Menu
Ken Burns
A black-and-white photo showing Union troops conducting drills on snow-blanketed hills near Washington, D.C., circa 1861–65.
Civil War
A comprehensive and definitive history of the American Civil War, and the recipient of 40 major film and television awards, including two Emmys and two Grammys. Fully restored and now streaming.

Watch the Civil War

The Cause
The Civil War was fought in 10,000 places. 2% of the general population died in the war and it changed forever the lives of all who lived through it.
Clip 3m 35s
Add To Your Watchlist

About The Film

The Civil War, an epic nine-episode series by the award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and produced in conjunction with WETA, Washington, D.C., first aired in September of 1990 to an audience of 40 million viewers. The film is a comprehensive and definitive history of the American Civil War, and the recipient of 40 major film and television awards, including two Emmys and two Grammys.

Heralded as an unforgettable introduction to a four-year conflict fought in 10,000 places, The Civil War was five years in the making. The film vividly embraces the entire sweep of the war: the complex causes and lasting effects of America's greatest and most moving calamity, the battles and the homefront, the generals and the private soldiers, the anguish of death in battle and the grief of families at home.

Premiered on PBS: September 23, 1990.

Aired Completely Restored on PBS: September 2015. 

Restoring The Film

Explore More

A sepia-toned photo of a man in soldier's garb posing for the photo next to a woman in a black dress, wearing a locket around her neck. The man holds a rifle upright. They both have serious expressions. | Episode Guide
Episode Guide

Explore each episode and watch clips from the film.
A black-and-white composite image of three separate photos: Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and Robert E. Lee, all facing the camera. | Biographies
Biographies

Learn about key Civil War figures.
A sepia-toned photo of a railway bridge stretching away from the camera, into the distance. A lone man in civil-war-era clothing leans against the wooden railing. | Timeline
Timeline

Follow a timeline of key Civil War events.

Explore Related Films

The American Buffalo [2023]
The American Buffalo [2023]
The dramatic story of the American Buffalo's near extinction—and the people who saved it.
U.S. and the Holocaust film poster
The U.S. and the Holocaust [2022]
Exploring America’s response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises in history.
The poster for 'The Vietnam War: A Film By Ken Burns & Lynn Novick.' It shows a silhouetted American soldier standing above the film's title, with his reflection being that of a Vietnamese farmer carrying bales of rice on his shoulders. There is a silhouetted helicopter in the sky, which has a dramatic orange and blue sunset.
The Vietnam War [2017]
Watch the story about one of the most consequential, divisive, and controversial events in American history.
The poster for 'The War: Directed By Ken Burns & Lynn Novick.' It shows a black-and-white photo of a young soldier in camouflage and a helmet, with a serious expression.
The War [2007]
World War II is shown through the eyes of personal accounts who lived through this extraordinary time.
The poster for "The Address: A Film By Ken Burns." It shows a blue-hued image of President Abraham Lincoln, made up of separate square pieces of paper, pinned to a blackboard. The film's title is stylized as being written in chalk on the blackboard.
The Address [2014]
The Address uncovers how President Lincoln's historic words motivate and engage students over 150 years later.
A composite image showing various film posters from the catalogue of Ken Burns films.
See All Films Poster
Sign up to get updates about the film and future projects from Ken Burns and Florentine Films.
Connect with Us