A Beginner’s Guide to Zombie
Horror Movies
Whether you are a horror aficionado or have never really gotten into the genre, I truly believe there is something for everyone in the horror realm. Comedy tends to be the universal ice breaker. Having a moment of levity in any horror movie is fantastic and helps the viewer either take a breathe or lets the audience in on an inside joke. Like, “Yes, we know this is a crazy situation, and the characters think so too.” There are so many great horror-comedies or horror films out there. This list isn’t a “Best Of,” but more of a sampling of incredible zombie horror movies to help guide you into the genre till you find yourself laughing yourself to death!
(Rating system is 1-5, 5 Being the scariest. All of these titles are on the milder side of horror if you are an avid horror watcher)
*Please note* Streaming availability is posted according to publish date. Please check your local listings and the linked Just Watch page for streaming updates!
ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE
It’s Christmas time in the small town of Little Haven, and Santa is bringing Zombies this year! Anna and her friends will have to fight and singing their way to survival. This is a multifaceted film. It’s horror. It’s a comedy. It’s also a musical (with some pretty great original music). It’s also a holiday movie. There is a little something for everyone.
SCREAMS: 2
COMEDY: 3
CAMPY: 4
GORE: 3
STREAMING: Available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Check Just Watch to see where it’s available for rent.
Watch the trailer here.
PRIDE & PREJUDICE & ZOMBIES
In the 19th century England, love is in the air! All the eligible ladies in the area primp and pamper themselves with the hopes of snagging themselves a wealthy husband. The Bennett sisters have other issues to worry about…staying alive! Through glamorous balls and glorious battles, Elizabeth Bennett begins to fall for the cold and aloof zombie hunter, Mr. Darcy, who is well above her social class.
A twist on a beloved classic, this movie had some trouble finding its footing. For fans of zombie movies, it’s light on the scares and for Jane Austen fans, it’s real loose with the original plot and historical accuracy. For these reasons, it’s a great starter zombie film! Low on gore but a plot that most are at least vaguely familiar. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies is high on action, suspense, and fun! The film is also filled with beautiful costumes and some badass females kicking zombie ass!
SCREAMS: 2
COMEDY: 2
CAMPY: 3
GORE: 2
STREAMING: IMDB TV and available for rental.
Watch the trailer here.
SHAUN OF THE DEAD
When the zombie apocalypse starts, it’s up to Shaun and his slacker best friend to try and save his ex-girlfriend, family, and a ragtag group of friends.
Let’s be honest, if zombies suddenly showed up, no matter how many zombie movies you’ve seen, your first instinct would not be “Shoot them in the head!” There would be some adjustment to figuring out that you need to start killing off people you used to know. Shaun of the Dead has one of the most realistic and hilarious takes on the zombie apocalypse. This film is on its way to becoming a classic. Zombieland continues to be one of the funniest horror-comedies out there. It is the ultimate gateway movie into the Zombie genre.
SCREAMS: 4
COMEDY: 5
CAMPY: 2
GORE: 4
STREAMING: HBO (subscription through Amazon Prime) and available for rental.
Watch the trailer here.
WARM BODIES
An unlikely friendship forms between a zombie boy and a human girl. They work together to bring about the zombie apocalypse’s end and learn they are not so different after all. They begin to wonder if these feelings could mean something more.
Warm Bodies is one of my favorite movies of all time! There are so many subtle moments of humor and details. There is plenty of levity throughout, but still lots of action-packed zombie attacks, and the Boneys have the scarier moments. You will continue discovering new gems on each viewing, from ambiance music to little looks given by these star-crossed lovers.
SCREAMS: 2
COMEDY: 3
CAMPY: 3
GORE: 2
STREAMING: For rental only.
Watch the trailer here.
Bonus
ZOMBIELAND
Set a few months into the zombie apocalypse, Zombieland follows an awkward college student who makes his own rules to follow to survive. He joins with a misfit group to stay alive; they find the last of the Twinkies and get to a zombie-free amusement park.
What is great about this movie is that they skip the outbreak’s origin and get right into the story of the survivors. Plus, having an underdog as the protagonist, you see the humor of how he is dealing with the circumstances. You see how he got to where he is through a few flashbacks. Zombieland has plenty of scares but just as much humor. This film is included as a bonus because anyone who has seen it would wonder WHY I didn’t include it in a Zombie Comedy list. However, I feel Zombieland has a bit more “Horror Movie” moments to it, but it isn’t quite the cult classic that Shaun of the Dead has become. If you can handle Shaun, then venture into Zombieland!
SCREAMS: 4
COMEDY: 5
CAMPY: 2
GORE: 4
STREAMING: Netflix and available for rental.
Watch the trailer here.
More from Married to Horror
Looking for more? Check out other “Take A Stab at Horror” recommendation lists with movies similar in tone that include vampires, classics, slashers, alien/sci-fi, and more!
Find more general Married to Horror selections by checking out our recommendations, lists and take a peek at our Master Watch List where you can find an array of horror films sorted by title, platform, rating, and more.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Comment below or email us at contact@marriedtohorror.com! Follow our Facebook group Married to Horror and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @marriedtohorror.
