Horror Favorites: Zombies
Last Updated: July 1, 2021
To preface, we aren’t hardcore zombie experts. We only made it through four seasons of the walking dead and we have watched a lot of these movies for the first time all at the same time. Frankly, we don’t think most zombie movies are that scary but here are 15 that we like, including at least one that’s terrifying.
15. 28 Days Later (2002)
So, this movie is actually pretty scary. This marks the first time zombies were able to run and that upped the scare-factor. There are certainly some haunting scenes that will get your blood pumping but also some corny things about the movie/screenplay that take away from it. What I like most: The zombies are spawned by a rage virus, which is an interesting social critique.
14. The Girls with All the Gifts (2016)
First of all, a visual masterpiece. Second, an entirely fresh take on zombies. It’s not as scary as it could be. It leans into a more emotional take on zombies but it is still worth a watch if you are zombie lover — What I like most: the storyline is one of a kind, the zombies are new and improved and the girl with all the gifts is a sympathetic character.
13. Pontypool (2008)
What a weird but cool movie. Some people say it's not a zombie movie, others say it is. I’ll leave it up to you — What I like most: The story is told entirely from the point of view of a radio announcer and that is an interesting take. He tries to get the best info out there to listeners while the world crumbles around him and he barely knows what is happening outside.
12. I am Legend (2007)
Is this a zombie movie? I am inclined to say yes. I really felt like this was more of a vampire movie but it seems there is a mashup here. They are infected with a virus which makes me think zombie but can’t come out in the light which feels like a vampire thing. Either way, the monsters in this movie are nightmare fuel, often overshadowed by the emotional performance given by Will Smith — What I like Most: The sad humor throughout that could only work with Will Smith in the lead.
11. #Alive (2020)
Getting back to basics, this S. Korean zombie movie is excellent. It centers around a twenty-something bro who is watching the zombie apocalypse unfold from his apartment where he is trying to wait it out with all of his technology — What I like most: the authenticity, it feels like what I would do.
10. Little Monsters (2019)
Hilarious and serious. Lupita is a queen and she really shows it in this film, which centers around a class field trip — What I like most: this movie is very funny but takes the zombie genre seriously.
9. Quarantine (2008)
My bread and butter! An actually terrifying zombie movie — Quarantine (which is a remake of REC, I believe) focuses on a news journalist reporting on a story at an apartment complex, which is locked down due to a virus outbreak —What I like most: the nightmarish scenery and the claustrophobic feel of this found footage film.
8. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
This movie is one of the best remakes anyone could ask for. It’s a bit different but it brings a new level of fear — What I liked most: the effects — holy shit.
7. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
There is too much here to love. It’s a zombie film but it’s funny and fresh — what I like best: you grow to love these characters and the humor is unmatched.
6. World War Z (2013)
The perspective here is from the point of view of the high ranking dude trying to stop this pandemic of zombies. I would argue this is the epitome of the zombie action film, there is little horror here — what I like best: the Philadelphia scene.
5. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
The ultimate zombie movie for the ultimate zombie fan. It’s a pretty gorey film for it’s time but worth the watch even if that isn’t your jam — What I like most: it’s really a social commentary on consumerism.
4. Pet Sematary (1986)
I get push back from some people about this one but Pet Sematary is certainly a zombie movie. As far as fear, this movie terrified me as a kid, especially the scene with the truck. What I like Most — it scared the shit out of me.
3. Train to Busan (2016)
WOW. This movie is incredible. It has everything you want in a zombie movie and more. It’s a story about the hardships of parenthood and what it means to fight and sacrifice for your family. What I like most — how much I grow attached to the characters.
2. The Crazies (2010)
This is the scariest zombie movie, hands down. This one gets me creeped out everytime and Timothy Olyphant is just the everyman you need for a zombie outbreak in a rural farmtown. What I like Most — the zombies are actually scary.
- Night of the Living Dead (1968)
This is our favorite zombie movie. It’s the original zombie movie and it sets all the rules we still play by. What I like most — it still holds up after 50 years.
