The Walking Dead? Nah, It's All About the Living Dead: Ranking George A. Romero's Zombie Masterpieces
Let's face it: George A. Romero didn't just invent the modern zombie movie, he practically wrote the book on the genre. Seriously, Night of the Living Dead is basically zombie movie 101. But Romero wasn't just a one-trick pony. He explored the undead in a whole bunch of ways, turning the mindless shambling into commentary on everything from consumerism to social decay.
So, which of his zombie flicks are the best? Well, it's not like ranking classic rock bands or anything. This is a matter of taste, but here's my personal take on the best of the best.
1. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
This one’s not just a classic, it’s the OG, the granddaddy of them all. The film’s low budget and grainy black-and-white visuals make it even more creepy, and the social commentary is still shockingly relevant today. It's a bleak, powerful movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. Bonus points for the iconic scene where Barbara is hiding in the basement, and you just know something bad is about to happen.
2. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
While Night of the Living Dead gave us the zombie, Dawn of the Dead gave us the zombie shopping mall. This film is a brutal, darkly funny look at consumerism gone wild. It's one of the most influential horror films of all time. The ending? Oh, that ending is a classic.
3. Day of the Dead (1985)
Romero delves deeper into the philosophical side of zombies in this one. Is it possible to communicate with the undead? What does it mean to be human? It's got the classic Romero blend of gore and social commentary, and it's a film that will make you think.
4. Land of the Dead (2005)
Okay, it's not Romero's best, but it's still pretty good. It's a visually stunning movie with some great special effects, and the social commentary is on point. It's a bit more action-packed than the earlier films, but Romero still manages to sneak in some sharp insights about the state of society.
5. Creepshow (1982)
We're cheating a little bit here, because it's not entirely a zombie movie. But the "They’re Creeping Up on You!" segment is so classic, so creepy, and so quintessentially Romero, that it deserves a place on the list. Creepshow is a love letter to classic horror comics, and it's a must-watch for any fan of the genre.
Don't Forget the Rest!
Romero had a few other zombie movies under his belt, like Diary of the Dead and Survival of the Dead. But for me, these five are the cream of the crop. They’re not just about zombies, they’re about the world we live in, and they’re more relevant today than ever. So, if you're looking for a truly thought-provoking horror experience, look no further than the works of the legendary George A. Romero.