15 Insanely Addictive Zombie TV Shows That Will Blow Your Mind!

The Walking Dead enjoyed a successful eleven-season run, sparking interest in viewers to explore other zombie shows in various genres and countries. Following the thrilling journeys of characters like Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon, viewers can now discover the numerous spin-offs and prequels that have stemmed from the AMC show. Since its premiere in 2010, The Walking Dead has paved the way for imaginative reinterpretations of the zombie genre. For example, Santa Clarita Diet added a romantic comedy twist to the undead storyline, while Kingdom reimagined zombies within a medieval Korean setting.

However, among the newer zombie shows, fans of The Walking Dead tend to lean towards more traditional options that explore themes of survival and violence. Nonetheless, even these intense shows have the freedom to explore a zombie invasion in diverse settings. Charlie Brooker's underrated Dead Set, for instance, introduced zombies into the world of a Big Brother-style reality show. Another example is the Netflix original Betaal, which brought British colonizers back to life in an Indian village. The legacy of The Walking Dead continues to thrive, pushing the boundaries of what the undead can do beyond simply walking.

10 Dead Set (2008)

9 Black Summer (2019-2021)

In the midst of celebrities and socialites engaging in mind games within the confines of the Big Brother house, a devastating zombie virus outbreak is unraveling human civilization outside. Dead Set, the brainchild of renowned British filmmaker Charlie Brooker, was conceptualized years before his acclaimed success with Black Mirror. This thrilling miniseries transcends the notion of a mere gimmick by reimagining a melodramatic reality show with zombies, showcasing powerful performances by Jaime Winstone, Riz Ahmed, and an array of exceptional actors. The gripping exploration of human fear within the claustrophobic setting of Dead Set is certain to captivate fans of The Walking Dead.

Taking inspiration from The Walking Dead, the Netflix original Z Nation ventured into its own territory with the spin-off series Black Summer. Featuring Jaime King as the lead, the two-season show follows a mother who gets separated from her six-year-old daughter during a zombie apocalypse. Joined by fellow survivors, she embarks on a journey to reunite with her child, facing the deadliest summer in the midst of the apocalypse. While The Walking Dead often raised eyebrows due to questionable parenting choices, it also touched upon the psychological struggles faced by parents in a world overrun by zombies. Black Summer, too, has its share of heart-wrenching moments, but ultimately offers a glimmer of hope through its compelling storyline.

8 Zomboat! (2019)

If The Walking Dead starts to feel too cynical for its viewers, they can switch gears and enjoy the British zombie satire Zomboat! This sitcom begins with a zombie apocalypse in Birmingham, forcing four unlikely companions to escape on a canal boat. While the premise may not be the most original, the conversations between the main characters brilliantly highlight the immense pressure and absurd randomness that the human mind can experience during a crisis like this. Zomboat! may not be excessively violent, but its situational humor delves into the other side of the apocalypse, a aspect that would surely resonate with fans of The Walking Dead who appreciate the show's emphasis on character development and storytelling.

7 The Rain (2018-2020)

Netflix offers a variety of zombie TV shows from around the world, providing a diverse selection for viewers. One intriguing example is The Rain, a Danish series that delves into the psychological aspects of a zombie virus outbreak rather than focusing on the gore-filled action. The unique twist lies in the nature of the outbreak, where raindrops carry the virus, making anyone susceptible to infection. As the survivors desperately seek shelter from the rain, they find themselves caught in a power struggle reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. With its dark visuals and real-world tension, The Rain is a perfect choice for fans of The Walking Dead.

6 Daybreak (2019)

Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Daybreak takes place in a crisis-ridden world where all adults are either killed or transformed into zombified creatures known as Ghoulies. Among the survivors are a group of fearless teenagers, each leading their own Mad Max-style gangs. In this altered reality, high-schooler Josh Wheeler embarks on a journey across post-apocalyptic California in a quest to reunite with his girlfriend. Paying homage to beloved coming-of-age comedies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and injecting humor into its zombie characters, Daybreak offers a surprisingly poignant perspective on the apocalypse for younger fans of The Walking Dead.

5 Betaal (2020)

If The Walking Dead fans are looking for a show that offers the familiar thrill of zombie action along with a fresh and diverse storyline, Betaal is a great option. This action-packed drama is set in a picturesque village in India and combines modern military warfare with Indian folklore and history. The story begins with a police unit forcibly evicting the villagers to make way for a new highway. However, they soon find themselves facing an unexpected challenge when they come across an army of undead British redcoats from colonial India. With its impressive and terrifying creature designs and rich cultural influences, Betaal is undoubtedly one of the top Indian Netflix originals.

4 In The Flesh (2013-2014)

The content fragment has been rewritten below:

The Walkers in The Walking Dead exhibit a level of intelligence that far surpasses that of typical brain-eating zombies. However, In The Flesh provides a compelling companion to watch, as this British series delves into a more empathetic portrayal of the undead. Shifting the focus from the survivors to the perspective of the zombies, In The Flesh centers around the destiny of "rehabilitated" zombies who have regained consciousness and now sincerely regret their violent past actions. Considering that The Walking Dead fearlessly tackles profound themes such as survivors' guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder, In The Flesh presents an ideal choice for viewers who yearn for a more introspective narrative within the realm of zombie tales.

3 Death Valley (2011)

Alongside supernatural creatures like vampires and werewolves, Death Valley's MTV mockumentary also showcases an abundance of zombies. When the unexpected invasion of these foes takes over California's San Fernando Valley, it is up to the LAPD's Undead Task Force to defeat them. Fans of The Walking Dead, who may feel overwhelmed by the show's constant tension, will find joy in watching Death Valley—a zombie comedy that follows the misadventures of a clumsy police unit dedicated to hunting down these undead creatures. And although comedic, the show also provides a satisfying amount of zombie action to appease the bloodthirsty viewers. Despite being canceled by MTV after only one season, Death Valley has managed to amass a devoted cult following.

2 Helix (2014-2015)

As much as The Walking Dead focuses on survival and zombie killing, it also emphasizes the importance of using scientific methods to prevent the apocalypse. This is exemplified through characters like Milton Mamet, who advocates for experimenting on the Walkers rather than simply killing them. For viewers who are intrigued by the origins of the zombie virus in The Walking Dead, the Syfy original series Helix is a must-watch. The show chronicles a race against time as scientists and CDC experts strive to contain a virus that has the potential to transform humans into zombie-like carriers. The striking similarities between Helix and real-life outbreaks, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, add an extra layer of realism to the show.

1 S.O.Z. Soldados O Zombies (2021)

The zombie virus outbreak in the Mexican Prime Video original series, S.O.Z. Soldados o Zombies (aka S.O.Z Soldiers or Zombies), can be traced back to mutated pigs. Alongside this, we follow the story of a notorious drug trafficker and his son, who are currently fugitives from the authorities. As chaos ensues on the US-Mexico border due to Mexican soldiers turning into zombies, even the American forces become entangled in this gripping tale. By blending cross-border politics, thrilling zombie encounters, and intense violence reminiscent of grindhouse films, S.O.Z Soldados o Zombies guarantees an adrenaline-filled watch that will captivate fans of the more action-packed episodes of The Walking Dead.