The Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time

The Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time

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Updated May 16, 2024 754.2K views 125 items
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205.2K votes
20.8K voters
54 reranks
Latest additions: Resident Evil: Death Island, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Final Cut
Most divisive: Resident Evil: Degeneration
Over 20.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time

The best zombie movies have captured the imagination of film enthusiasts for generations. Zombie movies span a wide range of subgenres, from horror to comedy, each presenting a distinct take on what a world filled with reanimated corpses would look like. These films have enthralled and horrified audiences for decades as they delve into the very core of human survival and society's breakdown in the face of an insurmountable threat. 

While many zombie movies entertain with their ghastly visuals and suspenseful thrills, the best zombie films distinguish themselves with rich storytelling and complex characters. These films meld exceptional storytelling with relatable characters, creating harrowing tales that resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. Themes such as societal collapse, human nature, and morality intertwine with the sheer horror of the “undead,” making it clear that not every zombie film is simply about mindless flesh-eating creatures. 

Some prime examples of the best zombie movies include George A. Romero's groundbreaking Night of the Living Dead, which set the stage for future apocalyptic cinema, Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, a modern classic that reinvigorated the genre with its fast-moving infected, and Zack Snyder's Dawn of the Dead, a thrilling and suspenseful reimagining of Romero's original masterpiece. Each of these zombie movies transcend basic tropes and offer a gripping, and often haunting, experience. 

The very nature of zombie movies allows for constant evolution and reinterpretation, making the genre ripe for exploration and experimentation. As filmmakers continue to push boundaries and explore new ideas within this enthralling category, audiences can expect to be treated to even more captivating and imaginative stories centered around this terrifying, yet eerily compelling, “undead” phenomenon. 

  • 28 Days Later
    1

    28 Days Later

    Cillian Murphy, Noah Huntley, Naomie Harris
    8,032 votes
    In the suspenseful thriller 28 Days Later, London bike courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakens from a coma in an abandoned hospital. He finds the city eerily deserted, save for infected humans ravaged by a mysterious virus. Meeting a small group of survivors, including the stalwart Selena (Naomie Harris), they navigate the post-apocalyptic landscape, clinging to hope. Directed by Danny Boyle, this film masterfully combines elements of horror and drama, presenting a chilling scenario of societal collapse due to a relentless pandemic. Its raw depiction of survival amidst chaos earned critical acclaim and notable box-office success.
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  • Dawn of the Dead
    2

    Dawn of the Dead

    Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber
    6,195 votes
    Dawn of the Dead, a horror film directed by George A. Romero, is set in a world where the dead rise to feast on the living. The story centers around four survivors: Francine Parker (Gaylen Ross), Stephen Andrews (David Emge), Peter Washington (Ken Foree), and Roger DeMarco (Scott H. Reiniger). They take refuge in a suburban shopping mall, barricading themselves against the zombie horde outside. As they struggle with dwindling supplies, internal conflicts, and the ever-present threat of their undead adversaries, they must make desperate choices for survival. This film is notable for its commentary on consumerism amidst its chilling narrative.
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  • Night of the Living Dead
    3

    Night of the Living Dead

    Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman
    5,976 votes
    In the chilling film, Night of the Living Dead, an unexpected menace threatens the safety of rural Pennsylvania. Directed by George A. Romero, this horror classic brings together a motley crew of strangers in a farmhouse. Among them, Ben (Duane Jones) emerges as a leader, attempting to strategize their survival against an onslaught of reanimated corpses, known as zombies. As the night wears on, tensions within the group escalate almost as horrifyingly as the relentless external threat. This black-and-white masterpiece is not only a pioneering film in the zombie genre but also a stark commentary on societal norms and prejudices of its time.
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  • Dawn of the Dead
    4

    Dawn of the Dead

    David Emge, Ken Foree, Gaylen Ross
    7,630 votes
    A mysterious plague turns the recently deceased into flesh-eating zombies. A small group, including two Philadelphia SWAT team members (Ken Foree and Scott Reiniger), seek refuge in a suburban shopping mall. As the undead horde grows, tensions rise within the group and the external threat becomes more dire.
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  • Train to Busan
    5

    Train to Busan

    Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
    3,804 votes
    A man (Gong Yoo), his estranged daughter and other passengers become trapped on a speeding train during a zombie outbreak in South Korea.
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  • Shaun of the Dead
    6

    Shaun of the Dead

    Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
    8,644 votes
    Shaun of the Dead is a British horror-comedy film, where Shaun (Simon Pegg) plays an ordinary salesman whose life spirals into zombie-infested chaos. His best friend, Ed (Nick Frost), joins him in this unexpected journey. The duo's lackadaisical attitude towards the undead apocalypse creates a unique blend of horror and humor, making it a standout in its genre. Directed by Edgar Wright, the movie received critical acclaim upon release for its clever script and memorable performances. It's not just about surviving zombies; it's also about rekindling relationships and seizing control of one's life amidst all the madness.
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  • Zombieland
    7

    Zombieland

    Emma Stone, Amber Heard, Bill Murray
    9,098 votes
    In a world overrun by zombies, Zombieland offers a thrilling comedic ride. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a nerdy college student, pairs up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), an unapologetic cowboy. They're joined by Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), sisters with their own survival tactics. Together, they navigate their way across the zombie-infested United States in search of a safe haven. This 2009 horror-comedy is known for its unique blend of apocalyptic dread and humor, earning it critical acclaim as well as commercial success.
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  • 28 Weeks Later
    8

    28 Weeks Later

    Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner
    5,647 votes
    In the genre-defining horror sequel, 28 Weeks Later, we find ourselves back in the desolate landscape of infection-ravaged Britain. The tale unfolds around Don (Robert Carlyle), a survivor who's managed to escape the deadly virus that decimated his homeland. Now, 28 weeks later, as NATO forces believe they've regained control, Don is reunited with his children, Tammy (Imogen Poots) and Andy (Mackintosh Muggleton). However, their reunion is short-lived as a carrier of the virus enters London, triggering another outbreak. In this gripping narrative, survival becomes a race against time amidst chaos and carnage.
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  • World War Z
    9

    World War Z

    Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale
    5,999 votes
    In the gripping film World War Z, Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) finds himself in a desperate race against time. As a former United Nations investigator, his particular set of skills become humanity's last hope in the face of a global zombie pandemic. Unveiling a mosaic of fear and chaos, Lane embarks on a perilous mission, traversing continents to find the source of the outbreak. His journey reveals both the fragility and resilience of human spirit. Directed by Marc Forster, this apocalyptic thriller intertwines suspense with survival horror, crafting an enthralling narrative that keeps viewers on edge till the end.
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  • The Evil Dead
    10

    The Evil Dead

    Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker
    3,875 votes
    Five college students, led by Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell), stumble upon an isolated cabin in the heart of a dense, eerie forest. Within its decaying walls, they discover an ancient book - The Necronomicon - and a tape recorder holding cryptic incantations. Recoiling in fascination and dread, they unwittingly unleash a horde of malevolent spirits. As the supernatural forces grow increasingly hostile, the group's bond is strained to breaking point. Directed by Sam Raimi, The Evil Dead is a visceral exploration of survival horror that has been celebrated as a cult classic within the genre since its release in 1981.
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  • The Crazies
    11

    The Crazies

    Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Joe Anderson
    3,125 votes
    Anarchy reigns when an unknown toxin turns the peaceful citizens of Ogden Marsh into bloodthirsty lunatics. In an effort to contain the spread of the infection, authorities blockade the town and use deadly force to keep anyone from getting in or out. Now trapped among killers, Sheriff Dutten (Timothy Olyphant) and his wife (Radha Mitchell) and two companions must band together to find a way out before madness and death overtake them.
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  • The Return of the Living Dead
    12

    The Return of the Living Dead

    Clu Gulager, James Karen, Don Calfa
    3,978 votes
    In the cult horror-comedy The Return of the Living Dead, a pair of hapless employees, Freddy (Thom Mathews) and Frank (James Karen), at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release toxic gas. This triggers an outbreak of the living dead in their small town. The movie, directed by Dan O'Bannon, is an inventive mix of humor and horror, presenting a zombie apocalypse with a punk rock twist. Featuring memorable performances from Clu Gulager as Burt Wilson and Linnea Quigley as Trash, it's a horrifyingly hilarious tale that leaves audiences questioning the line between life and death.
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  • Evil Dead II
    13

    Evil Dead II

    Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks
    2,896 votes
    Evil Dead II, a sequel that straddles the line between horror and comedy, sees Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) returning to the screen. He's marooned in a cabin in the woods, besieged by demonic forces awakened by an ancient text - the Necronomicon. Joined by Annie Knowby (Sarah Berry), daughter of the cabin's owner, they grapple with relentless undead onslaughts. Director Sam Raimi uses innovative camera work and practical effects to create a uniquely terrifying yet laugh-inducing atmosphere. The film is lauded for its blend of genres, making it a cult classic in both horror and comedy circles.
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  • Day of the Dead
    14

    Day of the Dead

    Sherman Howard, Jarlath Conroy, Terry Alexander
    3,921 votes
    This film is a 1985 American horror film written and directed by George A. Romero and the third film in Romero's film series. Romero describes the film as a "tragedy about how a lack of human communication causes chaos and collapse even in this small little pie slice of society". This film features Sherman Howard in an early appearance as Bub, and make-up artist Gregory Nicotero playing Pvt. Johnson and assisting Tom Savini with the make-up effects.
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  • Resident Evil
    15

    Resident Evil

    Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius
    5,461 votes
    In the gripping film Resident Evil, Alice (Milla Jovovich) awakens in a deserted mansion, only to find herself at the heart of a deadly viral outbreak. The Umbrella Corporation's underground facility, known as The Hive, is the epicenter of this catastrophe. Alice teams up with Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez) and a ragtag group of survivors, fighting off hordes of flesh-eating zombies and mutant creatures. As they delve deeper into The Hive's secrets, survival becomes their ultimate goal. This action-packed horror flick is a thrilling journey into a dystopian world where humanity hangs by a thread.
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  • I Am Legend
    16

    I Am Legend

    Will Smith, Alice Braga, Dash Mihok
    5,067 votes
    In I Am Legend, Robert Neville (Will Smith) finds himself the lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a man-made virus. As a military virologist, Neville's immunity becomes both his curse and potential salvation. He navigates through desolate New York City, his only companions being his loyal dog, Sam, and haunting memories of his family. Striving to reverse the effects of the virus with his own blood, he battles with isolation and relentless nocturnal mutants. His hope persists though as he relentlessly broadcasts radio messages, seeking other survivors. Despite its bleak landscape, this sci-fi thriller encapsulates a gripping tale of survival, resilience, and unyielding hope.
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  • REC
    17

    REC

    Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza, Jorge-Yamam Serrano
    2,467 votes
    In the heart-pounding Spanish horror film REC, television reporter Angela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) and her cameraman Pablo (Pablo Rosso) document a routine emergency call at an apartment building in Barcelona. What starts as a simple night shift spirals into a terrifying ordeal when they find themselves trapped inside, with residents succumbing to an unknown, aggressive illness. As tensions rise and the situation worsens, Angela and Pablo must navigate their way through the chaos, capturing every shocking moment on camera. Directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, REC is a chilling blend of found footage style and zombie-like horror that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
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  • Army of Darkness
    18

    Army of Darkness

    Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert
    4,093 votes
    3rd Evil Dead movie. Ash (Bruce Campbell) finds himself trapped in medieval times. He must quest for the Necronomicon, a book of evil which can return him to his time. Unfortunately, he releases the evil trapped inside the book and unleashes an army of the dead.
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  • The Cabin in the Woods
    19

    The Cabin in the Woods

    Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison
    1,620 votes
    The Cabin in the Woods is an enigmatic horror film, laced with elements of comedy. Five college friends, including Dana (Kristen Connolly) and Curt (Chris Hemsworth), embark on a vacation to a remote cabin. Unbeknownst to them, their every move is being manipulated by mysterious puppeteers underground. As the group's weekend getaway transforms into a terrifying ordeal, they find themselves entangled in an intricate web of life-and-death scenarios. Directed by Drew Goddard, this movie offers a refreshing twist on classic horror tropes and won the Saturn Award for Best Horror or Thriller Film in 2013.
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  • Quarantine
    20

    Quarantine

    Jennifer Carpenter, Steve Harris, Jay Hernandez
    2,442 votes
    Reporter Angela (Jennifer Carpenter) and her cameraman Scott (Steve Harris) are doing a story on night-shift firefighters for a reality-TV program. A late-night distress call takes them to a Los Angeles apartment building, where the police are investigating a report of horrific screams. The TV team and emergency workers find an old woman, who suddenly attacks with teeth bared. What's more, Angela and company find that the building has been sealed by CDC workers. Then the attacks really begin.
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  • Pet Sematary
    21

    Pet Sematary

    Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne, Denise Crosby
    2,303 votes
    In the chilling horror film Pet Sematary, Dr. Louis Creed (Dale Midkiff) relocates his family to rural Maine, unaware of the eerie pet cemetery near their new home. The story takes a dark turn when tragedy strikes, leading Louis to an old local named Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne). A secret, ancient burial ground with sinister powers is unveiled by Jud. As the Creeds grapple with death and its unnatural reversal, director Mary Lambert masterfully unravels a tale of escalating dread and unspeakable horror. Characters plunge into a nightmare where boundaries between life and death hauntingly blur.
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  • Land of the Dead
    22

    Land of the Dead

    Simon Baker, John Leguizamo, Asia Argento
    2,986 votes
    In a world where zombies form the majority of the population, the remaining humans build a feudal society away from the undead. Ruthless Paul Kaufman (Dennis Hopper) rules and protects this microcosm but enforces painful class distinctions. Second-in-command Cholo DeMora (John Alberto Leguizamo) attempts to lead a secret rebellion against Kaufman's tyranny, but when the zombies begin to evolve, the survivors must discover a way to protect themselves from a zombie hoard that can learn and adapt.
  • Resident Evil: Apocalypse
    23

    Resident Evil: Apocalypse

    Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Oded Fehr
    2,974 votes
    A deadly virus from a secret Umbrella Corporation laboratory underneath Raccoon City is exposed to the world. Umbrella seals off the city to contain the virus, creating a ghost town where everyone trapped inside turns into a mutant zombie. Alice (Milla Jovovich), a survivor from Umbrella's secret lab, meets former Umbrella security officer Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) and mercenary Carlos Oliviera (Oded Fehr). Together, they search for a scientist (Jared Harris) who might be able to help.
  • Zombieland: Double Tap
    24

    Zombieland: Double Tap

    Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
    836 votes
    In the comedic horror sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, we once more join the resilient foursome - Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) - as they continue to navigate a post-apocalyptic America overrun by zombies. Their journey is further complicated by evolved, harder-to-kill zombies, internal tensions, and unexpected new companions. The film, directed by Ruben Fleischer, delivers a potent blend of laughter and terror while exploring the dynamics of an unconventional family in a world gone mad. The writing duo Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick return to deliver another hit filled with wit and action.
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  • Warm Bodies
    25

    Warm Bodies

    Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich
    2,393 votes
    In the genre-blurring movie Warm Bodies, we follow an unusual protagonist: a sentient zombie named R (Nicholas Hoult). He's not your typical undead. R, in his post-apocalyptic world, forms an unlikely bond with Julie (Teresa Palmer), a human survivor. Their relationship sparks changes in R and ripples through the zombie community. With John Malkovich as General Grigio, Julie's militant father, the plot thickens. Directed by Jonathan Levine, this film delivers a fresh spin on zombie lore while exploring themes of identity and redemption. It also adds a dash of romance to the horror-comedy mix, creating an entertaining cinematic experience.
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  • Resident Evil: Extinction
    26

    Resident Evil: Extinction

    Milla Jovovich, Oded Fehr, Ali Larter
    2,702 votes
    Captured by the Umbrella Corp., Alice (Milla Jovovich) receives genetic alterations that leave her with superhuman abilities. Hiding out in the Nevada desert, she joins forces with former cohorts Carlos (Oded Fehr) and L.J. (Mike Epps) as well as new survivors Claire (Ali Larter), K-Mart (Spencer Locke) and Nurse Betty (Ashanti) to eradicate the virus that threatens to turn every human on Earth into a zombie.
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  • Re-Animator
    27

    Re-Animator

    Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton
    2,199 votes
    In Re-Animator, medical student Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) arrives at Miskatonic University, bringing with him a serum that can resurrect the dead. He teams up with fellow student Dan Cain (Bruce Abbott), and they start conducting experiments in their morgue. Their work, however, takes a sinister turn as the revived bodies become increasingly violent and unpredictable. The duo's unethical practices catch the attention of Dr. Carl Hill (David Gale), leading to catastrophic consequences. This 1985 film, directed by Stuart Gordon, is a cult classic in the horror-comedy genre. It cleverly combines gore with dark humor, offering viewers a uniquely macabre narrative experience.
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  • Resident Evil: Afterlife
    28

    Resident Evil: Afterlife

    Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Kim Coates
    2,211 votes
    In a world overrun with the walking dead, Alice (Milla Jovovich) continues her battle against Umbrella Corp., rounding up survivors along the way. Joined by an old friend, Alice and her group set out for a rumored safe haven in Los Angeles. Instead of sanctuary, they find the city overrun with zombies, and a trap about to spring.
  • Night of the Comet
    29

    Night of the Comet

    Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelli Maroney, Robert Beltran
    1,827 votes
    The film Night of the Comet is a blend of science fiction and horror, sprinkled with elements of comedy. The plot revolves around two sisters, Regina (Catherine Mary Stewart) and Samantha Belmont (Kelli Maroney), who are among the few survivors after a comet wipes out most life on Earth. The celestial event turns those exposed to it into dust or zombie-like creatures. Navigating this post-apocalyptic landscape, the Belmont sisters grapple with cannibalistic zombies, dodgy scientists from an underground facility, and the daunting reality of repopulating the planet. As they adapt to their new reality, they exhibit courage, resilience, and surprising wit.
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  • Resident Evil: Retribution
    30

    Resident Evil: Retribution

    Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Kevin Durand
    1,876 votes
    As Umbrella Corp.'s deadly T-virus continues to turn the world's population into legions of flesh-eating zombies, Alice (Milla Jovovich), the human race's last hope, awakes deep within Umbrella's secret operations facility. The further she delves into the complex, the more of her mysterious past is unveiled. Her global hunt for those responsible for the outbreak leads to a mind-blowing revelation; Aided by friends old and new, Alice fights to escape from a world on the edge of oblivion.
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