Netflix has an extensive library filled with a variety of genres. Not only do they have dramas and comedies, but they also have a wide variety of war movies and mini-series. With so much content about World War II alone, Netflix could probably offer an entire spin-off service dedicated to World War II.

These films and shows span eras, countries, and perspectives, and I've selected a few of Netflix's war films and series that are worth streaming right now.

Directed by Oliver Stone, himself a Vietnam veteran, “Born on the Fourth of July” solidified Tom Cruise's status as a leading man and earned him an Academy Award nomination. The film stars Ron Kovich, a Marine from Long Island who enlisted in Vietnam. Years later, he is wounded and paralyzed.

Upon returning home, Ron struggles to cope with the effects of his injury and is haunted by his experiences in the war. He finds purpose by becoming a peace activist and addresses the 1976 Democratic National Convention. The film is based on the real-life Kovik's memoirs. It is a powerful story that shows the effort it takes to survive the horrors of war. It is also highly credible because it was made by two real returning soldiers.

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The film stars the iconic Viola Davis as Naniska, the general of the Agogee, an elite female unit from the African kingdom of Dahomey Set in the 1820s, the women fight other local kingdoms and Dahomey's role in the European slave trade trying to reconcile the role they played in the European slave trade. Although she is a fierce and renowned warrior, Naniska sees the benefits of a more peaceful life and actively advises the king to make palm oil rather than humans his largest export.

Constantly aware of the threat to her kingdom, she is also keen to train new recruits. The film follows these young women as they try to find their place in the world, but one woman also has a special connection to Naniska. The film's battle scenes are truly interesting. This is because, in contrast to the frequent war scenes shot on horseback and with firearms and artillery, the film favors hand-to-hand combat with spears and machetes. Furthermore, it was exciting because it is rare to see female soldiers in combat scenes on screen.

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This is perhaps the best World War II project ever: this miniseries aired on HBO about Easy Company, the 101st Airborne. It follows them from training camp to D-Day and the end of the war in Europe.

Adapted from Stephen Ambrose's book of the same name, the production values of the film are excellent, and the cast has great camaraderie on screen, all of which makes the show incredibly realistic and worth watching. With Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg as executive producers, the film is a perfect companion piece to the 1998 co-production “Private Ryan,” about the Normandy invasion of soldiers from the same division.

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This German-language epic is the third adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's 1929 novel inspired by his own wartime experiences. The story follows a group of idealistic German youths who enlist to fight in World War I. The film is about the realities and horrors of trench warfare. As the realities and horrors of trench warfare begin to affect the group of friends, one boy finds himself alone and disillusioned, trying to survive until the armistice.

It is a well-made film, but one that is difficult to watch without escaping the trauma of war. As such, it is an effective tool to dissuade even the most ardent war supporters. The deaths in “Western Front Nocturne” are senseless tragedies.

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This documentary explores the life, career, and star image of Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-born actress of Jewish heritage. In 1937, she fled both her arms dealer husband and the Nazis to pursue a career in Hollywood. When World War II broke out, she decided to do her part by using her fame to sell war bonds and help create an invention that could aid the U.S. military.

That invention was frequency hopping, which she developed in collaboration with her friend and composer George Antheil. She lived the rest of her life without recognition for their invention, as the Navy ultimately decided not to use their invention. This invention later became the basis for Wifi, GPS, and Bluetooth technology. This document is a fascinating look at the contributions of an often overlooked crafty woman and her unique association with World War II.

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