Best German documentary series

Stalingrad (2003)

The Battle of Stalingrad, which cost the lives of at least a million German soldiers, Red Army troops and Soviet civilians, was the bloodiest of the decisive battles in the "war of extermination" which Hitler had unleashed. This three-part documentary, employing previously unreleased film footage and brutally frank statements from survivors on both sides, explains exactly how the catastrophe came about and describes the gruesome consequences of the battle for the soldiers and the inhabitants of the city.

Sea Power (2020)

This documentary series delves into the battleships, submarines and aircraft carriers that have changed the history of modern warfare.

The Abyss – Rise and Fall of the Nazis (2021)

Explores the Third Reich from a contemporary perspective to investigate how the Nazis managed to conquer Germany and then half of Europe in the wake of World War I.

Doomsday: World War I (2012)

The First World War - carnage on a scale never-before seen. But how did it all start? And how did some key figures of WWII fare in the earlier war?

Mao (2024)

The People’s Republic of China now plays a central role in global politics, economics and diplomacy – more than it ever has before. Its president, Xi Jinping openly espouses the model forged by former Chairman, Mao Zedong, known as the Great Helmsman. But what do we really know about Mao? And how does his legacy relate to Xi’s ‘China Dream’? This 3-part documentary series explores Mao Zedong, his beliefs and his methods. It shows how these have shaped Xi’s philosophy and the reality of today’s China. Mao had set China on the road to true sovereignty, freeing it from the humiliation of foreign domination. Xi is now completing that journey towards the strong Middle Kingdom and cultural predominance that Mao aimed for – while sweeping under the carpet the unthinkable victims and costs of Mao’s rule. The story arc of Mao’s astonishing biography provides varied and profound insights into the ideals, strategies and ambitions of today’s People’s Republic and its position in the next decade.

Hitler's Power (2023)

WWII's Most Daring Raids (2016)

They were U.S. paratroopers, Norwegian operatives, and British Commandos, Allied teams leading high-risk operations throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia to fight Hitler and turn the tide of the war. WWII's Most Daring Raids puts you in the heart of the action, giving you a minute-by-minute account of the most astonishing surprise attacks against the Third Reich. We forensically examine how exactly these assaults played out, through expert analysis and testimonies from the brave men who carried them out.

Unter Deutschen - Zwangsarbeit im NS-Staat (2023)

History of Weapons (2018)

The Hitler Chronicles (2018)

The person Adolf Hitler shaped the 20th century like no other. This series documents the Hitler's life using unpublished material.

Tietjen campt (2020)

Unser Hof - Mit Cheyenne und Nino (2023)

Einmal Camping, immer Camping (2014)

Mensch Retter – Jede Sekunde zählt (2021)

7 vs. Wild (2021)

Abandoned in the swedish wilderness seven candidates struggle to survive for seven days. Everybody has to get along with seven previously selected items and the clothes they are wearing. Who remains after seven days and collected the most points in the challenges of the day wins. No camera crew, no contact to the outer world, complete isolation.

Fire & Flame – With firefighters on duty (2017)

This documentary series follows emergency services from various fire stations in the Ruhr area up close and portrays the people in their grueling everyday working life.

Buying Blind Germany (2021)

Survival Squad (2023)

Hartz und herzlich-Tag für Tag (2018)

The social reportage documents the everyday life of people living in so-called social hotspots. Many of the protagonists are dependent on unemployment benefits or other forms of social assistance. The teams of the production company accompany the people in the respective locations over a longer period of time.

Hartz, Rot, Gold - Armutskarte Deutschland (2020)

Hartz Rot Gold (2022)

Rach, der Restauranttester (2006)

Reallity TV Show from Germany. The cook Christian Rach helps small restaurants to get more customers.

Der Hundeprofi – Rütters Team (2020)

Der Germinator (2019)

112: Fire brigade in action (2017)

Krefeld and Delmenhorst, Dortmund firefighters, are responsible for the safety of half a million people. Videos from body cameras show them in action.

Toto & Harry (2002)

Roadtrip Amerika - Drei Spitzenköche auf vier Rädern (2023)

Terra X (1982)

On various topics such as history, nature, wildlife, archeology, science and also fiction.

Verrückt nach Meer (2010)

Till Murder Do Us Part: Soering vs. Haysom (2023)

Did Jens Soering murder his girlfriend's parents in 1985 — or was she the killer? This docuseries digs into questions that still swirl around the case.