The World at War (Season 1)

The World at War (1973) is the landmark British documentary series from Thames Television, available to watch online on iFILM. Over twenty-six episodes, six directors assembled footage drawn from the archives of eighteen nations — Normandy landings, Pacific island-hopping, the Eastern Front in winter.

What sets it apart is the testimony. Hitler's personal secretary, concentration camp survivors, Wehrmacht officers and Londoners who sheltered in the Underground all speak on camera, with Laurence Olivier reading the commentary in measured, unhurried tones that keep the series as historical record rather than verdict. Among the archival finds: color home footage shot by Eva Braun.

Jeremy Isaacs produced the entire run before going on to lead the Royal Opera House. In 2005, the Directors Guild of Great Britain named it the greatest documentary series ever made for British television. Stream all episodes of The World at War on iFILM.