The 20 Best Zombie Movies of the 21st Century

19. Versus

This 2000 Japanese movie is that same old story about portals leading to other dimensions and a cursed evil forest that resurrects the dead. Of course, the Japanese mafia gets involved in a fight with the zombies. You know, same old thing.

18. Diary of the Dead

George A. goes to the handheld camera in this 2007 flick. A definite change to his traditional style of zombie films, "Diary" may not be his strongest piece but is still a fun ride with likeable characters.

17. Dance of the Dead

It’s prom night and everyone is dressed up and ready for a memorable night. Everyone except you, the uncool kids. Don’t worry, though, you won’t be sitting at home bored; you’re the last line of defense against the living dead! See, it’s going to be an exciting night, after all! You didn’t even have to rent a tux!

16. Planet Terror

Loaded with stars, "Planet Terror" serves up tons of gore as survivors fight their way through the infected after a bio-weapon causes less than desirable results. Director & writer Robert Rodriguez keeps it light and fun while providing some truly disgusting scenes. You probably want to skip dinner during this one.

15. Pontypool

Most people will really like 75% of "Pontypool." The ominous tone set from watching a small radio crew piece together a zombie apocalypse from small bits of information from the outside world is quite enthralling. Unfortunately, after that, the movie takes such a bizarre turn you’ll wonder if it’s still the same movie. Points for originality but maybe next time make sure we’re in the car before you slam down the pedal.

14. Quarantine

The (probably unnecessary) American remake of "REC" didn’t quite live up to its predecessor but still offered up plenty of scares. I will never understand who thought it was a good idea to put the ending of the movie on the cover. Seems like a bad idea, but that’s just me.

13. The Crazies

This remake of the 1970 Romero film by the same name follows Timothy Olyphant, a small-time sheriff, as he tries to figure out why everyone in his town is going, well …crazy. Joe Anderson also puts in a great performance as Deputy Clank.

12. Dead Set

Technically "Dead Set" was a mini-series, but it’s too good to not be recognized. It’s eviction night on the popular reality show "Big Brother" when all hell breaks loose. A zombie virus is spreading across the U.K., leaving a group of reality stars to work together in order to survive. It sounds lighthearted, but "Dead Set" is nonstop action. It’s definitely worth checking out.

11. I Am Legend

Who would have thought the Fresh Prince would survive to be the last man on earth? Will Smith does a marvelous job navigating us through the streets of a desolate New York while fighting off the infected in some of the most intense scenes in recent memory. If you haven’t seen this one in a while, it’s worth watching again.

10. 28 Weeks Later

Picking up six months after the rage virus wiped out most of the population, the U.S. Army has come to London to help fortify an area for repopulation. That’s when the virus makes a comeback. Jeremy Renner and Rose Byrne are great but it definitely doesn’t surpass the original.

9. Dead Snow

"Dead Snow" has everything you want, as long as one of those things is Nazi zombies.  This Norwegian film delivers on the zombie gore, but don’t be fooled by the premise -- there’s plenty of fun to be had on this ski vacation from hell.

8. The Horde

I caught "The Horde" on Netflix and was blown away by this import from Belgium. A group of cops decide to seek justice on some gangsters when, you guessed it, the zombie apocalypse breaks out. Just a note, you will be screaming “Just shoot them in the head, idiot!” at your TV for most of the movie.

7. Resident Evil

It didn’t generate 764 sequels for nothing. "Resident Evil" brought the best zombie video game franchise to the big screen in a huge way. Not only are there more zombies than you can count, but this franchise solidified Milla Jovovich as a certified action star. I have no doubt believing her character, Alice, could wipe out a world of the undead. Throw in Michelle Rodriguez and the zombies don’t stand a chance.

6. Zombieland

"Zombieland" did what few other zombie movies could: it created characters you actually like. With a star-studded young cast and Woody Harrelson, and possibly the best cameo ever from Bill Murray (as himself), this 2009 hit pokes fun at the genre while providing some really great scares. If you haven’t seen it, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

5. REC

Oh man, did Spain deliver a great one with "REC." We follow in first-person view as a reporter and her cameraman join a team of firefighters on a call. Little do they know what’s waiting for them inside this eerie apartment building. "REC" has more scares than you can imagine and an ending that will haunt you for days.

4. 28 Days Later

These aren’t your father’s slow-walking zombies. These guys are sprinting full speed and they’re in much better shape than you. Good luck! Danny Boyle delivers masterfully on this sneak preview of the apocalypse where the healthy are just as dangerous as the infected.

3. Slither

I love this movie. Some may disagree with putting it this high on the list, but "Slither" is such a fun film. James Gunn creates a bizarrely fascinating world filled with brilliant characters. Gregg Henry’s portrayal of the small town mayor is one of my favorites in recent memory. 

2. Shaun of the Dead

Considered by many to be the holy grail of zombie films, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have so much fun that you can’t help but join in on the laughs. Yes, it’s more comedy than horror, but you really can’t call yourself a zombie fan without seeing "Shaun of the Dead."