Zombies have been a staple of popular culture for decades, from their humble beginnings in Haitian folklore to the plethora of modern movies, TV shows, and video games that feature these reanimated, undead creatures. Among the countless zombie-themed films, some stand out as particular favorites among fans and critics alike.
In this list, we’ll explore the 20 best zombie movies of all time, covering a range of eras, styles, and approaches. From the classic horror of George Romero to the more recent, high-stakes action of World War Z, we’ll delve into what makes each film so noteworthy.
#20: Night of the Zombies (1980)
Directed by Frank Forsyth, Night of the Zombies follows a group of survivors as they navigate the ruins of a post-apocalyptic world filled with reanimated corpses. Featuring a blend of campy humor and genuine tension, this low-budget film has gained a cult following over the years.
#19: The Dead (2010)
Directed by Howard J. Ford, The Dead is a slow-burning, atmospheric film that focuses on the relationships between a group of survivors in a West African savannah overrun by zombies. Boasting stunning cinematography and an impressive cast of unknown actors, The Dead is a hidden gem worth seeking out.
#18: Zombieland (2009)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer, Zombieland follows a group of survivors – including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Emma Stone – as they travel across a zombie-infested America. With its wry humor, clever one-liners, and memorable characters, Zombieland has become a modern horror-comedy classic.
#17: 28 Days Later (2002)
Directed by Danny Boyle, 28 Days Later introduced a new breed of fast-moving, bloodthirsty zombies to the silver screen. Starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Christopher Eccleston, this innovative film redefined the zombie genre with its fast-paced action and thought-provoking themes.
#16: Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Directed by Edgar Wright, Shaun of the Dead is a hilarious send-up of zombie movies, featuring Simon Pegg as a slacker forced to navigate a zombie-infested London. With its witty dialogue, clever humor, and impressive special effects, this zombie romp has become a modern cult classic.
#15: Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Directed by Dan O’Bannon, Return of the Living Dead is a cult classic that combines humor, horror, and 80s nostalgia. Set in a medical supply warehouse filled with toxic chemicals, this offbeat film features a memorable soundtrack and some of the most ridiculous zombie kills ever seen.
#14: Resident Evil (2002)
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, Resident Evil is based on the popular video game series and follows Milla Jovovich as an adventurer battling zombies and other dangers in a post-apocalyptic world. Featuring impressive action sequences and a captivating plot, this film launched a successful franchise.
#13: 28 Weeks Later (2007)
Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, 28 Weeks Later is the sequel to 28 Days Later and follows a young boy and his adoptive sister as they navigate a rebuilt London overrun by zombies. With its dark themes and intense action sequences, this sequel outshines its predecessor.
#12: Fido (2006)
Directed by Andrew Currie, Fido follows a young boy who befriends a zombie as a pet. Set in a charming, 1950s-styled town, this dark comedy features impressive makeup work and a poignant exploration of the zombie-human bond.
#11: Land of the Dead (2005)
Directed by George A. Romero, Land of the Dead is the fourth film in Romero’s Dead series and marks a return to form for the legendary filmmaker. Featuring a memorable cast of characters, this film explores the themes of class division and social inequality in a zombie-infested world.
#10: The Returned (2015)
Directed by François Ozon and Audrey Estroukh, The Returned follows a group of people who come back to life after being dead for decades. Featuring a mix of drama, mystery, and horror, this French series has been praised for its unique take on the zombie genre.
#9: Train to Busan (2016)
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, Train to Busan follows a group of passengers as they fight for survival during a zombie outbreak on a train. This South Korean film features impressive action sequences, memorable characters, and a socially conscious message.
#8: Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Directed by George A. Romero, Dawn of the Dead is the second film in Romero’s Dead series and follows a group of survivors fleeing a zombie-infested Philadelphia to a shopping mall. Featuring social commentary and groundbreaking special effects, this film cemented Romero’s reputation as a master of the zombie genre.
#7: City of the Dead (1960)
Directed by John Llewellyn Moxey, City of the Dead is a low-budget horror film about a young woman who travels to a small New England town and discovers its dark history of witchcraft and vampires. Featuring a blend of horror, history, and mystery, this film is a hidden gem worth seeking out.
#6: Army of Darkness (1992)
Directed by Sam Raimi, Army of Darkness is the third installment in the Evil Dead series and follows Ash (Bruce Campbell) as he journeys back in time to the Middle Ages to confront an army of the undead. This cult classic features impressive gore effects, witty humor, and unforgettable characters.
#5: 30 Days of Night (2007)
Directed by David Slade, 30 Days of Night is based on the popular comic book series by Steve Niles and follows a group of vampires as they prey on the residents of a small Alaskan town during the month-long polar night. Featuring impressive action sequences, gothic atmosphere, and a chilling sense of dread, this film is a masterclass in horror storytelling.
#4: The Dead Zone (1983)
Directed by David Cronenberg, The Dead Zone is an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel about a psychic who develops precognitive abilities after surviving a car accident. Featuring a memorable cast of characters, including Christopher Walken and Brooke Adams, this film combines horror, suspense, and social commentary.
#3: World War Z (2013)
Directed by Marc Forster, World War Z follows a former United Nations employee (Brad Pitt) as he travels the world in search of a solution to the zombie pandemic. Featuring impressive action sequences, memorable characters, and a thought-provoking plot, this film reinvigorated the zombie genre with its innovative approach.
#2: Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Directed by George A. Romero, Night of the Living Dead is widely considered the grandfather of modern zombie cinema. This groundbreaking film follows a group of strangers as they barricade themselves inside a Pennsylvania farmhouse to fend off a horde of reanimated corpses.
#1: Return of the Living Dead: Necronomicon (1993)
Directed by Brian Yuzna, Return of the Living Dead: Necronomicon is a sequel to Return of the Living Dead and follows a team of scientists as they unleash a zombie-filled apocalypse in a small town. Featuring impressive gore effects, witty dialogue, and a memorable cast of characters, this cult classic has become a modern zombie staple.
Conclusion
Zombie movies have come a long way since Night of the Living Dead, and we’ve seen a wide range of interpretations and approaches to the genre. From comedy to horror, action to romance, there’s something for everyone in this beloved genre. Whether you’re a seasoned zombie fan or just looking to explore the world of undead, this list is sure to provide endless hours of entertainment and inspiration.
FAQs
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Is this list exhaustive?
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What’s your criteria for selecting the best zombie movies?
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Can I watch these films in any order?
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Are all of these films suitable for all ages?
No, this list is just a selection of the best zombie movies of all time. There are many more films worth watching, and we encourage you to explore the genre further.
We considered a range of factors, including critical acclaim, popular opinion, and innovative storytelling approaches. We also aimed to include a diverse selection of films from different eras, countries, and styles.
Yes! Feel free to watch the films in any order that suits your taste. However, for the most immersive experience, we recommend watching the films in chronological order, with the earliest films first.
No! Some of these films feature mature themes, intense violence, and gore. We recommend parental discretion and caution when sharing these films with younger viewers.