Best Military Mini-Series?

2014-07-13T19:26:54-04:00

Which was your favorite? Why?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 7:58 PM

2014-07-13T19:58:43-04:00

Band of Brothers. It is a great story and a great study of leadership and brotherhood in trying times.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jul 13 at 2014 8:59 PM

2014-07-13T20:59:33-04:00

I liked Winds of War and War and Remembrance. Both are fictional, but both are very good. Winds of War starts prior to WWII and works into the war with Poland and the persecution of the Jews. War and Remembrance continues through the end of the war.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jul 13 at 2014 9:03 PM

2014-07-13T21:03:01-04:00

Sir, is there really any question? The SgtMaj in Generation Kill was fantastic-all about them Groomin' Standards and Moostaches. Killed me.

Response by PO2 Christopher Morehouse made Jul 13 at 2014 10:24 PM

2014-07-13T22:24:31-04:00

The Pacific. Honestly, reminded me of the "bedtime stories" one of my DI's would tell sometimes at night about what the Marines did in WWII. I suspect he was drunk each time, but they were fantastic.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 10:31 PM

2014-07-13T22:31:46-04:00

It this something that we must question? Band of brothers no doubt.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 10:45 PM

2014-07-13T22:45:58-04:00

Generation Kill because it was about MY war.

Response by SrA Cecil Brown made Jul 14 at 2014 12:26 AM

2014-07-14T00:26:03-04:00

Generation Kill was the only mini-series out of the 4 that I've watch and I liked it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 14 at 2014 12:52 AM

2014-07-14T00:52:14-04:00

Band of Brothers was really good. So was Generation Kill (although I prefer the book more). I'm really digging the Last Ship right now. Not sure how militarily "realistic" it is, but it has obvious Dept of Navy support, so it at least "looks" good....

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 14 at 2014 7:17 AM

2014-07-14T07:17:42-04:00

I can't choose just one, My top two would be Band of Brothers and Generation Kill, but for very different reasons (hence the inability to choose).

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 7:39 AM

2014-07-14T07:39:09-04:00

I'm going to cheat, Das Boot was both a movie and a mini-series. AND IT WAS AWESOME! Greatest submarine movie ever, hands down.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 14 at 2014 12:28 PM

2014-07-14T12:28:40-04:00

BoB for sure. If you FF through all the romantical mush, "North & South" books I & II are great historical pieces.

Another good one is "Rough Riders" about TR and his boys

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 14 at 2014 12:32 PM

2014-07-14T12:32:31-04:00

In the sci-fi genre, the revamped, "Battlestar Galactica"

Response by SGT Jason Doyle made Jul 14 at 2014 8:27 PM

2014-07-14T20:27:48-04:00

Incredible series, it was amazing what those men endured and the knowledge of what they went through helped me deal with my toughest days downrange.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jul 14 at 2014 9:21 PM

2014-07-14T21:21:59-04:00

Also a phenomenal book!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 9:42 PM

2014-07-16T21:42:16-04:00

Was "Over there" really considered a mini series? I feel it went the way of "Enlisted" or vice versa.

Response by CW3 John Wescott made Aug 10 at 2014 7:32 AM

2014-08-10T07:32:44-04:00

Great Story. The story of MAJ Winters and the boys of Easy Company is an amazing story of courage, brotherhood, and leadership.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 18 at 2014 3:51 PM

2014-08-18T15:51:11-04:00

For me, I'd say it's a tie between Band of Brothers and The Pacific.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 4:12 PM

2014-08-18T16:12:37-04:00

Wanted to see more!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 3:40 PM

2014-08-21T15:40:38-04:00

Band of Brothers: Great examples of leadership, perseverance, "followership", success, and history.

Response by Cpl Jeff Buckman made Aug 21 at 2014 3:48 PM

2014-08-21T15:48:56-04:00

I loved generation kill some of the Marines it was based on were in the show so it was great!

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Aug 21 at 2014 9:08 PM

2014-08-21T21:08:39-04:00

BAA BAA Black Sheep.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 22 at 2014 1:24 PM

2014-08-22T13:24:14-04:00

My career, if I could ever sell the script rights :-) I think John Goodman or Fred Flintstone (or John Goodman as Fred Flintstone) would suit me for the lead.

Response by CW2 Scott Williams made Aug 23 at 2014 12:06 PM

2014-08-23T12:06:10-04:00

Combat!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 25 at 2014 5:27 AM

2014-09-25T05:27:10-04:00

It was close between B of B and the Pacific. I have to give it to B of B. Shifty Powers died a few years back. He was a good man. It wasn't as publicized as Maj Winters. The Pacific was a very close second and did an amazing job showing the horrors of combat. I doubt I would have made it out of WWII alive as a Marine. I doubt I would have been able to keep it together in Bastogne either. RESPECT!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrell_Powers

Darrell Powers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Staff Sergeant Darrell C. "Shifty" Powers (13 March 1923 – 17 June 2009)[2] was a non-commissioned officer with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. Powers was portrayed in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers by Peter Youngblood Hills.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Sep 25 at 2014 8:10 AM

2014-09-25T08:10:33-04:00

Band Of Brothers!! I met Dick Winters a few years before he passed. Great guy, and just talking to him, you could tell that he would have been great to serve with.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 10:47 AM

2014-09-25T10:47:02-04:00

Band of Brothers. ((drops mike))
:)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 12:46 PM

2014-09-25T12:46:34-04:00

I enjoyed Band of Brothers as well as Tour of Duty which is not on the list.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 25 at 2014 6:48 PM

2014-09-25T18:48:52-04:00

I think some people are confusing mini-series with a Series. Unfortunately, I've never seen any of the 4 listed. Although I do have the box set of Band of Brothers, its still in shrink wrap.

I like the North and South.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 8:25 PM

2014-09-25T20:25:39-04:00

Band of Brothers hands down!!! I still shed a tear at the end when they interview the actual characters at the end.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 26 at 2014 3:43 AM

2014-09-26T03:43:31-04:00

China Beach? Dana Delaney. SWEEEET

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2014 11:25 AM

2014-09-26T11:25:51-04:00

Band of Brothers. Very well made. I have always been a WWII history buff and I think this series did an excellent job in capturing the daily life of an Infantryman during this period.

Honorable mention to "Rat Patrol" (to those of us that are old enough to remember). You have to respect how they took on Panzer columns with a couple of Jeeps with .50 cals.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Sep 29 at 2014 9:06 PM

2014-09-29T21:06:40-04:00

CSM Bentley...... yes indeed COMBAT was awesome vic morrow played Sgt Saunders as if he himself went thru WW2 as a Infantry Sgt...THE BEST MILITARY SERIES ON T.V UNTIL BAND OF BROTHERS AND PACIFIC

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Sep 29 at 2014 9:40 PM

2014-09-29T21:40:00-04:00

rough riders was that a series or a book or both i would like to see it teddy was my favorite prez besides george washington

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2014 10:12 PM

2014-09-29T22:12:12-04:00

Band of Brothers is right up there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 1:52 AM

2014-09-30T01:52:41-04:00

Well, out of the four choices above, I'd have to pick "The Pacific". It was an excellent mini-series and, in my opinion, just slightly better than "Band of Brothers".

Overall, I'd have to check "Other" because there are so many great military themed mini-series:

"The Blue and The Gray" (my favorite)
"The North and The South"
"Winds of War" followed by "War and Remembrance" (very very long)
"Once an Eagle"
"Shackleton"
"Shaka Zulu" (very long but great)
"Rough Riders"
"Gettysburg"
"War & Peace"
"On Wings of Eagles" (not available on DVD)
"The Civil War" (Ken Burns)

Now, if you want to add in regular mini-series I'd name these:

"Chiefs" another favorite but not available on DVD
"Jesus of Nazareth"
"Roots"
"Roots: The Next Generation"
"Queen"
"Masada"
"The Ten Commandments"
"Peter & Paul"
"Shogun"
"Into The West"
"Ben-Hur"
"Lonesome Dove"
"The Noble House"
"The Stand"
"John Adams"
"Marco Polo" (1972 or 2007 versions)
"V" and "V: The Final Battle" (yes, both are a bit cheesy but they were good for an 80s show)
"The Langoliers"
"The Beast"
"Captains and The Kings"

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Oct 22 at 2014 5:55 PM

2014-10-22T17:55:13-04:00

Band of Brothers, I've watched Generation Kill, and am glad we trained our soldiers to put on Mood Music when they go out on patrol, or blow shit up. Exposing something so many of us already knew. Pacific was not near the caliber, cinematography was no where near that of Spielberg and Tom Hanks

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 12:52 AM

2014-10-24T00:52:32-04:00

I really liked generation kill. It wasn't all action like some are and it really developed some of the problems faced with deployment most notably some of the shenanigans that goes on over in the desert.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 7 at 2014 2:21 PM

2014-11-07T14:21:37-05:00

Band of Brothers. Far and away.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 12:13 AM

2014-11-14T00:13:31-05:00

It seems almost sacraligeous being an Airman, and because it was made by the History Channel; but I have to go with Battle 360.

The story of CV-6(N) is just that good.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 8:10 PM

2014-11-14T20:10:44-05:00

Band of Brothers, LTC Private RallyPoint Member. The best, IMHO.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 9:20 PM

2014-11-14T21:20:37-05:00

BoB. I cried. It saddened me. And I loved it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 9:25 PM

2014-11-21T21:25:37-05:00

Far and away Band of Brothers. It set the standard and opened the door for Generation Kill and the Pacific.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 22 at 2014 10:21 PM

2014-11-22T22:21:43-05:00

I was between Band of Brothers and Pacific. But i choose Pacific because it was the most recent one i watched and i think it appealed more to me because it covers the pacific theater. I never saw Generation kill and over there was too hollywoodish for me it was a good series but not something i could watch over and over again.

Response by SSG Selwyn Bodley made Nov 23 at 2014 12:40 AM

2014-11-23T00:40:44-05:00

I liked " The Unit" when it was on.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 3:10 AM

2014-11-23T03:10:33-05:00

I usually watch this once a year. Would love to watch Pacific again. Generation Kill was a much better book than series, still a decent series.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 8:21 PM

2014-11-23T20:21:18-05:00

Band of Brothers by Far!!! I could watch it once a month!!

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 14 at 2015 9:17 PM

2015-01-14T21:17:36-05:00

You guys have to stop using the ones I wanted to post !!!! BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHA...Band of Brothers by far.... Beetle Bailey a stong second !!!!!!!

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Jan 16 at 2015 6:45 PM

2015-01-16T18:45:11-05:00

I really liked "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance," based on the books by Herman Wouk.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jan 18 at 2015 10:45 AM

2015-01-18T10:45:09-05:00

The benchmark in telling the story of hard work, determination, esprit de corps, and ultimate success.

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Jan 20 at 2015 9:07 AM

2015-01-20T09:07:12-05:00

To have a competitive poll, you would have to take "Band of Brothers" out of the running. There simply has not been another that could come close, not even "The Pacific." My second choice would be "Generation Kill." They nailed the mix of adrenaline, boredom, and inanity of combat perfectly.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Jan 20 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-01-20T22:09:13-05:00

Generation Kill because they didn't try and over drama it. If felt real like it was MY platoon and MY deployments. They is SO how Marines are.

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Jan 22 at 2015 8:19 AM

2015-01-22T08:19:09-05:00

There aren't a lot of gaps in the coverage among the comments. Everyone has pretty much called out all my favorites. Only one I see missing is Sharpe's Rifles! Super-cheesy, BBC low-budget awesomeness!

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Feb 1 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-02-01T18:15:25-05:00

Too "Easy" Sir! Band of Brothers, hands down!

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Feb 1 at 2015 6:16 PM

2015-02-01T18:16:59-05:00

For me, it was The Pacific. I have read and studied the war in the Pacific a lot and of course I am a Marine and that was where most of the Marines were. The books the series was based upon were two of the best war books ever written (With the Old Breed by Eugene Sledge and Helmet for my Pillow by Robert Leckie).

I think Band of Brothers was incredible good as well. It would be a strong number 2 for me. I had a chance to go to Normandy, St Mere Eglise, Utah Beach and a few other spots around Normandy a few years ago. Had a tour by a retired British Major General who knew all of the local stories etc.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-02-01T18:22:21-05:00

Band of brothers! Always watched it every deployment.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-02-01T18:57:22-05:00

Tour of Duty!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Feb 1 at 2015 8:29 PM

2015-02-01T20:29:37-05:00

Band of brothers - probably because the objectives were clear and intelligence not cooked, unlike OIF

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 9:05 PM

2015-02-01T21:05:08-05:00

Band of Brothers, I am in the 101st and my grandfather was too.

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Feb 1 at 2015 10:29 PM

2015-02-01T22:29:57-05:00

Personally, my favorite is The Unit. Loosely based on Delta. Bas Ass dudes alwways got the bad guys. I thought it was awesome, included drama at home with the family as well. I wish it would have still kept running.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 11:49 PM

2015-02-01T23:49:46-05:00

I loved Band of Brothers but also like Generation Kill only because it was based on my unit.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-02-02T10:33:51-05:00

Band of brothers bar none. Unfortunately for the other series this one came first and set the standard.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 2 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-02-02T16:10:13-05:00

I never saw Over There. Band of Brothers immediately followed by the Pacific for me.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 2 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-02-02T16:20:34-05:00

One of many examples fine examples of leadership. This scene is of a "Mustang Officer" and how he integrates one of his newest platoon members. Fight as a family! Semper Fi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq7YCiaBmw8

The Pacific - Part 7 Clip: Never Lay Down When You Can Sleep

Sky Movies HD have sent us this clip from episode 7 of The Pacific which is currently airing on Monday nights in the UK.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 2 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-02-02T16:25:06-05:00

CPT Ronald Speirs. Mad Dog Mattis' relative? You tell me! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Z-4VZHcZ8

Band of brothers Ronald Speirs run

Speirs run

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 2 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-02-02T16:39:19-05:00

The RallyPoint member that lands us Brad "Iceman" Colbert can have 100,000 of my points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG3qy6UodnQ

Generation Kill: Sgt. Brad "Iceman" Colbert (HBO)

Subscribe to HBO: http://itsh.bo/10qIqsj From the creator of "The Wire", HBO brings you "Generation Kill", the true story of the highly trained Marines of Fi...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 2 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-02-02T17:31:51-05:00

Band of Brothers is a great story well told about the war I wish I had fought in. There's another coming that I'll probably wish I could fight in. Sadly, I was stuck with Vietnam...

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Mar 21 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-03-21T14:15:36-04:00

Generation kill by far, its based on a true story, real people who are still alive and its not glorifying anything.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 2:46 PM

2015-03-30T14:46:11-04:00

Definitely Band of Brothers. The Pacific was really good but it didnt come close to the story that was told in Band of Brothers.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Apr 20 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-04-20T17:09:38-04:00

Got to go with the greatest generation. It was just so well done.

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Apr 20 at 2015 8:06 PM

2015-04-20T20:06:18-04:00

I'm a U S Marine. Just like my father and uncle , both were at IWO, an okie. Both came home with a Purple Heart and bronze star, silver star and each with a few others They never complained about PTSD. Never thought anyone owed then anything. Both were hard working teamster truck drivers , as well as ranchers

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 10:16 PM

2015-04-20T22:16:37-04:00

I pick other because all of them are amazing!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 20 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-04-20T22:28:46-04:00

1 vote for Band of Brothers .. 2nd runner up is Generation Kill.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 11:32 PM

2015-04-20T23:32:02-04:00

Band of Brothers-shows camaraderie and the strength of the unit when it's cohesive.

Response by SSG Warren Hall made Apr 21 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-04-21T00:23:59-04:00

Shows the comradery we hold as members of the Military. "I will always have your back" brother.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Apr 21 at 2015 1:39 AM

2015-04-21T01:39:29-04:00

Generation kill for sure.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 22 at 2015 5:51 AM

2015-04-22T05:51:38-04:00

"E z company"
We few, we happy few we band of brothers....

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 22 at 2015 6:02 AM

2015-04-22T06:02:08-04:00

In my opinion Band of Brothers. I have always liked WWII movies and to have a mini series that was about a real group of men and what they experienced for me would make this the best mini series.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Apr 22 at 2015 8:53 AM

2015-04-22T08:53:27-04:00

Hands down, Band of Brothers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:18 AM

2015-04-22T10:18:40-04:00

Band of Brother set the bar for best war-themed mini-series.