Is Tom Hanks’ 'World War II' on Netflix? Where Can You Watch the Historical Documentary?

Published 05/25/2026, 2:06 PM EDT

via Imago

Few historical documentaries have had the cultural impact of World War II, especially with a name like Tom Hanks attached. The documentary, a mixture of compelling storytelling and archival richness, continues to draw the attention of both history buffs and casual viewers. As the title has gained popularity, many have been asking if World War II is on Netflix. 

With renewed interest in the documentary continuing to grow, attention has also turned to where World War II is currently available to stream. 

World War II with Tom Hanks- streaming details explained

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World War II with Tom Hanks premiered on the History Channel in the United States and on Sky History in the UK It can also be found on platforms like STACKTV in Canada. The release dates and the streaming services are different in different countries.

Narrated by Tom Hanks, this 20-hour documentary series looks at the major events of World War II in great historical detail. It traces the course of the war from the invasion of Poland to the atomic age, emphasizing key battles and wartime leadership. The show features archival footage and big storytelling that runs over multiple episodes.

Hanks’ involvement has brought added attention to the project, especially because of his long connection to World War II stories through films like Saving Private Ryan. The series goes back in depth to key moments like Pearl Harbor and Operation Barbarossa. Its documentary format makes one of history’s most definitive eras accessible and expansive.

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Beyond its historical scale, the documentary also offers a closer look at the stories and events that shaped the war.  

What is World War II with Tom Hanks about?

Tom Hanks provides a detailed historical account of the pivotal events of World War II. The series also tells the human stories behind the war, looking at how the world conflict impacted the lives of millions worldwide. It goes from strategy on the battlefield to the human experience. 

It captures world leaders’ decisions and the realities of soldiers and civilians. The balance gives the documentary enough of a historical sweep and emotional depth to sustain a 20-episode run. It is presented as a major 20-part documentary series, with Hanks as one of the key creative forces behind the project. 

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This series used archival footage, restored wartime footage, and historical analysis. The idea is to create a sweeping historical documentary that uses military landmarks and human stories to convey the scope of the war. Hanks’ narration guides the viewers through each chapter. 

If the fans want to watch WWII with Tom Hanks, it is mostly down to what is available in their region and what broadcast rights have been sold locally. The documentary is not widely available through Netflix, but it is streamable through the History Channel in the US, Sky History in the UK, and STACKTV in Canada. The easiest way to find out where the series is currently available to stream is to check the regional listings. 

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Will World War II with Tom Hanks continue to stand among the most compelling war documentaries ever made? Let us know in the comments. 

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Bias Sinha

92 articles

Bias Sinha is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie, where she dives into Hollywood and all things celebrity culture with a sharp, timely lens. Previously, she covered pop culture and wrote on NBA for The Times of India. With a double Master’s degree in English and Education, and over 7 years of experience across creative writing, editing, proofreading, and academic content, she blends structure with storytelling ease.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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