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Top military horror movies that will keep you up at night

Military horror blends the intensity of warfare with the supernatural, creating a unique subgenre. These films explore the psychological and physical toll of combat, amplifying it with otherworldly threats and monstrous enemies.

Deathwatch
Outpost
Frankenstein’s Army

Military horror throws soldiers into battles against enemies both human and supernatural, exploring themes of survival, camaraderie, and the dark side of war. From Nazi zombies to ancient demonic forces, these movies deliver intense action mixed with chilling scares.

Films like Overlord and the Outpost series showcase the gruesome possibilities of wartime experiments gone wrong, while Dog Soldiers traps a squad in a fight for survival against werewolves in the Scottish Highlands. This subgenre often uses claustrophobic settings, such as bunkers (The Bunker), submarines (Below), or besieged outposts, to heighten the tension and paranoia. The effectiveness of military horror lies in its ability to combine the gritty realism of war films with the unsettling elements of the supernatural, creating a sense of dread and unease that lingers long after the credits roll.

14. The Rift (2016)

The Rift (also known as Dark Invasion) involves a military team investigating a downed satellite, only to discover an alien presence. The team, led by a no-nonsense commander, must confront not only the extraterrestrial threat but also their own fears and insecurities. The film blends military sci-fi with elements of horror. The special effects are decent, bringing the alien presence to life. While it may not reach the heights of classic sci-fi horror, The Rift delivers a suspenseful and engaging experience for fans of both genres.

13. War of the Dead (2011)

War of the Dead combines Finnish and American soldiers battling against a zombie horde during World War II. A joint mission goes awry when they encounter undead soldiers created by Nazi experiments. The film delivers plenty of zombie action. The snowy Finnish landscape adds a unique visual element. While it may not be the most original zombie film, War of the Dead offers a solid dose of undead mayhem with a military twist. It's a straightforward zombie action flick that provides plenty of thrills and gore for fans of the genre.

War of the Dead

12. Outpost: Rise of the Spetsnaz (2013)

Outpost: Rise of the Spetsnaz serves as a prequel to the Outpost series, exploring the origins of the undead Nazi soldiers. The film follows a group of Soviet Spetsnaz soldiers during World War II as they encounter the supernatural experiments in a secret Nazi bunker. This installment provides insight into the creation of the immortal soldiers. While it may not break new ground in the military horror genre, Outpost: Rise of the Spetsnaz offers more of the action and undead mayhem that fans of the series have come to expect. It is a solid addition to the Outpost universe, expanding on the mythology and providing more context to the series' overarching narrative.

Outpost: Rise of the Spetsnaz

11. Outpost: Black Sun (2012)

Outpost: Black Sun continues the story of undead Nazi soldiers, this time focusing on a team searching for a hidden Nazi base in Eastern Europe. As they delve deeper, they uncover a sinister plot to revive the Fourth Reich using occult science. The film expands on the mythology established in the first Outpost, delivering more action and gore. The concept of undead Nazi soldiers remains chilling, and the film capitalizes on this. While it may not reach the atmospheric heights of the original, Outpost: Black Sun delivers solid military horror.

Outpost: Black Sun

10. The Objective (2008)

The Objective follows a Special Forces team on a mission in Afghanistan as they encounter supernatural forces. Led by a determined but skeptical operative, the team is tasked with locating a high-value target in a remote and hostile region. As they venture deeper into the mountains, they encounter unexplained phenomena and ancient mysteries. The film blends military action with supernatural suspense, creating a sense of unease and paranoia. The Objective is a thought-provoking exploration of belief and the unknown, set against the backdrop of modern warfare.

The Objective

9. The Keep (1983)

The Keep, directed by Michael Mann, tells the story of Nazi soldiers stationed in a Romanian citadel during World War II who inadvertently unleash a powerful and malevolent entity. As soldiers begin to die mysteriously, they are forced to seek the aid of a Jewish historian and his daughter to combat the ancient evil. The film is known for its atmosphere and Tangerine Dream's score. Despite production challenges and studio interference, The Keep remains a visually striking and unique entry in the military horror genre. Its blend of historical setting and supernatural elements creates a eerie atmosphere.

The Keep

8. The Bunker (2001)

The Bunker is a German psychological horror film set during World War II, focusing on the mental breakdown of a group of soldiers trapped in an underground bunker. As they face dwindling supplies and relentless Allied attacks, paranoia and madness consume them. The film excels at creating a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere. The performances are intense, portraying the descent into madness. The Bunker explores the psychological toll of war and the disintegration of the human mind under extreme pressure. It offers a dark and disturbing look at the horrors of war, focusing on the internal battles of the soldiers rather than external combat.

The Bunker

7. Below (2002)

Below creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere as a US submarine crew experiences a series of strange and terrifying events during World War II. As they patrol the Atlantic, they rescue survivors from a torpedoed British hospital ship, after which bizarre occurrences begin to plague the submarine, leading the crew to suspect a supernatural presence. The film expertly uses the submarine setting to amplify the sense of isolation and dread. Bruce Greenwood delivers a standout performance. Below is a psychological thriller that explores the depths of fear and paranoia beneath the surface of the ocean.

Below

6. The Devil's Rock (2011)

Set during World War II, The Devil's Rock combines military action with occult horror on the Channel Islands. Two commandos are sent to sabotage German defenses but discover a Nazi plot to summon demonic forces. The film blends elements of war and the supernatural. Craig Hall delivers a strong performance as the lead commando, and the practical effects enhance the demonic presence. The film's setting, a Nazi bunker on a remote island, adds to the sense of isolation and dread.

The Devil's Rock

5. Frankenstein’s Army (2013)

Frankenstein's Army delivers a unique take on found-footage horror, set on the Eastern Front of World War II. A group of Soviet soldiers stumbles upon a secret Nazi lab where a mad scientist, descendant of Victor Frankenstein, is creating an army of monstrous creatures stitched together from corpses and machinery. The creature designs are the highlight of the film, showcasing a grotesque imagination. The film uses the found-footage format to immerse the viewer in the soldiers' terrifying experience. While the plot is straightforward, the sheer creativity of the monsters makes it a memorable, albeit disturbing, watch.

Frankenstein’s Army

4. Outpost (2008)

Outpost blends military action with supernatural horror as a group of mercenaries is hired to investigate a mysterious bunker in Eastern Europe. What they find is a terrifying Nazi experiment to create immortal soldiers. The film creates a sense of dread through its minimalist setting and focus on suspense. The concept of undead Nazi soldiers is inherently chilling, and Outpost exploits this to great effect. The practical effects and gritty cinematography contribute to the film's unsettling atmosphere. This movie spawned a few sequels, establishing a franchise around the concept. It's a solid entry in the military horror subgenre, focusing on atmosphere and suspense over gore.

Outpost

3. Deathwatch (2002)

Deathwatch plunges a group of World War I British soldiers into a nightmarish scenario in the trenches. Lost behind enemy lines, they seek refuge in a network of German trenches, only to discover an ancient, malevolent presence lurking beneath the mud and blood. This film stands out for its claustrophobic atmosphere and exploration of psychological horror. Jamie Bell delivers a compelling performance as the young soldier forced to confront unspeakable horrors. Deathwatch is a chilling reminder of the psychological toll of war, amplified by supernatural elements.

Deathwatch

2. Overlord (2018)

Overlord throws viewers into a terrifying alternate reality of World War II, where Nazi experiments have unleashed undead horrors. A group of American paratroopers, on a mission behind enemy lines on the eve of D-Day, discover a secret Nazi lab conducting gruesome experiments to create super-soldiers. The film is a high-octane blend of war movie and zombie horror, with incredible creature design and intense action sequences. One of the most captivating aspects is its commitment to practical effects, enhancing the gore and realism. It's not just about mindless shooting; the movie also touches on the ethical implications of scientific ambition during wartime. Prepare for a wild, blood-soaked ride that reimagines history with a horrifying twist.

Overlord

1. Dog Soldiers (2002)

Neil Marshall's Dog Soldiers is a masterclass in British horror-comedy, blending military action with werewolf mayhem. A group of soldiers on a training exercise in the Scottish Highlands stumble upon a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves, leading to a desperate fight for survival. The film is celebrated for its practical effects, sharp dialogue, and genuinely frightening werewolf designs. Beyond the scares, it explores themes of camaraderie and courage under extreme duress. Fun fact: the squibs and blood effects were so intense, they often malfunctioned, adding to the chaotic and realistic feel of the battle scenes. Dog Soldiers remains a benchmark for werewolf movies, proving that humor and horror can coexist brilliantly on the battlefield.

Dog Soldiers

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