10 Best New Zombie Movies, Ranked for Fans of Horror

Best New zombie movies

10. Scooby-Doo! Return to Zombie Island (2019)

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island was a landmark moment in the franchise. For the first time, the gang had actual monsters to run away from! The much-belated sequel that came out in 2019 is clearly trying to rekindle some of that nostalgia.

However, it just doesn’t live up to the original. While the first Zombie Island film had genuine scares, this one is mostly just retreading old ground. Still, for kids, it’s probably scary enough.

Best New zombie movies

9. Army of the Dead (2021)

Army of the Dead marked Zack Snyder's return to the zombie genre, combining a high-concept heist with a large-scale undead apocalypse set inside a quarantined Las Vegas. 

Think of this Netflix film like a traditional zombie movie meets Oceans 11. There's a MacGuffin that the characters want in a secure location in Las Vegas. The problem? They have to get through a zombie infested strip to access it. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, then it's worth checking out. 

Best new zombie movies

8. Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

Zombieland was a surprise hit in 2009. 10 years later, Double Tap tries to recapture that same party-like energy, and it mostly succeeds. There are some new jokes to keep you laughing, but mostly, it harkens back to the good ol’ days, mainly focusing on the now classic Bill Murray bit.

It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it has a lot of fun in the process. Ultimately, it’s a worthy sequel that’ll keep you entertained.

Latest Zombie Movies

7. The Dead Don’t Die (2019)

If there’s one thing The Dead Don’t Die does very well is that it proves you can still do something unique within the zombie genre. Within the silliness and zombie mayhem, there’s an environmentalist message among all of the droll wit.

It may not always land tonally, but anyone who has a fondness for Jim Jarmusch’s offbeat sensibilities can find something to have a good time with here.

New Zombie Movie List

6. The Sadness (2021)

The Sadness is an extremely violent and brutal horror movie, top to bottom. There's really no other way to put it. It gained a reputation for pushing the zombie genre into deeply disturbing psychological territory.

The virus that causes the zombie outbreak in this film doesn't just turn people bloodthirsty, it also makes them commit invasive, horrifying acts of torture onto others and themselves. This one isn't for the feighnt of heart, but if you're you can stomach it, you'll also find a very well crafted movie with something to think over by the end. 

Best new zombie movies

5. Overlord (2018)

Overlord is a B-movie with an A-movie’s budget. It’s set during World War II. A group of soldiers go in expecting to kill some Nazis only to find the undead waiting for them.

This movie easily could’ve dissolved into schlock, but it wears its ridiculousness on its sleeve. It knows what it is and has a blast with it. When you just want some good, dumb fun, Overlord is the film to watch.

Best new zombie movies

4. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)

The 28 Days later franchise is still delivering hits decades later. In this second part of a planned three part 28 Years Later trilogy, Nia DaCosta takes the director reigns to deliver a smart and thematically dense look into characters who have lived in a left behind infected wasteland for most, if not all their lives.

The film introduces us to easily the most evil human character we've seen in this world so far with Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. And on the humanitarian side of the coin, we have the strong willed Doctor Kelson and his unlikely infected friend, Samson. This film is intriguing yet hard to predict, making it endlessly re-watchable. 

Great New Zombie Movies

3. Anna and the Apocalypse (2018)

Zombies and musicals come together at last. Anna and the Apocalypse is a delightful genre mashup. Things don’t always gel together as well as they could, but when they do, it’s a hoot. 

Even with some minor shortcomings, you can’t help but root for this film. The characters are likable. The songs are catchy. It’s a treat that’s destined to become a cult classic with sing-alongs in theaters around the country within the next decade.

Best new zombie movies

2. Little Monsters (2019)

There are all kinds of ways to do a good zombie movie in this day and age. But sometimes, all you need to get the job done is terrific performances and genuinely creepy zombie action. A kindergarten teacher, a burn-out, and a gaggle of children are held up in a petting zoo with zombies everywhere they look. 

It’s funny. It’s scary. It pulls on your heartstrings at points. It’s a great little gem of a film. This is one zombie flick with serious rewatchability potential, so check it out if you haven’t already.

Best new zombie movies

1. 28 Years Later (2025)

This is easily the defining zombie film of the decade so far. 28 Days Later writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle reunite all these years later to deliver a look into the infection apocalypse that's been quarantined in the UK mainland. 

28 Years later delivers on its premise in every way. It evolves its franchise 'maybe the people are even worse than the infected' premise by introducing us to young Spike who has a complicated relationship with his father who grew up in this left-behind world. 

But more than anything, Danny Boyle directs this chapter with a keen sense of style and kinetic energy. It feels almost biblical at times, with an infectious cosmic beauty that's impossible to not to marvel at. This movie received a solid amount of praise when it first dropped, but somehow it still feels like its deserving of so much more. 

Up Next

20 Best Comedic Zombie Movies

The zombie film has been around long enough to where filmmakers can have a lot of fun with tropes and conceits.

Now that you're through with the best new zombie movies in recent years, if you’re in the mood to both laugh and cower in fear, then check out StudioBinder’s list of the best comedic zombie films of all time. 

Up Next: Top 20 Best Funny Zombie Movies →