This post is a little culmination of my previous 14 posts, enjoy!
I was supposed to post this like a month ago, but a lot has gotten in the way including, but not limited to: a house fire (and my door getting kicked in), a rat running across my bare foot in my own (now doorless) kitchen, going on an actual ghost hunt, and witnessing the train wreck that is Megalopolis.
Bad films or bad taste?
Despite being rated poorly by the masses, I have enjoyed most of these strange war films. Are these bad movies, or do I have poor taste? I think it’s a little bit of both. I am drawn to bloody and fun films and I also have a high tolerance for poor-quality filmmaking. I value the heart of a movie above all else, and I like to think I’ve got a good eye for whether or not a film is made out of love or for cash. Overlord started my multi-year obsession with watching as many nazi-zombie/weird war movies as I could stand, but along the way, I’ve found genuine comfort in these films. I’m still having a hard time bouncing back mentally from losing my job last December, and something about watching bad people get blown up in B-movies is very healing. I think a part of my willingness to enjoy these movies is that I feel like they’re underdogs. As someone who always feels a little inadequate, I want to support other people’s artistic visions, no matter how silly they may be.
I am truly a believer that almost every film has an audience that will love and adore it as much as any Best Picture winner. These won’t be award winners, but I’d encourage you to watch some anyway and keep an open mind.
The List
Here is a ranked list of all the war-horror movies I’ve seen based purely on my own enjoyment. My criteria for inclusion on the list is that the film has some sort of military conflict and includes a creature. Most are nazi-zombies, but I love a ghost soldier, WWII demon, or any other spooky militant ghoul.
Overlord (2018)
My very favorite of this list, and one of my favorite films ever. If you watch any movie I recommend, make it this one. Big budget B-movie fun, you won’t be disappointed.
Action-horror, currently on Tubi
Dog Soldiers (2002)
The scariest movie here, and arguably Neil Marshell’s best film. Genuinely well-made action-horror that will have you clenching your jaw. Just look at that werewolf suit!
Action-horror, currently on Amazon Prime Video
Deep Fear (2022)
I love this movie, and I am not among many supporters. I don’t know what I see in Deep Fear that other people don’t, but it really speaks to me. One of the top films that I watched this year, but don’t confuse this with the shark movie of the same name!
Horror, currently on Tubi
Valley of the Dead (2020)
A Spanish Netflix original that really surprised me. Netflix seems to be in a downward spiral of quality, but Valley of the Dead is one of its hidden gems.
Horror-comedy, currently on Netflix
Frankenstein's Army (2013)
A sickening and twisted nightmare, Frankenstein’s Army is worth a watch for the great creature design alone.
Action-horror, currently on Tubi
The Devil's Rock (2011)
Unique, well-made, and a masterclass in movie-makeup.
Horror, currently on Tubi
War of the Dead (2011)
This is a movie I was genuinely surprised by. A level above the average nazi-zombie film, I think it deserves a little more love than it got.
Action-horror, currently on Tubi
The Keep (1983)
The Keep is a mess plot-wise, but oh is it a visual and audio treat. A perfect movie to play in the background when you want something on but don’t care to pay attention to the story.
Horror-Fantasy, currently on Pluto TV
Death Ship (1980)
A fun, but relatively mediocre nazi-ghost story on a boat. Ghost Ship is the better film, but Death Ship has certainly got a better poster. A perfectly fine watch.
Horror, currently on Tubi
Outpost (2008)
Full of atmosphere and interesting ideas, only to fall victim to ambition. A fan favorite for weird war enjoyers, but not my favorite.
Action-horror, currently on Tubi
Trench 11 (2017)
Trench 11 is only this low because I know I'm probably one of its few fans. Truly nothing special, but I just love the idea of parasitic worms being weaponized in WWI too not give it its flowers. However, I know I'm in the minority and can't really say it's a great film.
Horror, currently on Tubi
Deathwatch (2002)
Another film packed with inventive ideas, but I had a hard time getting over the pacing. I would love to see a more high-energy remake one day. Also, that man is actually not Tom Holland if you can believe it.
War-horror, not currently streaming for free
Blood Vessel (2019)
Nazis weaponize vampires on a boat. A unique creature design and some nice color saturation still can't make me remember the plot beyond that.
Action-horror, currently on Tubi
Dead Snow (2009)
THE nazi-zombie movie, but unfortunately it's not for me. I have to accept that certain types of comedy just make me cringe.
Horror-comedy, currently on Plex (whatever that is)
Bunker of the Dead (2015)
It's like if you gave two 13-year-old boys who spend too much time on COD a video camera and $20. That being said, the potential is practically bursting.
Horror-comedy, currently on Tubi
The Lair (2022)
No.
Action-horror, currently on Hulu
Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
I feel bad hating on this movie too much because there are some great moments. I love a movie on a plane and the cinematography is stunning. I just cannot get past how utterly unnecessary this movie is. I feel like my hatred for it is blind and irrational, but I do hate it. Shadow in the Cloud has committed no crimes other than just not being that good, but I cannot recommend it to anyone.
Goodbye!
I am freeing myself from any sort of schedule for writing and just going with the flow. I’ll post about these movies when I feel like it, and maybe throw in some non-war-creature movies as I go. Feel free to stay subscribed or unsubscribe, it won’t hurt my feelings.1
Finally, shout out to Tubi because I wouldn’t know half these films if they didn’t have the incredibly extensive catalog of trash that they do.
That’s a lie it will, but I’ll live