Undead cinema: the best zombie movies and series
The hunger for zombie content never truly dies, and for good reason. This list compiles some of the best zombie films and series that will leave you hiding behind the sofa.
From slow, shambling hordes to fast, rage-fueled infected, zombies have clawed their way into our nightmares and captivated audiences for decades. George A. Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968) didn't just create a horror movie; it birthed an entire subgenre. Since then, filmmakers and showrunners have found endless ways to reinvent the undead, holding a mirror to our own fears and anxieties.
What makes zombie stories so compelling? Is it the raw, visceral terror of being hunted? Or perhaps it's the allegorical potential – zombies as stand-ins for consumerism, societal collapse, or even our own inner demons? Whatever the reason, the zombie genre offers a uniquely thrilling and thought-provoking experience. From the comedic brilliance of 'Shaun of the Dead' to the heart-pounding action of 'Train to Busan', there's a zombie tale for everyone. And let's not forget the small screen, which has given us sprawling epics like 'The Walking Dead', as well as more innovative approaches such as 'Santa Clarita Diet' or 'iZombie'.
So, grab your weapon of choice, barricade the doors, and prepare for a thrilling exploration of the undead universe. This list is a mix of both movies and series, because, when the apocalypse hits, we'll take our zombie entertainment any way we can get it.
11. Santa Clarita Diet (2017)
'Santa Clarita Diet' is a darkly comedic series that follows Sheila and Joel Hammond, a suburban couple whose lives take a bizarre turn when Sheila becomes a zombie. Unlike typical zombie stories, this one focuses on the humorous challenges of maintaining a normal life while dealing with Sheila's insatiable craving for human flesh. The show is known for its over-the-top gore and witty writing.
10. iZombie (2015)
'iZombie' offers a fresh and quirky take on the zombie genre. The series follows Liv Moore, a medical resident who becomes a zombie and takes a job at the Seattle Police Department to gain access to brains, which she must eat to survive. The twist? Each brain she consumes gives her the memories and personality traits of the deceased, which she uses to help solve their murders.
9. Resident Evil (2002)
Based on the popular video game franchise, 'Resident Evil' delivers a high-octane, action-packed zombie experience. Milla Jovovich stars as Alice, an amnesiac security operative who must fight her way through a zombie-infested underground laboratory. The film is known for its stylish visuals, martial arts sequences, and sci-fi elements. It spawned a successful film series, each installment pushing the boundaries of action and visual spectacle.
8. The Night Eats the World (2018)
'The Night Eats the World' presents a more introspective take on the zombie genre. The film follows Sam, a man who wakes up in a Paris apartment after a party to find the city overrun by zombies. Unlike most zombie movies, this one focuses on Sam's isolation and mental state as he learns to survive on his own. The film is slow-paced and atmospheric, with a haunting score that emphasizes the character's loneliness.
7. The Walking Dead (2010)
'The Walking Dead' became a cultural phenomenon, exploring the long-term consequences of a zombie apocalypse on a group of survivors. The series delves into themes of morality, leadership, and the complexities of human relationships in a world without laws. While it has had its ups and downs over its long run, 'The Walking Dead' has left an undeniable mark on television. Its success spawned multiple spin-offs, further expanding its universe.
6. Black Summer (2019)
'Black Summer' distinguishes itself with its raw and unrelenting depiction of the initial days of a zombie apocalypse. Eschewing character development for visceral action, the series focuses on the desperate struggle for survival of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The show is known for its chaotic camerawork and brutal realism.
5. World War Z (2013)
'World War Z' takes a big-budget approach to the zombie apocalypse, offering a globe-trotting adventure with impressive visual effects. Brad Pitt stars as Gerry Lane, a former UN investigator tasked with finding the source of a zombie pandemic. While it diverges from the source material (Max Brooks' novel), the film delivers large-scale action and some genuinely tense moments. The Jerusalem sequence, with hordes of zombies scaling the city walls, is a standout scene.
4. 28 Days Later (2002)
Danny Boyle's '28 Days Later' revitalized the zombie genre with its introduction of 'rage' infected – fast, aggressive humans driven to primal violence. This is not about slow shambling corpses. The film's gritty, handheld camerawork and desolate portrayal of a post-apocalyptic London create a palpable sense of dread. Cillian Murphy delivers a strong performance as Jim, a man who wakes from a coma to find the world irrevocably changed. The film's soundtrack, composed by John Murphy, is iconic and adds significantly to the film's atmosphere.
3. Train to Busan (2016)
'Train to Busan' delivers relentless thrills and surprising emotional depth. Set almost entirely on a speeding train during a zombie outbreak in South Korea, the film uses its confined setting to amplify the tension and claustrophobia. The zombies themselves are fast and terrifying, creating truly heart-pounding action sequences. Beyond the scares, 'Train to Busan' explores themes of social class, sacrifice, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. It's a standout in the genre for its compelling characters and masterful pacing.
2. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Edgar Wright's 'Shaun of the Dead' is a brilliant blend of horror and comedy that earns its spot near the top. The film follows Shaun, a man trying to win back his girlfriend amidst a zombie apocalypse. What makes it special is its clever writing, impeccable timing, and genuine affection for the zombie genre. It pays homage to Romero's classics while carving out its own unique, hilarious identity. The attention to detail is astounding, with subtle foreshadowing and running gags that reward repeat viewings.
1. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
George A. Romero's low-budget masterpiece, 'Night of the Living Dead,' isn't just a zombie flick; it's the cornerstone of modern zombie lore. Released in 1968, it redefined horror with its stark, unflinching portrayal of societal breakdown in the face of a mysterious undead outbreak. Shot in black and white to save money, this aesthetic choice inadvertently added to the film's unsettling atmosphere. Fun fact: The term 'zombie' isn't even used in the movie. The creatures are simply referred to as 'ghouls.'
