The Best of the Best: Zombie Movies

Resident Evil

Evil corporate genetic tampering, secret underground facility, dangerous virus on the loose. Milla Jovovich was born to play this role, apparently into eternity. The story and setting are as beautiful and harsh as the female stars. There are far more dangers than from the infected alone. I think it's by far the best of the trilogy. I've seen and enjoyed them all to some degree, but the others definitely struggle in ways the original does not.

Have you ever noticed how many zombie films contain an Alice?

Shaun of the Dead

Surprising, hilarious, and entertaining. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have never grown up and we are all the better off for that. They have made a fresh and creative film, full of homage and real life moments. The movie swings from comedy to gore to drama without effort and without missing a beat. It's a couple of buddies, average guys, and you could imagine this is a completely possible outcome of the impending zombie uprising. Come on, you do know it's all just a matter of time?

28 Days Later

Cillian Murphy stars in Danny Boyle's post-apocalyptic zombie masterpiece, which is not just about zombies, but the breakdown of society following a catastrophic incident. The look of the film is striking. The shots manage to both convey the immense emptiness of an abandoned city and turn everyday spaces into frightening, claustrophobic traps for the unwary. Oh, and we're reminded that human non-zombies are as scary as the undead.

28 Weeks Later

While not as good as the first in the potential trilogy, this one brings in the American troops-- and you know that never leads to a good conclusion. It is a scare fest, with some scenes which can still make me cringe sitting here and recalling the action from a distance. That's always a good sign.

Dawn of the Dead

By far I prefer the 2004 version for its slick tricks and treats. Fighting zombies from the mall, you might think you'd have everything you need...au contraire...

This one makes suspending disbelief very easy. The characters make good decisions and have brains good for more than zombie snacking. Do not skip the last few minutes. They are worth the entire rest of the film.

Night of the Living Dead

Classic zombie thrills at their best. The black and white is actually creepier than most modern productions. The movie gives a realistic visceral feel to being trapped with a handful of survivor strangers in a remote farmhouse with little information as the world goes haywire. It is harrowing. You may need a sedative afterward. This is the Romero zombie movie to see, an inspiration for many zombie and horror efforts for generations to follow.

Fido

Who needs a dog when...

A zombie comedy? You have to be kidding me, I thought. But this neat little jewel is sarcastic social commentary, a 50's era tongue-in-cheek look at the practical uses and hazards of an active zombie population. This is one of the most original and least gory of all zombie fare. Billy Connelly does a great job as Fido and Carrie Anne Moss is a major player.

Wasting Away/Aaah! Zombies!!

Is a smart, low budget (estimated around $1 million) comedy zombie horror movie told from the perspective of the zombies. Finally, someone is giving their side a voice! This will no doubt lead to mainstream acceptance of the zombie culture and potentially undermine all that is good and human. I've saved my best choice for last. This surprisingly fresh take on zombies has received numerous film festival and audience-choice awards. Watch, if you dare.

Essential Gear to Survive a Zombie Attack | Cool Material
You can never be too prepared for any situation, especially a zombie attack. One of the best- thought-out lists of gear I've encountered. Stock up before you unleash the undead.