Top 10 Fast Zombie Films Worth Watching, Ranked

Fast zombies have been a terrifying presence in recent zombie movies, scaring audiences with their speed and ferocity. Unlike the slow-moving zombies of older films like White Zombie in 1932 and Night of the Living Dead in 1968, fast zombies bring a new level of fear and danger to the genre. Originating in 1980s horror, fast zombies became a prominent feature in 21st-century films.

Movies like The Return of the Living Dead and Train to Busan showcase the terrifying threat of fast zombies. These creatures are far more sinister than their slow-moving counterparts, posing an immediate and terrifying danger to characters on screen. To survive, characters must act quickly to avoid becoming one of the undead themselves. The prevalence of fast zombies in movies has only increased over the years.

Dead Alive (1992)

Directed by Peter Jackson

Dead Alive Lawnmower Massacre - Directed by Peter Jackson - Dead Alive (1992)

Before capturing global attention for The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson, a director from New Zealand, delighted audiences with his own zombie comedy called Dead Alive, also known as Braindead. This movie is a mix of gore and humor, telling the story of a man dealing with his zombified mother who got bitten by a Sumatran rat monkey. While it may not be the most serious fast-zombie film, Dead Alive is definitely one of the funniest and remains a standout in Jackson's early works that focused more on humor.

Resident Evil (2002)

Directed by W.S. Anderson

Milla Jovovich as Alice looking shocked with her hands and face against glass in the first Resident Evil movie - Directed by W.S. Anderson - Resident Evil (2002)

The Resident Evil film series may not have lived up to the video games they were based on, but the first movie from 2002, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, provided thrilling and scary entertainment. It featured fast zombies, mutants, and other deadly creatures that made for a fun and exciting movie experience. Even renowned director James Cameron admitted to enjoying the film, praising its quality and Michelle Rodriguez's performance as a feral creature.

"The Return Of The Living Dead (1985)

One film that I secretly enjoy, despite its flaws, is Resident Evil. The way Michelle Rodriguez portrays her character, moving like a feral creature, brings me joy."

Directed by Dan O’Bannon

The Tarman screaming for brains in The Return Of The Living Dead 1985 - Directed by Dan O’Bannon - The Return Of The Living Dead (1985)

"I Am Legend" (2007)

"I Am Legend" is a science fiction horror film that stars Will Smith as the last man on Earth after a virus turns the population into bloodthirsty mutants. Based on the novel of the same name by Richard Matheson, the movie explores themes of isolation, survival, and the consequences of human experimentation. Will Smith delivers a powerful performance as the protagonist struggling to find a cure while facing the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world. With intense action sequences and emotional depth, "I Am Legend" is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

Directed by Francis Lawrence

Composite image of Will Smith in I Am Legend - Directed by Francis Lawrence - I Am Legend (2007)

The sequel to the post-apocalyptic thriller I Am Legend is confirmed with Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan returning.

28 Weeks Later (2007)

Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Military men wielding guns in 28 Weeks Later - Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo - 28 Weeks Later (2007)

Rec (2007)

"Rec (2007)" is a horror film that follows the story of a television reporter and her cameraman as they document the night shift at a local fire station. As they respond to a call at an apartment building, they quickly find themselves trapped inside with the residents, who are infected with a mysterious virus. The film is shot in a found footage style, adding to the sense of realism and tension as the characters struggle to survive and uncover the truth behind the outbreak. "Rec (2007)" is a thrilling and intense ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza

rec 2007 angela - Directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza - Rec (2007)

In the 2007 Spanish found-footage horror movie Rec, the fast-moving zombies were infected with a highly contagious virus that hinted at demonic possession. The world depicted in Rec was a captivating nightmarish hellscape, intensified by its faux-documentary style that brought a sense of realism and authenticity with its 'shaky-cam' presentation of horrors on screen. This successful found-footage horror film spawned three sequels that delved deeper into the hybrid zombie-demon creatures.

Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

Directed by Zack Synder

Zombies running through the desolate streets of Milwaukee in Dawn of the Dead (2004).  - Directed by Zack Synder - Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

In the 2013 film "World War Z," the zombies are portrayed as fast-moving and aggressive, unlike the traditional slow-moving undead creatures. The decision to have these zombies move swiftly added a new level of intensity and suspense to the movie. As the protagonist navigates through a world overrun by these agile zombies, the tension and fear are heightened, making it a thrilling and heart-pounding experience for viewers.

Directed by Marc Forster

Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane with Blood on His Face in World War Z - Directed by Marc Forster - World War Z (2013)

Train To Busan (2016)

Train To Busan, a South Korean horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho, offers a fresh take on the zombie genre. The film follows a group of passengers on a speeding train during a zombie outbreak, adding a unique twist by focusing on the passengers' struggle for survival in a confined space. With intense action sequences and emotional depth, Train To Busan delivers a thrilling and suspenseful ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film's success lies in its ability to blend horror elements with poignant human drama, making it a standout in the zombie movie genre.

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho

A father holding his child in Train to Busan - Directed by Yeon Sang-ho - Train To Busan (2016)

28 Days Later (2002)

A gripping British horror film, 28 Days Later is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly virus has spread, turning most of the population into rage-fueled zombies. The story follows a group of survivors as they navigate through the desolate streets of London, facing not only the infected but also other dangers in their quest for safety and survival. Directed by Danny Boyle, this intense and atmospheric movie is known for its fast-paced action sequences and realistic depiction of a society on the brink of collapse. With its innovative take on the zombie genre, 28 Days Later has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following since its release.

Directed by Danny Boyle

Cillian Murphy as Jim running away from a flaming zombie in 28 Days Later. - Directed by Danny Boyle - 28 Days Later (2002)

Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later is considered the ultimate fast zombie movie, revolutionizing the concept of agile undead for modern audiences. Starring Cillian Murphy, the film follows a man who wakes up from a coma to a world ravaged by a contagious virus that induces aggression. Unlike traditional zombie movies, 28 Days Later portrays the infected as sympathetic victims rather than mindless killers.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an engaging overview of fast zombies in horror movies, tracing their evolution from the early days of cinema to their prominent role in contemporary films. It highlights the unique characteristics of fast zombies, their impact on the genre, and their ability to generate fear and adrenaline-pumping excitement.

The article showcases a diverse selection of movies that have contributed to the popularity of fast zombies, including "Dead Alive," "Resident Evil," "28 Weeks Later," "Rec," "Dawn of the Dead," "World War Z," "Train to Busan," and "28 Days Later." Each film is briefly discussed, providing insights into its plot, directorial style, and the role of fast zombies within the narrative. The inclusion of images adds visual appeal and helps illustrate the distinct aesthetics of each film.