The 14 Best Zombie Movies

Like zombies, zombie movies are also immortal, with new works still being continuously produced. Over the past few decades, zombie films have become an important genre, contributing many eerie and shocking films.

Here, the editor has compiled a list of the 14 best zombie movies in cinematic history. Yes, these include various types of zombies - whether bitten by Sumatran rat-monkeys, influenced by magic potions, or infected by the T-virus - but to the audience, as long as they are rotting while moving, they are zombies, no difference. Let's begin our tour of zombie films, with no particular order.

1. World War Z (2013)

With a $190 million investment, it became the "highest-budget zombie movie in history," reaching new heights in the typically low-budget zombie genre. The frenzied zombies bring unprecedented excitement, and the big budget supports many grand scenes never seen before. Regardless of its regrets and shortcomings, the global perspective it presents on the direct battlefield against zombies is enough to make it a giant among zombie films.

(Editor's note: The original article had 13 zombie films; this entry for "World War Z" was added by the editor.)

2. 28 Days Later (2002)

Danny Boyle's horror film sparked the trend of fast-moving zombies. Despite this, the protagonist can still take time to "correct" fellow travelers, bringing them back to the human side. The supermarket scene where zombies sandwich live humans is very shocking; the segment where strangers learn to trust each other is also excellent, making their deaths even more sorrowful for the audience. The sequel, "28 Weeks Later," also received positive reactions.

3. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

George Romero's classic masterpiece. This film initiated the legendary development of zombie movies.

4. Zombieland (2009)

"Zombieland" cleverly grasps the market pulse and avoids common problems. For example, in previous zombie films, the protagonist must break various survival rules; but in this film, the protagonist and a group of strangers "adhere strictly to the rules," seeking refuge together. In addition, the film satisfies many viewers' alternative demands, such as trespassing into celebrities' homes and taking drugs in storage rooms while camping in Los Angeles.

5. City of the Living Dead (1979)

Almost all zombie films directed by Lucio Fulci are absurd yet unforgettable (the kind of experience that makes you think, "This is too bad... yes, that's exactly what I want"). "City of the Living Dead" alone can secure its place in zombie film history with just one underwater scene featuring a shark-zombie battle.

6. Braindead (1992)

Peter Jackson inherited the essence of bloody zombie films. In "Braindead," he uses bright pink, blood plasma, and artificial skin to the extreme, creating a world where skin is made of playdough, faces can be torn off, skin can stretch, and entire chests can be removed. It's both gory and beautiful.

7. ParaNorman (2012)

This is a zombie movie suitable for children, making us fall in love with Laika's new stop-motion animation style. "ParaNorman" is both visually appealing and thrilling, showing us another side of blue-faced terrifying creatures.

8. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

"Dawn of the Dead" is an outstanding zombie movie that skillfully incorporates social commentary. It not only awakens the survival instinct in the audience but also critiques the growing consumerism from the perspective of zombies. We are all hungry beasts who consume goods endlessly and stumble around looking for more, never satisfied. Although shopping malls are now everywhere and the trend cannot be reversed, this film bravely speaks out. The scene where the protagonist follows a group of smart people into the mall is bizarre yet intelligent, surpassing the remake's scene where everyone chases a dog into the mall.

9. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

"Shaun of the Dead" easily qualifies as an excellent self-referential horror film. Every segment mocks or pays homage to previous works (for example, the line "We're coming to get you, Barbara!" is a nod to "Night of the Living Dead"), which is pretty cool. Additionally, "Shaun of the Dead" portrays the genuine horror of family breakdown. However, at the end, everyone (almost) becomes better because of this incident. Oh, what a warm-hearted film.

10. The Quick and the Dead (1992)

Surprised to see this film on the list! I consider it a movie where two heroines compete for zombie status, open to debate. But "The Quick and the Dead" isn't your typical potion-induced zombie film either, with surprising plot twists (drinking the potion grants immortality, but if you live too long, your body decays and you die). They won't die, they will only rot. Being smarter than regular undead zombies and not eating brains, they could be considered evolved zombies.

11. White Zombie (1932)

"White Zombie" may not be the best zombie movie, but it is widely recognized as the first (standard-length) zombie film. Moreover, it features the famous Bela Lugosi as the evil professor Legendre who controls a group of zombies.

12. Army of Darkness (1992)

In Sam Raimi's film, there aren't technically zombies, just comical reanimated corpses and silly skeleton armies that add some brightness. "Army of Darkness" poses a tricky question: Can skeletons count as zombies? Do you need skin to be a zombie? Currently, we say both count because we can.

13. Resident Evil (2002)

"Resident Evil" is the progenitor of the next five T-virus series films and also a showcase for Milla Jovovich's beautiful legs and fighting skills. Stupid, simple, call it what you will, Paul W.S. Anderson struck gold in adapting video games into films. T-virus monsters, T-virus zombies, along with various spine-chilling Umbrella Corporation killing machines (like the laser wall that slices people into sashimi)... These video game elements come together to form an extremely entertaining movie. Although subsequent works like "Resident Evil: Retribution" perform better in these aspects, they still don't match the fame of the "first T-virus series film."

14. Re-Animator (1985)

This rebellious movie is completely crazy and very terrifying. "Re-Animator" stars cult film frontliner Jeffrey Combs and revolves around a group of students trying to resurrect a professor. Of course, following the usual plot progression, they mess it up. The scene where the zombie head appears between Barbara Crampton's legs is unforgettable and secures this movie a place in cinematic history.