Doom: Eternal has been out for almost a month now, and it has garnered praise for its demon-killing action. What started out as a revolutionary corridor shooter has blossomed into one of greatest FPS franchises ever, taking players to hell and back in order to clear out hordes of demons as the almighty Doom Slayer.
Those who have beaten the game or finally found every single collectible might need some more to quench their bloodlust. Thankfully, there are plenty of films to help misplaced Doom gamers get their fill. These are the ten greatest films to watch if you enjoyed either Doom (2016) or Doom: Eternal.
Overlord (2018)
This 2018 action-horror film is set before D-Day during World War II as a group of American soldiers have to fight their way through monstrous Nazi experiments gone wrong. Right above demons, Nazis and zombies are probably one of the more overused enemies in games. This film features plenty of gore and zombie-killing that feels right at home with Doom.
Overlord is essentially a modern-day B-movie that aims to capture what great and schlocky horror films do right, just with a cleaner coat of paint. This is very similar to Doom (2016) in how it essentially updates the classic games from the 90s.
Predator (1987)
A paramilitary group led by Major "Dutch” (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent to Central America to rescue hostages, though things get ugly as they are being stalked by an advanced and mechanized extraterrestrial, Predator.
It’s a juvenile film that is bloody and action-packed. It represents all the good, bad, and ugly that came out of the 80s action film craze and provides some mindless fun. More importantly, it introduced the world to both the “get to the chopper” meme, as well as the infamous handshake one.
The John Wick Trilogy (2014-2019)
Doom is all about high-octane action and lots of guns. Lots of guns. The exploits of hitman John Wick in the self-titled film series are some of the most action-packed of the last ten years, with the films feeling like a playthrough of the games on the highest difficulty.
Wick is a hitman who is being hunted by the very organization that employs him. Doom’s action is also very self-aware like the John Wick series, calling on a number of influences. They're both violent, fun and provide enough thrills for any action junkie
Mandy (2018)
Director Panos Cosmatos drove this action-packed horror flick in 2018 starring Nicholas Cage to acclaim. Mandy is the story of a man who takes revenge on a hippie cult that killed his wife.
It’s a wild ride that never takes a minute to rest, similar to how Doom never lets its players take a breather amidst its chaotic shootouts. For those who are squeamish when it comes to gore, this might be the one to avoid, much like just about every other film on this list.
Hellboy/ Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2004-2008)
Sure, this duology may star a demon, but he definitely has a knack for killing unknown entities. Hellboy’s monstrous enemies look like they were ripped straight of the Doom universe with their creative and grotesque design.
Guillermo Del Toro’s penchant for creature design and bombastic action was on full display here, elevating what could have been a very basic comic book flick into one of the more artistic films in the medium. Doom fans will appreciate the quick wit and monster hunting, echoing some of the more exciting encounters in the games.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The quintessential action film of the 2010s, Mad Max: Fury Road is a work of art. Focusing on pure, adrenaline-fueled action, this film details a massive chase across a desolate but colorful wasteland.
Fans of Doom will appreciate the flow of a film like Fury Road. Everything moves fast and looks chaotic, but there is a carefully choreographed rhythm to it all. Like watching a circus performance by a madman, very few films have yet to showcase a spectacle as grand as this one.
The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s science-fiction/horror masterpiece The Thing is the quintessential film about isolation. A bunch of researchers are stuck in an Antarctic research center which has been taken over by a parasitic, extraterrestrial lifeform.
While it’s much more claustrophobic approach to horror might not be similar to Doom’s pure action, it will definitely win fans over thanks to its abundance of gore. Rob Bottin’s creature effects are the stuff of nightmares, echoing the gore-filled glory kills of Doom and Doom: Eternal.
The Evil Dead Trilogy (1981-1992)
“Hail to the king, baby!” The Evil Dead films perfectly represent everything that Doom has been going for. One man, armed with a chainsaw and double-barrel shotgun, fighting hordes of monsters.
The trilogy is among the best in the entire horror genre, full of campy, over-the-top humor, as well as some old-fashioned scares, Doom fans should take notice and appreciate what director Sam Raimi has built.
Hardcore Henry (2016)
A movie full of frenetic action shot in first-person? It sounds like something Doom fans should eat up. Hardcore Henry tells the story of Henry, a cybernetically-enhanced man who is on the hunt to save his wife.
The gimmick of the film is that it is displayed entirely in a first-person perspective. Very few films nail the feel of a video game, but this one succeeds, being the best example of how a stylistic choice can truly push the action-genre into new territory and provide an experience close to that of a video game.
Aliens (1986)
James Cameron’s 1986 action film Aliens is the catalyst for Doom. The sequel to Alien was a major influence on the developers of the first-person shooter back in 1993, and it is incredibly easy to see why. The exploits of a space marine trying to kill dozens of demons on Mars is very similar to the film.
Over the years, Aliens has been highly regarded as one of the finest science-fiction films of all time, with many saying it surpasses the original. It’s safe to say that, without Aliens, there would be no Doom.