Top 10 Best Zombie Films (And Top 10 Worst)

Welcome to the post where we’re listing twenty of the best and worst zombie films.  True, there are many more movies but I’ll upload more post and link them to this page.

 1. Dawn of the Dead (2004) – Best

It is a remake of the George A. Romero’s 1978 film and its plot centers on a handful of human survivors living in a shopping mall located in the fictional town of Everett, Wisconsin, surrounded by swarms of zombies.  The film is directed by Zack Snyder, starring Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, and Mekhi Phifer.

Dawn of the Dead is one of those rare gems that reinvents itself.  The characters had a lot of depth and focus, the suspense was really good, and the story is really good.


2. Rise of the Zombies (2012) – Worst

During a zombie apocalypse ,a group of survivors hide on Alcatraz Island to escape from rising zombie hordes. When their refuge is overrun, and upon hearing that a scientist may have discovered a cure, they leave the island to seek him out. The film is directed by Nick Lyon, starring Mariel Hemingway, Chad Lindberg, Danny Trejo, LeVar Burton, and Heather Hemmens.

Probably one of the worst zombie films.  An interesting story but its bogged down by lazy writing and the troupes out of the wazoo.  Not to mention Danny Trejo dies two times in the film.


3. Shaun of the Dead (2004) – Best

The plot follows Shaun,  a directionless Londoner who is caught in an apocalyptic zombie uprising. The film is directed by Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Bill Nighy, and Penelope Wilton.

One of the best in terms of zombie comedies.  Yes, it is a British film and we know how zany some of their zombie movies can be but it is a solid movie that actually has depth, tells a good story, has funny moments, and is entertaining.


4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) – Worst

Captain Jack Sparrow is joined by his former mate and love interest, Angelica, in his search for the Fountain of Youth, confronting the infamous pirate Blackbeard.  The film is directed by Rob Marshall, starring Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, and Geoffrey Rush.

The film is entertaining and does have its moments but it sucks as a zombie film.  Blackbeard has the ability to use voodoo magic and turn people into zombies.  Which the film doesn’t elaborate on.  At all.


5. Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies (2016) – Worst

Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James) is a master of martial arts and weaponry and the handsome Mr. Darcy (Sam Reilly) is a fierce zombie killer, yet the epitome of upper class prejudice. As the zombie outbreak intensifies, they must swallow their pride and join forces on the blood-soaked battlefield. The film is directed by Burr Steers, starring Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston, Bella Healthcote, Douglas Booth, Matt Smith, Charles Dance, and Lena Headey.

Not a good zombie film in the least bit, the scenes with the characters and their relationships was a hell of a lot more entertaining.  In fact, the way the film is shot, the zombies just feel tacked on with no substance.


6. Return of the Living Dead III (1993) – Worst

Having recently witnessed the horrific results of a top secret project to bring the dead back to life, a distraught youth performs the operation on his girlfriend after she’s killed in a motorcycle accident.  The is directed by Brian Yuzna, starring Kent McCord, Melinda Clarke, James T. Callahan, and Sarah Douglas.

It’s not a bad film but it is a different film than its predecessors.  Seeing this romance between these two characters was good but the zombie aspect could’ve been done better.


7. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) – Best

In the film, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred reunite after a year-long hiatus from Mystery, Inc. to investigate a bayou island said to be haunted by the ghost of the pirate Morgan Moonscar. However, the five find not only a deeper mystery on the island, but their first encounter with a genuine, deadly supernatural threat.  It is directed by Jim Stenstrum, starring Scott Innes, Billy West, Mary Kay Bergman, Frank Welker, B.J. Ward, Adrienne Barbeau, and Tara Strong.

The turning point that helped turned the franchise around.  Not only is it a great Scooby-Doo film but it’s a great zombie film as well.  It was surprisingly dark but highly entertaining.


8. The Rezort (2016) – Worst

After humanity wins a devastating war against zombies, the few remaining undead are kept on a secure island, where they are hunted for sport.  When something goes wrong with the island’s security, the guests must face the possibility of a new outbreak.  The film is directed by Steve Barker, starring Dougray Scott, Jessica De Gouw, and Martin McCann.

What comes off as a really sweet ripoff of Jurassic Park quickly turns into a true shit show.  The only saving grace in this film is Dougray Scott and even he isn’t the star of the film. Hell, the main protagonist does almost nothing of worth throughout the entire film. But having a “amusement” park where zombies are kept is a great idea.


9. The Horde (2009) – Worst

Police officers hunting a violent gang in Paris discover an apartment block overrun by zombies.  The film is directed by Benjamin Rocher and Yannick Dahan, starring Claude Perron, Jean-Pierre Martins, Eriq Ebouaney, and Aurelien Recoing.

This is one of those select few movies that is what can be considered pointless.  Things happen with little to no explanation nor consistency.  The characters aren’t really memorable.  The problem with this film is that it does have a pretty interesting premise.


10. Warm Bodies (2013) – Worst

After a highly unusual zombie saves a still-living girl from an attack, the two form a relationship that sets in motion events that might transform the entire lifeless world. The film is directed by Jonathan Levine, starring Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Corddry, Analeigh Tipton, and Dave Franco.

Warm Bodies is definitely an interesting film.  The romantic aspect is actually good.  However, wasn’t really feelin how R started turning human.  Perhaps if he were introduced to a cure and is slowly turning back, I’d agree more.  But the love at first sight and that love transforms him is corny.  New but corny.


11. Night of the Living Dead (1968) – Best

The film follows a group of survivors who barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in an attempt to remain safe from bloodthirsty, flesh-eating dead who have come back to life.  The film is directed by George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, and Karl Hardman.

Even though this movie is basically what started the zombie genre.  Even though this movie has brought us into the golden age of undead/dead cinema.  Even though this movie has helped redefine horror.  This is a pretty shitty film.  Poor performances, poor special effects, and come on, the low budget is pretty obvious.


12. Day of the Dead (1985) – Worst

A small group of military officers and scientists dwell in an underground bunker as the world above is overrun by zombies.  The film is directed by George A. Romero, starring Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Joseph Pilato, and Jarlath Conroy.

The idea behind Day of the Dead isn’t bad.  But the biggest problem with the film is the acting and the characters.  I don’t care what anyone says.  These characters are just caricatures and performances are pretty over-the-top.


13. Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017) – Best

Chris Redfield enlists the help of Leon S. Kennedy and Rebecca Chambers to stop a death merchant, with a vengeance, from spreading a deadly virus in New York.  Directed by Takanori Tsujimoto and Alexander Von David, the film stars Kevin Dorman, Matthew Mercer, Erin Cahill, John DeMita, Fred Tatasciore, and Cristina Valenzuela.

The movie is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but damn it if it isn’t entertaining.  The zombie aspect is a little different with the zombies being smarter and taking orders.


14. Burying the Ex (2014) – Best

A guy’s regrets over moving in with his girlfriend are compounded when she dies and comes back as a zombie.  Directed by Joe Dante, the film stars Anton Yelchin, Ashley Greene, and Alexandra Daddario.

What makes this film stand out is because of how the relatable the story is.  Not the part where the girlfriend is a zombie, but dealing with people who are just clingy and breaking up.  Despite the underlining theme of the movie the zombie aspect is actually pretty cool.


15. 28 Days Later (2002) – Best

Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the UK, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary.  Directed by Danny Boyle, the film stars Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Brendan Gleeson, and Megan Burns.

The zombie film that introduced the “running” zombies and man those suckers can run.  A viral outbreak jumps off in the heart of the UK and all hell breaks loose.  What makes this such a great movie is the fact that it reinforces the fact that the “zombies” weren’t the only threat.


16. Fido (2006) – Best

The story follows a young boy and his domesticated zombie named Fido.  It is directed by Andrew Curie, starring Kesun Loder, Billy Connolly, and Carrie-Anne Moss.

Fido is just a crazy movie.  Although it does come off as a comedy it is better seen as a clever movie.  And show that no matter what form a person is, there is humanity in us all.  Yes, even zombies.


17. Train to Busan (2016) – Best

The film takes place on a train to Busan, as a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks in the country and compromises the safety of the passengers.  Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, the film stars Yoo Gong, Yu-mi Jung, Dong-seok Ma, Su-an Kim, Eui-sung Kim, and Woo-sik Choi.

One of the best zombie movies, I’ve seen in a while.  It manages to be action packed, moving, and creative.  The characters are great and is surprising for a foreign film.


18. Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) – Best

The film is directed by Russell Mulcahy, starring Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Mike Epps, Ian Glenn, and Oded Fehr.

Zombies have already been done in the cities, underground, and in the forest.  Hell, some have been done in the snow.  But to see zombies ruling the desert (or what is perceived as a desert due to an apocalyptic event.


19. Night of the Living Deb (2015) – Best

Deb wakes up on the Fourth of July in the apartment of the most attractive man she has ever seen. An awkward walk of shame turns ugly when they discover the town has been overrun by a zombie virus, and the duo has to band together to survive. It is directed by Kyle Rankin, starring Maria Thayer, Michael Cassidy, Julie Brister, Syd Wilder, and Ned Donovan.

Zombie comedies can often be hit and miss but Night of the Living Deb definitely hits the mark.  Although corny, Deb is a likable character and the chemistry between her and her crush Ryan is comical due to their personalities but it does flourish.


20. Maggie (2015) – Best

Maggie follows the relationship between a father and his daughter in her final days after she is infected and is slowly turning into a zombie.  Directed by Henry Hobson, the film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson, Douglas M. Griffin, and J.D. Evermore.

A great film that is subtle but filled with emotion.  Not to mention it’s great seeing Arnold actually play a dramatic role.


Thanks for checking out the post and in the comment section below let us know what are the best zombie films and what are the worst.

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