Top 10 Horror Films About the Iraq War

Description: Although primarily a war drama, the film's depiction of the constant threat of IEDs and the psychological strain on bomb disposal experts can be seen as a form of horror, making it a unique addition to this list.

Fact: The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was shot in Jordan to simulate Iraq.

Description: This film uses a found footage style to depict the horrors of war crimes committed by U.S. soldiers in Iraq, offering a raw and unsettling look at the moral and psychological decay of war.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events, including the Mahmudiyah killings. It was controversial for its depiction of American soldiers and was not widely released in the U.S.

Description: While more of a political thriller, the film's depiction of the chaos and danger in post-invasion Iraq, coupled with the psychological tension, adds elements of horror to the narrative.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain and Morocco to replicate Baghdad. It was loosely based on the book "Imperial Life in the Emerald City."

Description: This satirical film explores the bizarre and often terrifying aspects of military experiments in psychic warfare, set against the backdrop of the Iraq War, providing a unique blend of humor and horror.

Fact: The film is based on the book by Jon Ronson, which investigates the U.S. military's exploration of psychic powers. George Clooney and Ewan McGregor star in this dark comedy.

Description: While not set in Iraq, it deals with the psychological horror of a man forced to impersonate Uday Hussein, Saddam's son, during the Iraq War. The film's inclusion is due to its depiction of the terror and madness within the Hussein regime.

Fact: Dominic Cooper plays both the protagonist and Uday Hussein, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The film was banned in Iraq.

Description: Based on true events, this film depicts the Battle of Kamdesh, where U.S. soldiers face overwhelming odds. The horror comes from the relentless enemy attacks and the isolation of the outpost, creating a sense of dread and survival horror.

Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, with the set designed to replicate the actual outpost in Afghanistan. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of combat.

Description: This film explores the moral horror of war crimes committed by U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, which, while not set in Iraq, shares the theme of the psychological impact of war on soldiers, making it relevant to this list.

Fact: The film is based on a true story and was adapted from a documentary of the same name. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Description: This film follows a CIA operative and a Special Forces team on a mission in Afghanistan that turns into a supernatural horror as they encounter mysterious phenomena. Its inclusion in this list is due to its eerie atmosphere and the psychological horror elements that mirror the disorientation of war.

Fact: The film was shot in Morocco to simulate the Afghan landscape. It was also one of the first films to explore the idea of supernatural elements in a modern war setting.

Description: This film captures the surreal and often terrifying experiences of a group of U.S. soldiers tasked with repairing a water system in a hostile Iraqi village. The horror stems from the constant danger and the moral dilemmas faced by the soldiers.

Fact: The film was based on the experiences of screenwriter Chris Roessner, who served in Iraq. It was released directly on Netflix.

Description: Two American soldiers are pinned down by an Iraqi sniper, leading to a tense psychological battle. While not explicitly a horror film, the film's intense atmosphere and the psychological torment inflicted on the characters make it a fitting addition to this list.

Fact: The entire film takes place in one location, showcasing the power of minimalistic storytelling. The sniper's voice was provided by Laith Nakli, who also played the sniper in the film.