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Top military supernatural movies: when soldiers face the unknown

Military and supernatural themes blend in a thrilling mix of action, horror, and the unknown. These movies explore what happens when highly trained soldiers encounter forces beyond human comprehension.

Dog Soldiers
The Keep
The Devil's Rock

The military supernatural genre combines the disciplined world of armed forces with the eerie realm of the paranormal. Often set against the backdrop of war or covert operations, these films explore the psychological and physical toll on soldiers confronted with threats they can't shoot their way out of.

From werewolves in the Scottish Highlands in Dog Soldiers to soldiers battling ancient evils awakened by Nazi occult experiments like in Overlord, this genre offers a unique blend of action and horror. The enclosed setting of The Bunker, where German soldiers confront psychological and possibly supernatural threats, emphasizes the claustrophobia and mental strain of war, while movies like Predator place elite military units against technologically superior alien hunters in deadly jungles, and titles like Hellboy introduce entire secret government agencies created to deal with supernatural threats.

What sets these films apart is their examination of how military training and camaraderie hold up against the unexplainable. The reliance on strategy, weaponry, and teamwork is tested when faced with enemies that defy conventional tactics. This combination not only escalates the tension but also delves into the resilience and adaptability of soldiers in the face of the impossible. Enjoy this movie list where the gritty realism of military conflict meets the chilling unknown, creating intense cinematic experiences.

12. The Rizen (2017)

The Rizen is a British sci-fi horror film set during World War II. A group of Allied soldiers discovers a secret Nazi experiment involving supernatural forces. The film blends elements of military action, science fiction, and horror. While the film's low budget is apparent, it delivers some interesting ideas and atmospheric moments for fans of B-movies.

The Rizen

11. War of the Dead (2011)

War of the Dead throws viewers into the chaotic final days of World War II, as a Finnish patrol clashes with Soviet forces, only to discover a more terrifying enemy: the undead. The film is a mix of war action and zombie horror, with soldiers battling both the living and the reanimated dead. While the film's execution may not be flawless, it offers plenty of gore and intense action for fans of the genre.

War of the Dead

10. Shadow in the Cloud (2020)

Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Shadow in the Cloud is an action-horror film set during World War II. A female flight officer carrying sensitive documents boards a B-17 Flying Fortress, where she faces both sexist crew members and a mysterious creature lurking in the clouds. The film is a blend of war drama, creature feature, and feminist commentary. Moretz delivers a strong performance, and the aerial combat sequences are thrilling. While the film's plot may stretch credibility, it delivers a suspenseful and entertaining ride.

Shadow in the Cloud

9. Frankenstein’s Army (2013)

Frankenstein's Army is a bizarre and visually inventive horror film that takes place during World War II. A group of Russian soldiers stumbles upon a secret Nazi laboratory where a mad scientist, descendant of Victor Frankenstein, is creating an army of monstrous creatures from human body parts. The film is shot in a found-footage style, adding to the sense of claustrophobia and dread. While the plot is thin, the creature designs are incredibly creative and disturbing. This is a unique and gruesome film that will appeal to fans of over-the-top horror.

Frankenstein’s Army

8. Outpost (2008)

Outpost is a low-budget but effective horror film that blends military action with supernatural elements. Set in Eastern Europe, a group of mercenaries is hired to investigate a mysterious bunker. They soon discover that the bunker is home to a group of undead Nazi soldiers, brought back to life through occult experiments. The film is a simple but effective horror film, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and suspense. The undead soldiers are genuinely creepy, and the action scenes are well-choreographed.

Outpost

7. The Bunker (2001)

The Bunker is a psychological thriller set during World War II, focusing on a group of German soldiers trapped in an underground bunker. As they become increasingly isolated and paranoid, strange events begin to occur, leading them to believe they are haunted. The film excels in creating a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere. The descent into madness is palpable, and the viewer is left questioning what is real and what is a product of the soldiers' deteriorating mental states. The Bunker is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the psychological toll of war and the darkness that can consume men in extreme circumstances.

The Bunker

6. Deathwatch (2002)

Deathwatch plunges viewers into the muddy trenches of World War I, where a group of British soldiers stumbles upon a sinister, supernatural presence. Lost and disoriented, they find themselves trapped in a seemingly endless maze of trenches, haunted by an unseen enemy that preys on their fears and sanity. The film masterfully captures the grim and horrifying reality of trench warfare, amplifying it with elements of psychological horror. As the soldiers descend into madness, the line between reality and nightmare blurs, creating a truly unsettling experience. With its strong performances and claustrophobic atmosphere, Deathwatch is a chilling exploration of the horrors of war and the darkness that lurks within the human psyche.

Deathwatch

5. The Devil's Rock (2011)

Set during World War II, The Devil's Rock tells the story of two commandos sent to destroy German gun emplacements on the Channel Islands. They uncover a Nazi plot involving occult practices and a demonic entity. The film excels in creating a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere, as the soldiers face both human and supernatural enemies. The practical effects are well-done, and the film's blend of military action and demonic horror is both engaging and disturbing. The film keeps the viewer engaged with its tight pacing and suspenseful storytelling, delivering a satisfyingly dark and thrilling experience.

The Devil's Rock

4. The Keep (1983)

Michael Mann's The Keep is a visually stunning and atmospheric horror film set in Romania during World War II. German soldiers occupying a mysterious citadel awaken a powerful evil force, and a Jewish professor is brought in to help them understand it. While the film's production was famously troubled, resulting in a heavily edited final cut, the film's unique atmosphere, created through its dark, gothic sets and haunting score by Tangerine Dream, still captivates. The film's exploration of ancient evil and the futility of war, combined with its striking visuals, make it a cult favorite among fans of atmospheric horror.

The Keep

3. Dog Soldiers (2002)

Dog Soldiers is a masterclass in British horror. A squad of British soldiers on a training exercise in the Scottish Highlands encounters a pack of werewolves. What makes this film so effective is its blend of military grit and classic monster movie tropes. The characters are well-defined, and their camaraderie feels authentic, adding emotional weight to the intense battles against the lycanthropic creatures. The practical effects are superb, and the creature design is genuinely frightening. Director Neil Marshall creates a claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere, making every encounter with the werewolves a heart-pounding experience. With its clever dialogue, strong performances, and gory action, Dog Soldiers has become a cult classic in the horror genre.

Dog Soldiers

2. Overlord (2018)

Blending World War II action with horrifying supernatural elements, Overlord delivers a wild and intense ride. A group of American paratroopers discover a secret Nazi lab where gruesome experiments are turning the tide of war in a horrifying direction. The film's practical effects are outstanding, bringing the monstrous creations to life in a truly disturbing manner. The story is fast-paced and doesn't shy away from the gore, making it a thrilling experience for fans of both war movies and horror. The intensity of the battle scenes combined with the grotesque science creates a uniquely engaging atmosphere. This film delivers a relentless barrage of action and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Overlord

1. Predator (1987)

Predator isn't just a movie; it's a cultural phenomenon. The story of an elite military team facing a technologically superior alien hunter in the jungles of Central America is gripping from start to finish. Arnold Schwarzenegger's portrayal of Dutch is iconic, but what truly elevates Predator is its masterful blend of action and suspense. The creature design by Stan Winston is legendary, creating a terrifying and formidable antagonist. The film's score, composed by Alan Silvestri, amplifies the tension and adrenaline. From its quotable lines to its groundbreaking special effects, Predator remains a benchmark for action and sci-fi cinema, influencing countless films and solidifying its place in pop culture history. A must-watch for anyone who loves a high-octane, thrilling cinematic experience.

Predator

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