When George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead was released in 1968, there was no way to predict the impact it would have, not only on the horror genre but on everyday life, as well. The zombie as both allegory and a beast of carnage was popularized by the grisly classic, and the undead's reputation as resurrected titans of the screen was cemented by Romero's follow-up, Dawn of the Dead and countless other zombie romps such as 28 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead.
Since 1968, a variety of different zombie species have emerged in popular culture, and chief among them is the Nazi zombie. Due in part to their prominent inclusion in video games like Call of Duty and Wolfenstein, there is a strange fascination with the horrific concept of these warlike walkers. Naturally, filmmakers flocked to the idea, bringing their own visions to the big screen of what a plague would look like in the midst of the Second World War.
5 Frankenstein's Army (2013)
Working with the twisted journal of infamous Doctor Victor Frankenstein, Nazi scientists enact bizarre and nightmarish experiments on the corpses of their fallen comrades. Taking place towards the end of World War II, Hitler's last desperate ploy to win the war is nothing short of ghastly. Born from what would have been the first crowdsourced horror film back in the early 2000s, this schlocky horror flick was originally conceived as the story of undead German soldiers attacking unsuspecting vacationers on a beach.
Originally titled Worst Case Scenario, and directed by Richard Raaphorst, a concept designer and storyboard artist mostly known for his work on bloody genre films, he makes his first and seemingly last turn here as a director/writer combo. With it, however, he created a modern cult classic that will turn stomachs and leave horror fans hungry for more.
4 Blood Creek (2009)
This action horror film comes as a bit of a surprise to audiences, mainly due to its unexpected star power. Although not a traditional zombie movie filled with a massive population plagued by a terrible virus, the film stars Geralt of Rivia himself, Henry Cavill, alongside celebrated actor of both drama and comic book action, Michael Fassbender. Add into the mix Joel Schumacher, director of over-the-top cult favorites Batman Forever and Falling Down, and the result is a gory good time filled with action that will keep diehard horror fans interested.
In 1936, an un-assuming German family in West Virginia named the Wollners gladly accepts an unusual visitor all the way from the Third Reich. Poverty-stricken and promised a handsome amount of money, they welcome the stranger with open arms. To their horror, the stranger (Fassbender) is a scholar in the occult arts. Through harrowing means, the Wollners keep him captive. Many years later, in 2007, Evan Marshall's brother, Victor, goes missing near the old Wollner residence and it seems that the Nazi cultist has survived.
3 "B-17" From Heavy Metal (1981)
"B-17" is one of several short segments that make up the spectacular animated science fiction/fantasy/horror/comedy from producer Ivan Reitman (who will be well known to Ghostbusters fans). The overall film is a horror anthology of shorts loosely tied together with the theme of an evil force that is the sum of all evils. Each story is adapted from a short story featured in the comics magazine, Heavy Metal, and has become famous (or infamous) for featuring graphic sex and violence. It is a favorite among fans of '80s schlock and excess.
"B-17" is shorter than the other segments in the film, but it serves as a piece of stunning horror animation not yet matched. Written by Dan O'Bannon (who is one of the geniuses behind the Alien franchise, The Return of the Living Dead, and Total Recall), the segment tells the story of World War II B-17 bomber, the Pacific Pearl, and the terrifying tragedy that strikes it after a fatal mission. Co-pilot Holden leaves the cockpit to check on his crew, only to find that they have died and resurrected to become the living dead. It is the definition of "short and sweet" and an underrated horror short film.
2 Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge (1991)
The third entry in this long-lasting horror franchise, which has spawned not only 10 movies but also several spin-off comics, games, and prequel films, is a classic revenge story. Guy Rolfe stars as the titular Toulon. Set in war-torn Berlin, Andre and Elsa Toulon are putting on whimsical puppet shows for children that depict the leader of the Nazi party as a bumbling fool who is shot down by an American cowboy puppet. They are soon interrupted by Dr. Hess, a scientist employed by the Germans to discover a way to bring the dead back to life. The following day, Elsa is murdered by soldiers for treason and Toulon barely escapes with his life.
Although on the surface a strange horror/fantasy, the film is a satisfying revenge story. Toulon, with his animated puppets in tow, goes on a mission to kill those that destroyed his family. Viewers will not feel overtly lost in the overall story, should they chose to begin with the third entry.
1 Overlord (2018)
Produced by J.J. Abrams and written by two individuals whose work includes The Revenant, the screen adaptation of The Hunger Games, and Vacancy, it is surprising that Overlord was as overlooked as it was. The audience follows a team of American paratroopers that parachute behind enemy lines on the eve of D-Day in order to destroy a Third Reich radio tower. In Suicide Squad style, however, several soldiers are executed, and the remaining few must bravely carry on.
Similar to other genre-bending flicks, like From Dusk Till Dawn, Overlord emerges halfway through as a disturbing zombie thriller complete with Nazi experiments and life-giving drugs. The film is filled with practical special effects, so fans of old-school filmmaking, puppetry and animatronics will be pleased by the disturbingly real transformation scenes and intense action.
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October 07, 2021 at 12:00AM
