The 10 Best Documentaries About Vietnam War

Oct 12, 2023 | Best Of, Military/War

Are you looking for the most powerful, thought-provoking and enthralling documentaries about the Vietnam War? Look no further! Through hours of research, we have compiled a list of the best films out there that capture the complexity and tragedy of those tumultuous years. In this article, we will look at some of these amazing documentaries and explore why each one stands as an important piece of cinema. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the best documentaries about Vietnam War!

 

1. The Vietnam War | Part 1 | Vietnam and the War

The Vietnam War was an incredibly complex and devastating event that resonates with us to this day. President Kennedy decided to send American troops into the country in 1961, driven by a fear of communism. This decision sparked a huge anti-war movement across the US and around the world. The war saw countless innocent lives lost and millions displaced. By 1973, Nixon had resigned from office and, in 1975, the US was forced to withdraw. These events left an indelible mark on the history of our time, prompting a wave of documentary films examining its causes and consequences.

 

2. The Vietnam War | Part 3 | Fallout & Recover

The conflict in Vietnam was one of the most polarizing events in recent history. It began as an effort to prevent communism from spreading, yet it quickly escalated into one of the bloodiest wars ever waged. In 1961, President Kennedy sent troops to Vietnam and, for the first time, viewers were able to follow the war on TV every night. This sparked a huge anti-war sentiment, and by 1973, President Nixon had resigned and the US was forced to withdraw from Vietnam in 1975.The lasting effects of the Vietnam War remain felt today. Not only did it cause countless casualties on both sides, but its legacy is still seen in a world seemingly divided between two political ideologies – capitalism and communism.

 

3. The Vietnam War | Part 2 | The TV War

The Vietnam War had devastating consequences for both sides. It began in 1961 when President Kennedy sent American troops to the region, alarmed at the prospect of communism spreading. This led to a dark period where the war was fought night after night on television screens around the world. In response, an immense anti-war movement emerged, with people coming together to demand an end to the conflict. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until 1973 that President Nixon finally resigned and the US was forced to withdraw its troops in 1975.

 

4. The Vietnam War Explained In 25 Minutes | Vietnam War Documentary

The Vietnam War was one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history, claiming more than three million lives and damaging over 10 years. It began with good intentions on both sides but quickly spiraled out of control when Cold War tensions collided with a combination of American imperialism and overconfidence. More than 58,000 American soldiers lost their lives fighting in the conflict, as did 250,000 South Vietnamese troops. An estimated one million North Vietnamese soldiers and Viet Cong guerillas were also killed along with millions of civilians from both the north and south of Vietnam, as well as thousands more from Laos and Cambodia.

 

5. The Vietnam War Through The Lens Of A Camera | Vietnam…Through My Lens

A soldier’s reflective, poignant journey as a combat photographer, through Vietnam and beyond. This presentation is adapted from a highly personal, sometimes light-hearted, always thought provoking, one man play, written and performed by Stu Richel. His combat photos enhance his Vietnam experience stories in a visually stunning, non-gory, nonpolitical, and non-judgmental manner.

 

6. THE VIETNAM WAR JUNGLES OF DEATH

Jungle warfare can be a terrifying and dangerous form of combat. Deep within the forests of Vietnam lay a treacherous battleground where the US Army had to confront an enemy with knowledge of the terrain and its resources. This documentary about Vietnam War follows a group of soldiers as they traverse through hostile jungles, battling the elements and their enemies in order to survive. The film covers the struggles of US forces in an up-close and personal look at the Vietnam War. The harsh conditions, oppressive humidity, and thick foliage make for a daunting mission as soldiers must rely on their wits to survive.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/zWyfQK6OEqU

 

7. BATTLEZONE | Vietnam War Documentary | US Marines | Ambush! | S2E2

Vietnam War is one of the most notorious wars in history. It was a conflict between North and South Vietnam, which started on 1 November 1955 and lasted for more than two decades until the fall of Saigon in April 1975. The war was fought both on land and at sea, with US forces engaging in battles against North Vietnamese troops as well as other combatant forces. The war has been documented through numerous feature films, documentaries and other media outlets. While the feature films may have focused on a particular battle or event in the war, documentary films offer an up-close look at what life was like for those involved in this conflict.

 

8. The Deadliest Machines Of The Vietnam War | Combat Machines

Head to War Stories for a comprehensive look at the Vietnam War. We’ll be taking you through some of the deadliest machines used in this conflict, from tanks and helicopters to fighter jets and machine guns. You’ll hear first-hand accounts of frontline combat and get an inside look into the day-to-day life of soldiers in one of history’s most violent wars. We’ll also look into the technological advances made in armaments during this turbulent period, as well as exploring how these tools of destruction affected history and changed the course of battle. All these stories and more are waiting for you at War Stories.

 

9. BATTLEZONE | Vietnam War Documentary | Marines 66 | S2E5

The Marines Corps served as a major force in Vietnam from 1966 to 1972. During their eight year mission, they conducted large-scale ground operations against the Viet Cong and provided air support from helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts to strike targets in South and North Vietnam. In 1967, Army Chiefs of Staff ordered the Marines to focus on search and destroy missions along the demilitarized zone (DMZ), while also countering the Viet Cong’s insurgency in villages further south.

 

10. Vietnam War Documentary

The Vietnam War was a harrowing conflict for all involved. An Asian civil war lasting nearly 10 years, the United States never officially declared war on an innocent nation despite the tremendous cost in lives and resources. Those who served were faced with a difficult decision – one that was not taken lightly by any means. Despite its immense toll, many point to the ultimate realization that this conflict did nothing to improve the safety, security or freedom of either country – its ultimate outcome was an unfortunate and painful loss. The Vietnam War stands as a powerful reminder of the consequences of war and of the power of peace. We must continue to remember those who lost their lives in this tragic conflict, while seeking a more equitable and just future for all nations involved.

Read On – Our Latest Top Documentaries Lists

David B