The horror genre has craftily infiltrated the wartime narrative to produce some of the most tense and symbolic films in cinematic history. Below are 10 of the best horror movies set during wartime, as rated by Rotten Tomatoes.

1. “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006) – Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy war film is set in post-Civil War Spain and follows a young girl who encounters a mysterious labyrinth and its faun inhabitant. With a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s hailed for its haunting visual storytelling and thematic depth.

2. “Overlord” (2018) – Blending WWII action with zombie horror, “Overlord” dives into a scenario where American soldiers discover secret Nazi experiments. It received an approval rating of 81%, lauded for its thrilling narrative and homage to grindhouse cinema.

3. “The Devil’s Backbone” (2001) – Another chilling tale by Guillermo del Toro is set during the Spanish Civil War, featuring an orphanage haunted by a ghostly child. It boasts an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and is praised for its eerie atmosphere and allegorical narrative.

4. “Deathwatch” (2002) – This British-German horror film, with a 59% Rotten Tomatoes score, explores the psychological terror faced by British soldiers caught in German traps during World War I.

5. “The Keep” (1983) – A blend of Gothic horror and WWII narrative, “The Keep” follows Nazi soldiers who unwittingly release an unspeakable evil in a Romanian citadel. Though divisive with critics, it holds a cult following and has a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

6. “R-Point” (2004) – A Korean horror film that takes place during the Vietnam War where South Korean soldiers come across a mysterious radio transmission. With Rotten Tomatoes scores undetermined, fan ratings offer positive responses for its eerie suspense and twist on historical events.

7. “Below” (2002) – With 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, this horror-thriller set in WWII aboard a U.S. Navy submarine combines claustrophobic tension with supernatural hauntings to deliver an underwater fright fest.

8. “Dead Snow” (2009) – Nazi zombies haunt modern-day treasure seekers in this Norwegian black comedy-horror film which received a 68% Rotten Tomatoes score for its gory action and irreverent humor.

9. “Apt Pupil” (1998) – Adapted from Stephen King’s novella of the same name, this psychological thriller about a boy’s obsession with Nazism might not be strictly horror but carries disturbing themes tied to wartime atrocities, earning it a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. “Jacob’s Ladder” (1990) – This psychological horror film captures post-Vietnam War America through the eyes of a traumatized veteran experiencing disturbing hallucinations, earning it 73% on Rotten Tomatoes for its strong performances and nightmarish visuals.

These films explore the multifaceted ways that war exasperates human fear while often imbuing deeper messages about humanity’s own horrors amidst conflict.