The World at War
The World at War

The World at War

1974TV ShowEnded1 SeasonEnglish

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.

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IMDb8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Metacritic95/100
Google Users96%
Director: Sir Peter Scott (narrator)Genres: Documentary, History, War

Plot Summary

This landmark documentary series meticulously chronicles the Second World War from its origins to its conclusion. Utilizing a vast archive of film footage, photographs, and eyewitness testimonies from participants on all sides, it provides an unparalleled and comprehensive overview of the global conflict. The series offers a deeply human perspective, exploring the experiences of soldiers, civilians, leaders, and victims across continents and throughout the years of fighting.

Critical Reception

The World at War is widely regarded as one of the most definitive and comprehensive documentaries ever made about World War II. It received universal acclaim from critics for its scope, depth, historical accuracy, and emotional impact. Audiences lauded its thoroughness and its ability to present complex events in an accessible yet profound manner. It is considered an essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the conflict.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unparalleled scope and comprehensive coverage of World War II.
  • Lauded for its powerful use of archival footage and deeply personal testimonies.
  • Considered a definitive, authoritative, and deeply moving historical account of the war.

Google audience: Viewers consistently praise 'The World at War' as an exhaustive and profoundly moving documentary that offers an unparalleled understanding of World War II. Many highlight its historical accuracy, the quality of its narration, and the impact of the personal stories featured. It is frequently cited as essential viewing for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deep dive into the conflict.

Awards & Accolades

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Dramatic Special (1975), BAFTA Award for Best Factual Series (1975). Nominated for numerous other awards.

Fun Fact

The series drew upon over 10,000 hours of archival footage and involved interviews with over 300 people who experienced the war firsthand, including political leaders, soldiers, and civilians from 14 different countries.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
SWITCH.

SWITCH.

I'd been keen to tackle 'The World at War' for years, even despite its length and age, but I was not at all prepared for how contemporary and powerful an experience it would be. Of course, there are gaps in the story that we've only been ab...