One thing you should know about me is that I LOVE a good zombie movie and there are a lot of them out there. If you have an open enough mind, which I like to think I do, most of them can be really great. However, there are definitely some that speak to my heart more than others and so I thought I’d share some of them today.

Before I get into this short list though, in Static Glass fashion, could we perhaps uncover some universal truths in these more novelty films? The answer is of course, we definitely can. Zombie movies are usually set in some sort of a dystopian timeline. The world is ending. There is no one else, or you don’t think there is anyone else, left alive. The main character has to survive, not only physically, but mentally. Innately the setting usually leads to similar underlying themes across these movies:

• The need for companionship and love.
• To not take life for granted.
• To love and treat the earth with respect.
• To make you think more consciously about the state of the world.
• There are also times when these movies allude to the human state already being akin to a zombie apocalypse due to technology or societal brainwashing.

So before you just write off a zombie movie as being silly and grotesque, maybe you can think about how it’s actually trying to be a reflection of the state of the world. Okay, enough with my mini rant and let’s get on to the movies!

We’re easing into it with two films that you probably have already seen or at least heard of, Zombieland (2009) and Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) Directed by Ruben Fleischer! This is a well-known franchise and for good reason. It’s one of those films that is well-rounded and can be universally liked (or hated). To me, these qualities, give it that “box-office” feel, but what I think movies like Zombieland accomplish is also mimicking that “indie” style so it feels less “commercial”. These films definitely fall under the more lighthearted and comedic categories, but through the main character we learn the need for companionship and not being too “scared of the world”. This is a need with or without a zombie takeover.

Next on the list is Warm Bodies (2013) Directed by Jonathan Levine, a movie that really speaks to the hearts that have gone cold. Joking! But seriously, this movie plops us in the middle of an apocalyptic scene rather than at the beginning or end, which we typically see. This movie feels less about survival and a lot more about connection and acceptance. It’s one that, I feel, can melt the heart but still has all the cool zombie effects and details we love about this genre!

Taking a bit of a left turn from the more lighthearted ones with Train to Busan (2016) Directed by Yeon Sang-ho! I mean I feel like it’s a classic at this point, but if you haven’t seen it, you must. This is one that hits all the marks of being tear-jerking, suspenseful, and action-packed. The underlying theme in this film is 100% love, but family love instead of romantic. It really makes you take a step back and contemplate if you’ve been putting your energy into the right places and people, because who knows when a zombie apocalypse might break out? (I’m really hoping, never!)

This wouldn’t be a zombie list without I Am Legend (2007) Directed by Francis Lawrence. This is probably peak zombie movie and I’m sure most have seen it, even if you aren’t a fan of zombies. This movie is for sure an emotional and suspenseful ride, plus what Will Smith is able to do alone on screen is really quite special. This film not only highlights the importance of human connection, but it zeroes in on it in a way that is so impactful and heart-breaking. It really makes me feel so grateful for how we all operate and co-exist and is probably worth a rewatch if you’re feeling hopeless about humankind at the moment. (Trust me, I feel it too and no one blames you!)

I don’t want this list to get too long, so I will make sure to revisit this topic on another post, but let’s end off with another lighthearted one. Zom 100 (2023) Directed by Yusuke Ishida! OMG, you need to watch this. I wasn’t expecting much of it, but it has a really unique individualistic perspective on how to approach a zombie apocalypse. This movie touches on that companionship aspect, all of these other movies do, but it also brings up the topic of how you’re spending your time, or “wasting” it, rather. This film is an adaptation of a manga, as well, so if you do end up liking it, there is more for you to explore here.

Okay, that’s the list for now! I’m fully aware that there are many more amazing zombie movies out there, but these are some that I feel will get you into the genre, give you some fresh perspective, or ones that you may have watched and want to revisit.

Check out more zombie movies on my growing list on Letterboxd!

Today’s song reccommendation is Hell N Back by Bakar!

Thank you, love you.

-Rae