Zombie movies provide endless hours of fun entertainment. From thrills and chills, to social commentary and laughs aplenty – zombie flicks have it all.
Train to Busan
Train to Busan is an engaging zombie thriller that delves deep into themes of trust, human connections and innocence lost. Its premise is ideal as it follows the story of an overworked investment manager and his daughter on an train trip that transforms into an epic fight for survival.
Director Yeon Sang-ho previously employed his expertise as an animation filmmaker to craft this fast-paced cinematic bullet train romp that delivers intense physical action, sharp social commentary and genuine sentimental drama.
The characters in this film are well-developed and relatable, while its action sequences are fast-paced and entertaining. While its pace lags slightly during its middle sections, it quickly recovers for an exhilarating emotional climax – making this an excellent addition to anyone who enjoys zombie films!
Burial Ground
Even without an engaging plot, this Italian grindhouse film remains thrilling to watch due to Peter Bark’s incredible performances and gory gore effects. Furthermore, its fantastic soundtrack includes both jazzy sounds as well as atmospheric synth tracks for added ambience – something 4K remaster from 88 Films delivers perfectly. Plus its vivid colours provide vivid frames!
This film follows an extremely basic plot: some people visiting an estate and accidentally awakening zombies that soon start attacking and eating people who visit there. The plot has some similarities with other Italian splatter movies of its time such as Marino Girolami’s Zombi Holocaust and Bruno Mattei’s Hell of the Living Dead (among many others). Additionally, this movie contains an eyeball shot scene similar to that seen in Fulci’s movies.
Dead Alive
Dead Alive (1992 New Zealand film directed by Lord of the Rings and King Kong director Peter Jackson is an amusingly grimy shocker that takes its simple premise – flesh-eating zombies terrorizing humans – and runs with it until its absolute maximum potential has been achieved. There’s plenty of gore here as well as several truly creative body part scenes!
The movie offers an irreverent yet subversive take on domesticity, focusing on Lionel’s relationship with his strict mother and including a hilarious parody of domestic life in its depiction. Additionally, this comedy boasts the birth of a zombie baby as an eye-catching sight gag!
As the zombie genre advances, filmmakers are exploring various styles of post-apocalyptic undead. While many modern zombie films take themselves too seriously, some offer new perspectives on its tropes and cliches.
Shaun of the Dead
Shaun of the Dead is an incredible comedy featuring graphic, violent scenes. While intended as a parody of zombie movies, it also contains some serious messages for its audiences. Part of Cornetto trilogy with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as stars, Shaun of the Dead shows how director Edgar Wright knew that genre could support many elements within itself and his film proves this truth.
The film takes place at a pub called “The Winchester,” with its low-budget production demonstrating that creativity can win out over money. The story serves as a commentary on modern society and consumerism – in particular, zombies serve as metaphors for mindless conformity – while Shaun realizes he must escape his mundane, planless existence if he wants any hope of making something of himself and face up to its horrors head on.
Dawn of the Dead
In this sequel to Night of the Living Dead, a group of individuals flee from a Philadelphia mall after it is invaded by zombies. It features an engaging plot and impressive special effects while making a powerful social statement against consumerism.
Although this sequel to the original is more action-packed than its predecessor, it still boasts an engaging story and characters. Furthermore, this movie incorporates humor to lighten the mood – for instance one character refers to himself as the “Dumb SWAT guy”.
Another distinguishing characteristic of the film is Tom Savini’s realistic and macabre zombie makeup, which received positive reviews. Critics noted how this made zombies appear more realistic and threatening; additionally, violence was common throughout.
One Cut of the Dead
One Cut of the Dead is an independent low-budget film by Shinichiro Ueda that revitalizes the zombie genre with comedy and horror combined for an engaging viewing experience. Boasting an original premise and memorable surprises that appeal to audiences worldwide.
This movie follows an amateur filmmaker and his crew as they film a zombie flick, only for things to go terribly wrong when real zombies attack and overrun them! The focus is then shifted onto how this team manages to survive while finishing filming its movie project.
For anyone who enjoys zombie films, this movie should not be missed. With its mix of comedy and horror elements that provide an entertaining viewing experience for all ages. Plus, its lack of excessive violence makes it perfect for family viewing!
Pontypool
Pontypool stands out as an original take on the zombie apocalypse with one of its unique takes, making for a smart and terrifying movie experience. Pontypool uses sound to add depth to its narrative while its use of speech to convey virus spread adds further depth. Unfortunately, an unpredictable third act changes abruptly between tenseness and silliness prevent it from ranking higher than it otherwise should.
The best zombie movies combine suspense and gore with an engaging plot and cast, an engaging story premise and often reference an actual disease or historical event to offer social commentary. They can also be well-crafted and entertaining to watch; examples being Shaun of the Dead and 28 Days Later which offer both humor and horror in equal measures.