8 Best Zombie Movies Since ’28 Days Later’, Ranked
Few classic horror movie monsters and concepts have proven to be as timeless and versatile in their approach to storytelling as zombies and the inherent apocalyptic events that they bring. There have been many impactful and genre-defining horror films that have prominently featured the vicious zombified humans, yet no modern zombie film comes close to the impact on the genre as 28 Days Later. The low-budget horror masterpiece from Danny Boyle and Alex Garland brilliantly played into fears of isolation, the decay of society, and humanity regressing to a depraved, animalistic state.
While some say that 28 Days Later “technically isn’t a zombie movie” because people are simply infected and not undead, this is a case of semantics considering the film’s overwhelming parallels with zombie stories as a whole. The film immediately had an impact upon every zombie film that would be released afterward, ushering in a new wave of zombie popularity in pop culture that would dominate horror media during the late 2000s and early 2010s. While few of these zombie stories would live up to the mastery of 28 Days Later, this newfound invigoration of the concept has resulted in several exceptional zombie films to be released in the 23 years since 28 Days Later changed zombie films forever.
8
‘Zombieland’ (2009)
The impact of 28 Days Later on zombie filmmaking proved to not only create an influx of grounded, serious zombie stories, but also more comedic and over-the-top interpretations of a zombie apocalypse. Arguably the most successful and recognizable original zombie film to be released in the post 28 Days Later world, Zombieland utilizes an exceptional comedic cast and a goofy execution to become a horror comedy cult classic of the 2000s. The likes of Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin all bring out the best in one another comedically, with their distinct and entertaining personalities adding to the fun and chaos of an undead apocalypse.
While its style of quirky, self-aware and referential humor may seem to be commonplace nowadays, this approach to comedy was much more unique in 2009 and helped elevate the film to fan-favorite status. Sequences like the final battle against a clown zombie, Woody Harrelson’s ongoing quest for Twinkies, and an iconic cameo from Bill Murray came together to give the film an inherent memorability above many other horror comedies. Even nowadays, the film still has a substantial legacy as one of the funniest zombie movies to have ever been released.
7
‘Dawn of the Dead’ (2004)
Before both Zack Snyder and James Gunn would find themselves individually spearheading Superman and DC extended universes, the two filmmakers would actually work together in a 2004 remake of one of the greatest zombie films of all time, Dawn of the Dead. With Snyder in the director’s chair and Gunn as the solo screenwriter, the film exemplifies the strengths of both creatives for a surprisingly effective evolution of the all-time classic zombie film. The film is still touted as a high point in the careers of both Snyder and Gunn, doing justice to the George A. Romero classic while also imbuing it with its own distinct energy and flair.
The film as a whole proves to be much more bleak and disturbing than the original film, both in terms of its much more extreme and modernized gore content as well as changes to the tone and story. It’s one of many aspects that helps differentiate this remake from the legendary original, helping it stand out as its own experience so that it isn’t constantly playing second fiddle to one of the all-time greatest zombie films. While Snyder and Gunn would individually direct different approaches to zombie stories in the years to follow with Slither and Army of the Dead, their collaboration easily stands above both of their individual attempts.
6
‘Warm Bodies’ (2013)
While the vast majority of zombie films lean into the inherent terror and horrifying realities of an apocalypse caused by the living dead, Warm Bodies takes a more unique approach and spawns an unusual romance out of the zombie apocalypse. While the very concept of a relationship blossoming between a young woman and a zombie seems like it would be too absurd or chaotic to take seriously, the duo of genuine, emotional performances from Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer make the film a joy to watch unfold.
Considering the rise of various other monster movies that find humanity and heart within their monsters, it only made sense for this approach to be applied to the previously unlovable zombies. It makes for one of the most unique and dynamic approaches to a zombie story, showing that before the undead were these lumbering husks of death, they were real people with emotions, dreams, and lives to live. While the premise proved to be too much for audiences of the era, causing it to be a rom-com flop, it is now considered a wildly beloved zombie film and an icon of 2010s horror romance.
5
’28 Years Later’ (2025)
With so many different reboots and legacy sequels to classic horror films being released nowadays, it was only a matter of time before the long-awaited 28 Years Later would finally be released. However, compared to the largely disappointing 28 Weeks Later, 28 Years Later actually brings back the creative duo of Boyle and Garland to create an impactful and reflective evolution of the world established in the original film. It feels distinctly different from the previous films, following one of the most original renditions of a world that has not just been ravaged by the infection, but has found a way to preserve and survive in the face of death.
The film as a whole does away with the more basic themes of many other zombie films, instead placing a focus on the sort of toxicity and regressive community that hides from the dire reality of the world. Even for those that aren’t as in-tune with the film’s deeper themes, the array of beautifully disgusting zombie designs, prolific gore and gruesome kills, as well as heartfelt emotional moments makes the film the go-to zombie film of the 2020s so far.
4
‘One Cut of the Dead’ (2019)
It’s relatively easy for zombie movies to simply stick to the norms of what works in terms of storytelling, with success not requiring a whole of of experimentation or outside-the-box thinking for the main premise itself. However, One Cut of the Dead completely subverts expectations with its ingenious approach to a zombie story, acting as a love letter not only to zombie movies as a whole, but the very notion of low-budget filmmaking. It’s difficult to truly get into the genius of the film without spoiling its central plot, yet the Japanese film is sure to delight and surprise those who sit with it and let it set up the pieces for a glorious payoff.
It’s the type of wild, genre-blending experimental horror comedy that could only truly have been accomplished with an independent budget and scale, not having to worry about alienating audiences with its wild decisions and chaotic filmmaking style. The film quickly became a critical smash hit upon release, breaking through the global barrier and being highly heralded as one of the best Japanese horror comedies in years. It’s an underrated horror gem in every sense of the word that, while many may not have heard of it, is still an absolute must-watch.
3
‘[REC]’ (2007)
Zombie movies weren’t the only subgenre of horror that saw a massive revitalization and evolution through the early 2000s thanks to a singular standout film, as found-footage horror also went through a renaissance thanks to The Blair Witch Project. It helped inspire a wide array of impactful horror films that placed audiences directly in the perspective of the characters, with one of the best being the Spanish zombie film [REC]. The film utilizes the best aspects of both found footage and zombie storytelling to create a terrifyingly realistic portrayal of the early first moments of a zombie outbreak.
The film expertly utilizes panic, confusion and chaos as a fundamental element of its filmmaking and storytelling, giving audiences a front-row seat to a constant onslaught of death and pain that the characters experience. This inherent realism and grounded approach to a zombie outbreak helped the film break cultural barriers and become a global phenomenon of zombie filmmaking. While the film would receive numerous sequels over the years, none of them came close to the impact and effectiveness of the original, still standing as an icon of found-footage horror and zombie filmmaking alike.
2
‘Train to Busan’ (2016)
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Outside the many different zombie films being made in Hollywood, South Korean films have stood as one of the other standout industries where consistently great zombie movies are being made. However, even among this highly coveted crop of zombie films, Train to Busan stands tall as not just the best zombie film out of South Korea, but one of the overall most emotionally impactful zombie films of all time. The film at times feels like the apex of what zombie storytelling is capable of in terms of emotion, action, and raw filmmaking execution, utilizing great visual flair and memorable characters to maximize memorability and impact.
The premise itself is relatively simple in concept, simply seeing a father-daughter duo and an array of other survivors fighting for their lives during a zombie outbreak while seemingly safe aboard an express train to Busan. However, the exemplary execution of its horror and action makes for a fundamentally impactful experience that pays tribute to the great zombie films of old while also striking new ground with its masterful approach. It’s easy to see the film as one of the most important zombie films ever made, as it had an immediate global impact on the genre that is still felt to this day.
1
‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)
While Train to Busan stands as one of the best zombie thrillers of recent memory, Shaun of the Dead could arguably be considered the absolute peak of what a zombie horror comedy can be. The cult classic soared to critically acclaimed heights thanks to the dynamic directing from Edgar Wright, a hilarious central duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and still adhering to the classic strengths and conventions of zombie films. It’s the type of perfectly crafted zombie film that is fully aware of the strengths and absurdities of the genre, poking fun at them while also pulling them off in the best ways possible.
It’s distinct charm and wit has only continued to make it a horror comedy classic over the years, widely considered to be one of the best horror comedies of the 21st century if not of all time. It has arguably had a similar level of impact on the zombie genre as 28 Days Later, directly helping in the revitalization of the genre while also showing the strength and weight of a comedic approach. When people consider what a perfect zombie comedy looks like, many people consider Shaun of the Dead to be the perfect example of how to do a zombie comedy film well.
