If you loved the chilling suspense and relentless terror of 'Dawning of the Dead' (2017), you're in for a treat. This article curates 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver the same heart-pounding thrills, eerie atmospheres, and survival horror elements. Whether you're a fan of zombie apocalypses or psychological dread, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Description: A pioneering film in the zombie genre, it features a group of survivors barricading themselves in a rural house to fend off the undead, emphasizing tension and human conflict under extreme pressure.
Fact: This film is often credited with defining the modern zombie archetype and was one of the first movies to feature a Black protagonist in a leading role during a time of racial tension in the U.S.


28 Days Later (2002)
Description: Revitalized the zombie genre with fast-moving infected, focusing on societal collapse and the psychological toll on survivors as they navigate a desolate, post-apocalyptic world.
Fact: The film was shot on digital video to give it a gritty, realistic look, and many of the deserted London scenes were filmed at dawn to avoid traffic and crowds.


Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Description: A horror-comedy that parodies zombie tropes while still delivering genuine scares and emotional moments, centered around an unassuming hero rising to the occasion.
Fact: The film was intentionally shot to look like a romantic comedy for the first half, with the zombie elements gradually creeping in to subvert expectations.


The Crazies (2010)
Description: A small-town outbreak story where infected humans become violently insane, focusing on containment efforts and the breakdown of societal order.
Fact: The film is a remake of a 1973 George A. Romero movie and was shot in Georgia, USA, which stood in for the fictional town of Ogden Marsh, Iowa.


I Am Legend (2007)
Description: A solitary survivor navigates a deserted city filled with nocturnal, vampiric creatures, blending isolation horror with scientific exploration of the outbreak.
Fact: The film's production shut down several blocks of New York City for weeks to create the illusion of a post-apocalyptic Manhattan, one of the most expensive sets ever built at the time.


World War Z (2013)
Description: A global perspective on a zombie pandemic, featuring large-scale chaos and rapid infection spread, with a focus on finding a solution to the crisis.
Fact: The film's production faced numerous challenges, including extensive reshoots and a completely rewritten third act, which significantly delayed its release.


Zombieland (2009)
Description: A comedic take on the zombie apocalypse, following a group of survivors with quirky rules for staying alive, blending humor with horror elements.
Fact: The movie features a cameo by Bill Murray as himself, which was improvised on the spot and became one of the most memorable scenes in the film.


The Walking Dead (2010)
Description: A long-running series that explores the day-to-day survival of a group of people in a world overrun by zombies, focusing heavily on human relationships and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The show's first season had one of the highest budgets for a TV series at the time, and its premiere episode was directed by Frank Darabont, known for his work on 'The Shawshank Redemption.'


The Girl with All the Gifts (2016)
Description: A unique twist on the zombie genre, focusing on a hybrid child who may hold the key to humanity's survival, blending horror with deep ethical questions.
Fact: The film is based on a novel of the same name, and its ending differs significantly from the book, sparking debates among fans about which version is more impactful.


Train to Busan (2016)
Description: A high-octane thriller set on a train during a zombie outbreak, blending intense action with emotional character arcs and social commentary about class and sacrifice.
Fact: It was the first Korean zombie film to achieve major international success and broke box office records in South Korea upon its release.
