Stories aboutzombieshave been pop culture staples. Iconic movies likeNight of the Living Deadpaved the way for other stories involving the undead.TV showsabout zombies have a unique opportunity tocreate intricate universes that have either been ravaged by zombie outbreaks or supernatural forces. These series can either explore the chaos of the first hours, days, or weeks of a zombie apocalypse or focus on how society would rebuild from this.
Zombie series introduce characters in often horrifying worlds. There are some series that are deep character studies on individuals who are either on the frontlines of societal breakdown or those who have to adjust to a new reality.The best zombie series are meditations on the human condition, and ask questions like what makes humanity so durable, or what ultimately makes life worth living even in the worst circumstances.IMDbhighlights which zombie series have resonated most with audiences.
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
All of Us Are Deadis a horror series that followsa group of high school students trapped inside their school during a sudden and violent zombie outbreak. As the infection spreads rapidly, the students must band together to survive while facing the newly undead while also navigating the complete breakdown of society. The second season ofAll of Us Are Deadcontinues the story of Nam On-jo (Park Ji-hu), who becomes a college student in Seoul.
South Korea has always been at the forefront of horror, particularly in zombie stories, andAll of Us Are Deadis a perfect example of why. Like the best zombie series,All of Us Are Deadcombines high stakes with emotionally rich storytelling. It makes sense that this series has such arespectable IMDb rating, since the story offers a unique take on the zombie genre by following characters confined to a high school while the world ends around them.
9’Death Valley' (2011)
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Death Valleyis a mockumentaryseries that follows members of the newly-formed Undead Task Force (UTF), a new division of the Los Angeles Police Department. The series takes place in a universe where, a year prior,creatures like zombies, werewolves, and vampires started appearing in the streets of California’s San Fernando Valley. A camera crew follows members of the task force and documents their encounters with these creatures.
While this isn’t strictly a zombie series since it features other mythical creatures, it makes sense that this series is sohighly-regarded within the genre. The fact thatDeath Valleyfocuses on a society where zombies are just part of daily life makes it stand out in a genre that mainly focuses on the immediate aftermath of a zombie apocalypse.There’s a lot to appreciate about a series that presents a lovable group of characters who are just trying to adjust to their new normal.
8’iZombie' (2015–2019)
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
iZombieintroduces Olivia “Liv” Moore (Rose McIver), a medical resident who’s turned into a zombie after being infected at a boat party. After becoming a zombie, she breaks up with her fiancé, ends her medical training, andtakes a job at a morgue where she has access to brains. By consuming the brains of the deceased, she temporarily absorbs some of their personality traits and experiences flashbacks from their lives. She uses this ability to help solve cases.
iZombieis a unique zombie seriesbecause it functions as a crime procedural, dark comedy, and supernatural drama. It makes sense, then, that its fanbase would be quite broad.There’s something for everyone iniZombie, which justifies itshigh IMDb rating. The series' concept allows for both humor and heartfelt storytelling, while also tackling deeper themes like identity, morality, and what it means to be human.
7’Santa Clarita Diet' (2017–2019)
Santa Clarita Dietis a dark comedy that follows the lives of Sheila (Drew Barrymore) and Joel (Timothy Olyphant) Hammond, a married couple working as real estate agents in the suburban town of Santa Clarita, California. Their lives take a bizarre turn whenSheila becomes a zombie and develops a craving for human flesh.Santa Clarita Dietblends gore and humoras the Hammonds try their best to maintain appearances.
Santa Clarita Dietis another example of a zombie series that features surprisingly poignant explorations of complex themes, like love, loyalty, and the absurdity of suburban life.The series' IMDb rating is justifiedby the fact that it’s gained a cult following in the years since its cancellation.Santa Clarita Dietstands out as a fresh take on the zombie genreby putting zombies in a sunny suburban setting rather than just showing them in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
6’In the Flesh' (2013–2014)
IMDb Score: 7.9/10
In the Fleshis a British series that takes place several years after an event known as “The Rising”, where thousands of recently deceased people around the world are re-animated as mindless, brain-eating zombies. The series specifically follows Kieren Walker (Luke Newberry), whoreturns to his rural hometown after being “cured” of his undead state.In the Fleshpresents a societythat has lived through trauma and is desperate to protect itself through armed militias and a general attitude of mistrust.
Like the best zombie series,In the Fleshfeatures pointed social commentary to reflect real-world issues. Theseries' high IMDb scoremakes sense because it introducesdeeply relatable characters who are easy to invest in, rather than focusing on creating heroes and villains.In the Fleshtells an impactful story in just two seasons, and uses every moment of screen time to humanize those who have been zombified.
5’The Returned' (2012–2015)
IMDb Score: 8.0/10
The Returnedis a French drama that is set in a quiet mountain town where several people, believed to have been deceased for years, suddenly reappear.As these previously deceased people attempt to reclaim their lives and reintegrate into society, strange things start to happen, including power outages, changes in the local reservoir, and the appearance of unexplained marks on the bodies of the living and the dead.The Returnedis as unsettlingas it is heartfelt.
The Returnedstands out as one of the most heartbreaking series in the zombie genre. Rather than paint the undead as mindless, homicidal beings, this series introduces characters who are fully sentient even though they have died and have been reanimated. Rather than relying on action or violence,the series builds tension through unanswered questions and creeping dread. It makes sense thatThe Returnedis one of the highest-ratedzombie series on IMDbbecause it’s another example of a story that humanizes the dead.
IMDb Score: 8.1/10
The Walking Deadis a post-apocalyptic drama that follows a group of survivors navigating a world overrun by zombies, known as “walkers,” after a global outbreak. The survivors are led by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), a former sheriff. While the walkers represent the initial threat, it quickly becomes clear thatthe greatest dangers Rick’s group faces are other survivors.The Walking Deadis based on the comicsof the same name.
WhileThe Walking Deadbecame divisive throughoutits twelve-year run, it still remains one of the most iconic zombie series of all time. For all the narrative issues the series may have had in its later seasons,The Walking Deadredefined what a zombie series could be. It makes sense that the series is stillso highly regarded, since it’s a massive survival epic that looks at how resilient humans can be in the most unimaginable circumstances.
3’Kingdom' (2019–2020)
IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Kingdomis a South Korean period drama that takes place in the 17th century, three years after the end of the Imjin War. The series centers on Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he uncovers a conspiracy surroundinghis father’s mysterious illness and a strange plague that reanimates the dead.Kingdomfollows the Prince’s questto get to the bottom of this crisis while also fighting for his rightful place on the throne.
It makes sense thatKingdomis one of the highest-rated zombie series because it’s set against a rich historical backdrop. The traditional architecture, royal court politics, and period costumes give the show a distinct identity rarely seen in zombie stories.Kingdomelevates the zombie genreby adding in historical elements and imagining a world that would have had to go through a zombie apocalypse without any modern technology or scientific knowledge.
IMDb Score: 8.4/10
Ash vs. Evil Deadis a continuation of the cult-favoriteEvil Deadfranchise. The series brings back Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell), a chainsaw-wielding antihero. The series takes place decades after the original movies, and follows Ash as he tries to live a quiet life after spending so much time fighting zombies, or, as they’re known in this universe, Deadites.Ash vs. Evil Deadhas a comedic tonewhile exploring the fact thatAsh has PTSD from his experiences fighting a war.
It’s no mystery whyAsh vs. Evil Deadis one of the highest-rateddrama series on IMDb. The series continues a much-loved series with one of its most memorable characters.Ash vs. Evil Deadhas much to appreciate for those who are already fans of the franchise, and tells a unique story that newcomers who aren’t familiar with this franchise can dive right into.Ash vs. Evil Deadbalances dark comedy with a heartfelt portrait of a traumatized manwho’s been through too much, which makes it compelling.
1’The Last of Us' (2023–)
IMDb Score: 8.5/10
The Last of Usis based on the video game of the same name, and introduces Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), a man who survives the initial worldwide zombie outbreak. Twenty years after this catastrophic fungal outbreak, Joel is tasked with transporting Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the United States, sinceshe’s immune to infection and is thought to hold the key to developing a cure. The two become a kind of family as they face hostile territory, the infected, and dangerous humans.
It makes sense thatThe Last of Uswould be thehighest-rated zombie series on IMDb, since it creates an immersive world against the backdrop of the end of the world that somehow still has a hopeful tone. Whilethe second seasonmay feature some questionable character choices, it still makes sense that, overall, fans continue to regard this series highly.The Last of Uselevates the genre beyond horror and survival, and instead presents a story that distills the human experience and reflects on what makes life worth living.
The Last Of Us
After a global pandemic destroys civilization, a hardened survivor takes charge of a 14-year-old girl who may be humanity’s last hope.
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