With The Last of Us Season 2 finally landing this week, the undead discourse has risen once more. As Ellie and Joel return to our screens – this time navigating new emotional terrain and even more evolved infected – the show’s cultural grip has reignited one of pop culture’s most enduring debates: what is the best zombie story of all time?
Is it the slow-creeping dread of The Walking Dead, or the breakneck terror of Train to Busan? Do we favour the genre-splicing brilliance of Shaun of the Dead, or the historical drama of Kingdom? Any fan of the genre will passionately debate the rankings – comparing zombie speeds, infection origin stories, social metaphors, and how deeply a story dares to go beyond the gore.
But whether you’re a purist or a comedy-horror convert, below, we’ve rounded up 8 of the greatest zombie films and TV shows as nominated by the RUSSH team (and in no particular order)…
1. The Last of Us
Where to stream: HBO Max
Based on the critically acclaimed video game, The Last of Us blends emotional storytelling with visceral survival horror. Set in a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by a fungal pandemic, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey deliver powerhouse performances as Joel and Ellie, navigating both infected threats and the human cost of survival. It’s prestige-TV production at its finest – and with heartbreaking character arcs, it redefines the zombie genre for a new era.
2. The Walking Dead
Where to stream: Stan
This long-running series helped resurrect the zombie genre on television when it debuted on screens in 2010. Following a group of survivors led by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) in a world overrun by the undead, but more than just gore and survival, The Walking Dead dives deep into human morality, leadership, and what’s left of civilisation when society collapses. Its cultural impact can’t be understated, and its multitude of spin-offs cement it as a zombie epic.
3. World War Z
Where to stream: Binge, Foxtel, and Paramount Plus
Controversial, we know. Loosely inspired by Max Brooks’ novel, World War Z stars Brad Pitt as a former UN investigator racing to stop a global zombie pandemic. While the film is polarising among zombie-film lovers – mostly due to its production being plagued by costly rewrites, major reshoots – including a completely overhauled third act – and reported tension between star Brad Pitt and director Marc Forster, its large-scale action set-pieces, including the iconic Jerusalem wall scene, keep it on our list as one of the most high-octane, globe-trotting takes on the outbreak genre.
4. I Am Legend
Where to stream: Stan
Will Smith anchors this adaptation of Richard Matheson’s classic, playing the last (known) man alive in a virus-ravaged New York. Equal parts survivalist thriller and quiet character study, the film explores loneliness and resilience amid a world haunted by mutated, vampire-like infected. Beware, this one’s a tear-jerker.
5. Zombieland
Where to stream: Netflix, Foxtel Now, Stan
A cult-favourite horror-comedy, Zombieland follows a motley crew (played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin) through a rule-based, undead America. Known for its irreverent tone and iconic Bill Murray cameo, it balances bloody action with whip-smart humour. It’s a zombie film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The sequel with Zoey Deutsch is equally as iconic, too.
6. Kingdom
Where to stream: Netflix
Set in Korea’s Joseon dynasty, Kingdom fuses historical drama with supernatural horror as a mysterious plague reanimates the dead. With political intrigue, lush cinematography, and a gripping performance by Ju Ji-hoon, this period zombie saga offers a fresh cultural lens on the genre.
7. Shaun Of The Dead
Where to stream: Binge or Foxtel Now
Edgar Wright’s British zombie spoof is equal parts homage and parody, following the hapless Shaun (Simon Pegg) as he tries to win back his girlfriend and survive a zombie outbreak. Its clever writing, practical effects, and comedic timing make it a modern classic among fans of the genre.
8. Train to Busan
Where to stream: SBS On Demand
This South Korean thriller elevates the genre with breakneck pacing, heart-wrenching stakes, and powerful social commentary. Set almost entirely on a speeding train during a zombie outbreak, it stars Gong Yoo as a father trying to protect his daughter. Train to Busan is emotionally devastating and brilliantly choreographed.
