The eagerly awaited second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us” has arrived, and viewers are eager to discover what unfolds for Pedro Pascal’s Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey’s Ellie. Will it focus mainly on them and new additions Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, and Catherine O’Hara, or might there be any critically acclaimed, standalone episodes akin to the first season’s “Long, Long Time,” featuring Nick Offerman? It’s clear that Kaitlyn Dever’s character, Abby, won’t just make a brief appearance. She played a significant role in 2020’s “The Last of Us Part II,” and much like the game sparked heated discussions, so too has Dever’s casting (mainly because fans felt she didn’t resemble the video game character).
As a devoted fan eagerly awaiting the resolution of all those lingering questions from “The Last of Us” Season 2 (airing on May 25), I can temporarily assuage my curiosity by revisiting and immersing myself in the thrilling episodes of Season 1. For the record, there’s a wealth of zombie movies out there, ranging from serious to humorous, that can serve a similar purpose. Check out our review of Season 2 right here.
28 Days Later
As a film aficionado, Danny Boyle’s “28 Days Later” is undeniably one of the most terrifying masterpieces from the 2000s. Although its sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” may not quite match up, it remains among the best horror sequels ever made. These films are a must-watch whether you’re currently hooked on “The Last of Us” or looking forward to next year’s release of “28 Years Later.
28 Days Later engages viewers immediately with its gripping extended introduction tracking Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, as he emerges from a coma into a world that has been ravaged and deserted. The suspenseful storyline maintains its grip throughout, making it challenging to label Danny Boyle’s film anything other than the most convincingly acted zombie movie ever displayed on the big screen, thanks to the performances of Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Brendan Gleeson.
Rent 28 Days Later on Amazon Video.
Dawn of the Dead
It’s common knowledge among many, even those not deeply versed in classic horror, that “Dawn of the Dead” features zombies in a shopping mall. While Zack Snyder’s remake from 2004 played a role in its recognition, the primary reason lies in the innovative central idea of George A. Romero’s original film.
Ingeniously executed is this movie, and there’s clearly a lot on its agenda. Dawn of the Dead starts off with a critique of racism before swiftly transitioning into a sharp condemnation of consumerism. The film manages to be both thought-provoking and terrifying. As you grow fonder of the main characters, their deaths (of which two occur) become heart-wrenchingly tragic.
Rent Dawn of the Dead on Amazon Video.
Day of the Dead
A less celebrated end to George Romero’s Dead Trilogy, “Day of the Dead,” is a lesser-known masterpiece exploring humanity’s self-destructive instincts, even before zombification takes hold. In this film, the story unfolds around a group of scientists and two helicopter pilots who strive to live together in a bunker while soldiers above them endure the apocalypse.
As the narrative unfolds, you can sense the mounting tension in each scene. If these two factions somehow make it past each other (which is becoming increasingly uncertain), they’ll still be faced with hordes of predators after that. It’s as inventive an idea as the second film’s choice to set the action within a shopping mall.
Stream Day of the Dead on Peacock.
Dead Alive
Peter Jackson’s early film, known as “Dead Alive” in the United States, stands out as one of the most extreme gorefests in cinema history. If you believed that “The Evil Dead” came up with innovative methods of dismembering characters, be aware that “Dead Alive” surpasses it by playing its own gruesome game to a whole new level.
fundamentally, “Dead Alive” revolves around a shy individual, whose existence is significantly influenced by his mom. However, when she seemingly passes away, she continues to live, causing him to feel an overwhelming compulsion to tend to her more than ever before.
Night of the Creeps
Just like the charmingly nostalgic and carefree vibe of “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” the film “Night of the Creeps” is more than worthy of its dedicated cult fanbase that has grown over time. By paying tribute to the B-movies of the ’50s, it stands out as one of the finest examples ever produced within this genre.
The film, “Night of the Creeps“, excels in multiple aspects. For one, it embodies the heartwarming journey of adolescence, featuring relatable central characters that feel genuine in their cinematic environment. On another front, it skillfully intertwines comedic elements with authentic special effects to create a delightful blend of humor and suspense. Moreover, it showcases Tom Atkins’ acting prowess to an exceptional degree, surpassing even his performance in “Halloween III: Season of the Witch“.
Rent Night of the Creeps on Amazon Video.
Night of the Living Dead
The iconic and groundbreaking horror masterpiece, “Night of the Living Dead,” often regarded as the cream of Romero’s six-film zombie series, remains unsurpassed in many eyes. However, it should be noted that both “Dawn of the Dead” and “Day of the Dead” come close. As for the later films, “Diary of the Dead” and “Survival of the Dead,” they can be safely skipped. Yet, even “Land of the Dead,” the fourth installment, has its redeeming qualities.
The story unfolds right here, and it’s a movie that’s remarkably character-driven, making it compelling from start to finish. Its finale, in particular, has left an indelible mark on cinema, serving as one of the most powerful and thought-provoking gut-wrenching moments ever captured on screen.
Watch or stream “Night of the Living Dead” on Max, or alternatively, you can watch it for free on Wikipedia since the movie is within the public domain.
Planet Terror
As a cinephile, I must confess that Robert Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror” stands out as the more captivating piece of the 2007 double-feature, “Grindhouse.” This film, a unique blend of body horror, nostalgic homage, and zombie thrills, unfolds an engrossing tale centered around Cherry Darling, a go-go dancer who transforms from a dance floor diva into an action heroine when her quaint town is besieged by the living dead.
In Planet Terror, there are several standout aspects. Firstly, Cherry Darling is a well-developed character, with Rose McGowan delivering an outstanding performance that marks the pinnacle of her career. Secondly, this film knows how to balance absurdity and intensity perfectly. To illustrate the intense aspect, take a look at the subplot featuring Marley Shelton as Dr. Dakota Block and Josh Brolin as Dr. William Block.
Stream Planet Terror for free with ads on Tubi.
Resident Evil
Similar to the 2021 release of “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City,” Paul W.S. Anderson’s 2002 “Resident Evil” isn’t a classic in either the action or horror genres, but it retains an enjoyable charm of its own. With Zach Cregger, director of “Barbarian,” taking over the reboot of the film series, it seems inevitable that the IP will soon deliver a high-quality adaptation akin to “The Last of Us.
Regardless of their contrasting tones, it’s plausible that “Resident Evil” is an ideal movie choice following the Season 2 premiere of “The Last of Us”, with the exception of “Welcome to Raccoon City”, which adheres more closely to the game. However, “Raccoon City” lacks the iconic laser room scene.
Stream Resident Evil on STARZ.
The Return of the Living Dead
Much like Romero’s Dead Trilogy, “The Return of the Living Dead” stands out as an entertaining blend of horror and comedy, boasting a quirky, fashionable style. With its punk rock aesthetic proudly displayed, this film is all about having fun – it’s here to bring the party!
The movie serves as a playful imitation of George A. Romero’s initial zombie film, making direct references to its plot events. Beyond that, it stands independently as a comedic spectacle, with the narrative following both the staff and management of a medical supply warehouse, as well as a band of punk teenagers, in their efforts to resist an army of undead shouting “Brains.” It’s enjoyable entertainment, much like Night of the Living Dead, and it features a completely unforeseen conclusion.
Stream The Return of the Living Dead on FuboTV.
Shaun of the Dead
If you’re looking for something lighthearted following the gravity of “The Last of Us”, then Edgar Wright’s “Shaun of the Dead” could be your ideal pick. Despite being a comedy, it skillfully prioritizes crafting relatable and endearing characters that make you want to cheer them on.
The movie significantly contributed to the recognition of director Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost. Wright, despite being new to the scene, demonstrated an impressive ability to create a well-balanced film with excellent pacing. Meanwhile, it’s challenging to envision a funnier duo for the lead roles.
Stream Shaun of the Dead on MGM+.
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2025-04-15 06:12