As a devoted cinephile with an affinity for the macabre, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible adaptability of the zombie genre. Since its resurrection in contemporary filmmaking, these reanimated creatures have served as a fertile ground for exploring societal issues, intensifying survival nightmares, and even providing the foundation for biting satire. The intriguing premise of life after death has captivated filmmakers who relentlessly seek innovative ways to reinvent it, giving birth to a genre that stubbornly resists being consigned to the grave. This endless evolution is the genre’s secret weapon, ensuring its enduring popularity as each fresh addition either polishes a timeless trope or unleashes an audacious new twist that redefines the post-apocalyptic landscape entirely. Thus, whether it’s lumbering hoards or relentless infectees, the zombie apocalypse remains one of cinema’s most dynamic and versatile storylines.
Among genre classics that have spawned expansive series, there are some standout films that feature innovative and captivating storylines. These are the ones that introduced fresh zombie concepts, exotic settings, or left us yearning for answers in an unresolved state. Sadly, these haven’t been followed up with sequels, despite our patience over the years. Here’s a list of our favorite zombie movies that we’re still hoping will have a sequel.
7) Pontypool
The 2008 Canadian horror movie titled “Pontypool” is considered one of the most creative works within the zombie genre, as its danger source is not biological but linguistic. The plot unfolds predominantly within the walls of a small-town radio station, where disc jockey Grant Mazzy (played by Stephen McHattie) and his team start receiving peculiar reports about violent disturbances happening in their locality. Over time, they comprehend that a virus is transmitting through the English language itself, causing infected people to become mindless, rage-driven zombies upon hearing specific words.
The thoughtful portrayal of a zombie outbreak in the film Pontypool makes it an ideal candidate for a sequel. While its confined atmosphere creates tension, it only presents a limited view of a global catastrophe. Moreover, the story intentionally leaves many questions unanswered about the wider impact of this unusual virus on the world. Lastly, the enigmatic scene after the credits hints at the virus evolving and spreading further, providing an excellent starting point for a continuation.
6) Maggie
Diverging from the usual fast-paced action found in the genre, the film titled Maggie is a profound and emotional character drama unfolding amidst a zombie apocalypse. The movie showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger delivering one of his most reserved performances as Wade Vogel, a father tending to his teenage daughter, Maggie (Abigail Breslin), who has contracted a virus that inexorably transforms her into a zombie. This “necroambulist” virus is managed by the world with standard protocols, sending infected individuals to quarantine zones. However, Wade remains steadfast, opting instead to spend his daughter’s last weeks with her on their secluded farmstead.
The movie “Maggie” delves deeply into the heart-wrenching tale of one family’s personal tragedy, yet subtly suggests a larger, intricate society grappling with an ongoing crisis. A potential sequel might shift its gaze from this intimate story to the broader world, shedding light on the social and political repercussions of the government-imposed quarantine system. By following a new set of characters, a subsequent film could scrutinize the moral dilemmas and grim realities of a society that has adapted to living with zombies, transforming its quiet terror into a broader and equally captivating narrative.
5) Fido
The 2006 movie titled “Fido” presents a humorous take on the zombie genre, depicting a fictional suburban setting reminiscent of the 1950s, post a war against zombies known as the “Zombie Wars.” In this world, zombies, controlled by collars developed by Zomcon Corporation, serve as household help like servants, gardeners, and paperboys. The narrative revolves around Timmy Robinson (K’Sun Ray), a young boy who befriends their newly acquired zombie named Fido (Billy Connolly). However, when Fido’s collar malfunctions, his original aggressive nature resurfaces, triggering a series of events that potentially disrupt the tranquility of their seemingly perfect community.
In a captivating blend of vivid color and sharp social critique, the movie titled “Fido” introduces a distinctive universe that invites deeper examination. At its conclusion, the immediate danger has been addressed, yet the foundation of a world based on the enslavement of the undead is precarious due to inherent instability. A sequel could delve into the fissures within this Zomcon-regulated society, potentially depicting a massive zombie rebellion or a civil rights movement advocating for the rights of the undead. The opportunity to further develop the film’s dark humor and biting commentary on consumerism and conformity is vast, and a continuation could effortlessly expand upon the original’s solid foundations to unfold a more expansive narrative.
4) The Girl with All the Gifts
In the movie titled “The Girl with All the Gifts“, the zombie genre undergoes an intriguing transformation. Humans have been decimated by a fungal outbreak, causing its victims to become mindless, cannibalistic creatures known as “hungries”. Remarkably, there are some children who have developed hybrid traits, maintaining their intellect and emotions while still craving human flesh. The narrative revolves around one such child, Melanie (Sennia Nanua), a highly intelligent girl confined within a military compound. When the facility is attacked, she flees along with a band of survivors, including her dedicated educator, a pragmatic researcher, and battle-hardened soldiers.
The heart-wrenching ending of the movie “The Girl with All the Gifts” leaves viewers yearning for more, as Melanie’s actions lead to the extinction of humans and the rise of a new hybrid species. As the movie concludes, the last remaining human survivors reside in a protected lab, relying on Melanie for sustenance and education of the next generation of hybrids. This finale sets up an intriguing cliffhanger, introducing a peculiar new order. A sequel could delve into the beginnings of this new world, the intricate dynamics between the remaining humans and the dominant hybrid population, and the hurdles in creating a future from the remnants of the past.
3) World War Z
In contrast to numerous zombie movies that revolve around compact bands of survivors, the movie World War Z depicted an extensive global pandemic on a grand scale. The film features Brad Pitt in the role of Gerry Lane, a previous United Nations investigator who is reactivated when a puzzling plague triggers people into becoming highly aggressive and swift-moving zombies at an alarming rate. Lane’s task involves traveling from the U.S. to South Korea, Israel, and Wales in a bid to uncover the origin of the pandemic and any possible vulnerabilities before it’s too late.
In more conversational terms: It’s quite disappointing that a continuation of “World War Z” hasn’t been fully realized yet in movie production, given its compelling ending and the hint of further conflict. The film left us with humanity developing camouflage to fight back effectively against zombies but no definitive resolution. Moreover, Gerry Lane’s closing narration suggests that the war is far from over, promising a larger battle ahead. For years, there have been talks about a sequel, even involving director David Fincher at one point. Recently, Paramount has expressed interest in producing “World War Z 2”, but we’ll need to wait and see if it eventually comes to fruition.
2) Planet Terror
One variation could be: In 2007’s Grindhouse dual presentation, Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror serves as an audaciously exaggerated tribute to exploitation B-movies. The narrative unfolds when a lethal chemical is unleashed from a military facility, transforming the affected into hideous mutants called “sickos.” The story revolves around a band of unlikely heroes, among them Cherry Darling (played by Rose McGowan), a go-go dancer who replaces her lost limb with a machine gun, and her enigmatic ex-lover El Wray (Freddy Rodriguez). They join forces to battle swarms of infected soldiers and decaying zombies in a gruesome display.
The unrestrained enthusiasm for low-budget thrills in “Planet Terror” is what solidifies its status as a timeless classic, and its finale cleverly sets the stage for a follow-up. Following the destruction of the infection’s origin, a tight-knit group of survivors relocate to the tranquil beaches of Mexico to establish a harmonious community. This post-apocalyptic sanctuary, under the leadership of the resilient Cherry Darling, presents an excellent opportunity for a fresh journey. A sequel could delve into this burgeoning society facing remnant infected or perhaps a new and even more peculiar danger, all while preserving the original’s distinctive grindhouse style. The universe of “Planet Terror” is simply too captivatingly chaotic to be contained within a single narrative.
1) Anna and the Apocalypse
In an extraordinary blend of charm and genre-bending creativity, the 2017 film “Anna and the Apocalypse” stands out as no other. This delightful Scottish production combines elements of Christmas movies, high school musicals, and zombie horror-comedies in a unique, engaging narrative. The story unfolds around Anna (Ella Hunt) and her peers as their quaint town is suddenly besieged by the living dead on the day of their school’s Christmas performance. Amidst the chaos, they find themselves singing, dancing, and battling their way through hordes of zombies in a desperate bid to reunite with their loved ones and find refuge.
The standout film on this list is “Anna and the Apocalypse,” which boasts an exquisitely balanced and ambiguous ending. As the story unfolds, the surviving group becomes smaller due to devastating losses, effectively crushing the film’s cheerful early atmosphere. Despite discovering a possible sanctuary, their future remains precarious as they gaze upon a world that has been profoundly altered. A potential sequel to “Anna and the Apocalypse” could continue directly from this juncture, delving into the survivors’ experiences and their struggle to find solace in music and optimism amidst a now-empty landscape.
What other zombie films do you believe deserve a follow-up soon? Feel free to share your choices below!
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2025-08-20 21:15