Welcome to a world of terror, where the dead walk amongst us. All hungering for the taste of human flesh. Yes, we’re talking about none other than the spine-chilling genre of zombie movies!
Whether you’re a die-hard horror enthusiast or simply craving a thrilling movie night, zombie movies captivate audiences.
This best zombie movie compilation is for those who find these extensions of human existence fascinating. It’s time to explore the best that the zombie cinema has to offer. These films take us to a world where survival instincts collide with the relentless undead in blood-soaked streets and post-apocalyptic wastelands.
Why are zombie movies so irresistible?
Perhaps it’s the raw, primal fear they evoke—the fear of our mortality and the lurking presence of the unknown. These films tap into our deepest fears and force us to confront the fragility of life in the face of relentless hordes of brain-craving creatures.
But it’s not all gore and terror; zombie movies offer a unique blend of excitement, suspense, and dark humor. They act as a mirror, reflecting our society, exploring survival, morality, and the human spirit.
This is not your average top-ten list. This ranking is not based on critics’ reviews or industry accolades. Instead, we’re turning to the actual authorities—the viewers themselves!
We’ve scoured forums, analyzed online discussions, and tallied the votes to compile a list representing the zombie-loving community’s pulse.
Prepare to be thrilled, chilled, and perhaps even infected with a newfound love for the undead. Get ready to sink your teeth into the ten best zombie movies of all time, as chosen by you, the passionate viewers.
10 ‘Grindhouse’ (2007)
IMDb: 7.5/10 188K | Popularity: 2,860 | Metascore:
Genres: Action, Horror, Thriller
Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino team up to create “Grindhouse,” a loving nod to vintage, low-budget cinema.
Within the confines of a crumbling cinema, a series of interwoven narratives come to life. You witness blood-soaked mayhem, dark humor, and unrelenting action.
In the first part, “Planet Terror,” a deadly virus spreads, turning people into flesh-eating zombies. Joining forces, a fearless stripper, a rogue doctor, and a mysterious gunslinger confront a town swarming with zombies.
In the second part, “Death Proof,” a psychotic stuntman preys on young women with his “death-proof” car. However, he meets his match when a group of fearless friends turns the tables on him in a high-speed pursuit of revenge.
With relentless energy, explosive visuals, and an all-star cast, “Grindhouse” delivers a non-stop adrenaline rush. It pays homage to the best zombie movies while embracing the gritty charm of exploitation cinema.
So buckle up because this cinematic experience will leave you breathless and begging for more.
9 ’28 Days Later’ (2002)
IMDb: 7.5/10 426K | Popularity: 1,139 | Metascore:
Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
“28 Days Later” is a tale about the post-apocalyptic world.
A powerful virus, accidentally unleashed, turns humans into rage-filled zombies.
Jim, a survivor, wakes up from a coma and discovers the desolate streets of London. Together with a group of fellow survivors, they fight their way through hordes of infected, searching for safety.
In this thrilling race against time, they confront the darkest corners of human nature while trying to stay alive.
Its relentless pace, intense action, and harrowing atmosphere secure “28 Days Later” as one of the finest zombie movies.
8 ‘One Cut of the Dead’ (2017)
IMDb: 7.6/10 27K | Metascore:
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Horror
This best zombie movie countdown gets more intense from here.
In “One Cut of the Dead,” a low-budget filmmaker decides to shoot a zombie movie in an abandoned warehouse.
During the filming, a real zombie apocalypse breaks out, turning the crew into unsuspecting victims. But here’s the twist: the first 37 minutes of the movie are shot in one continuous take!
As chaos ensues, the director must navigate the mayhem and capture the best zombie movie ever made, all while trying to survive.
“One Cut of the Dead” delivers a refreshing combination of clever twists, hilarious moments, and unexpected turns, making it a standout horror-comedy film.
7 ‘Zombieland’ (2009)
IMDb: 7.6/10 597K | Popularity: 1,398 | Metascore:
Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror
Welcome to a zombie-filled America, where the undead roam freely.
Witness the resilience of Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock as they navigate the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
In a quest for survival, they team up and create a set of rules to stay alive. United, they embark on an epic road trip, battling hordes of zombies at every turn.
Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of laughs, danger, and surprising alliances.
“Zombieland” stands tall among the best zombie movies, seamlessly blending gore, humor, and heart-pounding action.
6 ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014)
IMDb: 7.6/10 191K | Popularity: 1,328 | Metascore:
Genres: Comedy, Horror
In the hilarious mockumentary “What We Do in the Shadows,” prepare to sink your teeth into a vampire tale like no other.
The film follows a group of centuries-old bloodsuckers — Viago, Deacon, Vladislav, and Petyr — who share a flat in modern-day Wellington.
Forever bound, they navigate challenges, cope with mundane tasks, and adapt to the ever-changing world.
As they open their doors to a documentary crew, you witness their daily routines, which include disputes over household chores, nightclub exploits, and encounters with the local werewolf pack.
The vampires’ unconventional antics and outlandish personalities provide a constant source of laughter. However, their immortal lives take a twisted turn when they accidentally turn a human named Nick into a vampire.
Nick’s zest for his newfound abilities complicates matters, especially when his best friend Stu becomes the unsuspecting prey of the vampire housemates.
Amidst the chaos, an ancient and powerful vampire, known as The Beast, arrives in town, threatening the delicate balance the vampires have managed to maintain. With The Beast looming, their survival instincts go into overdrive, setting the stage for a climactic showdown.
“What We Do in the Shadows” shines as a standout among the best zombie movies ever made, a must-watch for fans of both vampire and zombie flicks.
5 ‘Train to Busan’ (2016)
IMDb: 7.6/10 236K | Popularity: 969 | Metascore:
Genres: Action, Horror, Thriller
In the pulse-pounding film “Train to Busan,” you embark on a harrowing journey aboard a train infested with ravenous zombies.
As the best zombie movies go, this South Korean thriller thrusts you into the midst of a deadly viral outbreak.
You follow Seok-woo, a workaholic father, who boards the train with his young daughter, Su-an.
Their seemingly ordinary trip takes a horrific turn when an infected passenger unleashes chaos. With relentless zombies lurking in every carriage, Seok-woo must fight to protect his daughter.
As alliances form and tensions rise, surviving the onslaught becomes a matter of life and death. The passengers must navigate the tight confines of the train, battling both the undead and their own fears.
Through heart-stopping action sequences and emotional moments, “Train to Busan” delivers relentless suspense. As the train hurtles towards Busan, the survivors face sacrifices, difficult choices, and the relentless pursuit of survival.
Will they reach their destination unscathed, or will the undead claim their lives along the way?
That’s for you to find out.
4 ‘Evil Dead II’ (1987)
IMDb: 7.7/10 174K | Popularity: 1,404 | Metascore:
Genres: Comedy, Horror
“Evil Dead II” is like witnessing a relentless nightmare come to life.
Ash Williams, the unfortunate protagonist, retreats to a cabin in the woods with his girlfriend, seeking a peaceful getaway. However, things take a horrifying turn when they unwittingly unleash an ancient evil lurking within the cabin’s pages.
Ash battles possessed trees, relentless demons, and his own sanity in a desperate fight for survival.
“Evil Dead II” is a blend of horror and dark humor. This cult classic delivers intense suspense, gruesome gore, and a touch of slapstick comedy.
3 ‘Night of the Living Dead’ (1968)
IMDb: 7.8/10 133K | Popularity: 3,909 | Metascore:
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Step into the nightmare world of George A. Romero‘s “Night of the Living Dead,” where you’re thrust into a rural farmhouse.
Trapped alongside strangers, you must fight for survival against relentless hordes of flesh-eating zombies. Throughout one chilling night, tensions rise, alliances form and crumble, and the undead relentlessly assault the fortified house.
Witness the crumbling of society and the desperate struggle to preserve sanity in this apocalyptic tale.
With its revolutionary influence, “Night of the Living Dead” rightfully claims its spot among the best zombie movies ever.
2 ‘Dawn of the Dead’ (1978)
IMDb: 7.8/10 124K | Popularity: 2,331 | Metascore:
Genres: Horror, Thriller
“Dawn of the Dead,” is another standout film directed by George A. Romero.
This zombie classic transports you to a world overwhelmed by the undead.
As survivors band together, they seek refuge in a shopping mall, creating a fragile sanctuary amidst the zombie apocalypse.
With tensions rising and undead hordes pressing against their defenses, they must navigate internal conflicts while fending off relentless attacks.
This classic zombie film showcases the struggle for survival, the breakdown of society, and the grim realities of an apocalyptic world.
Witness the harrowing battle between the living and the undead unfold before your eyes.
No doubt about it, a remarkable entry that firmly secures its spot among the best zombie movies in history.
1 ‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)
IMDb: 7.9/10 572K | Popularity: 909 | Metascore:
Genres: Comedy, Horror
Ranked top of the best zombie movies countdown, “Shaun of the Dead” is a laugh-out-loud, adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Shaun, an ordinary guy stuck in a mundane existence, suddenly faces a zombie apocalypse.
Together with his slacker best friend, Ed, they embark on a quest to rescue Shaun’s girlfriend, Liz, and his beloved mother, Barbara.
Battling the undead horde, Shaun’s journey is riddled with comedy, gore, and unexpected heartwarming moments.
With a blend of humor, romance, and zombie-slaying mayhem, this film showcases Shaun’s transformation from a bumbling everyman to a reluctant hero.
Can he save his loved ones and survive the chaotic undead uprising? Watch this thrilling and side-splitting adventure to find out!
FAQs About the Best Zombie Movies
What are the best zombie movies on Rotten Tomatoes?
- The Return of the Living Dead (1985) – 91%
- Dead Alive (1992) – 89%
- Re-Animator (1985) – 94%
- Rec (2007) – 90%
- 28 Days Later (2002) – 87%
- Zombieland (2009) – 89%
- Night of the Living Dead (1968) – 96%
- Train to Busan (2016) – 94%
- Shaun of the Dead (2004) – 92%
- Dawn of the Dead (1978) – 93%
What are the best zombie movies on Letterboxd?
- Train to Busan (2016)
- Day of the Dead (1985)
- [REC] (2007)
- Dawn of the Dead (2004)
- Braindead (1992)
- Dawn of the Dead (1978)
- Zombieland (2009)
- 28 Days Later (2002)
- Night of the Living Dead (1968)
- Shaun of the Dead (2004)
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