Memorial Day is celebrated in a multitude of different ways. Like many other households, I have developed my own tradition for the holiday. It consists mainly of hiding from the sun while watching Nazis getting slaughtered.
I have spoken about the Nazisploitation genre in the past. But don’t worry, there are plenty of these films to go around. So, if you need an excuse to sit in the ac instead of by the beach, give these movies a try.
Frankenstein’s Army
Frankenstein’s Army Movie Poster
I have to give Frankenstein’s Army credit for thinking outside of the box. We get Nazi scientists creating zombies all of the time. What we don’t see represented is Nazi scientists creating robot zombies.
Now that might seem like a hat on a hat to some of you. That’s because it is. But that doesn’t make the finished product any less awesome. The second half of this film is an over-the-top mess, in the best way of course.
Deciding to take all of the risks possible, Richard Raaphorst (Infinity Pool) decided to make this a found footage film on top of everything else going on. If you are looking for some popcorn horror for your Memorial Day celebrations, go watch Frankenstein’s Army.
The Devil’s Rock
The Devil’s Rock Movie Poster
If the late-night selection of The History Channel is to be believed, the Nazis were up to all kinds of occult research. Instead of going for the low-hanging fruit of Nazi experiments, The Devil’s Rock goes for the slightly higher fruit of Nazis trying to summon demons. And honestly, good for them.
The Devil’s Rock asks a pretty straightforward question. If you put a demon and a Nazi in a room, who do you root for? The answer is the same as it always is, shoot the Nazi, and figure the rest out later.
What really sells this film is its use of practical effects. The gore is a little light in this one, but it is done very well. If you have ever wanted to spend Memorial Day rooting for a demon, go watch The Devil’s Rock.
Trench 11
Trench 11 Movie Poster
This one was hard for me to sit through as it touched on an actual phobia of mine. The thought of worms crawling inside of me makes me want to drink some bleach, just in case. I haven’t been this freaked out since I read The Troop by Nick Cutter.
If you can’t tell, I am a sucker for practical effects. This is something that Trench 11 does incredibly well. The way that they make the parasites look so realistic still makes me feel ill.
The plot isn’t anything special, Nazi experiments get out of hand, and everyone is doomed. It is a premise we have seen numerous times, but the execution makes it worth a try. If you are looking for a gross out film to keep you away from those leftover hotdogs this Memorial Day, go watch Trench 11.
Blood Vessel
Blood Vessel Movie Poster
Ok so far, we have covered Nazi robot zombies, demons, and worms. For a nice change of pace, Blood Vessel gives us Nazi vampires. Not only that, but soldiers that are trapped on a boat with Nazi vampires.
It is unclear as to whether the vampires are in fact Nazis, or merely working with the Nazis. Either way, it would probably be wise to blow up the ship. If the premise doesn’t sell you, Blood Vessel comes with some star power behind it.
Performances by Nathan Philips (Wolf Creek), Alyssa Sutherland (Evil Dead Rise), and Robert Taylor (The Meg) really sell the paranoia of this film. If you are a fan of the classic lost Nazi gold trope, give Blood Vessel a try.
Overlord
Overlord Movie Poster
Ok, we both knew that this is where the list was going to end. You can’t have a Memorial Day Nazisploitation binge without including Overlord. This is the cream of the crop when it comes to films about Nazi experimentation.
Not only does this film have great special effects, but it also features an all-star set of performers. This film stars Jovan Adepo (The Stand), Wyatt Russel (Black Mirror), and Mathilde Ollivier (Mrs. Davis).
Overlord gives us a glimpse into how great this sub-genre can really be. It is a perfect mixture of suspense in action. If you want to see what Nazisploitation looks like when given a blank check, go watch Overlord.
