I really wanted to do a themed top ten post for Halloween but, as you may already know, horror is not one of my preferred movie genres, so I was pretty stuck with what topic to go with. However, considering I’ve recently watched Night of the Living Dead (1968) and the long-awaited Zombieland sequel, I figured zombie films would be the way to go, but this proved to be trickier than I first thought because I have only just realised a) how many zombie films there are and b) just how few of them I’ve seen. Therefore, I know that my list will be missing some obvious choices, but hey-ho, it’s my list 🙂

10. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

Following on from his genre-defining movie, Night of the Living Dead, George A. Romero returns with another zombie classic, Dawn of the Dead. This escapade sees four survivors taking refuge in an abandoned shopping mall, but before too long, they’ve got more to worry about than flesh-eating zombies.

Tagline: When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.

Okay, so full disclosure… I’ve not actually seen this film, which is why it’s only at number 10, but I ran out of zombie films, so this one was nominated by Mark. I know for many of you this will probably rank higher.

9. Return of the Living Dead (1985)

Acting as a sort of unofficial sequel to, and parody of, George A. Romero’s 1968 movie The Night of the Living Dead, Return of the Living Dead sees the dead rising again following on from a mishap in a medical supplies warehouse.

Tagline: They’re back from the dead and ready to party!

If you’ve read my review of this film, you’ll already know that I wasn’t particularly impressed but as I’ve stated above, I ran out of zombie films.

8. 28 Days Later (2002)

A group of animal rights activists release some monkeys from captivity, but in doing so, unwittingly release a deadly virus that spreads like wildfire. Directed by Danny Boyle and starring Cillian Murphy, 28 Days Later is a tale of survival that looks at the savage nature of mankind.

Tagline: The days are numbered

7. Pet Sematary (2019)

Some of you may be a little frustrated that I’ve not included the original adaptation of the Stephen King novel, but surprise, surprise, I’ve not seen it (some film fan I am lol). However, I did really enjoy the remake that came out earlier this year, check out my review here.

Pet Sematary sees Dr Louis Creed and his family relocate to the country. Their new home sits alongside a mysterious burial ground that the locals use as a ‘pet sematary’. An unfortunate accident sets off a chain of events that change the Creed family forever.

Tagline: They don’t come back the same.

6. Resident Evil (2002)

Based on the 1996 video game, Resident Evil sees the release of a virus turn people and animals into vicious zombies. I will admit that whilst this film is not exactly a mastrepiece, the reason why it sits above the other is because this is the first zombie film that I enjoyed watching, which is ironic because the game is one of the biggest reasons why I don’t like zombies!

Tagline: A secret experiment. A deadly virus. A fatal mistake.

5. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

The film that effectively created the zombie genre, Night of the Living Dead has to feature in this list. George A Romero’s classic sees a small group of strangers barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in a bid to remain safe from the flesh-eating undead.

Tagline: Pits the dead against the living in a struggle for survival.

4. Warm Bodies (2013)

Clearly taking some inspiration from William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Warm Bodies tells the story of a young and introspective zombie (R – Nicholas Hoult) who falls in love with a human girl (Julie – Teresa Palmer), creating a shift that will create a world no one thought was possible.

I really enjoyed this film, it offers such a heartwarming take on a typically bloodthirsty genre.

Tagline: Cold Body. Warm Heart

3. Zombieland (2009)

My top three places were so difficult to decide, and I’m still not sure if I agree with my own decision, honestly it kind of depends on what mood I’m in. In the bronze medal position we have the 2009 hit, Zombieland.

In a world where survival is key, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin and Emma Stone form an unlikely alliance in a bid to find long lost family, a safe haven and the last Twinkie on earth.

Tagline: Welcome to Zombieland

2. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

This British comedy was well-received from the get-go, but I think it is fair to say that it is now fairly established as something of a cult classic, firmly putting Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on the Hollywood map.

Shaun is not having the best of times; he’s not taken seriously at work, his best friend holds him back and his relationship with his stepdad is fraught, to say the least. When his girlfriend dumps him he decides he needs to get his life back in order and win her back. Unfortunately for Shaun, the dead have come back to life and are getting in his way.

Tagline: A romantic comedy. With zombies.

1. World War Z (2013)

This was one of those films that we just put on because there’s too much choice and we didn’t know what we wanted to watch, however it had me gripped from the get-go. Brad Pitt stars as a former United Nations investigator who is tasked with a mission to investigate the plague and source a cure.

Whilst the film does follow the typical tropes of the genre; a mysterious virus, search for a cure, crazed and relentless undead…etc, there are elements that add an extra level to this story, and that is why it is in my top spot. So if you haven’t seen it, stick it on tonight and join me in eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Until next time… x