Audiences can't get enough of the war genre these days. Some other genres are perhaps more profitable and praised, but this one always remains bright in the public eye. Today, war is one of the most popular genres of filmmaking, leading to some of the most influential and acclaimed movies in major motion picture history. There sure are a lot of great war stories to choose from when it comes to movies, but what about the ones from television?

The last several decades have seen plenty of great war shows. Most have captivated audiences, thrilling them or making them shed tears with their compelling stories that blend drama, action, and history all into one. If there's a decade full of these televised wonders, it would be the glorious 1980s. In honor of the genre and this thrilling time, here are the ten best '80s war shows.

First is , which aired on the NBC network in 1985. A detailed and fascinating biographical drama miniseries, it features the late Academy Award-winning actor portraying tyrannical Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Including a star-studded cast including ,, , and , this show offers a compelling insight into the rise and fall of the infamous leader from his early years in power to his ousting during World War II.

The plot is engaging, and the acting exceptional, especially from George C. Scott, who's no stranger to playing famous historical figures, having already won an Oscar for . Critics were a bit mixed with this one upon release, claiming the show doesn't paint the full picture of who Mussolini was and his horrible crimes. Some viewers might be turned off by this one's attempts to make him look more sympathetic. But aside from its inaccuracies, who surprisingly hasn't been brought up as much in movies.

is a British sitcom which aired on BBC1 from 1982 to 1992. Created by and , it's that pokes fun at other war series and movies rather than war itself. Set during WWII in German-occupied France before the liberation of Europe, it follows the owners and patrons of a Nouvion café as they deal with their situation as well as problems between German officers and the local French resistance.

without mocking the severity of the war or its outcomes. Instead, it takes jabs at other war shows, mainly BBC's , which this one is a direct parody of. Though not action-oriented and certainly not as dramatic as some other series, this amusing war comedy show will certainly make viewers laugh.

A riveting tale with compelling drama and striking visuals, is a 1984 British television series that aired on the ITV network. Based on author 's The Raj Quartet book series, it follows the struggles and hardships of several groups dealing with relationships and class issues, set against the backdrop of the fall of the British Raj in India during and after WWII.

Though a bit obscure for most audiences today, it's important not to skip over . , all into fourteen incredible episodes. While it's not for everyone, considering it shows some heavy subject matter and shocking scenes, it'll certainly fascinate anyone who gives it a try.

Based on a 1971 novel, is a 1983 war drama miniseries that premiered on ABC. Starring the late , it follows the lives of the Henry family, led by their Naval Commander patriarch Victor "Pug" Henry, from the outbreak of conflicts in Europe to eventually the United States' entry into World War II.

While, admittedly, it's a tad melodramatic and drags on at certain points, The Winds of War is a genuinely compelling show that can fascinate any viewer with its great acting and gripping drama. It may not be the most thrilling watch, but and how it affected Americans before it even started.

is an Australian war drama miniseries released in 1986 on the Seven Network. It's a remarkable, heartbreaking tale that highlights the devastating results of war on the mind and the lingering effects it has on the brave souls who fought in them. It's about several Australian soldiers struggling to adapt back home and moving past the horrors they've experienced after serving in the Vietnam War.

War has a horrifying lasting impact on all who serve in it and this idea has been greatly explored in cinema through that captured how difficult it must have been for so many of these individuals. It's an unflinching and uncompromising war miniseries that truly feels powerful to watch.

is another compelling war show hailing from Australia. Featuring great direction, brilliant writing, and exceptional acting from a talented cast, including future Academy Award winner in one of her early appearances, it's a tale that grips viewers right from the start. It tells the story of a family, the Goddards, as they're torn apart and all affected in some way by the war after their son is drafted to fight in South Vietnam.

doesn't shy away from showing the haunting, gruesome aspects of the Vietnam War. and how it even ruined the lives of those back home. The message is powerful, the story is mostly flawless, and each episode can leave anyone profoundly emotional.

Depicting one of the bloodiest wars in American history has been done time and again in cinema, but not so much on the small screen. The miniseries is one of the most outstanding war shows that depict this conflict, a riveting tale with splendid acting and a respect for history. It tells the story of an enduring friendship between two soldiers fighting on opposite sides of the war.

It keeps viewers drawn to each episode with each new powerful story to tell. While, admittedly, the third season, Heaven and Hell, is often seen as considering its deviation from the plot and lack of characters from the previous seasons, it's still an incredible show to watch and perfect for any Civil War buffs out there.

Before checking out , give its 1980s original a watch. Released on the NBC Network, this intriguing five-part miniseries greatly honors James Clavell's novel it's based on. It follows the story of an English navigator through his adventures and becomes a dominant figure in 17th-century feudal Japan.

Much like its '24 adaptation, . The entire cast does great work here, especially the late , whose role as the fierce Lord Yoshi Toranaga is one of the most captivating performances outside of his career in films. It's an overall fantastic watch that everyone who's a fan of the Hulu series has to see.

NBC's has some of the most raw, gritty, and realistic depictions of the Vietnam War ever to appear on television. Inspired by Oliver Stone's Best Picture-winning war drama Platoon, this riveting series explores the immense physical and psychological toll the war had on U.S. foot soldiers as it follows an infantry unit as they endure constant struggles during their tours in Vietnam.

There's a heavy emphasis on realism here that's not so present in other war shows from its time. Tour of Duty shines, giving an authentic portrayal of the life of the average soldier during the war and the challenges and horrors that they frequently faced. It certainly keeps viewers invested with each episode.

Hailed as one of the greatest, most haunting submarine warfare movies of all time, Wolfgang Petersen's 1982 masterpiece Das Boot is truly one of the most essential films for any war movie buff to see. Thankfully, it's even essential for TV fans too, as it was later released uncut as a three-part miniseries in 1985. It follows a German U-boat crew as they face constant dangers and tensions among themselves while on a dangerous assignment in the Atlantic during WWII.

This televised version shows Petersen's magnificent tale in all its intense glory. Each part takes viewers on an amazing journey as they follow these men through challenging times and impossible-to-survive situations. It's an absolute roller coaster of a show that only gets better and better with every watch.

NEXT: The Best War Shows of the 2010s, Ranked