Over the years, zombies have come a long way, haven’t they? From the slow, lumbering walkers of the past to today’s fast, terrifyingly gory sprinters, these flesh-eating undead have taken over more than just the screen—they’ve invaded both our hearts and our nightmares. Whether it’s through movies or popular games, there’s something about this genre that keeps us coming back for more. With new zombie flicks popping up every year, it’s easy to miss a few gems. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with our list of the 11 best zombie movies you probably haven’t watched yet. Ready to feast? Let’s dig in!
11 Best Zombie Movies to Satisfy Your Hunger for the Undead
Cargo (2017)
Directors: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke
IMDb: 6.3/10
Post-apocalyptic films often show the world with relentless gore and despair, but Cargo takes a refreshingly emotional turn. Directed by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke, the film expands on their acclaimed short of the same name. This Australian zombie thriller doesn’t just rely on scares; it tugs at your heartstrings with a touching story about love, sacrifice, and survival. The film follows Andy (Martin Freeman), a father bitten by the infected and left with only 48 hours to find a safe haven for his infant daughter before the virus overtakes him. What sets Cargo apart from typical zombie flicks is its restraint. The film minimizes gore and focuses instead on character-driven storytelling, making every decision, encounter, and moment feel impactful, while the direction ensures the story’s emotional beats hit home. This is more than a zombie movie, it’s a tribute to parental love, resilience, and humanity.
Freeman delivers an impressive performance, showing the desperation and tenderness of a parent fighting against time. Between the stunning cinematography of the Australian outback, the well-structured narrative, and the tear-jerking moments, Cargo offers a fresh perspective for fans of the genre. It’s a must-watch, proving that even in the chaos of the undead, there’s room for hope and heartfelt storytelling. Add this to your next zombie marathon for an unforgettable, emotional journey.
#Alive (2020)
Director: Il Cho
IMDb: 6.3/10
South Korea has consistently delivered high-caliber zombie flicks, and #Alive, directed by Cho Il-hyung, is no exception. Based on Matt Naylor’s 2019 script Alone, this post-apocalyptic action-horror film offers a contemporary and highly relatable take on survival during a viral outbreak. Released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, #Alive hit especially close to home, capturing the isolation, fear, and resourcefulness that many people experienced during global lockdowns. The story follows Oh Joon-woo (Yoo Ah-in), a young live streamer who finds himself trapped in his Seoul apartment after a sudden zombie apocalypse ravages the city. What makes #Alive unique is its exploration of technology’s role in survival, as the protagonist uses live streaming, drones, and even social media to navigate his situation. The film feels refreshingly modern and deeply relevant to the digital age.
Despite its confined setting, #Alive never feels constrained. Its effective writing and directing make the most of the tension and drama within the limited space, showcasing how resourcefulness can elevate storytelling in both survival and filmmaking. While it’s tempting to compare #Alive to South Korea’s other zombie masterpiece, Train to Busan (2016), doing so misses the point. Where Train to Busan thrives on large-scale action and emotional gut punches, #Alive shines through its intimate storytelling, strong pacing, and contemporary themes. It’s a smaller film with its own unique strengths, proving that big-budget thrills aren’t the only way to capture an audience’s attention.
Pontypool (2008)
Director: Bruce McDonald
IMDb: 6.5/10
Pontypool is not your typical fast-paced, action-packed zombie flick. Directed by Bruce McDonald, this 2008 psychological horror brings something rarely seen in the genre—using language as a form of virus. Who would have thought? Based on Tony Burgess’ novel Pontypool Changes Everything, the film plunges into a chilling, claustrophobic setting, centered almost entirely in a small-town radio station where words, not bites, are the real contagion. The story unfolds at the radio station, where disc jockey Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie), his coworker Laurel-Ann (Georgina Reilly), and station manager Sydney (Lisa Houle) start receiving cryptic and terrifying reports from callers about bizarre, violent behavior spreading through the town.
Having recently starred in Come to Daddy, Stephen McHattie delivers an outstanding performance, his voice guiding viewers through the movie’s horrifying events. The chemistry between him and Lisa Houle is memorable and a highlight in this sound-centric psychological thriller, a refreshing take on the genre proving that an intense zombie film doesn’t need relentless action and gore to make an impact. Pontypool stands as a testament to what can be achieved within the limitations of a single-location horror film. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate horror that plays more on atmosphere and imagination than on blood and guts.
The Crazies (2010)
Director: Breck Eisner
IMDb: 6.5/10
When it comes to remakes, people are often skeptical, and we don’t blame them—there are far too many examples of bad remakes out there. However, The Crazies (2010) defies expectations, emerging as a rare case that not only honors George A. Romero’s 1973 classic but arguably surpasses it in certain aspects. Brilliantly directed by Breck Eisner, this film boasts a strong script, striking cinematography, and just enough genre clichés to keep it grounded while still delivering suspenseful, thrilling moments. Set in the town of Ogden Marsh, Iowa, the story follows residents who begin to exhibit bizarre behavior, with some turning dangerously violent. Sheriff David Dutton (Timothy Olyphant) must find a way to escape with his wife, Judy (Radha Mitchell), before it’s too late.
The horror in The Crazies isn’t just the infected—it’s also the military’s chilling response to the outbreak. Quarantine zones and containment efforts create an oppressive atmosphere, leaving survivors trapped between the crazed infected and an uncompromising system. Every escape attempt becomes a desperate, nail-biting ordeal. While The Crazies pays homage to its Romero roots, it also forges its own path. The film incorporates enough classic horror tropes to satisfy genre enthusiasts but surprises by focusing on human relationships and moral dilemmas amidst the chaos of the outbreak. Sure, there are a few predictable scenes—what’s a horror movie without a jump scare or two? —but they’re skillfully executed, enhancing rather than detracting from the experience. Whether you’re a Romero fan or new to infection horror, this is one remake that deserves a spot at the top of your watch list.
The Girl with All the Gifts (2016)
Director: Colm McCarthy
IMDb: 6.6/10
In a genre often saturated with predictable plots and clichés, The Girl with All the Gifts emerged as a refreshing surprise in 2016. Directed by Colm McCarthy and written by Mike Carey, based on his own novel, this unique and creative take on the zombie apocalypse stands out as a gem. With a relatively obscure cast headlining, the film captures both the brutality and tragedy of survival in a crumbling world. The story follows Melanie (Sennia Nanua), a young girl imprisoned and subjected to harrowing experiments alongside other children infected by a fungal pathogen that has decimated humanity. What sets the film apart is its ability to play with familiar elements while building its own unique identity. It doesn’t rely on past genre successes, instead it crafts a story that is as introspective as it is chilling.
Its exploration of themes such as acceptance, race, and humanity’s place in the natural order takes it beyond the gore-soaked expectations of the zombie genre. Veteran actors Glenn Close and Gemma Arterton bring gravitas to the narrative, but it’s Nanua who steals the show. She delivers a standout performance as Melanie, blending innocence, curiosity, and unsettling detachment. Nanua expertly conveys the conflict of a character who is both predator and prey, keeping audiences guessing about her true nature. For zombie fans, this movie comes highly recommended—a dark and original piece of cinema (though some The Last of Us fans may debate its originality). If you’re tired of run-of-the-mill zombie flicks, The Girl with All the Gifts is a breath of fresh (if fungus-infested) air.
Overlord (2018)
Director: Julius Avery
IMDb: 6.6/10
Overlord is an adrenaline-charged thrill ride that refuses to let up. It masterfully blends brutal war drama with gory zombie horror in a way that’s as bold as it is exhilarating. Directed by Julius Avery and written by Billy Ray and Mark L. Smith, this film hooks you from the opening scene, plunging viewers into an intense aerial battle over Nazi-occupied France, where a squad of paratroopers is hurled into chaos as their plane is shot down. The movie begins as a war film, vividly depicting the brutal reality of soldiers invading France during World War II. It portrays the raw brutality faced by soldiers in a historically accurate and visceral manner. But just when you think you’ve figured it out, the film flips the script and takes a sharp turn into horror territory, revealing the Nazis’ evil experiments and horrifying creatures.
The transition in the plot is near-perfect and keeps you engaged with its relentless thrills. The film’s clever writing and directing deserve credit for successfully melding genres while maintaining a cohesive and gripping story. What sets Overlord apart is its originality. While it borrows elements from war films, zombie horror, and even action games, it manages to feel fresh and innovative. It doesn’t shy away from absurdity but balances it with enough sincerity and grit to keep the narrative compelling. (Though a zombie Hitler might have been the cherry on top.) Fans of action-packed plots, sci-fi twists, and historical “what ifs” will find plenty to love here. If you’re intrigued by the darker, more experimental side of World War II lore or enjoy the pulse-pounding intensity of action-horror hybrids, this is a must-watch.
Warm Bodies (2013)
Director: Jonathan Levine
IMDb: 6.8/10
Have you ever thought you’d root for a zombie romance? If not, Warm Bodies is here to prove you wrong. Written and directed by Jonathan Levine, this 2013 film is based on Isaac Marion’s 2010 novel and brings a surprising twist to the age-old “Romeo and Juliet” story. In this version, however, Romeo is a zombie hungry for brains. The concept feels fresh, offering a break from the usual brutal zombie lore as the film follows the life of R (Nicholas Hoult), a zombie whose monotonous existence takes a turn when he encounters Julie (Teresa Palmer), leading him to rediscover what it means to be human.
The VFX and cinematography are understated yet effective, lending the film a beauty that complements its unique tone. Warm Bodies has it all—comedy, a dash of horror, moments of gore, and a profound message: love is the ultimate remedy for a world in chaos, healing not just hearts but societies. Warm Bodies is more than just a zombie movie with a unique plot, it’s a thoughtful exploration of love’s redemptive power, urging viewers to consider the beauty in connection—even if that connection comes with an appetite for brains. It is, without a doubt, one of the best zombie movies of 2015. If you’re looking for a genre-bending take on romance and horror with just enough quirk and grit, this film is a must-watch that promises to leave your heart, well, warm.
Planet Terror (2007)
Director: Robert Rodriguez
IMDb: 7/10
Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror is an unapologetically wild tribute to the grindhouse exploitation films of the ’70s and ’80s. Known for his directorial versatility, with movies ranging from From Dusk Till Dawn to the Spy Kids franchise, Rodriguez crafts a cinematic experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The story kicks off when a government experiment goes catastrophically wrong, releasing a gas that turns an entire town into a horde of hungry zombies. The survivors must band together to escape the carnage. What follows is a relentless thrill ride filled with suspense, ridiculous humor, and jaw-dropping action sequences—including a machine gun mounted to a leg.
Rodriguez, who frequently collaborates with Quentin Tarantino, brings the same raw energy and spirit to Planet Terror that defined their earlier grindhouse-style projects. Every detail, from the deliberately grainy and deteriorated visuals to the “missing frames” and intentionally mismatched audio, immerses viewers in the world of retro B-movie excess. This is a film that revels in its ridiculousness, complete with ironic puns, “bad” jokes (the kind that are bad in the best way), and over-the-top gore that feels both grotesque and cartoonishly hilarious. Planet Terror might not be for everyone, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it unabashedly delivers exactly what it promises: a ridiculously fun, over-the-top spectacle that fans of grindhouse cinema will adore. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s an absolute blast. For those seeking a pure adrenaline rush wrapped in campy glory, Planet Terror is the perfect ride.
Rec (2007)
Directors: Paco Plaza, Jaume Balagueró
IMDb: 7.4/10
REC is a rare gem in the found-footage horror genre, a style made popular by movies like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity, though often critiqued for shaky camera work and implausible scenarios. Co-written and directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, this Spanish horror masterpiece transports viewers to Barcelona, where a late-night emergency call turns into an unrelenting nightmare. Reporter Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) joins a group of firefighters answering a routine distress call at an apartment complex, only to uncover a deadly infection that quickly overtakes the building.
The genius of REC lies in its raw, immersive realism. The choice to cast non-professional actors, including Velasco—a real-life Spanish TV presenter, adds an organic layer to the film’s unsettling authenticity. Velasco’s portrayal of Ángela is especially effective, with her genuine fear and mounting panic creating an intense, visceral experience that pulls the audience right into the thick of the terror. The film’s success spawned an entire franchise, with three sequels and a notable English-language remake, Quarantine (2008). Moreover, its influence even extends into the gaming world, inspiring the popular survival horror game Outlast and cementing its legacy in both film and interactive horror. For fans of horror, especially those who appreciate a good infection thriller—REC is a must-see experience that continues to haunt audiences worldwide.
One Cut of the Dead (2017)
Director: Shinichirou Ueda
IMDb: 7.6/10
In a genre packed with big-budget hits like Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland, One Cut of the Dead stands out as a refreshing, heartfelt, and innovative entry that redefines the zombie comedy genre. Written and directed by Shin’ichirō Ueda, this Japanese indie masterpiece begins as a chaotic zombie horror film but cleverly transforms into something much deeper—a celebration of filmmaking itself. At first glance, the movie appears to be a straightforward story of a film crew making a zombie movie, only to find themselves under siege by actual zombies. However, as the story unfolds, it reveals itself as a unique meta-commentary on the challenges and joys of creative collaboration. The genius lies in how it subverts expectations, the final act brings everything together in a way that’s both hilarious and heartwarming.
The unpredictability of its twists ensures you won’t truly grasp the film’s magic until the credits roll. Sure, the quirkiness of Japanese cinema might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but here, it’s perfectly calibrated to suit the tone. Takayuki Hamatsu shines as the passionate and beleaguered director, anchoring the chaos with a performance full of charm and sincerity. The supporting cast, while lacking the polish of Hollywood faces, embodies the raw authenticity that the story thrives on. If you go in blind, the surprises will delight you even more. But even if you know the twist, the journey is so cleverly constructed that it remains thoroughly enjoyable. For fans of horror-comedies, indie films, or simply great storytelling, One Cut of the Dead is one of the best zombie movies of 2017 and a must-watch.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Director: George A. Romero
IMDb: 7.8/10
We’re taking it back to where it all began. George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead didn’t just introduce audiences to the modern zombie—it redefined horror as we know it. Before Romero, the undead came from the shadows of voodoo lore, linked more to mysticism than to the gruesome terror of rotting corpses fighting for flesh. Romero flipped the script, delivering the first truly modern depiction of zombies: mindless ghouls driven by an insatiable appetite for human flesh. The movie shocked audiences when it premiered. The grainy black-and-white footage—more a necessity than a stylistic choice amplified the film’s raw, documentary-like realism. The actors deserve special praise. Though dialogue is minimal, the cast delivers performances with an emotional intensity that goes beyond words. The characters’ desperate gestures and anguished gazes evoke a deep emotional response to their plight. Every scream, flinch, and glare gives the impression that the world is coming apart.
Not to mention how revolutionary this movie was for its time. Casting Duane Jones, a Black actor, as the lead in an era when segregation had only recently ended was daringly symbolic during a period rife with social unrest. Finally, Romero’s debut redefined horror cinema forever. It has influenced every zombie movie and series since, from 28 Days Later to The Walking Dead. This film is an old, black-and-white, slow-paced masterpiece compared to the fast-paced, action-packed zombie flicks of today, which is why it might not appeal as much to the newer generation. However, it remains the classic that gave us the flesh-eating nightmares we know and love today. And boy, does it still bite.
And there you have it—our list of the 11 best zombie movies you probably haven’t watched yet! If you’re craving anything undead, these movies are exactly what you need. Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding chases, gut-wrenching drama, or straight-up gory thrills, there’s something here for every zombie fan. We hope you’ve found a few worthy contenders for your next zombie movie marathon. So, grab some popcorn (hold the brains), hit play, and let the undead binge begin! For more detailed reviews and ratings, check out The Movie Database (TMDb) or Metacritic.
