Zombie movies have a loyal fanbase among cinema audiences, though their popularity has gone through ebbs and flows over the years. Some of the best zombie movies of all time are partially responsible for reigniting an interest in the genre through exceptional performances, a fascinating exploration of the tropes, an interesting new take on the subgenre, etc.
Ranker users have voted for what they believe are the best zombie films ever made, and these movies cover a wide range of years, themes, and tones. This array of options provides viewers with a variety of titles that excellently utilize the zombie subgenre.
The Evil Dead (1981)
Though the antagonists are technically not zombies, they act in somewhat similar ways and cause the film to be categorized as a zombie movie. The Evil Dead, the first feature film in the franchise that has spanned decades and various forms of media, is a gory, gripping movie that uses extreme elements very well. The story surrounds college students as they go on vacation in the woods and accidentally unleash demons and evil spirits that possess some of them, leading to a survival scenario.
The film had a relatively low budget, but it nevertheless provided an exciting and often terrifying experience, also having some comedic elements that would be featured more heavily in future entries in the franchise.
The Return Of The Living Dead (1985)
Featuring a cast of eccentric characters in the wake of a zombie disaster, The Return of the Living Dead is a fascinating take on the subgenre that has endured as a classic.
Though it is a horror/comedy film, Return is sometimes credited as a movie that made zombies scary again. This is largely because of the special effects for the zombies, which went far beyond light makeup and instead created terrifying appearances. The film is also known for its soundtrack, which featured heavy rock and punk music and contributed to its legacy.
Day Of The Dead (1985)
Day of the Dead takes place in a world overrun by zombies. In a secure bunker, scientists attempt to find a cure for the zombie pandemic, while one scientist works to study if zombies can become docile over time. The film features exceptional makeup effects and an engrossing story with plenty of interesting characters.
The film also expands on the lore surrounding cinematic zombies in a fascinating way, giving a glimpse of hope while also having an incredibly tense atmosphere. The performances are excellent and help make this film worthy of its enduring legacy.
28 Weeks Later (2007)
A sequel to the acclaimed 2002 film 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later is a worthy follow-up. Like The Evil Dead, the 28 Days series technically does not feature zombies but rather humans infected by a virus known as "Rage." However, the film is usually categorized as a zombie film and an excellent one at that.
The sequel focuses on the events immediately after the first film, in which government agencies attempt to help survivors. The second entry in the film series features a different cast, however. Though usually not considered as iconic as the first film, 28 Weeks Later has many of the best elements of the original, creating a tense, emotional atmosphere and gripping audiences that watch it.
Zombieland (2009)
Blending comedy and horror excellently, Zombieland follows survivors as they try to navigate their way to a supposed safe zone. Along the way, they must defend themselves against the undead, though much of the action is done in a comedic way.
Zombieland succeeds in both its horrific and comedic aspects, letting the audience feel the tension of the scenes while providing genuinely funny moments between cast members. It also has an incredible celebrity cameo that somehow does not feel forced but rather elevates the scene.
Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
There are plenty of reasons why Shaun of the Dead is a great comedy movie, but it also functions excellently as a zombie film. The story centers on the character of Shaun, who, along with a small group, learns of the zombie apocalypse unfolding around them and seeks to find a safe place to wait it out.
Shaun of the Dead foreshadows the horrors to come from the beginning, often doing so in a comedic way. Exceptional performances that feel believable during both the funny and serious moments help to make this film a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
Dawn Of The Dead (1978)
The original Dawn of the Dead is one of the most well-known of the subgenre and is also one of the scariest zombie movies from the 1970s. The film follows survivors of the initial zombie outbreak as they try to make it through the apocalypse with their lives.
As one of the most iconic titles in the history of zombie movies, Dawn of the Dead went on to influence films of similar concepts for decades, but very few could come close to the quality of the 1978 classic. With recognizable locations scattered throughout, the film has a layer of realism that makes it all the more terrifying.
Dawn Of The Dead (2004)
Largely following a similar plot to the original Dawn of the Dead, the 2004 remake succeeds in many of the same aspects as the 1978 version. It does, however, stand on its own and does not rely on the fame of its predecessor.
The film is perhaps best well known for some of its incredible action scenes that show just how terrifying the zombies are. The cast provides excellent and genuine performances in their roles, making audiences connect with them and feel more invested in the story as it unfolds.
Night Of The Living Dead (1968)
Widely credited with redefining the pop-culture depiction of a "zombie," George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead is still a popular watch among fans of the subgenre. The film centers around a group that tries to survive a zombie horde by barricading themselves in an abandoned house.
Many things from Night of the Living Dead still hold up today, including its excellent use of tension. The atmosphere from the constantly looming threat, as well as the excellent performances, make it clear why this film has endured for so long in the public consciousness.
28 Days Later (2002)
Now considered a classic in zombie cinema despite being released less than twenty years ago, 28 Days Later centers on the character of Jim, who wakes up from a coma to find London seemingly deserted. He soon discovers that this is because many people in the population have been infected with a virus called "Rage."
Because of the fantastic presentation in the film, the audience learns details about the state of the situation as Jim does, helping viewers to identify better with him. Many of the other characters are also relatable, and this film stands as an excellent horror film with stellar action scenes and emotional moments.