There’s been no shortage of quality on-screen treatments of the Civil War, from award-winning drama written by masterful writers such as Tony Kushner to the internationally-revered docu-series from Ken Burns, first aired in 1990.
Today, we select a few of our favorite American Civil War movies and TV series. Our selection is diverse and represents varied approaches to Civil War history, yet each choice captures something of this most catastrophic chapter in our nation’s story.
We hope the following blog introduces you to some great works you’ve yet to see. If you’d like to join our historian guides for a tour of Virginia’s key Civil War battlefields, please explore our Tours of Virginia Battlefields.
Ken Burns’ The Civil War
Ken Burns’ 1990 documentary miniseries The Civil War continues to shape public perception of the Civil War to this day, such was the series’ scope, attention to detail, and use of first-class voice and interview talent.
First airing over five consecutive nights on PBS, it attracted over 39 million viewers, setting records for the network. The documentary was lauded for its innovative production techniques, notably the “Ken Burns effect,” which brought still photographs to life through slow zooms and pans.
The series, spanning nine episodes and ten hours, delved into military, social, and political facets of the war, using 16,000 contemporary photographs and excerpts from personal letters and diaries. The soundtrack, particularly the instrumental Ashokan Farewell, became emblematic of the series and historical documentaries more widely.
First-time viewers will be struck by the extraordinary cast of narrators employed across the series, the credits featuring names such as Morgan Freeman, Arthur Miller, Jason Robards, Studs Terkel, Kurt Vonnegut, and Laurence Fishburne.
Cold Mountain
Cold Mountain follows W. P. Inman, a wounded Confederate soldier portrayed by Jude Law, who deserts his unit to return to his beloved wife, Ada, played by Nicole Kidman. The storyline captures the profound effects of war on individual lives and the community, highlighting both the physical and emotional landscapes that the characters navigate.
Its critical perspective on the war’s futility and its impact on human nature stands out – a reminder of the human costs of conflict.
Music lovers will get a lot out of the movie’s excellent soundtrack, which features performances from Alison Krauss and Jack White (who also makes a cameo in the film).
Lincoln
Directed by Steven Spielberg and with a screenplay by Tony Kushner, Lincoln delivers a compelling character portrait of President Abraham Lincoln during the war years; Lincoln is brilliantly portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis in an Academy Award-winning role.
The film’s narrative focuses on Lincoln’s efforts to end the Civil War and pass the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery. The pace of the movie is deliberately slow-moving, building tension, especially in the lead up to the crucial vote in the House of Representatives.
Lincoln is a masterful blend of political intrigue and historical drama.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is a cinematic portrayal of the critical three-day battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, inspired by Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer-winning novel, The Killer Angels. Featuring an ensemble cast including Martin Sheen and Jeff Daniels, the film meticulously depicts the military strategies of both Union and Confederate forces and the camaraderie between the men who were to do the fighting.
Its length allows for deep character exploration and the presentation of complex wartime ideologies. Despite some criticisms of its sympathetic depiction of Southern leaders, Gettysburg is acclaimed for its authentic battle scenes and brilliant performances.
Curiously, a prequel, Gods and Generals, was later released; it was based on a novel by Jeff Shaara, Michael Shaara’s son.
Glory
Glory showcases the poignant story of the 54th Massachusetts, the first African-American infantry regiment in the Civil War, led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (picture above). The film stars Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington, who won an Oscar for his role, and explores themes of racial prejudice, courage, and redemption.
Not only does it provide a stirring narrative about fighting both societal and physical battles, but it also impresses with its intense combat scenes, making Glory a standout war drama.
Dances With Wolves
Kevin Costner’s directorial debut, Dances With Wolves, captured no less than seven Academy Awards. The film chronicles a Civil War veteran who chooses a remote western outpost, where he develops a profound bond with the Lakota tribe, integrating into their community just as Union soldiers threaten their existence.
Notably, the film explores the indirect repercussions of the Civil War on Native American communities. Its depiction of Civil War violence is both raw and artistically crafted.
Red Badge of Courage (1951)
John Huston’s adaptation of Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage, starring Audie Murphy, captures the Civil War’s psychological impact on young soldiers through the eyes of Union soldier Henry Fleming. Despite MGM’s infamous cuts to Huston’s work, the film remains a classic for its authentic portrayal of war’s effects on individuals. The narrative follows Fleming’s transition from fear to valor, enhanced by direct narration and exquisite cinematography.
Andersonville
Andersonville, directed by John Frankenheimer, is a 1996 television film portraying the harrowing experiences of Union soldiers imprisoned at the infamous Confederate prison camp. Based on the diary of John Ransom, the film stays true to the dire conditions described, focusing on the camp’s harsh administration under Captain Henry Wirz.
The narrative follows a group from the 19th Massachusetts Infantry captured at the Battle of Cold Harbor, depicting their struggle for survival against rogue prisoners known as “Raiders” and their ultimate attempt at escape through a secretly dug tunnel. Amidst escalating tensions and brutal camp life, the film culminates in a prisoner-led court-martial.
Develop a deeper understanding of the Battle of Cold Harbor by joining us for one of our Guided Tours of the Cold Harbor Battlefield.
Ride with the Devil
Ang Lee’s Ride With the Devil, is a revisionist Western set during the American Civil War, focusing on the Bushwhackers, guerrilla fighters loyal to the Confederate cause in Missouri. The film stars Tobey Maguire and Jeffrey Wright, who navigate the complexities of loyalty, violence, and friendship against a backdrop of intense guerrilla warfare.
The plot explores the personal and political conflicts that arise as they ally with notorious raiders like William Quantrill for attacks against Union supporters. Despite its commercial failure, the film received acclaim for its authentic depiction of the period and its exploration of the moral ambiguities faced by its characters.
This brings an end to our list of some cinematic and TV Civil War favorites. If you are traveling in Virginia and would like to visit key Civil War sites with expert guides, book a Virginia Civil War Tour.
