The World at War

10 Best Episodes of The World at War

A documentary series that gives a historical account of the events of World War II, from its roots in the 1920s to the aftermath and the lives it profoundly influenced.

Written by Sophie and last updated on oct 24, 2022.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The World at War - S1E8

#15 - The Desert: North Africa (1940 - 1943) (Season 1 - Episode 8)

For 2 years the 8th Army and Rommel's Afrika Corps fight in the wastes of North Africa. Finally the tide turns at El Alamein.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 212 votes.

The World at War - S1E21

#14 - Nemesis: Germany (February - May 1945) (Season 1 - Episode 21)

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Hitler retreats to the Fuhrer bunker is Berlin as Germany crumbles around him and his lieutenants abandon him to a fate of suicide. Meanwhile, the Russians raise the red flag in Berlin.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 131 votes.

The World at War - S1E9

#13 - Stalingrad (June 1942 - February 1943) (Season 1 - Episode 9)

Hitler's early successes in Russia made him reckless and he resolves to capture Stalingrad. The battle lasts six months with the Russians emerging as victors. The Wehrmacht never recovers.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 187 votes.

The World at War - S1E4

#12 - Alone (May 1940 - May 1941) (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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After Dunkirk, Britain faces the German onslaught. Although the RAF wins the Battle of Britain, the cities are blitzed and on the continent the last Allies are conquered. The outlook is grim.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 301 votes.

The World at War - S1E7

#11 - On Our Way: U.S.A. (1939 - 1942) (Season 1 - Episode 7)

The opposition by various factions to the United States of America entry into the war, U-boat attacks on Atlantic convoys and America's gradated responses, the mobilization of America after Pearl Harbor, the loss of the Philippines, the Doolittle Raid, Midway and Guadalcanal.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 219 votes.

The World at War - S1E1

#10 - A New Germany (1933 - 1939) (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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Germany, a nation stricken by humiliating defeat and emerging from crippling economic depression, looks to one man for a resurgence of hope and dignity. That man is Adolf Hitler…

The episode was rated 7.89 from 586 votes.

The World at War - S1E3

#9 - France Falls (May - June 1940) (Season 1 - Episode 3)

France discovers it is woefully unprepared for modern warfare as the Nazi war machine easily skirts around the Maginot Line. Britain retreats and prepares for invasion.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 359 votes.

The World at War - S1E25

#8 - Reckoning (1945...and after) (Season 1 - Episode 25)

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The war ends slowly and messily. Britain is victorious but exhausted and the super-powers confront each other as they decide the fate of Europe.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 92 votes.

The World at War - S1E12

#7 - Whirlwind: Bombing Germany (September 1939 - April 1944) (Season 1 - Episode 12)

Bomber Command begin bombing German cities by night and the Americans reinforce the attacks by day; a whirlwind of terror and destruction that will win the war.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 150 votes.

The World at War - S1E11

#6 - Red Star: The Soviet Union (1941 - 1943) (Season 1 - Episode 11)

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For two years the Soviet Army fights the Germans almost alone. After one of the greatest land battles in history, the nation survives and triumphs - but with a loss of no less than twenty million of its people.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 147 votes.

The World at War - S1E16

#5 - Inside the Reich: Germany (1940 - 1944) (Season 1 - Episode 16)

Initial victory in Europe turns sour after the defeat at Stalingrad, yet Germany prepares to fight to the end - even after an assassination attempt on the Führer.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 139 votes.

The World at War - S1E5

#4 - Barbarossa (June - December 1941) (Season 1 - Episode 5)

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After dominating southeastern Europe through force or intrigue, Germany begins Operation Barbarossa, the massive invasion of Soviet Union. Despite several quick victories, the invasion ultimately stalls after a failed assault on Moscow during Russia's harsh winter

The episode was rated 8.03 from 267 votes.

The World at War - S1E20

#3 - Genocide (1941 - 1945) (Season 1 - Episode 20)

The Nazi's are racist; the Aryans are a master race, others, particularly the Jews are sub-human. Himmler's SS sets about ridding Europe of millions of Jews.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 123 votes.

The World at War - S1E17

#2 - Morning (June - August 1944) (Season 1 - Episode 17)

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The Western Allies resolve to invade Europe. England becomes a floating supply dump and the British and Americans assemble the largest invasion fleet in history. It is June 6th 1944 - D Day.

The episode was rated 8.10 from 136 votes.

The World at War - S1E24

#1 - The Bomb (February - September 1945) (Season 1 - Episode 24)

Western scientists have developed a new, immensely powerful weapon - the atomic bomb. On August 6th 1945, the Enola Gay delivers the world's first atomic bomb to Hiroshima. The world would be forever altered.

The episode was rated 8.14 from 105 votes.

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