a lord's rise to power.

The action is intense and riveting, the writing is nearly flawless, and the story stays mostly true to the source material, creating an interesting watch that is well worth anybody's time. The cast also does phenomenal work, including lead actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis, who become lost in their characters and deliver award-worthy performances. Overall, it's a stellar war show that offers something thrilling for everybody.

15 'The Winds of War' (1983–1983)

American author Herman Wouk's 1971 war drama novel The Winds of War was turned into a seven-episode miniseries airing in 1983. Starring the iconic Robert Mitchum as American naval attaché Victor "Pug" Henry, it follows this Navy officer and his family from the outbreak of war in Europe to the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Though not as emotional or action-oriented as Band of Brothers, The Winds of War has themes similar to those of lives changed by the effects of this conflict. Except here, it's told through the perspectives of civilians. It's a brilliant war drama series that hooks viewers in from the start with its flawless writing and all-around spectacular performances.

14 'Catch-22' (2019–2019)

Based on the iconic novel by author Joseph Heller, Catch-22 is a 2019 satirical war miniseries developed by creators Luke Davies and David Michôd. It follows a capable U.S. Air Force bombardier, John Yossarian (Christopher Abbott), as he becomes disillusioned with the war and his superior officers, who constantly send him on dangerous missions.

Elevated by a remarkable supporting cast, including Kyle Chandler, Hugh Laurie, Lewis Pullman, and George Clooney, Catch-22 is a compelling series full of gripping performances and brilliant writing. Like most book-to-screen adaptations, it omits and simplifies many elements from Heller's story. However, it captures the core theme of the futility of war and some of the negative outcomes that it creates. It's a fascinating watch that most WWII buffs, as well as Band of Brothers fans, could get behind.

13 'World on Fire' (2019–2023)

Airing on the BBC from 2019 until its cancellation in 2024, World on Fire is a WWII drama series developed by Peter Bowker. An emotionally gripping tale with intense imagery and powerful acting, it centers around several different people from across the globe as their lives are intertwined by the devastating effects of World War II.

World On Fire is an essential watch for WWII, as it's fully centered around the conflict and offers unique insights from multiple perspectives of people caught in the middle of it. It's a riveting drama that grips viewers from start to finish with its heartbreaking look into some of the bleakest moments of the war.

12 'Birdsong' (2012–2012)

Birdsong is a British television serial that aired in 2012, based on a 1993 novel of the same name by Sebastian Faulks. Starring an incredibly talented cast, including Academy Award-winner Eddie Redmayne, it follows the personal struggles of a WWI veteran suffering from constant reminders of the wars he experienced during his time in the trenches.

It's a haunting but necessary tale that delves into the deep impact war had on soldiers' psyches. The acting is flawless, and the writing is all-around brilliant from beginning to end. It's also perfectly paced and well-directed, making it a must-watch for war fans as it has so much to keep viewers invested.

11 'Tour of Duty' (1987–1990)

Created by Steve Duncan and L. Travis Clark, Tour of Duty is a compelling war drama series that aired from 1987 to 1990 on the CBS Network. A grounded story with intense realism, it tells of an American infantry platoon as they brave countless dangers in the jungles during the Vietnam War.

Tour of Duty is a raw and captivating experience that's hailed as one of the best war TV shows of the 1980s. Like Band of Brothers, it follows a close-knit unit as they witness countless horrors, survive harrowing battles, and experience the psychological toll wars have on the mind. It's a powerful series that doesn't shy away from the brutal, harsh realities of warfare, making it a truly unforgettable watch.