Zombie films to see before Zom 100
Zombie films have always resonated with horror fans who grew up watching George Romero or were rebellious enough to embrace gore. There’s something sinister yet undeniably satisfying about surviving another day in a world infested with zombies. Moreover, we tend to idealize a world where we can bash in the heads of the undead and unleash our craziness with weapons. This is what makes zombie films enjoyable even after watching numerous other films.
With the upcoming release of the new zombie anime, Zom 100, on July 9, it’s apparent that we’re all hyped up! And the best way to get fired up more is by watching zombie movies before its premiere! These movies not only showcase kick-ass survival skills but also demonstrate how camaraderie makes the zombie-infested life somewhat bearable. So, before you dive into one of the wildest anime of the year, you might want to check out our list first!
Zombie films to see before Zom 100
Zombieland (2009)
First on the list is a perfect comparison to the likes of Zom 100: Zombieland. The film revolves around four disillusioned individuals who reluctantly come together and embark on a road trip across the country during a zombie apocalypse. The narrator, Columbus, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, is a socially awkward recluse who has managed to survive by adhering to a set of conservative rules. He joins forces with other misfits to navigate the challenges and ensure their collective survival.
Right from the start, the film offers multiple compelling reasons to watch it. The opening sequence features a montage of hilariously choreographed and filmed zombie incidents. Zombieland is a delightful blend of slapstick humor and visually appealing style, perfectly complementing the characters’ attitudes. The camaraderie among the cast emanates ease and adds to the comedic and enjoyable nature of the film. Ultimately, Zombieland strikes the ideal balance between blood, guts, gore, and the theme of an unconventional family.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead has become a modern comedy-horror genre staple. The film follows Shaun (played by Simon Pegg), a loser whose only companion is his even bigger loser friend, Ed (played by Nick Frost), as they navigate their monotonous lives. However, when flesh-eating zombies overrun the city, Shaun is thrust into the role of protecting everyone he comes across. It serves as an excellent curtain-raiser to Edgar Wright’s unique filmography that still expands. It also marks the beginning of his highly acclaimed Cornetto Trilogy.
This zombie film cleverly satirizes the romantic comedy genre and the theme of existentialism while maintaining its zombie film essence. The zombies interestingly reflect Shaun since he has already been dead from the neck up for a long time. Nonetheless, the action scenes remain intense and imaginative, infused with slapstick horror humor that leaves a lasting impression. Additionally, we witness how the zombie invasion forces the immature Shaun to confront his shortcomings and embrace newfound responsibility. Who would have thought that a zombie apocalypse could unveil the power of friendship and the necessity to mature?
Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015)
And we’re not done yet with hilarious zombie flicks! Scout’s Guide takes us on an uproarious journey as we follow three lifelong friends, who also happen to be scouts, teaming up with a badass cocktail waitress to assemble an unlikely group of heroes. When their peaceful town falls victim to a zombie invasion, they must prove themselves and put their scouting skills to the ultimate test in order to save humanity from the undead. I mean, who doesn’t love watching a group of ordinary folks take on hordes of zombies?
This outrageously wacky zombie movie doesn’t hold back when it comes to showcasing gore and delivering some satisfying zombie kills. One of the film’s standout aspects is its clever use of the scout gimmick. With their training in facing ordeals in the wild, it’s incredibly amusing to see how their scout skills translate to surviving a zombie apocalypse. Equipped with their skills and an inventive arsenal of improvised weapons, they enthusiastically maneuver through the nonsensicality of the situation.
Anna and the Apocalypse (2018)
The last two entries here are truly unconventional, and they certainly live up to that label! First up, we have Anna and the Apocalypse, which centers around Anna, an adventurous high school senior who plans to explore the world during her gap year before college. That is if her overprotective dad doesn’t interfere. Little does she predict the town being engulfed by a spreading zombie infection the very next day. Talk about a sudden turn of events! But Anna isn’t the only one in her group of friends facing newfound challenges amidst the zombie apocalypse.
Each of her friends has their own dilemmas to contend with. Amidst the chaos of fighting zombies, they also grapple with the complexities of teenage angst. And here’s the twist: they express their emotions through song and dance, turning Anna and the Apocalypse into a captivating zombie musical! Lastly, the depiction of the Evac Selfie craze strikes a chord with our obsession with documenting every aspect of our lives on social media. It adds a touch of realism to the film’s storyline.
Zombie Ass: Toilet of the Dead (2011)
This final entry is not for the faint-hearted. If you believe that Peter Jackson’s 1992 film Braindead holds the crown for the grossest zombie film ever, you are in for a surprise. Toilet of the Dead takes the grotesqueness to new heights as it tells the story of a group of teenagers who venture into the woods, only to find themselves relentlessly pursued by zombies emerging from the depths of the sewers! Their fate rests on Megumi, a student who must conquer her fear of bugs and rise to the challenge of saving the day.
Toilet of the Dead is an unrelenting thrill ride that keeps the momentum going from start to finish. It revels in its outrageousness, overflowing with gory and disgustingly entertaining gimmicks, while still showing a story that features likable characters. Don’t be fooled into thinking you can predict the next twist, because this film goes beyond the realm of sewage zombies and introduces ridiculously terrifying butt parasites! Brace yourself for a barrage of toilet humor that will leave you both stunned and strangely amused.
Had a blast with our list? You might want to check out our feature on Zom 100 and know why you need to read it after binging everything on this list!
Dominic indulges in whatever piques his interest and consumes his time, only to forget about it when he discovers something more intriguing than the last. He is currently rediscovering Taylor Swift after having stopped listening when Reputation came out, and he might binge-watch alien documentaries sometime this week. Nevertheless, writing is the one constant thing that wouldn't slip his mind for sure. Randomly unearthing good films is his fourth favorite thing in life. His third, second, and first are ABBA, suspending disbelief, and dozing off, respectively.