10 Brutal History Series That Are as Violent as They Are Accurate

There are a lot of popular historical dramas on TV, but many of them aren’t very accurate. They often change important details about what really happened, when things happened, and how people acted. For example, Peaky Blinders moves the real-life gang from the 1800s to the early 1900s. Spartacus incorrectly shows Julius Caesar involved in the conflict, when he wasn’t. And Vikings also takes liberties with history, speeding up the timeline and including characters whose existence is debated by experts.

While casual viewers might not notice these errors, those with a strong interest in history likely will. Fortunately, plenty of other historical shows successfully combine accuracy with exciting storytelling.

Here are 10 history series that are as brutal and violent as they are accurate.

‘SAS: Rogue Heroes’ (2022)

I’m really excited about SAS: Rogue Heroes! The creator, Steven Knight, is known for taking liberties with the truth in Peaky Blinders, but this new show seems different. It’s a historical drama that tells the story of how the British Army’s SAS unit was formed and what they did during the battles in North Africa during World War II – specifically, fighting in the deserts of Egypt and Libya. It’s fascinating to see how the real origins of this famous special forces unit unfolded.

An Iconic Unit Is Born

The series SAS: Rogue Heroes, based on Ben Macintyre’s book, is a compelling and gritty look at the origins of the Special Air Service. It explores the tactics, bravery, and unexpected difficulties faced by soldiers and spies during wartime. With a talented cast including Jack O’Connell and Dominic West, the acting is consistently strong. The show closely follows the events detailed in Macintyre’s generally accurate book, and even begins each episode with a disclaimer emphasizing its factual basis: the most unbelievable moments are, in fact, largely true.

‘Napoleon’ (2002)

Don’t bother with Ridley Scott’s less-successful film. If you want a truly respectful and comprehensive portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte, watch the recent miniseries. It covers all the key aspects of his life, from famous battles like Eylau, Austerlitz, and Waterloo, to his passionate but turbulent relationship with Josephine de Beauharnais, his later marriage to Marie Louise, and his well-known affairs with Eleanore Denuelle and Marie Walewska.

A Perfect Portrait of a Legendary Ruler

One of the best parts of this historical drama is watching the actor portray Napoleon – Christian Claver truly embodies the role. The series also offers clever and ironic insights into the challenges of war, and features impressive visuals and battle sequences – essential for a story about Napoleon. It’s clear the $46.3 million budget was well spent, as this was the most expensive European miniseries upon release. Importantly, the series stays largely true to history, based on the popular biography La Route Napoléon by French author Max Gallo.

‘Barbarians’ (2020)

As a total cinema fan, I recently watched Barbarians, and it’s a really compelling story. It centers around the lead-up to the famous Battle of the Teutoburg Forest back in 9 AD – a brutal clash where Germanic tribes completely wiped out three Roman legions. The show really digs into the internal conflict of Arminius, played by Laurence Rupp. He’s a Germanic prince who was basically raised as a Roman, so he’s caught between two worlds, unsure where his true loyalties lie. It’s a fascinating look at that period and a really gripping character study.

A Detailed Look at a Little-Known Yet Exciting War

If you’re looking for a great show about Ancient Rome that you might have missed, check out Barbarians. It’s remarkably accurate – the characters actually speak Latin, just like they did in real life! The costumes, props, and weapons are also historically accurate. A lot of the show’s success is thanks to Laurence Rupp, who is excellent in historical dramas and delivers a strong performance in this consistently engaging and often violent series.

‘Chief of War’ (2025)

The story of Chief of War begins in the late 1700s, a time when the four main Hawaiian kingdoms – Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi – were at war. It shows a potential for peace when Kaʻiana (Jason Momoa), a warrior chief from Kauaʻi, returns home from exile and agrees to fight alongside his uncle. But Kaʻiana ultimately opposes the effort to unite all of Hawaiʻi.

The Beauty and Pain of Hawai’q

While Jason Momoa had been in several historical shows that didn’t gain much attention, his followers were confident his new series, Chief of War, would be different – and they were right. The show has been a big success on Apple TV, solidifying Momoa’s image as a proud representative of his culture and ancestry. GQ reports that the production team prioritized accuracy by consulting cultural experts throughout every aspect of filming, even going so far as to build traditional Hawaiian war canoes (waʻa) by hand using materials sourced locally. Keep an eye out for a scene early on where Momoa’s character fearlessly dives into the water to face a shark – it seems his skills as Aquaman haven’t faded!

‘The Pacific’ (2020)

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks brought the harrowing story of The Pacific to life, following three U.S. Marines – Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone – as they battled across the Pacific Theater during World War II. Each Marine served with a different regiment – the 1st, 5th, and 7th – all part of the 1st Marine Division.

Blood in the Water

This Emmy-winning miniseries, a stark and often overlooked depiction of World War II, didn’t initially gain much attention and was even temporarily unavailable on HBO Max. However, it’s well worth discovering now. For serious WWII buffs, Pacific is essential viewing, showcasing a particularly raw, unsettling, and shocking side of the genre. The series doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the Pacific Theater, and it realistically portrays the intense violence of the battles fought there.

‘Rome’ (2005 – 2007)

At the height of its power, Rome finds soldiers Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo struggling with difficult circumstances. They’ve lost their status and live in poor conditions. But their lives are about to change as they become involved with famous historical figures like Mark Antony, Julius Caesar, and Cleopatra, and find themselves making risky deals with potentially dangerous consequences.

A Strange View of Rome

This unique depiction of ancient Rome initially received some criticism in the early 2000s. Many questioned whether audiences wanted to see the empire through the eyes of a common soldier or to portray traditionally evil characters in a sympathetic light. Now, it’s apparent that the creators – John Milius, William J. MacDonald, and Bruno – aimed to offer a nuanced understanding of flawed characters and challenge popular heroes, revealing a harsh reality: history isn’t always as it seems. If you can approach it without preconceived notions, this action-packed series is genuinely enjoyable, and it could have continued for more seasons if it hadn’t become too expensive to produce.

‘John Adams’ (2008)

The series John Adams tells the life story of America’s second president, John Adams (played by Paul Giamatti), and his wife, Abigail (Laura Linney). It follows his journey from a promising lawyer to a key leader during the American Revolution. We see him contribute to the Declaration of Independence, navigate a challenging presidency, and deal with complex relationships with historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

Giamatti and Linney Reminds Us of His Brilliance

The Emmy-winning series John Adams is a gripping political drama that delves into the complex and often troubling beginnings of the United States. It presents historical events with a fast-paced, thrilling energy, creating a constant sense of suspense. Though not perfectly identical to historical records, it’s a largely faithful biographical portrayal of the presidency. The show is beautifully made, with a stunning score, and features exceptional performances, especially from Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney, who truly stand out.

‘House of David’ (2025)

Set mainly in Israel around 1000 BC, House of David tells the story of the famous biblical figure David (played by Michael Iskander). The show follows his difficult path – from working as a shepherd, to his legendary fight with Goliath, and ultimately, becoming king. Will David achieve lasting success, or will he fall short? While the Bible offers answers, this engaging show provides its own compelling perspective.

The Rise of a Legend

Though packed with impressive visual effects created in a studio, House of David is a film that will likely captivate audiences so fully they won’t even notice the technical work. Michael Iskander delivers a powerful performance, reminiscent of epic films like Troy and Gladiator, in this gripping and modern classic. Director Jon Erwin, committed to biblical accuracy, ensures the film faithfully portrays events while still including enough action to keep a broad audience engaged.

‘Shōgun’ (2024)

In 17th-century Japan, as a new government led by Tokugawa Shogun rises to power, English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is shipwrecked and thrown into a dangerous battle for control of the country. Caught between the cunning Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and his enemies, Blackthorne relies on the help of translator Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai) to navigate the conflict and stay alive. Just how intense will things become in Shōgun?

As Flawless as a Show Can Get

Cosmo Jarvis delivers a captivating and disruptive performance as a man navigating the complexities of feudal Japan, until his luck runs out. Hiroyuki Sanada provides strong support as his surprising partner. Praised for its historical accuracy, Shōgun made history as the first Japanese-language series to win an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, and it ultimately received a total of 18 Emmy Awards. The show is notable for its authentic sets and primarily features dialogue in Japanese.

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

As a huge fan of historical dramas, I absolutely love Band of Brothers. It’s based on Stephen Ambrose’s book and follows the incredible journey of Easy Company, a group of paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. The series starts with their tough training and then takes you right into the action, following them through everything from D-Day all the way to the end of the war when they occupy Berchtesgaden. It’s a really gripping and realistic portrayal of their experiences.

War Is Hell

Based on interviews with the real soldiers of Easy Company, any inaccuracies in the show come directly from those who lived it. Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, this thrilling miniseries was a critical and commercial hit, earning an Emmy Award. Many consider Band of Brothers to be the best World War II TV show ever made, and it’s also known for helping to launch the era of high-quality, big-budget television. Be prepared for intense scenes, like the harrowing depiction of the Normandy invasion, where paratroopers are shot while descending and face brutal deaths upon landing.

2025-10-25 23:52