Article by: Alice-Ginevra Micheli
The world has been taken by a plague, it’s one that has spread faster than anything known in humanity before, and it seems like people just can’t get enough of it. That’s right, I’m talking about Zombie films. In recent years the amount of virus filled films running rampant from the movies has grown exponentially, making a list long enough to include a film appropriate for any viewer of any discretion. So, what better way to join the masses and watch the best of this sub-genre has to offer than to sit down this all-hallows eve and get in the mood for some crazy brain-tacular adventures!
10. Resident Evil (2002)
This film has spawned not one, not two but 7 sequels, with the last one coming out in a couple years. The main character played by Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element) is woken up after an experiment to find all the laboratory scientists mutated into flesh-eating creatures. She has to fight her way out with limited memories and knowledge but with superb fighting skills. A little silly and with plenty of plot holes, however it’s a fun ride for anyone who watches. While this might not win any critical awards, it’s not the worst option to get your blood running this halloween night.
9. I Am Legend (2007)
Excellent film yes, great acting from Will Smith (Men in Black), great action from the non-zombie zombies and a pretty good story arc to get the movie-juices flowing. However there is one scene which pushes this film to the bottom of the list, if you’ve seen it you know the one I’m talking about, if you haven’t, well watch it anyway but bring a box of tissues. Overall this film delivers in more ways the one, while there is a bit of tension over the choice of ending, this film is still worth watching as a part of the zombie-thon.
8. Warm Bodies (2013)
Take Romeo and Juliet mixed in with Zombieland and a pinch of zombism mythology and this is the film you get. It’s a charming story about redemption and love with a bit of a horror element thrown in to keep the zombism alive. The chemistry between the two protagonists R (Nicholas Hoult) and Julie (Teresa Palmer) is also something that keeps this film ‘alive’. It’s fun, it’s easy to watch, and if for nothing else, the different angle given to the zombie legend makes it worth seeing.
7. Dead Snow (2009)
Well, what can I say, want a film that doesn’t take itself seriously? That keeps throwing stuff at the characters with absolutely no interest in plot development? Want a movie you can guffaw at and yell at with your friends and with plenty of gore and Nazi zombies? Can I make this movie sound more entertaining? No? Well watch with caution, as it will cause a bit of throw up but alot of laughs.
6. World War Z (2013)
Yes there’s product placement, yes it’s glaringly obvious. But that doesn’t stop this recent flick from being a truly thrilling ride! The zombies transform, attack and run fast constantly keeping you on your guard, however at times the film still slows down enough to keep you barely breathing from the tension. Following Brad Pitt (Oceans Eleven) as he tried to track down Patient Zero of the outbreak, the film takes you all over the world as the world gets worse and worse. If nothing else, watch it as a sequel will be coming out soon enough.
5. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Yes, the original, not the 2004 one. The sequel to the aforementioned classic: ‘Night of the Living Dead’. A great not just horror but political horror it takes the best of both worlds to make a truly fascinating film. As sequels go it’s really not bad and if you’re going to watch the first one, I truly suggest the follow up – if only to get the traditional zombie fix’s completed story and to add to your cinephile knowledge.
4. 28 Days Later (2002)
Terrifying, gory and absolutely thrilling, this Danny Boyle classic truly terrorises anyone who views it. But don’t let this stop you from watching it, following Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins) as he wakes up from a coma to discover a desolate world it not only shows the worst of a zombie world, but also the worst that can come out in humanity in these scenarios. It truly is a study in human nature and all things in between and definitely worth the watch this Halloween!
3. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Taking the zombie stereotype and flipping it on its head, Shaun of the Dead is truly a masterpiece of its type. The first of the Blood and Ice Cream trilogy, it shot Simon Pegg and Nick Frost to fame. Want laughs, gore and to know how normal human beings without guns might survive the zombie apocalypse? Watch this.
2. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
No one can go past this classic when listing the Zombie genre. One of the only films that show Zombies in their original form (as back-from-the-dead ghouls), it truly is a classic horror film that truly causes a viewer to get goosebumps. The heroes are also everything you’d want them to be in a classic horror film, so there’s plenty of fun to be had. You’re not a true Zombie film until you see this.
