The 10 Best Zombie Movies

published August 10, 2009

I can hardly contain my excitement for Zombieland as I wrote in June. I've started rewatching my favorite zombie movies and seeking out some I may not have seen before. Perhaps my love of zombie movies is related to me secretly wanting a zombie plague to hit the planet, and see how people really react. Ok I admit, it's no secret. I actually really want a zombie plague to hit the earth. Anyways, as Zombieland is poised to change the list in it's October release, here is my Top 10 Zombie movie list as of today. Keep in mind, I'm simply not a fan of the older ones, making this list is composed of movies made in 1992 or later.

#10 - Resident Evil - Movies based on video games is a recipe for disaster, but this movie is surprisingly decent. It isn't much like the horror of the videogames, but it stands on it's own. There's something about Milla Jovovich too. Physically, she isn't the most beautiful in the world, but her style is definitely attractive (see 5th Element). To sum it up, it's a stylized zombie movie set in the future, and that ain't bad.

#9 - Diary of the Dead - George Romero's most recent zombie flick is a done in a different style. It's done with handheld cameras, as film students shoot themselves during a classic zombie ordeal. Many people despise this style, similar to "The Blair Witch Project" and "Cloverfield," but I definitely dig it. This is a hit or miss movie, some will find it one of the best zombie movies, and some will just hate the whole handheld thing.

#8 - Land of the Dead - This movie is George Romero's semi-triumphant return to the genre he created, and with a bigger budget! The result is a fun zombie flick with some social commentary sprinkled in for good measure. We also have zombies with the capability to learn, and that includes learning to use guns. Zombies with guns, we'd better just give up.

#7 - Dead Alive (Braindead) - Before Peter Jackson directed a world of Hobbits, Elves and Dwarves, he created a movie that is widely considered one of the goriest movies of all time. Dead Alive (Braindead in New Zealand) has become a cult classic, and one may classify it as a Zombie/Comedy. You certainly need an odd sense of humor to find this funny, lucky me!

#6 - Planet Terror - Gory, over the top, with strippers - that about sums it up. Oh and you also get to see the hated Fergie get destroyed and ger brain ripped out. I've always had a soft spot in my heart, and a hard spot you know where, for Rose McGowan. A machine gun attached to a severed leg only strengthens both spots.

#5 - Shaun of the Dead - This movie is both awesome and hilarious. While expecting a parody of zombie flicks, this movie amazingly enough remains true to the genre, and somehow makes it hilarious as well. Shaun walking to the store, oblivious to the chaotic scenery and unknowingly slipping on some blood is a scene for the ages.

#4 - Army of Darkness - This barely qualifies as a zombie movie, but since there's an army of them, and it's one of the all time greats, I've put it in. As good as Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2 were, this movie really solidified Bruce Campbell as the best damn B-list actor of all time. Too many classic lines to count, from Ash's "Boomstick" to "Give me some sugar baby." I highly recommend using that line - 90% of the time, it works all the time.

#3 - 28 Weeks Later - This movie is truly one of my all time favorites. It's once of the most intense movies, from start to finish. It's also a fantastic story, and has an absolutely marvelous ending that I do not wish to spoil. The use of music - or sometimes the lack of the use of music - is top notch and adds to the hopeless element of some parts. You cringe when innocents are mowed down, but you also wonder... would I order the same thing? Well, would ya... punk??

#2 - 28 Days Later - This is the predecessor  to the aforementioned "28 Weeks Later," and is a tiny notch better. It does everything the "28 Weeks Later" does perfectly. They introduce the rage virus, a virus that essentially turns people into fast zombies that want to puke blood on you, and eat you. The best part, is that the main bad guy turns out to be humans, and the zombies "save the day." And yes "save the day" is in quotations. 28 Days and Weeks left me wanting 28 Months, and 28 Years Later. Though I doubt that will happen, these two are must watch movies.

#1 - Dawn of the Dead (2004) - I just realized recently that this movie was directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) before his overusage of slow motion. This also has to be one of best remakes in history. These are some seriously feriocious zombies that'll make you crap your pants. What better place to be trapped during a zombie infestation than a mall? You have it all, sporting goods, DVD's, lingerie, snacks, and guns! When Johnny Cash's "When the Man Comes Around" plays in the opening credits, you'll be hooked and in for a fun ride as this movie does everything right. I recommend watching it right now, even if you've already seen it 12 times.

* * * * *