Comfort Horror: Punch a Nazi // A Streaming Guide

I have been watching comfort movie after comfort movie all year. I am aware it’s only February, but it feels like it’s been a year! After rewatching my favorite slashers, I quickly moved on to another theme. Let’s dig deep in ourselves, join me for a round of feel-good horror, and channel that rage into something productive. I thought hard about this, and I am in the perfect mood to PUNCH A NAZI.

A quick caveat, Nazisploitation films aren’t my bag because fuck Nazis. Honestly, I have avoided any horror that fetishizes Nazis, and if they aren’t beaten down, I will skip it. However, I am willing to give a recommendation a shot. After watching Dead Snow, which was quite fun, I made a list to work through and have been pleasantly surprised in that sicko sort of way that I am. Exploding Nazis is the mood. 

Sisu (2022)

Directed by Jalmari Helander

Where You Can Watch: Starz

First up, Sisu, because I can. Have you seen this movie? It’s listed under adventure, war, and action. However, Sisu is in its own class. Sisu doesn’t insist upon itself. I promise I’m done. The badass at the center of this tale is Aatomi, portrayed by Jorma Tommila (Rare Exports). He is just a regular old dude, mining for gold in the last days of WWII. A group of Nazis stole his gold, and they didn’t get the briefing. They’re new. Aatomi frees their prisoners, and the band of boss babes do what they must. Excellent carnage, the goriest of gore, and I’m sure a Nazi gets punched in there somewhere.

Green Room (2015)

Directed by Jeremy Saulnier

Where You Can Watch: Kanopy

I mistakenly kept Green Room on my watchlist for too long, because I read “neo-Nazi” and noped out. And I call myself a fan of Patrick Stewart. A punk rock band is forced to fight for survival after witnessing a murder at a neo-Nazi skinhead bar. The unfortunate band took the gig to get themselves back on the road and, with no prior knowledge, kicked their night off with a rousing rendition of the Dead Kennedys’ “Nazi Punks Fuck Off.” It doesn’t get any better from there, for the band anyway. Anton Yelchin and Alia Shawkat were especially great, and Sir Patrick, great job being a cunt. Best of all, plenty of toe-tagged skinheads.

Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge (1991)

Directed by David DeCoteau

Where You Can Watch: Peacock, Plex, Pluto, and Tubi

Consider this a palette cleanser of sorts. Puppets aren’t the most terrifying things to most, but we know these are special.  It would also be best to consider this sequel a stand-alone film. Puppet Master III is out of place and ran off with its own good puppet/ revenge tale. A puppeteer’s ability to bring inanimate objects to life attracts the attention of the Nazis during World War II. André Toulon must use his puppets to escape from soldiers and quickly gets to work on seeking revenge for the death of his wife. I’ve always been fascinated by the animation of puppets, and throw in a murderous drive, I am here for it. The story is simple, and the kills are sweet.

Overlord (2018)

Directed by Julius Avery

Where You Can Watch: Paramount+ on Apple TV and Pluto

A small group of American soldiers find horror behind enemy lines on the eve of D-Day. Sometimes, I don’t get to pick the movie we watch. I have a few trigger words that help me choose. Words like war, soldiers, cops, conspiracy, and World War II. Those are automatic nopes for me. I assumed it was dull and boring and was unhappy with this choice. Just a little FYI, just say mutant Nazi zombies, and I’ll hit play. Also, mad scientists and wicked experiments! I like the characters, the story, plenty of action, and of course, exploding Nazi zombies.

In all seriousness, we don’t all have the time to focus on taking care of ourselves. Rough days are ahead, and I’m cycling through anger, frustration, and depression. Laughing soothes me, and I’ve been impressed by the creativity and humor people express while America burns. Watching movies that parallel this dumpster fire makes me feel sane. Oppression isn’t new, and we constantly fight to escape it. These men are evil, but they are also clowns. Laugh at it when you can. This is real life, and I can get my kicks in too. What makes you feel good? Let’s watch some Nazis get it as good as they give.