In the past few years, there has been a return to the sub-genre of horror focusing on legions of the undead rising to attack the living. Zombie films were in their infancy in the 1960s during a time of political and social turmoil, so it seems appropriate that they’ve risen again in the new millennium. Remakes of old films and new takes on the zombie genre have become popular with audiences, raising millions at the box office.

Depending on how you look at it, zombie films can be a number of things. They’re sometimes shocking in their displays of graphic violence and gore – 1968’s original “Night of the Living Dead” shocked initial audiences, causing some to throw up upon leaving the theater. As mentioned above, they can be creative platforms for expressing political opinions regarding race, war and xenophobia, apparent in the most recent take on “Dawn of the Dead” (2004). They’re also capable of showcasing fears regarding science and health, where man becomes the monster through genetic mutation or disease. All of these elements can be found in most zombie films, but there are a few which make the best use of these tenets. Below are some recommendations for some of the best zombie films available today.



“Night of the Living Dead” (1968) dir. Romero

This landmark film by the auteur of the zombie film genre, George A. Romero was released in a year that was known for its political and social dissent worldwide. People throughout the United States were protesting the Vietnam War while the fight against discrimination was reaching its fever pitch. Romero says that “Night of the Living Dead” was born from this – he and his friends wanted to create a statement and they used their love and knowledge of film to do just that. Not only is this, the first of the zombie films incredible in terms of its themes, but also because it was one of the first “midnight films.” Shown at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays across the nation, it gained popularity and notoriety for its violence and gore. The acting and some of the special effects seem amateur by today’s standards, but within its context, the film is still horrifying even today. It was made to create some sort of reaction with its African American hero, brief scenes of nudity and the horror invoked as a young girl attacks and consumes her parents upon being “turned.” This classic is definitely worth checking out, whether you’re interested in seeing one of the first zombie films or you’re merely a fan of horror in general.



“28 Days Later…” (2002) dir. Boyle

This film rode in on the tide wave of new millennium zombie films, but it stands out as one of the best. “28 Days Later…” sees zombies created through a disease called “the rage” which spreads through blood and breeds extreme violence in its hosts. The protagonist, Jim, awakes in a hospital to find all of London quiet until he is confronted with the zombie menace. From then on, he unites with other survivors as they make a bid for fortified, safe ground. The film is terrifying in that the zombies are no longer still, slow-moving idiots, but intelligent, fast and violent hunters. The premise feels very possible and real, in part due to Boyle’s direction and the camerawork. Even more horrifying than the zombie menace is the ending when the survivors finally feel they’ve reached safe harbor. I won’t offer any spoilers, so go check it out if you’re dying to find out what happens! [As a side note, the sequel, “28 Weeks Later…” (2007) is absolute rubbish and not worth looking into!]



“Dawn of the Dead” (2004) dir. Snyder

Both the remake and the original (released in 1978, directed by George A. Romero), “Dawn of the Dead” are worth viewing, though I think the most recent version is more interesting and obviously, contemporary. From the start, the film builds a political background with which to set the story – the credits show a microscopic view of diseased cells generating and spreading. Disease is juxtaposed with the idea of bio warfare and the United States government is made to answer for public concern in television spots shown throughout the film as watched by the characters. Not only is it contemporary in terms of its political setting, but also in terms of its representations of violence. There are explosions, bodies littered with gunfire and buckets of blood spread throughout the picture. There are a few moments of jump-in-your-seat fear, but mostly it is the gore and violence that strikes the viewer. Like any horror film, there are some moments of “what were they thinking?” stupidity, but overall, the film is a fun, fast ride through the modern zombie genre. The original will feel dated in comparison, but the basic premise is the same. Note the sort of in-joke present in both of equating zombies with the spread of consumer culture as the survivors find themselves barricaded in a shopping mall.



“Shaun of the Dead” (2004) dir. Wright

Director Edgar Wright and writer/actor Simon Pegg are the go-to guys for hilarious send-ups of pop culture and film genres stereotypes. Picking and choosing from some of their favorite zombie films, the two compose “Shaun of the Dead” in which the main character, a slacker named Shaun tries to protect and help his friends against the zombie hordes. If you’re familiar enough with the zombie sub-genre of horror films, you’ll be able to pick out moments that clearly poke fun at other classics. It’s more funny than frightening, but there are still moments of disgusting gore and violence just as in any other zombie picture. It’s worth checking out whether you’re interested in zombies or not because it’s a genuinely hilarious and brilliant film.