Zombie movies have captivated audiences for decades, combining elements of horror, science fiction, and even comedy. The genre has evolved over the years, and certain films have stood out as iconic entries. Here’s a list of the 15 best zombie movies, ranked for your enjoyment and potential nightmares:

1. Night of the Living Dead (1968) – George A. Romero’s classic that set the standard for all zombie lore to follow.

2. Dawn of the Dead (1978) – Another Romero masterpiece, expanding on the social commentary and horror elements.

3. 28 Days Later (2002) – A post-apocalyptic nightmare that introduced faster and more terrifying zombies.

4. Shaun of the Dead (2004) – A brilliant blend of humor and scares that pays homage to the zombie genre.

5. Train to Busan (2016) – A South Korean film that combines intense action with heart-wrenching drama.

6. The Return of the Living Dead (1985) – A cult classic that injected punk rock and comedic elements into the zombie formula.

7. Zombieland (2009) – A road trip movie through a zombie-infested America; funny with great character dynamics.

8. Day of the Dead (1985) – The third in Romero’s original trilogy, offering a darker look at the human condition during a crisis.

9. [REC] (2007) – A terrifying Spanish found-footage film set in an apartment building overrun with infected inhabitants.

10. World War Z (2013) – Although it deviates from its source material, it delivers intense action and global scope.

11. The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) – Wes Craven’s film takes a different approach by exploring Voodoo folklore and zombification.

12. Dead Snow (2009) – Norwegian horror-comedy where Nazi zombies attack a group of students on a ski vacation.

13. I Am Legend (2007) – While not traditional zombies, the infected creatures present a haunting vision of an abandoned New York City.

14. Re-Animator (1985) – A gory dark comedy based on H.P. Lovecraft’s work, giving a new twist to reviving the dead.

15. The Crazies (1973/2010) – Both George A. Romero’s original version and the 2010 remake show how quickly society can unravel amidst an outbreak.

These films represent some of the best storytelling in the zombie genre, each bringing its own unique flavor to themes surrounding survival, humanity, and often satirical takes on society itself. Whether you prefer your undead slow and menacing or fast and frenzied, this list has something for every zombie movie enthusiast out there to enjoy.