8 Emotional Zombie Movies For Fans Of The Last Of Us

The television series The Last of Us demonstrates that the zombie genre still has a lot of potential for storytelling, and certain emotionally charged zombie films echo the terror and poignancy found in this highly-acclaimed show. The second season of The Last of Us has already stirred strong emotions among viewers, and the characters’ relationships remain central to the plot, much like the zombie threat itself. Despite the fact that many people consider zombie films to be nothing more than gratuitous violence, there are numerous examples within the genre that are just as deep and thought-provoking as The Last of Us.

In a different yet understandable manner:

“The video game The Last of Us paints a grim picture of the zombie genre by portraying a more desolate world, lost connections, and a society on the brink of collapse. It also highlights the bonds formed amidst this new chaos and how these relationships are constantly threatened by danger. Unlike most zombie movies that revel in the raw wildness of the genre, there are select titles that delve into similar emotional aspects while providing fresh, heartrending perspectives on a zombie apocalypse.

8. Night Of The Living Dead (1968)

Directed By George A. Romero

Reflecting on it now, approximately six decades since its premiere, one could argue that the classic film “Night of the Living Dead” laid the foundation for a series like “The Last of Us.” Although the concept of zombies was not new, “Night of the Living Dead” popularized and significantly impacted the genre. Its influence can still be seen today in the rules and tropes that are integral to the genre’s lore. George A. Romero’s independent black-and-white production centers around a group of individuals huddled together for safety in an old farmhouse, battling against a relentless zombie assault.

In essence, “Night of the Living Dead” largely fulfills its promise of delivering intense, gripping scenes, complete with memorable set pieces. However, it doesn’t evoke strong emotions until the climax. The climactic scene, a shocking and poignant moment in cinematic history, occurs when Ben, a groundbreaking Black protagonist, miraculously survives as the last man standing, only to be fatally shot by the mob. This pivotal scene has significantly influenced the portrayal of despair and cruelty within the zombie narrative.

7. The Crazies (2010)

Directed By Breck Eisner

The Crazies is a reimagining of a less popular film by Romero, and it’s one of the scarce horror movie remakes that surpasses its original version in quality. Similar to The Last of Us, it doesn’t directly focus on zombies; instead, those infected transform into emotionless entities who only seek to destroy anything they encounter. In this chilling tale, Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell portray a married couple struggling to flee their small town as the infected population grows, while the military attempts to contain the outbreak by using extreme measures.

The film “The Crazies” bears a strong resemblance to the initial part of the first episode of “The Last of Us,” extended into a movie, as the protagonists strive to survive amidst their crumbling environment. A moving scene, seldom found in horror films, occurs when Olyphant’s character poignantly queries his spouse: “Shall we give up? Would you prefer to stay here and perish? If that’s your wish, I will stay with you.” The conclusion of “The Crazies” leaves an impactful, lasting impression.

6. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Directed By Edgar Wright

In contrast to The Last of Us, which isn’t particularly humorous, comparing it to Shaun of the Dead might feel unusual. Despite being packed with humor, Shaun of the Dead also subtly incorporates deeply moving scenes. This film centers around Simon Pegg, a man lacking direction, who strives to change his life amidst a zombie apocalypse. Accompanied by his best friend, Ed (played by Nick Frost), he endeavors to rescue his girlfriend, mother, and friends as a way of proving himself.

Shaun’s affection for the zombie genre is evident, yet he also satirizes it. Yet, he recognizes that poignant scenes can enhance a film, and skillfully transitions from humor to heartbreak at the right moments. Notably, the scene where Shaun grapples with his mother’s demise and his tender goodbye to Ed are some of the most moving instances in the horror-comedy genre.

5. 28 Weeks Later (2007)

Directed By Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

28 Weeks Later, unlike its predecessor which ends on a hopeful note amidst despair, starts off by restoring hope in the world, only to watch it shatter again. As the title implies, the movie unfolds after the first one, showcasing a city where survivors have built a semblance of normal life. However, much like the community of Jackson in The Last of Us season 2, this perceived safety is found to be more fragile than they thought.

Watching people regain pieces of their lives just to have them shattered once more is heart-wrenchingly sad. At the core of this tale lies a harrowing family saga, where two children reconnect with their father, only to uncover a disturbing fact about his resurgence, and witness him transform into a terrifying figure, sparking societal downfall. Based on appearances, the upcoming 28 Years Later promises to be another bleak addition to the series.

4. Train To Busan (2016)

Directed By Yeon Sang-ho

Among numerous South Korean zombie films available, none might surpass the recognition and appeal of “Train to Busan“. This film offered an exhilarating, high-budget journey through a zombie apocalypse that revitalized the genre at a moment when it seemed fresh ideas were scarce. “Train to Busan” tells the story of various characters traveling on a speed train towards Busan, South Korea, who find themselves in the midst of a zombie infestation aboard the train.

Among the thrilling horror scenes and relentless action, what truly sets this film apart is its ability to create characters we become invested in. This becomes all the more poignant as they start meeting their untimely ends one by one. The sacrifices these individuals make and the tragic fates they meet carry a heavier emotional weight than usual for such movies. But it’s the bond between the estranged father Seok-Woo and his young daughter Su-an that lies at the core of this movie, giving it a bittersweet conclusion.

3. Maggie (2015)

Directed By Naomi Capon

In contrast to what you might expect from Arnold Schwarzenegger starring in a zombie movie, with images of the action hero firing a shotgun at the undead while smoking a cigar, Maggie stands out as one of the most personal and low-key zombie films. This film showcases one of Schwarzenegger’s most profound performances. He plays Wade, a man residing in a small town during a zombie outbreak, who finds out that his daughter (Abigail Breslin) has been infected with the virus.

In the movie, I find myself deeply moved by the narrative, for it revolves around me, Wade, standing steadfast beside my daughter as she grapples with an infection. The story is equally about me accepting the inevitable loss of my child, as it is about Maggie bravely facing this harsh truth on her own terms. It’s not difficult to draw comparisons between our relationship and that of Joel and Ellie in “The Last of Us.

2. The Girl With All The Gifts (2017)

Directed By Colm McCarthy

In the novel titled “The Girl with All the Gifts“, we follow a young girl named Melanie who shares some similarities with Ellie from the first season of “The Last of Us“. Melanie is special because she might hold the solution to the worldwide zombie outbreak. However, what sets her apart is that she’s not just human – she’s a hybrid of human and zombie. This means she retains her human intelligence but struggles with an instinct to feed like a zombie. Accompanied by individuals who view her as a resource, a danger, and one who genuinely cares for her, Melanie embarks on a compelling journey.

Describing Melanie’s predicament is truly heart-wrenching, for she stands as a potential savior for mankind, yet her very existence denies her humanity. Alongside other hybrid children, they are confined as dangers, living half a life of a normal child. However, unlike most films in this genre, The Girl with All the Gifts offers an ending that is both hopeful and deeply emotional.

1. Cargo (2018)

Directed By Ben Howling & Yolanda Ramke

In numerous zombie narratives, there’s a focus on the bond between parents and children, and The Last of Us undeniably falls into this category. However, among these, it is the poignant horror-drama Cargo that stands out as the most emotionally charged. Martin Freeman plays Andy, a father who journeys across Australia with his wife and infant daughter, Rosie, when a zombie outbreak occurs. After his wife’s death and his own bite, Andy desperately searches for someone to look after his child before he transforms into a dangerous zombie himself.

The film, titled “Cargo,” offers an intense portrayal of a father’s desperate measures to safeguard his child and confront the heart-wrenching reality of letting go as he prepares his child for life outside his protection. This emotional journey resonates strongly with “The Last of Us,” due to the protagonist Andy’s awareness of their impending separation and his unwavering commitment to Rosie’s safety.

2025-05-03 21:12