Top 10 Must-Watch Zombie Movies of All Time

Check out our handpicked selection of the top 10 must-watch zombie movies of all time. Dive into the unique features that make each film a masterpiece in their own right. From classic zombie films to modern blockbusters and indie gems, we've got you covered with the ultimate list for any zombie movie enthusiast.

Table of Contents

1. Night of the Living Dead
2. Dawn of the Dead
3. 28 Days Later
4. Shaun of the Dead
5. Zombieland
6. Train to Busan
7. World War Z
8. The Crazies
9. Resident Evil
10. The Walking Dead

1. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Directed by: George A. Romero

Night of the Living Dead is the film that started it all, earning its spot as one of the most influential zombie films of all time. This low-budget, black-and-white classic has inspired countless directors and left a lasting impact on the genre. The film introduced the concept of slow-moving, flesh-seeking, reanimated dead, which has become a cultural icon.

1. The film tackles social commentary through its casting choices and storylines. The lead character is an African-American man in a time when this was uncommon, providing representation and breaking stereotypes.
2. Intense and suspenseful scenes, with a sense of claustrophobia as the characters are trapped inside the house.
3. A surprising ending that leaves viewers questioning the fate of humanity.

For more about the influence of Night of the Living Dead, read our article on The Evolution of The Walking Dead TV Series.

2. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

Directed by: George A. Romero

A decade after the first film, Romero returned with Dawn of the Dead, a bigger and bolder sequel with more gore and action. The film retains the social commentary of the previous film while adding new elements, such as the symbolic setting of a shopping mall.

1. The film shows the dangers of consumerism and the loss of individuality in society, with zombies wandering aimlessly through the mall.
2. Improved special effects and makeup, making the zombies more realistic and terrifying.
3. The introduction of more diverse and relatable characters, offering more depth to the human story.

If you enjoy playing zombie games, check out the Top 5 Call of Duty Zombies Maps that were inspired by Dawn of the Dead.

3. 28 Days Later (2002)

Directed by: Danny Boyle

28 Days Later brought a fresh take to the zombie genre by introducing fast, rage-infected humans instead of slow-walking corpses. This modernized approach brought new life to the genre and inspired numerous other films, games, and TV shows.

• The film's intense atmosphere, created by its desolate setting and eerie soundtrack, adds to the horror and suspense.
• Strong performances by the lead actors, making the characters believable and engaging.
• The exploration of human survival instincts and the damage caused by extreme desperation.

Are you looking for more thrilling experiences like 28 Days Later? Check out our list of the Best Zombie Shooting Games.

4. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Directed by: Edgar Wright

A brilliant combination of horror, comedy, and British wit, Shaun of the Dead offers a hilarious and entertaining take on the zombie genre. This cult favorite balances genuine scares and laughter, making it a refreshing change of pace from other zombie films.

1. Relatable and likable characters, adding a layer of emotional investment for the audience.
2. Clever use of humor to break up the tension and keep viewers engaged.
3. Memorable quotes and hilarious scenarios that have become iconic in pop culture.

For more zombie comedy, take a look at our list of the 5 Funny Zombie Movies.

5. Zombieland (2009)

Directed by: Ruben Fleischer

Zombieland is a fun and fast-paced road trip film with a zombie apocalypse twist. Featuring a stellar cast, Zombieland combines horror, comedy, and action to create a unique viewing experience.

1. Memorable and quirky characters, such as Tallahassee and Columbus, who have their own set of rules for surviving the zombie apocalypse.
2. A clever mix of humor and gore, with exciting and unpredictable action scenes.
3. An unforgettable cameo from a legendary actor that adds an extra layer of comedy and excitement to the film.

If you loved the humor in Zombieland, enjoy more laughs with the 5 Funny Zombie Movies list.

6. Train to Busan (2016)

Directed by: Yeon Sang-ho

Train to Busan is a Korean thriller that combines the best aspects of zombie films with the unique setting of a high-speed train. The movie showcases the struggle between humanity and survival during a zombie outbreak.

• Intense action and suspense throughout the moving train, creating a claustrophobic and thrilling atmosphere.
• A strong focus on character development, highlighting the importance of cooperation and sacrifice.
• A refreshing take on zombie behavior, depicting them as fast, relentless predators with an aversion to darkness.

Expand your zombie movie horizons with our curated list of the Top 13 Zombie Movies on Netflix.

7. World War Z (2013)

Directed by: Marc Forster

Adapted from the novel by Max Brooks, World War Z is an action-packed blockbuster starring Brad Pitt. The movie delves into the global impact of a zombie pandemic, focusing on the struggle to find a cure.

1. Intense and large-scale action sequences, showcasing a variety of settings and challenges.
2. A unique portrayal of zombies, which form massive, hive-like structures to overwhelm their surroundings.
3. An exploration of international response to the zombie outbreak, providing a broader perspective on the crisis.

Discover more books-turned-movies in our list of the Top 10 Zombie Movies.

8. The Crazies (2010)

Directed by: Breck Eisner

A remake of George A. Romero's 1973 film, The Crazies presents a small town affected by a deadly virus that turns its residents into violent maniacs. This action-horror film delivers a fast-paced, gripping experience.

• Strong performances by the lead actors and intense action sequences that keep viewers on edge.
• A focus on the human element, with characters trying to protect their loved ones in the midst of chaos.
• A chilling portrayal of the infected townspeople, exhibiting unpredictable and dangerous behavior.

Experience more thrilling and suspenseful gameplay with our list of the Top 5 Steam Zombie Games.

9. Resident Evil (2002)

Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson

Based on the popular video game series, Resident Evil follows the story of Alice (Milla Jovovich) as she battles against the deadly T-virus and the evil Umbrella Corporation. A blend of sci-fi, action, and horror elements makes this film a must-watch for zombie fans.

1. Stunning visual effects and impressive action sequences that immerse viewers in the world of Resident Evil.
2. Milla Jovovich's compelling performance as the strong, resourceful heroine Alice.
3. An intriguing plot that explores the dark motives and sinister actions of the powerful Umbrella Corporation.

For more on this popular franchise, read our Resident Evil Series Review.

10. The Walking Dead (2010 - present)

Developed by: Frank Darabont

The Walking Dead, although technically a TV series, earns a place on our list due to its massive cultural impact and influence on the zombie genre. Adapted from the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead follows a group of survivors during a zombie apocalypse.

• Engaging storylines and complex, evolving characters that keep viewers invested season after season.
• Groundbreaking makeup and special effects that bring the undead to life in a horrifyingly realistic manner.
• An exploration of human nature and morality amidst the chaos, raising thought-provoking questions that transcend the genre.

Dive deeper into the world of The Walking Dead with our Top 5 Zombie TV Shows and learn more about the iconic character Clementine in The Walking Dead: Meet Clementine.