When it comes to horror, few things are as thrilling and spine-chilling as a good zombie movie. The genre has evolved over the decades, offering everything from gruesome gore to dark humor.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the undead, this list of the top zombie movies will guide you through the best the genre has to offer. Here are the Movie Metropolis picks for the top 10 best zombie movies of all time.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
A true classic and a pioneer in the genre, George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead is often credited with creating the modern zombie archetype. This black-and-white masterpiece not only delivers chills but also offers a critique of contemporary social issues.
Summary
- Critical reception: Initially mixed reviews, later praised for innovation and social commentary, now a cult classic.
- Box office: Made on a $114,000 budget, grossed around $30 million worldwide.
- Cast: Featured Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, and Keith Wayne.
- Composer: Used stock music and pre-recorded tracks, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.
- Director: George A. Romero, revolutionised the zombie genre and known for his satirical horror approach.
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Continuing Romero’s legacy, Dawn of the Dead is widely considered one of the top zombie movies ever made. Set in a shopping mall, this film combines intense action, dark humor, and social commentary on consumerism, making it a must-see for any horror fan.
Summary
- Critical reception: Highly acclaimed for its social satire and gore, considered a landmark in horror cinema.
- Box office: Made on a $1.5 million budget, grossed $55 million worldwide.
- Cast: Included David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, and Gaylen Ross.
- Composer: Score by Italian rock band Goblin, known for its memorable and haunting music.
- Director: George A. Romero, continued to shape the zombie genre with his distinctive style.
28 Days Later (2002)
Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later revitalised the zombie genre in the early 2000s with its fast-paced, rage-infested zombies. This film’s gritty realism and intense atmosphere make it one of the best zombie movies of the new millennium.
Summary
- Critical reception: Received critical acclaim for its fresh take on the zombie genre and intense atmosphere.
- Box office: Made on an $8 million budget, grossed over $82 million worldwide.
- Cast: Starred Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson, and Christopher Eccleston.
- Composer: Music by John Murphy, noted for its atmospheric and haunting score.
- Director: Danny Boyle, known for his eclectic filmography and innovative filmmaking techniques.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
For those who prefer their horror with a side of humor, Shaun of the Dead is a perfect blend of comedy and zombie mayhem. Directed by Edgar Wright, this film has become a cult favourite for its clever writing, sharp wit, and affectionate parody of the zombie genre.
Summary
- Critical reception: Acclaimed for its blend of comedy and horror, became a cult favourite.
- Box office: Made on a $6 million budget, grossed $30 million worldwide.
- Cast: Featured Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, and Bill Nighy.
- Composer: Music by Dan Mudford and Pete Woodhead, combined humour and horror elements.
- Director: Edgar Wright, known for his unique visual style and quick-paced editing.
Train to Busan (2016)
This South Korean hit took the world by storm with its thrilling, heart-pounding action. Train to Busan stands out for its well-developed characters, emotional depth, and relentless pace, making it one of the most recommended zombie movies in recent years.
Summary
- Critical reception: Praised for its emotional depth and intense action sequences, revitalised the zombie genre.
- Box office: Made on an $8.5 million budget, grossed over $98 million worldwide.
- Cast: Starred Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi, and Kim Su-an.
- Composer: Music by Jang Young-gyu, contributed to the film’s tense and emotional atmosphere.
- Director: Yeon Sang-ho, known for his work in both animation and live-action films.
Zombieland (2009)
Zombieland combines horror and comedy in a way that appeals to a broad audience. With its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and inventive zombie kills, this film has earned its place among the top 10 best zombie movies. Sadly, its sequel definitely doesn’t make the cut in this list!
Summary
- Critical reception: Received positive reviews for its humour, action, and performances, became a fan favourite.
- Box office: Made on a $23.6 million budget, grossed over $102 million worldwide.
- Cast: Featured Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin.
- Composer: Music by David Sardy, known for its energetic and fitting score.
- Director: Ruben Fleischer, making his feature film debut with this successful comedy-horror.
World War Z (2013)
Starring Brad Pitt, World War Z offers a more global perspective on the zombie apocalypse. This big-budget thriller is packed with intense action sequences and presents a unique take on the zombie outbreak, making it a top pick for fans of blockbuster films. We’re still waiting for the sequel!
Summary
- Critical reception: Mixed to positive reviews, praised for its action sequences but noted for deviations from the source material.
- Box office: Made on a $190 million budget, grossed over $540 million worldwide.
- Cast: Starred Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, and James Badge Dale.
- Composer: Music by Marco Beltrami, provided a dramatic and intense score.
- Director: Marc Forster, known for his work on a variety of genres including Finding Neverland and Quantum of Solace.
The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Adding a punk rock aesthetic and a dose of dark humor to the genre, The Return of the Living Dead is a standout film that combines horror with campy fun. Its brain-eating zombies and memorable one-liners make it a beloved entry in the genre.
Summary
- Critical reception: Received positively for its blend of horror and comedy, became a cult classic.
- Box office: Made on a $4 million budget, grossed $14.2 million in the US.
- Cast: Featured Clu Gulager, James Karen, Don Calfa, and Thom Mathews.
- Composer: Music by Matt Clifford, combined punk rock and horror elements.
- Director: Dan O’Bannon, known for writing “Alien” and his distinctive take on the zombie genre.
REC (2007)
This Spanish found-footage horror film provides a terrifyingly immersive experience. REC follows a news crew trapped in an apartment building during a zombie outbreak, delivering a claustrophobic and intense viewing experience that horror enthusiasts will love.
Summary
- Critical reception: Acclaimed for its realistic style and intense atmosphere, a standout in found footage horror.
- Box office: Made on a modest budget, grossed over $32 million worldwide.
- Cast: Starred Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza, Jorge-Yamam Serrano, and Pablo Rosso.
- Composer: Music by Alex Sagardia, contributed to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
- Director: Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, both known for their contributions to Spanish horror cinema.
Resident Evil (2002)
Based on the popular video game series, Resident Evil has become a staple of zombie cinema. With its action-packed scenes, iconic characters, and thrilling storyline, it remains one of the most popular and best zombie movies to date. Yes the CGI can be a bit rough, but this series has cemented itself as one of the most successful in the genre.
Summary
- Critical reception: Mixed reviews, noted for its action sequences and Milla Jovovich’s performance.
- Box office: Made on a $33 million budget, grossed over $102 million worldwide.
- Cast: Featured Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius, and James Purefoy.
- Composer: Music by Marco Beltrami and Marilyn Manson, provided a dark and industrial score.
- Director: Paul W.S. Anderson, known for his work on video game adaptations and action films.
From classics like Night of the Living Dead to modern hits like Train to Busan and World War Z, these top 10 zombie movies offer a diverse range of thrills and chills – and a bit of comedy if that’s what you’re after. Whether you’re in the mood for intense horror, dark comedy, or heart-pounding action, this list of the best zombie movies has something for every fan of the undead. Spooky, huh?
Looking for a good scare? Explore these 10 recommended zombie movies and immerse yourself in the terrifying and exhilarating world of zombie cinema. Happy watching!
Let us know your favourite zombie movie in the comments box below!
