There have been many supernatural and mythological creatures included throughout films, ranging from vampires and werewolves to witches and demons. However, zombies may be some of the most popular creatures brought to the screen.
The undead creatures, who originate from Haitian folklore, have evolved from their magical origins throughout oral history and cinema. The popularity of George A. Romero’sNight of the Living Dead(1968) gave rise to themodern interpretationof zombies: undead humans who feast on the bodies of the living. Since then, the zombie subgenre of film has continued to be a mainstay in cinema.
FromShaun of the Dead(2004) toPeninsula(2020), each decade in the 21st century has given viewers iconic films, but the 2010s have been one of the best. The decade may have brought amazing blockbusters and international hits involving the undead creatures, but how does each feature fare against one another?
Let’s take a look at the 10 best zombie horror movies, ranked.
10World War Z (2013)
World War Z
Marc Foster is known for his high-budget films that range in genre, but it is his 2013 action horror filmWorld War Zthat may be his most popular. Adapted from the 2006 novel of the same name by Max Brooks,World War Zstars Brad Pitt as former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane. The film follows Lane as he takes charge in the search for a cure to a deadly zombie outbreak that is spread through bites.
Why it Makes the List
Made with a large budget,World War Zshowcases how entertaining a blockbuster zombie film can be. The film is full of action and intensity backed by an ensemble cast supporting the popular Brad Pitt. While the film received mixed reviews from critics for its lack of continuity to its source material, the film is a realistic thriller for a worldwide audience. The amusing watch also gives good social commentary and seemingly helpedrevitalize the zombie film genreupon its release.
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9Warm Bodies (2013)
Warm Bodies
Paranormal romance has been a popular subset of literature and cinema since its early inception, and the zombie romance film has recently made its way onto the list. In 2013, a new example of this trend was released in the form of the zombie comedy filmWarm Bodies. Also based on its titular novel, the Johnathan Levine-written and directed film is a cheeky play on Shakespeare’sRomeo and Juliet, revolving around the love story of a zombie, R (Nicholas Hoult), and a human, Julie (Teresa Palmer).
Warm Bodiesis a light-hearted story involving a forbidden love story between humanity and zombies. The critically acclaimed film brings a fresh perspective to the romance genre while also showcasing the horrors involved with zombies alongside someone. The film is a perfect watch for anyone looking to invest in a cheesy rom-com that involves the world’s most cannibalistic creatures.
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8Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
Zombieland: Double Tap
Zombieland: Double Tap(2019) was the successful followup to the iconicZombieland(2009) and was directed by Ruben Fleischer. The zombie comedy brings back the original’s lovable quartet of Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), and Wichita (Emma Stone), while including characters played by other prominent actors, including Zoey Deutsch and Rosario Dawson. Set six years after the events of the original film, Double Tapsees the characters venture from the White House to Graceland, Tennessee, in search of Little Rock.
The phenomenalZombielandfilm proved to be a worthy addition to the lineup of zombie films in cinemas. Its sequel,Double Tap, proved that the excellence of the original will continue to be present in any sequel. From its great blend of zombie action and comedy to a hilariously dramatic performance by Deutch,Zombieland: Double Tapproved it was worth the 10-year wait.
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7Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Anna and the Apocalypse
Scottish filmmaker Ryan McHenry was nominated for a BAFTA Scotland award in 2011 for directing the short filmZombie Musical. Six years later and two years after his death, his idea was fully conceptualized into the feature-length film known asAnna and the Apocalypse. Directed by John McPhail, the Christmas-centric film follows Anna (Ella Hunt) as she and her friends fight against a horde of zombies.
The genres of the musical, zombies, and comedy culminate in an underrated classic inAnna and the Apocalypse. The film features stellar performances from its ensemble cast and catchy songs within its soundtrack that are relatable and meaningful.Anna and the Apocalypseoffers a unique viewing experience within the decade’s assortment of zombie films, and is able to convey an amusing story amidst the crowded genre.
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6ParaNorman (2012)
ParaNorman
Laika has become one of the most prominent animation studios in the world, due to their strong emphasis on stop-motion style of animation. The studio’s catalog of films includes masterpieces likeCoraline(2009) andKubo and the Seven Strings(2016), but in 2012, the studio ventured into the realm of zombies. Following the titular Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee), the film follows Norman’s efforts to end a witch’s curse that plagues his town.
Despite the box office success ofParanormanupon its release, the film has become one of the mostunderrated films of the 2010s. The film brings a comical perspective to animation and zombies for any audience, while also instilling lasting lessons about accepting anyone regardless of their image.ParaNormanalso became the first stop-motion film to use a 3-D printer for characters' faces, and its acclaim was also met with an Academy Award nomination in 2017.
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One Cut of the Dead
One Cut of the Dead is a Japanese indie film directed by Shinichirou Ueda. The story follows a film crew shooting a low-budget zombie movie, only to be interrupted by real zombies. The film showcases an innovative take on the horror-comedy genre, with surprising narrative twists that defy the typical conventions of zombie cinema.
Another zombie comedy film makes this list, although this timeit comes from the mind of Japanese director Shin’ichirō Ueda.One Cut of the Deadtells the story of a group of filmmakers and actors who are shooting a zombie film for live television. However, things take a sinister turn once actual zombies start to attack them in production.
Ueda’s comedic masterwork ofOne Cut of the Deadis a testament tothe power of a dedicated fan baseand a genuinely charismatic script.One Cut of the Deadgrossed over $31.2 million (¥3.12 billion) worldwide on a budget of $25,000 (¥3 million). The record-breaking statistic went down in history as a film that earned over a thousand times its budget.
Apart from its historic legacy, the film presents a meta-commentary on the genre as a whole while also adhering to its comedic and overly-expressive roots. With a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, critics and fans alike have adored the overly satiric film, which is a flattering gem in the zombie film genre.
4Cargo (2017)
The directing duo of Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke returned to their 2013 short filmCargoto help create a feature film based on the short film’s premise. Also namedCargo, the 2017 zombie horror feature observes a couple and their baby venturing through Australia as a deadly zombie outbreak spreads around them.
The relatively unknown Australian film was praised by critics upon its release.Cargo’s passionately driven script by Ramke was adored for its profoundness, while Martin Freeman’s portrayal of the dedicated father and husband, Andy Rose was equally loved.
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3The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
cabin in the woods
When it comes to incredibly influential, genre-defining films within horror, it is hard to discredit the effectThe Cabin in the Woods(2011) had upon its release. The film sees a group of college students retreat to a secluded cabin in the woods for the weekend. Soon after their arrival, the young adults are faced with supernatural entities and strange occurrences conducted by members of an underground facility.
The Cabin in the Woodsis notable within horror for its effortless subversion of horror tropes and trends. From establishing the deaths of horror’s staple characters early on to the shocking revelation hidden beneath the cabin’s ground, Drew Goddard’s directorial debut has gone on to become a staple within the landscape of horror. While zombies are not a prominent part of the film’s narrative, these creatures pose enough of a threat within the film to not include it on this list.
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2Ravenous (2017)
Candian creative Robin Aubert is an accolade-earning screenwriter, director and actor with his involvements in films likeThe Countess of Baton Rouge(1997) andMiraculum(2014). However, he ventured into the realm of zombies in 2017 with the release ofThe Ravenous.
A French-language Canadian horror film,The Ravenousdepicts the residential lives of a rural Quebec community after a zombie attack threatens their town. Resident Bonin (Marc-André Grondin) serves as the film’s leading character as he interacts with many of the town’s residents throughout the chaos.
The relatively underrated feature is often considered to be one of Canada’sbest horror films.The Ravenousexcellently explores the philosophical nature of the zombie genre while also depicting the community appeal in rural towns. The film also explores the community aspect of zombies, by including strange rituals and gatherings done by zombies within the film.
Stream on The Criterion Channel
1Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan
Arguably consideredone of the best zombie movies of all time,Train to Busan(2016) is an intensely popular South Korean action horror film by Yeon Sang-ho. The film’s premise is simple, following workaholic Seok-woo (Gong Yoo) and his daughter Su-an (Kim Su-an) as they survive a zombie outbreak while on a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan.
It is hard to put into words how iconicTrain to Busanhas been to the zombie genre. The film’s fantastic usage of intense action sequences, stunning cinematography, and frantic editing help to create an exciting atmosphere for a tightly compact zombie outbreak setting. The film’s collection of rousing, emotional, and sincere performances also elevates it compared to others on this list.
Train to Busan’s lasting legacy in the zombie genre has led to the creation of an entire franchise banked off the success of the 2016 release. A box office success and critically acclaimed masterpiece,Train to Busanshowcases how empathy can prevail during intensity.
