Good "40K" Films

[MaltonNecromancer]

If you're like me, you love film. You also love 40K.

Now, as you know, these things have never really come together. Unless you count some embarrassingly cheap GW produced nonsense, computer game cutscenes from the times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, and that "Ultramarines" film. Which, as we all know, was 22 minutes of story mixed with roughly an hour of Space Marines walking around while supposedly moody music played doing absolutely naff all.

Basically, 40K on film sucks.

Or does it?

The official films are absolutely bloody awful, but there are a number of films that embody the ethos of the setting and are (surprise!) not dreadful. Notice I don't say "good"; most of them are still fairly terrible/ narmy, but nonetheless they are worth your time.

Event Horizon (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVlnER8SxfQ) is basically an actual 40K film; the setting is pure future gothic, and it actually has The Warp! It's pretty much the story of what happens when a ship's Gellar Field fails, and despite some terrible characterisation, as well as a few lines they might make you wince in physical pain, I like it. The cast is excellent, the aesthetics are spot on, and it's thankfully a horror film. If you can endure the terrible script, there's a 40K film worth your time.

Starship Troopers (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y07I_KER5fE) or "The Imperial Guard fight Tyranids" is the most obvious choice on this list, but I include it in case anyone here hasn't heard of it. It's hilarious from start to finish. Very much a film to enjoy on two levels - either you can love the dumb action, or you can love the biting satire of military culture (or both, which is what I do). It's one of very few films to, like 40K, present a totalitarian regime relatively heroically... which is of course what the Imperium is. If you find yourself questioning "Why are these fascists the good guys?" then this film has succeeded. If you simply love the gunfights, well, that's because they're pretty sweet. And Michael Ironside is in it. If you don't know who he is, you owe it to yourself to find out.

9 (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoJecu9e7c) is a great one for Necron players. Seriously: look at the robots in the trailer! Everything about this film is visually stunning, and for lovers of Xenos: not a single living human. Very dark, very melancholic, and with a wonderful gothic aesthetic.

Battlestar Galatica (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2x14ZhEc9k) Yes it's a series, but the pilot isn't. This is very much sci-fi for adults, with a fairly realistic take on a future war - if not the tactics and weapons, certainly the mental and emotional toll. It's also excellent for players of Necrons: the Cylons are very much what the new Necrons are. Seriously, if you hate the new Necron fluff, just watch this and see how far and how brilliantly they can take the idea. It's very dark indeed though: there are episodes discussing the morality of suicide bombing (and deciding it's a valid, heroic strategy), as well as the horrors of the military use of rape. So seriously: not for children at all. However, I would rate it as one of the best sci-fi series I've ever seen, and certainly one of the most consistently exciting.

Dagon (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yAnVNy27co) is one for Chaos fans. If you want to get some inspiration for Chaos Cultists, or just why Chaos is so damn scary, this film is superb. It's worth noting that there are a couple of spectacularly gory scenes, but the atmosphere is just superb. Aside from John Carpenter's "In The Mouth of Madness", it's the best H.P. Lovecraft film committed to celluloid, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

The Mist (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-NF55EZ5tw) is another one for Tyranid fans. People are trapped in the middle of a zombie apocalypse... only it's not zombies. It's monsters from another dimension. Notable for one ofthe bleakest ending in the history of cinema; if it doesn't leave you feeling hollow, something's wrong. Also a superb satire of religion - you could argue it's a story about how it feels to be normal people caught between Tyranids and the Sisters of Battle.

These are the films I have off the top of my head (I was going to include "Wicked City", but it's not appropriate on this site). I shall add more later.

What else is there that could be a 40K film, despite there being no 40K in it at all?

[Brakkart]

Some nice selections to which I'll add one of my own:

Outlander (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7paq_cWOsc). Basically the story of what happens when a single Space Marine and a single Tyranid crashland on a primitive dark ages/feudal world and the carnage that results from their intrusion. Dark and gritty, with some great set piece scenes and a good cast too. If you've not seen it, I highly reccomend it to any fantasy or 40k fan.

[Grailkeeper]

God bless this thread and all who sail in her.

That Riddick film where he's trapped on a desert Island could be interpreted as Penal legion v Tyranids I suppose.

Starship troopers is the best example.

[MaltonNecromancer]

Other films I have thought of:

Casshern (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk9fGI90qdM) is utterly bonkers. It's just bonkers beyond all words and comprehension. My sweet mercy, it is pretty. And grandiose. The final war scenes are the closest thing you'll ever get to watching a 40K Apocalypse battle on screen. Just don't question why things are happening: very little that happens makes any actual sense.

Sexy Killer (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYBILivH6Hs complete film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsHyvur8SDo) is a mad-as-a-bag-of-badgers Spanish film about, well, a Sexy Killer. It's a blacker-than-black comedy which has a very similar tone to a lot of the black comedy around Chaos and Chaos worshippers. It's also as close as any fan of Kharn the Betrayer will ever get to seeing him in action. You know, if he were a perky Spanish woman.

Accion Mutante (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrSfAz8aljw) is another Spanish film that somehow manages to out-bonkers "Sexy Killer". It is totally insane. A group of disabled terrorists wage war on able-bodied society in a grimdark future setting, and it's largely played for some (very sick) laughs. Basically, Khorne maurauders attack Imperial society for giggles.

Aeon Flux: War (complete episode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAgL11OcoLY) is a five minute animation that ruthlessly dissects the way films exploit our sympathies for characters without us realising. Has more violence in five minutes than the "Ultramarines" film managed in an hour and a half, characters you care about more, and is visually superb - good if you're a fan of Elysian Drop Troops. I love the rest of the animated Aeon Flux series, but it's not for everyone - give it a try if you're ever feeling adventurous.

Hardware (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnVVyfyFChE) soooooooooooooo dated! But no-one can watch that trailer and tell me it's not 40K. Written by a 2000AD author (2000AD is a British comic, and to say it was hugely influential on the nascent 40K is a massive understatement. 1st edition 40K was 2000AD, by way of Tolkein, "Starship Troopers" and "Dune"), this is basically the closest you'll get to what a 40K film would have been back in 1st or 2nd edition.

[kabelguy]

how about Alien(s) 1,2,3,4....

Battle for L.A. was somewhat IG vs Necrons = I used it to hook another 40k player.

Startship Troopers 1, 2,3 (altho 2 & 3 were weak)

Terminator = 1 man IG vs Necron (with synthetic skin over metal alloy frame)

are we gonna hit space ship movies ie BFG ?

[Grailkeeper]

how about Alien(s) 1,2,3,4....

Battle for L.A. was somewhat IG vs Necrons = I used it to hook another 40k player.

Startship Troopers 1, 2,3 (altho 2 & 3 were weak)

Terminator = 1 man IG vs Necron (with synthetic skin over metal alloy frame)

are we gonna hit space ship movies ie BFG ?

Forgot Battle for LA- altough the Aliens reminded me more of Tau. There's a starship Troopers 2 and 3?

[MaltonNecromancer]

how about Alien(s) 1,2,3,4....

Battle for L.A. was somewhat IG vs Necrons = I used it to hook another 40k player.

Starship Troopers 1, 2,3 (altho 2 & 3 were weak)
...

are we gonna hit space ship movies ie BFG ?

"Aliens" (any) is just too obvious a suggestion for me. They're not so much 40K, as "most sci-fi films that you've ever seen, and every sci-fi shooting game you've played, ever"; I'm hoping for slightly more obscure stuff.

There's a reason I didn't include the second two "Starship Trooper" films :rolleyes: Although I hear the animated series isn't too bad.

I haven't watched "Battle for L.A." One of my friends described it as "the best recruitment video the USMC has ever put out", which kind of turned me off it. I love my action films, but there is a line. :)

You can hit the space ship movies if you wish; the aim is basically for grimdark speculative fiction or horror. I can't think of any that don't suck, but there might be.

[L192837465]

Forgot Battle for LA- altough the Aliens reminded me more of Tau. There's a starship Troopers 2 and 3?

Oh dear god you haven't seen the horrible-nesstrocity that is Starship Troopers 3: Marauder!?

Stop whatever you're doing, I don't care what it is. Find this movie. Prepare to groan yourself into a coma.

It's amazing. Also, 1 drink for every moment of bad acting, finish your beer when you figure out the plotline.

[UltramarineFan]

I have to disagree with your suggestion of 9 MaltonNecromancer, the ending is just so heavy handed and pathetic, the film really isn't that great

[tongalad]

John Carpenter's Ghosts Of Mars?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV5II8J61Ms

[MaltonNecromancer]

Soldier (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6PPmyzIBNI) was derided at the time for having Kurt Russell appear, and only say six lines. This is because the film reviewers were as stupid as big dogs. It's a low-budget B-movie, and cheesy as all hell, but it's a really interesting film for actually taking the time to look at what the personality of someone bred from infancy to be a space marine would be like. Turns out, like most survivors of childhood abuse, pretty damn fragile. Russell is excellent as always, and despite the budget constraints and dumb action payoff, it's worth a watch. (Also, bizarrely, it's a sort of sequel to Blade Runner, taking place in the same universe. There are no connections apart from a few shout outs, but it's an interesting bit of trivia nonetheless.)

Dog Soldiers (trailer (includes some swearing): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6ton7WSZLY) is probably my second favourite British film of all time (the first being the original "The Wicker Man"). It's basically a small group of Imperial Guard under attack from... well, it's werewolves, but frankly, if you're in the guard, this must be what a regualr day on the frontlines is like. It's absolutely superb on every level, and demonstrates all the fundamental differences betwen the US and UK armies. Brilliant stuff.

Centurion (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOZs2_i_cDE) is basically IG versus Chaos. It's atmospheric, beautifully shot, with characters you care about, a phenomenal cast (including the always-watchable Michael Fassbender) and features one of the most terrifying villains I've seen in a while. Best described as a slasher movie in ancient Briton, there's a lot to recommend this one.

Black Death (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTxywr3ww64&feature=related) is the first Inquisition film on the list. Many people who watched it seemed disappointed because they were expecting Sean Bean in a full-bore LoTR action film. It's not. It's a horrible little film about how religious extremism drives people to commit atrocities in the name of righteousness. If you like the Inquisition, this is a must-see. I also like it for its unrelenting nihilism; a rare thing in films about religion.

Brotherhood of The Wolf (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7DTv2uBA7I) is a French period drama with the heart of a dumb action film. More Chaos cultists, as well as a genuine Thunderwolf with mechanical augmentations, and some absolutely superlative fight scenes. Plus, the costumes are just superb - more inspiration for Inquisitorial henchmen than anyone could need.

Equilibrium ( trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVDiaYQXBVs) may have some of my favourite fight scenes ever (the aikido-based pistol fight at the end is genuinely one of the best fights ever committed to celluloid). However, there are plot holes in this film SO BIG you could drive a tank battalion through, and still have space to fit an Imperator Titan. And a Warlord. And a little ice cream truck so all the Skitarri are happy. Skitarri are known for their love of ice cream. Very 40K in its presentation of a totalitarian state controlled through supersoldiers, this film is dumb as a bag of hammers, but very enjoyable.


I have to disagree with your suggestion of 9 MaltonNecromancer, the ending is just so heavy handed and pathetic, the film really isn't that great

We will have to agree to disagree. For me, "9" was a pleasant little surprise (I saw it knowing absolutely nothing about it), and I thought it visually magnificent on every level. Plus, it's always nice to see a post-apocalyptic film where no-one has actually survived. Very rare that a director goes "Nope, humans aren't special. No survivors, no brave bands holding out in the darkness, nothing. Every single human is dead."

[gwensdad]

Perhaps the most oddball one that isn't a movie-it's actually a stage musical

Starship-http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6A915952D67F112&feature=plcp Originally thought up in a drunken stupor as "hey-let's do a musical of Starship Troopers", this story is from the point of view of an alien named Bug who wants to be one of the legendary Starship Rangers. LOTS of various SF in-jokes and the whole story can be seen as IG vs. Tyranids. The entire thing is free on youtube.

[Maine]

Im quite surprised this one didn't come up, because after I saw it my thoughts were "I just watched an Imperial Guard vs Daemons movie".

Mutant Chronicles (trailer: http://www.mutantchroniclesthemovie.com/) - This movie was loosely based on the Mutant Chronicles universe, which started as a pen and paper RPG, and eventually had a Space Hulk-like game, as well as a 40k-like miniatures game, and even a CCG (Doomtrooper), among others. It has a really good cast, including bigger name stars like Ron Perlman in a leading role, and John Malkovich in a supporting role. While weighed down by a poor script with a shallow and predictable plot, the cinematography and visuals are at times spectactular, especially considering the movie was very low budget This movie used CGI as well as actual miniature sets. I think this movie would likely be appreciated by most 40k fans, and should be considered a must-see.

[Bedroom General]

What a great idea for a thread.
I'm a Commissar Cain fan, so Royal Flash is a laugh.
Wheels of Terror for the best tread head action, seriously.
Zulu just because...
And Space Truckers for if you were a rogue trader transporting an Eversor, and it all goes horribly wrong.
Also Space Truckers has square pigs !!!!!
B grade but pure gravy my friends.
Damn, now I have to watch Dog Soldiers again Thank Malton! If IG were like an amalgum of Zulu and Dog Soldiers I'd be in square Hog Heaven.
BTW off topic, the best Starship battles ever are the Honor Harrington series of books, Just jaw dropping.

[Grailkeeper]

I used to love the Starship Troopers TV show as a kid, I'd say I haven't seen it in at least ten years. I daren't watch it again in case I see flaws.

[daboarder]

If you cut it some slack for its age and yours its actually still pretty awesome. Is a stragedy they never actually finished it though.

[flekkzo]

No love for district 9?

[DrLove42]

Fecking Prawns.

I didn't like district 9 that much. Its one of those films that I enjoyed...but wouldn't watch again

[CrimsonTurkey]

If you want to see the valiant marines of the Giant Hornet chapter clear out the Hrud warrens of Japan click here: http://io9.com/5876089/watch-30-giant-hornets-take-out-30000-honey-bees?tag=animal-behavior

[StraightSilver]

I actually think Deathwatch is a pretty good Imperial Guard movie. More for the atmosphere than anything else, but then again muddy trenches always remind mo of 40K.

There is also one good scene in Sucker Punch that is staright out of 40K, shame about the rest of it though.

However if ever there was a Warhammer Fantasy movie it would have to be Solomon Kane. :)

[BuFFo]

Hunter Prey: I cannot give any ideas about the movie becuase it would contain spoilers, and this movie is all about not being spoiled. Suffice it to say, this movie will appeal to 40k players very much. Do not read any synopsis on this movie, as they will contain spoilers. Just find it, and watch it. Hunter Prey is the best 40k style movie you can see in my opinion, and it will surprise to what kind of 40k player it caters too as well.

[DarkLink]

Hunter Prey was pretty awesome considering it was done with basically no budget. And, yeah, there are lots of twists. I can say the movie opens up with a ship transporting a dangerous prisoner crash lands, and the surviving crew of Tau-like soldiers have to hunt him down again on in tatooine-like desert.

9 wasn't very good. The trailer looked awesome, but then after watching the movie basically none of the stuff that would have been awesome that the trailer hinted at actually happened and there was just some vague message about how humanity died and these dolls are the future. On top of that, some of the elements like the main character's romance with the one girl literally came out of nowhere. No build up whatsoever, and then suddenly they're holding hands watching the sunset together.

[MaltonNecromancer]

there was just some vague message about how humanity died and these dolls are the future

It was more a statement about the dangers of the military co-opting scientific discovery. The Machine is built, and is pure intellect (a metaphor, in many ways, for "pure" science). This is then taken and misapplied by the military (here being an obvious Stalin-a-like, but frankly, any and all militaries would do it given the chance); the consequence is the death of humanity - including the military who started it. Basically, science is of no use to anyone without guiding ethics. Also, the pursuit of an ultimate weapon is a madman's quest: create one and you're less safe, not more.

It was also about the dangers of ignorance. The scientist for building The Machine, naively assuming it won't be used by the military. The military using the machine, assuming it won't attack them. 9 re-activating the machine, assuming that just because you can press a button, you should. Every disaster in the film happens because one party hasn't thought their actions through.

It's also about the dangers of raising children irresponsibly: according the writer/director, The Machine basically has the emotional intelligence of a child (despite it's prodigious talent for creating machines), and has been taken and abused by people in a position of power, then given more power than it can cope with. Quite a strong metaphor for things like child soldiers in the real world.

Then there's that gloriously sad/angry line, where 1 states "They left us with nothing", and the whole film becomes about the abuse of power by preceding generations - the idea that the world doesn't belong to us, any more than it belonged to our ancestors. The idea that present generations have a responsibility to future ones, as we're creating the world they will live in.

If you went to 9 looking for action and horror, well, that's not what it's about. I can see why people didn't like it, but I thought it was really rather clever.

Also, my Necron wraiths are blatantly going to look like this when the plastic kit is finally released.

http://www.dreadcentral.com/img/news/jun09/seamstressconceptb.jpg
http://jamesandhisdadsreviews.webs.com/photos/best-villiansmostly-animated-by-James-Eagan-pt-2/part%2015.jpg
http://cdn.springboard.gorillanation.com/storage//upl_images/scene_9_r4_grd26_01326.jpg

[DarkLink]

Oh, I understood the message 9 was trying to get across. It just didn't get that message across very well. The trailer showed what looked like a potentially awesome action movie, then gave you a mediocre at best dystopia. I'm not the type to let my expectations get in the way of enjoying a movie, but regardless of genre 9 did not effectively pull off what it wanted to accomplish. The animation was nice, but the plot and writing were completely forgettable.

[MaltonNecromancer]

I suppose it's probably because I went into it without the slightest idea what it was about. Hadn't seen the trailer or any adverts, just Timur Bekmambetov's name on the poster (and I loved "Night Watch") :)

[DarkLink]

Don't get me wrong, visually it was great and the animation was solid. I just think the plot and dialogue was mediocre.