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Fans of the horror genre have at least one favorite zombie movie. Zombies, after all, are some of the most iconic monsters in cinema. It all started with 1932's White Zombie before becoming immortalized in the mainstream by director George A. Romero's 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead. Today, they've become a staple of pop culture, immortalized in countless movies and television shows.
Honestly, there's always something to enjoy when watching a zombie movie. Who doesn't love tales of everyday people fighting against swarms of undead hordes? These films are memorable, spectacular, thrilling, and, above all, satisfy viewers right from the opening to end. From black-and-white classics to modern masterpieces, here are ten iconic zombies that are perfect from start to finish.
15 'I Walked with a Zombie' (1943)
Directed by Jacques Tourneur
Image via RKO Pictures Before Romero's Night of the Living Dead redefined what a zombie is, director Jacques Tourneur showed how to make them terrifying with his 1943 fantasy horror cult classic I Walked with a Zombie. Starring Frances Dee and Tom Conway, it tells the eerie tale of a caring young nurse who travels to a Caribbean island to look after a mentally paralyzed plantation owner's wife. When medication and therapy can't seem to work, the nurse slowly theorizes the only way to save the wife would be with the help of a local tribe and their mysterious voodoo rituals.
This chilling '40s classic is a unique stand out of its time. Though tame by today's standards and a little slow at times, I Walked with a Zombie is an intriguing film that shows one of the earliest depictions of a zombie on film. While it's nothing like the zombie movies filmgoers recognize today, it's an essential classic of the subgenre.
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I Walked with a Zombie
Release Date April 21, 1943
Director Jacques Tourneur
Cast Frances Dee , James Ellison , Tom Conway , Edith Barrett , James Bell , Christine Gordon , Theresa Harris , Sir Lancelot , Darby Jones , Jeni Le Gon , Richard Abrams , Doris Ake , Rita Christiani , Vivian Dandridge , Alan Edmiston , Kathleen Hartsfield , Norman Mayes , Jieno Moxzer , Clinton Rosemond , Arthur Walker , Martin Wilkins , Melvin Williams
Runtime 69 minutes
14 'Zombi 2' (1979)
Directed by Lucio Fulci
Zombi 2 (or Zombie and Zombie Flesh Eaters in the US and UK) is a 1979 English-speaking Italian-made horror film directed by Lucio Fulci. An unofficial sequel to Romero's Dawn of the Dead, it's a hyper-violent, gory zombie flick that follows a worried woman who, along with several others, journeys to a tropical island to search for her missing scientist father. Only there, they discover a strange outbreak has devastated the island, turning local inhabitants into undead cannibals.
Zombi 2 is a thrilling and disgusting zombie cult classic packed with so much horror and excitement. It's the only film for anyone who has ever wanted to see a zombie face off against a shark, and it's truly spectacular. Though it has no real connection with Romero's film, it is still an exciting story that feels like a part of the same universe. The gore is intense, the kills are shocking, and this entire film is one big amazing thrill ride.
13 'The Girl with All the Gifts' (2016)
Directed by Colm McCarthy
Image via Warner Bros. In The Girl with All the Gifts, society has collapsed after a deadly fungal infection devastates most of the population, turning people into zombies. At an army base in England, a small pocket of scientists and military personnel research and conduct harmful experiments on a group of infected children whose abilities to retain their thoughts and personalities while carrying the virus may hold the key to humanity's survival.
The Girl with All the Gifts is a unique tale with the right mix of philosophical drama and thrilling zombie horror. It's deep and thought-provoking, elevated by stellar acting from the main cast. There's a lot to take from its intense story as it grips viewers in until the very end. It might have flown under most people's radar upon release, but it's now a must-watch for any fan of the subgenre.
Release Date January 26, 2017
Director Colm McCarthy
Runtime 111 Minutes
12 'Night of the Living Dead' (1990)
Directed by Tom Savini
Image via Columbia Pictures While most horror remakes crash and burn more often than not, thankfully, that wasn't the case for the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead. Directed by horror legend Tom Savini, the make-up effects artist for Romero's Dawn of the Dead, this colorized retelling stands out among other remakes, and excels thanks to its incredible scares and powerful performances.
Initially a box office flop and critically panned by critics, the 1990 version of Night of the Living Dead has slowly become re-evaluated in recent years...
Initially a box office flop and critically panned by critics, the 1990 version of Night of the Living Dead has slowly become re-evaluated in recent years, and appreciated for how it compliments the original. It's more brutal and bloody, thanks to a more significant budget and creative effects. It's also elevated by two stellar lead performances by actors Patricia Tallman and Tony Todd, the latter of whom stole the show as the heroic leader Ben, making it one of the late actor's most memorable and compelling roles of Todd's career. While Romero's film will always be a notable classic, this '90 version is a worthy remake that zombie fans must see for themselves.Rent on Apple TV
11 'Zombieland' (2009)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing A modern horror-comedy classic, 2009's Zombieland is a laugh-out-loud, thrilling joyride that ended the 2000s on a spectacular high note. Starring a stellar cast, including Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, it's a unique zombie comedy that follows several survivors as they reluctantly try to get along with each other as they go on a cross-country road trip through a zombie-infested US.
It's a memorable road trip featuring loveable characters, hilarious comedy, and thrilling zombie action scenes. The entire cast is given time to shine, and their chemistry is incredible and feels genuine. There's never a dull moment when watching Zombieland. From the hilarious dialog to the unique zombie kills, it is jam-packed with excitement and keeps the viewers hooked from start to finish.
Release Date October 2, 2009
Runtime 88 minutes
10 'The Return of the Living Dead' (1985)
Directed by Dan O'Bannon
Image via Orion Pictures The Return of the Living is a darkly hilarious zombie comedy that captures the exciting, rebellious spirit of the 1980s. Set in a fictionalized world where Romero's Night of the Living Dead is loosely based on actual events, it follows a colorful group of characters as they battle near-indestructible zombies after two bumbling warehouse employees accidentally unleash barrels of toxic fumes that resurrect an army of the dead from a local graveyard.
Wacky high jinks ensue for the survivors as they face off hordes that can never be killed or stopped, and, unfortunately, burning them only seems to make their situation much worse. Return of the Living Dead is a hilarious tribute to Romero's classic, a film that pokes fun at its tropes but respects the legacy the original created. Though a moderate success, it's much more of a cult favorite and has grown significantly over the years. It's become one of the most celebrated and fun horror comedies to ever come out of the decade.
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Return of the Living Dead
Director Dan O'Bannon
Cast Thom Mathews , Linnea Quigley , Clu Gulager , James Karen , Beverly Randolph
Runtime 91 minutes
9 'Dead Alive' (1992)
Directed by Peter Jackson
Image via Trimark Pictures From the wonderfully creative mind of The Lord of the Rings trilogy director, Sir Peter Jackson, comes his blood-soaked dark comedy cult classic Braindead, released as Dead Alive in the United States. It's about a shy young man, Lionel (Timothy Balme), as he must protect the woman of his dreams and his entire community from his murderous mother, Vera (Elizabeth Moody), who, after being bitten by a mutated animal hybrid, starts turning everyone she comes across into zombies.
It's a goofy, gory, splatter-horror spectacular that blows audiences away with its imagery. Today, Braindead is widely regarded as a standout of the zombie subgenre, arguably one of its best internationally. It brought Jackson's impressive storytelling skills into full view, delivering a wonderfully entertaining and unique tale that is both shocking and incredibly stunning. He would clearly go on to make bigger projects, but Braindead will remain one of the acclaimed director's most perfect early films, one that's still so much fun to re-experience now and again.
Release Date August 13, 1992
Cast Timothy Balme , Diana Peñalver , Elizabeth Moody , Ian Watkin , Brenda Kendall , Stuart Devenie
Runtime 104 Minutes
8 'Re-Animator' (1985)
Directed by Stuart Gordon
Image via Empire International Films Stuart Gordon's Re-Animator is a zombie comedy spectacular that wows audiences with how impressively gory it gets. With just the right balance of laughs and scares, it follows the story of medical student Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) as he perfects a serum that can turn dead tissue back to life. Unfortunately, the results create horrible undead monstrosities that viciously start attacking the living.
Wildly beloved as one of the most iconic B-grade '80s horror movies ever, Re-Animator has endured as a beloved cult classic over the years. It's incredibly dark but wickedly funny throughout. There's plenty of shock and gore to be seen, and the performances complement the film's comedic tone and surely leave the audience chuckling at certain parts. Lately, it's become a must-watch for fans of zombie films. It grips viewers right from the opening scene and doesn't let go of their attention until the closing credits.
Release Date October 18, 1985
Director Stuart Gordon
Runtime 84 Minutes
7 '[REC]' (2007)
Directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza
Image via Filmax International. 2007's [REC] is a standout found-footage zombie horror film from Spain. Set during the night shift in Barcelona, it follows a reporter (Manuela Velasco) and her camera operator (Pablo Rosso) as they document a firefighting team as they answer a bizarre distress call coming from an apartment building. But as they get locked inside due to the government's mandatory quarantine, it soon becomes a battle for survival as they encounter murderous occupants who have become enraged by a deadly virus.
[REC] expertly takes full advantage of its found-footage style to create an unforgettably chilling zombie movie viewing experience. As it shows entirely through the camera's perspective, it takes audiences on an intense nightmare that makes them feel just as frantic and claustrophobic as its protagonists. It is undoubtedly unsettling from beginning to end and surely leaves a shocked feeling long after the credits roll.
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[REC]
Release Date November 23, 2007
Director Jaume Balagueró
Cast Manuela Velasco , Ferran Terraza , Jorge-Yamam Serrano , Pablo Rosso , David Vert , Vicente Gil , Martha Carbonell , Carlos Vicente
Runtime 78 Minutes
6 'Train to Busan' (2016)
Directed by Sang-ho Yeon
Image via Next Entertainment World With its action-packed thrills and non-stop terror, Train to Busan has become one of horror's most heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled zombie movies. It's about a fast-spreading zombie epidemic that rages in South Korea. Caught in the middle of the chaos, a dwindling group of survivors aboard a high-speed train make a harrowing journey as they try to reach a safety zone in Busan.
Action, horror, and drama all come together to create a perfect zombie film unlike anything anyone's ever seen. The entire cast does phenomenal work with their characters, making the audience easily root for their survival. As such, it's incredibly heartbreaking to see some of these characters die, as there was enough to understand and sympathize with their situation. It's a hair-raising and heartwrenching zombie flick that keeps the momentum going and never lets up on the intensity until the very last second.
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Train to Busan
Release Date July 20, 2016
Director Sang-ho Yeon
Cast Yoo Gong , Yu-mi Jeong , Dong-seok Ma , Su-an Kim , Eui-sung Kim , Woo-sik Choi
Runtime 118
5 'Day of the Dead' (1985)
Directed by George A. Romero
Image via United Film Distribution Company The thrilling conclusion to George Romero's iconic "Dead Trilogy," Day of the Dead, sees the last remnants of humanity shelter underground while the undead have finally claimed rule over the Earth. In an underground bunk in the Florida Everglades, a small group of civilian scientists and soldiers hold out while struggling to find a cure. However, tensions quickly rise when the ruthless Captain Rhodes (Joseph Pilato) takes charge, creating factions within the group, ultimately leading to their downfall.
While initially a critical and commercial flop upon release, Day of the Dead has slowly become recognized over the years for its brilliance and is seen as another masterpiece like its two predecessors. It's expertly acted and brilliantly shot, featuring easily the most incredible-looking zombie makeup effects in Romero's trilogy. It's also his most profound and thought-provoking, telling a compelling story with dark themes that paints an unflinchingly bleak depiction of society and human nature. Day of the Dead is a must-watch for zombie lovers. It holds up well and never fails to leave the audience thrilled.
Release Date July 3, 1985
Director George A. Romero
Cast Lori Cardille , Terry Alexander , Joseph Pilato , Jarlath Conroy , Anthony Dileo Jr. , Richard Liberty , Sherman Howard , Gary Klar , Ralph Marrero , John Amplas , Phillip G. Kellams , Taso N. Stavrakis , Greg Nicotero , Don Brockett , William Cameron , Deborah Carter , Winnie Flynn , Debra Gordon , Jeff Hogan , Barbara Holmes , David Kindlon , Bruce Kirkpatrick , 'Wild Bill' Laczko , Susan Martinelli , Kim Maxwell
Runtime 100 minutes
4 '28 Days Later' (2002)
Directed by Danny Boyle
Image Via Searchlight Pictures One of the most beloved horror films from the 2000s, Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, is a disaster thriller masterpiece that helped rejuvenate the zombie subgenre into the next century. Set in post-apocalyptic Great Britain, it follows a terrified bike courier, Jim (Cillian Murphy), as he adapts to this new, horrifying reality after escaped animal test chimps unleash a highly contagious virus that turns victims into ravenous killers.
As mentioned, 28 Days Later updated zombies for more modern audiences. It elevated the subgenre by featuring a frighteningly realistic depiction of societal collapse and a new breed of flesh-eaters that were faster, stronger, and more terrifying than anything audiences had ever seen before. There's suspense and action throughout the story, and it's a powerful character-driven narrative, following likable characters who viewers don't like to see get killed. It ushered in a new era for zombies and remains a bonafide classic that's still terrifying and relevant today as it was in 2002.
Release Date October 31, 2002
Runtime 113
3 'Shaun of the Dead' (2004)
Directed by Edgar Wright
Image via Rogue Pictures The ridiculously talented Edgar Wright made his mark on cinema directing Shaun of the Dead, widely considered one of the funniest and most essential zombie movies ever. Starring the iconic comedy pairing of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, the film sees the two as irresponsible flatmates who must rise to the occasion when London is suddenly hit by a wide-spreading zombie outbreak.
Its sharply written comedy, and Wright's impeccable directing talents make Shaun of the Dead a truly laugh-out-loud and enjoyable experience. It has fun mocking and subverting the zombie subgenre while paying homage to the films that came before, especially Romero's Dead Trilogy. The comedy is flawless, the cast is wonderfully iconic, and it's a well-crafted story with a few neat little Easter eggs and clever bits of storytelling that keep viewers coming back for more.
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Shaun of the Dead
Release Date April 9, 2004
Director Edgar Wright
Runtime 99
2 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968)
Directed by George A. Romero
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Image via Continental Distributing Of course, no list of the most perfect zombie movies is complete without talking about the granddaddy of them all: Night of the Living Dead. Indeed, a film that only gets better with age, it's a black-and-white horror masterpiece that follows several survivors as they take shelter in a remote Pennsylvania farmhouse after a space probe crashes back on Earth, releasing radioactivity that causes the dead to rise from their graves.
Night of the Living Dead is one of, if not the most essential horror movies in history. Romero's film set the standard for the modern zombie genre, featuring moments and tropes that continue to inspire different horror films and other TV shows today. It's also become a staple of cinema, even constantly being referenced and featured in other movies in the many decades since its release. Anyone who calls themselves a zombie fan must see this film at least more than once.
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Night of the Living Dead
Release Date October 4, 1968
Director George A. Romero
Cast Duane Jones , Judith O'Dea , Karl Hardman , Marilyn Eastman , Keith Wayne , Judith Ridley
Runtime 96
Main Genre Horror
1 'Dawn of the Dead' (1978)
Directed by George A. Romero
Coming in to take the top spot is not only the perfect zombie movie but one of the greatest horror films of all time. Truly, George Romero's second entry in the "Dead Trilogy," Dawn of the Dead, endures today as a masterpiece of the zombie subgenre. It's about a small group struggling to survive a zombie apocalypse while holding out in a massive shopping center.
It's a near-flawless film that has and continues to influence pop culture. Dawn of the Dead elevates its simple premise with powerful storytelling, incredible performances, and compelling themes. It's a brilliant satire that draws viewers in with its gripping messages about society and the dangers of consumerism. There's gore and intense action, thrilling enough to keep viewers constantly amazed throughout the story. It's an all-around spectacular zombie masterpiece that doesn't show signs of ever being forgotten.
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