Top Three Zombie Films

Do you see undead people? Louise certainly does, as she gears up for the release of World War Z by bringing us her top three zombie films…

1. Shaun Of The Dead

The Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg-penned zomcom Shaun of the Dead  is, straight up, the pinnacle of British zombie films. As well as being a who’s-who of British comedy talent in the early noughties (Dylan Moran, Nick Frost, Lucy Davies, Tamsin Grieg, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy, Jessica Stevenson, Reese Shearsmith…) it’s also a bitterly sharp, uproariously funny and hilariously violent nod to all the proper undead classics. The cracking duo of Frost and Pegg spark off the screen, and the tight direction and old-school zombies just add to the melting pot of historically superb British comedy horror.

2. Colin

This outrageously low budget zombie thriller (allegedly produced on a budget of just £45) puts an original spin on the usual zombie movie; it’s told from the point of view of the titular zombie, Colin. It’s claustrophobic and disconcerting, the jerky, first-hand camerawork and circular plot just adding to the sense of impending doom. Virtually dialogue-free, the brave piece was deservedly showered with critical praise, with the terrific performances of the young, basically unknown cast (most of the “zombies” were recruited through social networking sites) particularly impressing viewers. It’s dark, vicious and sure to rise to cult status in years to come.

3. 28 Days Later…

Danny Boyle’s venture into the all-out horror genre was, for the most part, a soaring success. Featuring properly frightening zombies (they can run! RUN!), it features some stunning visuals-sweeping shots of a desecrated London, the gorgeous English landscape in all it’s glory, as well as tight, choppy sequences bringing to light to full horror the protagonists face. It’s peppered with British acting stalwarts- a deeply sinister Christopher Eccleston being the standout- and focuses on the human element of the outbreak, the effect on the actual people involved as opposed to just hordes of heroes battling the undead. It’s an intelligent, frightening take on the classic genre, and Boyle pulls it off with gusto.