8 Essential Horror Movies Set in World War II

      Casey Chong presents a list of essential World War II horror films for your viewing pleasure…

      World War II has had a profound impact on global history, and filmmakers have consistently been drawn to the conflict, delving into the moral and psychological ramifications of war, such as soldiers grappling with PTSD and the devastating realities of combat in enemy regions. The World War II theme extends beyond traditional war films; having previously highlighted underrated WWII romance movies, we now focus on the horror genre. From the supernatural to zombies, here are some noteworthy World War II horror films to explore…

      Ghosts of War (2020)

      Directed by Eric Bress, recognized for his work on the second and fourth Final Destination films and The Butterfly Effect, Ghosts of War merges war thriller elements with supernatural horror within a haunted house framework. The narrative unfolds mainly in a French chateau, where five American soldiers—including Brenton Thwaites, Kyle Gallner, and Alan Ritchson—are assigned to secure the premises. As strange occurrences unfold, viewers are left questioning whether the house is truly haunted or if the soldiers are experiencing psychological instability caused by the war. Bress, who also penned the screenplay, integrates familiar horror tropes such as jump scares and an unsettling atmosphere to compelling effect. The film's third act features a surprise twist that may split audience opinion, but Bress's daring choice to alter the narrative effectively reinforces themes of guilt and remorse.

      Below (2002)

      The confined tension characteristic of submarine movies plays a central role in Below, directed by David Twohy, who co-wrote the script with Darren Aronofsky and Lucas Sussman. Set aboard the USS Tiger Shark in 1943, the crew, led by Lieutenant Brice (an engaging Bruce Greenwood), rescues three survivors, including nurse Claire Paige (Olivia Williams), from a British hospital ship sunk in the Atlantic. Twohy emphasizes an atmosphere of dread over gore and jump scares to craft his horror. He effectively exploits the submarine’s interior and exterior to evoke a profound sense of terror and escalating paranoia as the crew begins to unravel under supernatural circumstances. Unfortunately, Twohy's submarine horror film, with a $40 million budget, received little recognition upon its release.

      The Keep (1983)

      The Keep is Michael Mann's most unconventional film, diverging from his reputation for crime dramas like Thief, Heat, and Public Enemies. The film gained notoriety for Paramount’s infamous editing, shortening it from an original 210 minutes to a mere 96. Adapted from F. Paul Wilson’s 1981 horror novel, the story follows Nazi soldiers (including Jurgen Prochnow and Gabriel Byrne) occupying a Romanian fortress that conceals a malevolent force. Despite its disjointed narrative and unclear motives, Mann's ambitious approach to horror creates a mesmerizing effect through atmospheric tension and surreal visuals, enhanced by Alex Thomson's expressive cinematography and Tangerine Dream's haunting score, which accentuates the film's dreamlike essence.

      Heavy Metal (1981)

      This 1981 cult classic is celebrated for its adult-oriented animated content that strays from conventional family fare. Heavy Metal features ten segments, one of which is B-17, centered on the titular World War II bomber that encounters trouble during an aerial skirmish. However, the primary threat comes not from enemies, but from the dead crew members who return as zombies. Though the B-17 segment is brief, it remains captivating due to skilled direction. The distinctive, rotoscoped animation presents a rough aesthetic that fits the segment's dark horror theme. It leaves nothing to the imagination, culminating in a grim conclusion.

      Shadow in the Cloud (2020)

      In Shadow in the Cloud, director and co-writer Roseanne Liang infuses a pulpy, feminist vibe into this World War II action-horror film. Set in 1943, Chloe Grace Moretz portrays Maude Garrett, a WAAF Flight Officer on a B-17 bomber carrying a secret package. The male-dominated crew questions her presence as she spends most of the flight confined in the ball turret, communicating with them via radio. Liang skillfully blends chamber drama with themes of military sexism and a Twilight Zone-esque sense of paranoia, particularly through the surreal appearance of a gremlin attempting to damage the plane mid-flight. Moretz shines in her role, delivering a vibrant performance as Maude Garrett. Liang effectively captures a B-movie feel while providing surprisingly impressive special effects despite the film's modest budget.

      Overlord (2018)

      This zombie thriller, produced by J.J. Abrams, combines World War II elements with visceral action and excitement as it follows a group of American paratroopers charged with destroying a church tower in Nazi-occupied France. Their mission takes a deadly turn when they encounter a Nazi officer (Pilou Asbæk’s Wafner) and discover a clandestine laboratory beneath the church. Director Julius Avery captivates audiences right