The Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time
Photo: Columbia Pictures / Universal Studios

The Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time

Ranker Community
Updated October 26, 2023 200.7K votes 19.2K voters 750.5K views
Over 19.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Top 100+ Zombie Movies Of All Time
Latest additions: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Final Cut, Army of the Dead
Most divisive: Return of the Living Dead Part II

Here is a list of the best zombie movies ever, including popular blockbusters like Zombieland, 28 Days Later, and Dawn of the Dead; classic zombie flicks like 1968's Night of the Living Dead and Comedy/Zombie crossovers like Braindead and Shaun of the Dead. The best zombie movies of all time are certainly up for debate and this is where you come in! Purist zombie fans can argue forever over what really constitutes a good zombie movie--does it have to be a drama or horror film or can it be a zombie comedy? What is the dictionary definition of "zombie"? Do the creatures have to be completely brainless and incapable of conversation? Can zombies feast on anything or only brains? etc., etc. But most of the world's zombie cult following will find the famous zombie films that they most love on this list.

What are the best zombie movies ever? This is a list of the best zombie movies of all time, as ranked by YOU, you Primitive Screwheads! From older classics to new zombie movies, the top zombie movies are listed here for you to vote, rerank, and even add to. Whether you're a fan of slow shamble zombies or plague infected runners, one thing that we can all agree on is our love of zombie movies. So get in there and get ranking. If you think a new zombie movie deserves to make the list, be sure to add it!

Ranked by
  • 28 Days Later
    1

    28 Days Later

    Cillian Murphy, Noah Huntley, Naomie Harris
    7,924 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Danny Boyle
    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.
  • Dawn of the Dead
    2

    Dawn of the Dead

    Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber
    6,066 votes
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Zack Snyder
    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.
  • Night of the Living Dead
    3

    Night of the Living Dead

    Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman
    5,864 votes
    • Released: 1968
    • Directed by: George A. Romero
    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.
  • Dawn of the Dead
    4

    Dawn of the Dead

    David Emge, Ken Foree, Gaylen Ross
    7,524 votes
    • Released: 1978
    • Directed by: George A. Romero
    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.
  • Train to Busan
    5

    Train to Busan

    Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
    3,679 votes
    • Released: 2016
    • Directed by: Yeon Sang-ho
    In the high-stakes thriller Train to Busan, a fast-paced ride of terror unfolds aboard a speeding train. Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), a workaholic father, is escorting his estranged daughter, Su-an (Kim Su-an), to her mother's home in Busan when an apocalyptic zombie outbreak sweeps South Korea. The passengers, including the tough-as-nails Sang-hwa (Ma Dong-seok) and the pregnant Seong-kyeong (Jung Yu-mi), must fight for survival against the undead horde. Director Yeon Sang-ho weaves a tale of suspense and horror that garnered international acclaim, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in the zombie genre.
  • Shaun of the Dead
    6

    Shaun of the Dead

    Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
    8,567 votes
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Edgar Wright
    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.