Zack Snyder is known for huge blockbusters in the DC universe, and for memorable hits like 300, Man of Steel, and Dawn of the Dead. In 2021, he decided to dust off the cobwebs and direct the new Netflix zombie thriller, Army of the Dead. While viewers are still soaking up the awesomeness of the Snyder creation, they might find themselves looking for other movies that can live up to the recent zombie release.
While Scott Ward (Dave Bautista) and his courageous group of mercenaries might be hard to top, there are other movies on popular streaming platforms that deserve a chance or a second watch. In case horror fans need some recommendations, check out the movies below and prepare to keep the lights on.
Dawn Of The Dead (2004) - Available To Rend On Amazon Prime Video
Dawn of the Dead is an easy pick because, in 2004, Snyder had a major hand in making the action-horror movie possible. Although George A. Romero and James Gunn co-wrote it, Snyder gave the classic zombie a fresh look at all things zombies. In fact, Dawn of the Dead is one of the best remakes in zombie movie history, and rightfully so. When a small Midwestern town is suddenly attacked by an unknown virus, almost all of its inhabitants turn into the blood-thirsty undead, and hunt the few remaining survivors in the local mega-mall.
There were stand-out performances by Ving Rhames, Mekhi Phifer, and Ty Burrell, and the movie is generally scary and action-packed. Not only is Dawn of the Dead directed by the same director as Army of the Dead, but it focuses on a group fighting to stay alive while navigating through a world of vicious zombies.
Zombieland (2009) - Netflix
Seemingly, there's nothing funny about a virus taking over the human body, but in 2009, director Ruben Fleischer made the impossible, possible. Zombieland is classified as an adventure-comedy that centers on a small group of survivors trekking across the United States to find safety. While Zombieland is more funny than scary, it packs a long and memorable punch to the audience and is now considered one of the highest-rated zombie movies that came out of the 2000s.
Like Army of the Dead, it delivers on terrifying zombies that want nothing more than to tear the face off of any remaining survivors.
Little Monsters (2019) - Hulu
A-list actress Lupita Nyong'o is most known for her incredible performances in Black Panther, 12 Years A Slave, and Us, but in 2019, she blended her acting chops to a horror-comedy called Little Monsters. Not to be confused with the 1990s movie by the same name, Little Monsters focuses on a teacher named Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong'o) and her class who have embarked on a field trip. What was supposed to be a light-hearted day turned out to be a blood bath filled with the walking dead and a unique approach to the horror sub-genre as a whole.
Like Army of the Dead, Little Monsters doesn't take itself too seriously and is filled with comedic relief and great acting. The female-led movie is also considered one of the best zombie movies to come out of the last decade, which is understandable after viewers watch it.
World War Z (2013) - Available To Rent On Amazon Prime Video
In the 2010s, Marc Forster decided to blow zombie fans away and release the well-perceived horror-thriller, World War Z. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the movie centers on a former United Nations employee named Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) who tries to figure out how and why the zombie pandemic happened. What sets World War Z apart from other films in its genre is the fast-acting zombies and the tension-filled moments that never seem to end.
Because it nails the action-packed scenes, and terrifying zombie hordes, World War Z has the potential to stand beside Army of the Dead with ease.
Cargo (2017) - Netflix
While many zombie movies are focused on big cities and large masses of people, Cargo decides to keep things simple. For the most part, the movie centers on a father named Andy (Martin Freeman) who has recently been bitten by a zombie and knows he only has less than two days to get his infant daughter to safety. While Andy embarks on this journey, he's met by other survivors and even dangers that could disrupt his mission.
Like Army of the Dead, Cargo has moments of action but both of these movies have moments that show the humanitarian side of people, and the lengths they'll go to protect their family. While some zombie movies are overrated and aren't as good as they're made out to be, Cargo is definitely an under-the-radar gem that deserves more attention.
I Am Legend (2007) - Hulu
I Am Legend is a 2007 action-drama that's focused on a post-apocalyptic world that's been ravaged by disease. It also centers on a scientist named Robert Neville (Smith) who continues to search for a cure. While Robert has his routine in this bleak new world, he's also tasked with hiding himself from the evil that lurks in dark buildings until nightfall.
I Am Legend has a modern take on the class zombie genre and plays on the heartstrings of viewers in more ways than one. Like Army of the Dead, this movie has a pulse and is filled with emotion.
Ocean's Eleven (2001) - HBO Max
To start off, Ocean's Eleven has nothing to do with zombies or an apocalyptic world, but it does involve a group of people who try to pull off a large heist in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the crime thriller has no gory makeup or people seeking refuge, it does offer an excellent cast and is one of the best crime storylines in the movie industry. Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts, the movie has received great reviews and happens to be one of Julia Roberts' best movies to date.
As Army of the Dead fans know, the story follows a group of people entering "The City of Lights," hoping to come out of it alive and wealthy. Sans zombies, that's exactly what Ocean's Eleven proves to be.
28 Days Later (2002) - Hulu
No zombie movie list is complete without mentioning one of the best movies of all time, 28 Days Later. Set in modern-day London, a man named Jim (Cillian Murphy) comes out of a coma and is confused by the state of the outside world. As he wanders the empty downtown streets, he realizes that the locals aren't friendly and everyone has turned into flesh-eating maniacs. 28 Days Later was such a hit, a sequel was born, and to date, it's hard to beat the low-budget horror film.
The movie doesn't provide viewers with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, but it does provide a great ride alongside Jim and his companions.
Resident Evil (2002) - Amazon Prime Video
Based on a popular video game, the Resident Evil franchise has not disappointed. Back in 2002, the original was released and starred Mila Jovovich as Alice, a former security operative for a secret underground research facility. After Alice wakes up with no recollection of what happened, she quickly realizes that Raccoon City has been overrun by zombies. After a leak in the lab, the locals and employees were contaminated with the virus and it's up to Alice and a military team to find a solution.
There's no shortage of action, thrills, or zombies in Resident Evil, and now, it's considered one of the best videos to movie transitions in the movie industry.
Train To Busan (2016) - Hulu
The South Korean movie industry is known for spectacular horror movies like The Wailing, Peninsula, and The Neighbor Zombie, but none can compare to the 2016 horror-thriller, Train to Busan. Centered on a short trip from Seoul to Busan, a workaholic father named Seok-woo (Gong Yoo) is accompanying his daughter Soo-an (Su-an Kim) to his estranged wife's home by train. Along the way, a zombie outbreak takes place, and it's up to Seok-woo to protect his daughter at all costs while becoming a leader to the fellow passengers on the train.
This seems like a similar story to Army of the Dead as Dave Bautista's character has to look after his daughter while leading the team to riches and safety.