The 11 Best Horror 80s Zombie Movies You Must Watch

• The Return of the Living Dead has since spawned four sequels, each of which has its own unique take on the original. The original film's director, Dan O'Bannon, also wrote the screenplay for the first sequel, Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988). 
• The third installment, Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993), was a romantic horror movie that focused on a young couple's struggle to survive the zombie apocalypse. The fourth and final installment, Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (2005), was a more action-oriented film that featured a group of teenagers fighting off the undead. 

• It is widely considered to be one of the best horror zombie films of the 1980s due to its unique blend of horror, comedy, and punk rock music. 
• The movie's dark humor, iconic soundtrack, and its influence on the genre have all contributed to its lasting legacy. 

• Its unique blend of horror, comedy, and drama make it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by horror fans around the world. The movie is also notable for its iconic soundtrack, composed by John Harrison. 
• It features a mix of traditional Mexican music, such as mariachi and ranchera, and more modern rock and synthpop. The soundtrack further adds to the film's atmosphere, making it an even more immersive experience. 
• Its success has spawned several sequels and remakes, cementing its place in the horror genre.

• It is widely considered one of the best 80s zombie movies due to its dark humor, intense gore, and iconic scene involving a severed head. 
• The film's blend of horror and comedy is unique and has made it a cult classic. 

The continuing mind-blowing sequels

• Re-Animator has spawned numerous sequels and adaptations, including a musical and comic book series. It has also become a staple of the midnight movie scene and has been featured in numerous zombie movies watch festivals. 

• It is widely considered one of the best horror 80s zombie movies due to its innovative camera work, practical effects, and cult following. 
• The movie was groundbreaking in its use of camera angles and lighting to create a sense of dread and terror, and its use of practical effects to create the zombie-like creatures was ahead of its time. 
• The movie has become a cult classic, with fans around the world celebrating its unique blend of horror and comedy.

The continuing mind-blowing sequels

• The Evil Dead spawned two sequels, Evil Dead II (1987) and Army of Darkness (1992), which continued the story of the original film. It has also been adapted into a musical, a video game, and a television series. 
• The movie has become a cornerstone of horror cinema, inspiring numerous other films and television shows in the decades since its release.

• The film's unique blend of horror and comedy creates an atmosphere of suspense and tension, while also providing plenty of laughs. 
• The characters are also memorable, with each one having their own distinct personality and quirks. 
• Finally, the film pays homage to classic horror films, with references to films such as The Thing and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. All of these factors combine to make Night of the Creeps an unforgettable horror experience. 

• Its unique blend of horror and comedy makes it a standout in the genre, while its memorable scenes involving zombie animals have become iconic.
• It is widely considered to be one of the best 80s zombie films of the 1980s, due to its clever blend of horror and humor, its impressive special effects, and its unforgettable scenes involving zombie animals.
• All in all, Return of the Living Dead Part II is a must-see for any fan of 80s horror cinema!

• This film is considered one of the best horror 1980s zombie movies due to its surreal atmosphere, intense gore, and influence on Italian horror cinema. 
• The Beyond is a cult classic that has been praised for its unique blend of horror, fantasy, and science fiction elements. Its intense visuals, such as the infamous spider scene, have become iconic in the horror genre.
• The film's influence on Italian horror cinema is undeniable, as it has inspired countless filmmakers in the decades since its release.

• The film is widely considered one of the best 1980s zombie movies, due to its outrageous gore, dark humor, and cult following. It is known for its over-the-top violence and gore, which is often played for comedic effect. 
• Additionally, its cult following has kept it alive in the hearts of horror fans for decades. 

• The film provides an interesting and insightful look into the culture of Haiti and the power of voodoo, while also delivering a thrilling horror experience. 
• The combination of these elements makes The Serpent and the Rainbow a truly unique and memorable horror film that stands out from other zombie films of the era.

• This adaptation of King's novel is a key factor in the film's success, as it captures the emotional impact of the story and its iconic scenes involving undead animals. 
• The film is a classic example of the horror genre, and its success is due to its ability to capture the audience's emotions and create a lasting impact.

• The film is widely considered to be one of the best horror 1980s zombie movies, and is credited with helping to define the zombie genre.
•  It is known for its intense gore, and iconic scenes such as the zombie fighting a shark. Zombie (1980) has had a lasting influence on the horror genre and is a must-see for any zombie movie fan.

• Visual Effects: The advancements in technology have significantly impacted the visual effects in zombie movies. In the 1980s, practical effects, such as prosthetics and makeup, were commonly used to create zombie appearances. Today, filmmakers rely more on CGI (computer-generated imagery) to enhance the zombie visuals, allowing for more detailed and realistic depictions of decay, gore, and zombie hordes.

• Pacing and Action: 80s Zombie movies often featured slow-moving zombies, emphasizing a sense of dread and impending doom. These movies focused on building tension and suspense through atmospheric settings and character dynamics. In contrast, contemporary zombie movies tend to have faster zombies or infected creatures, resulting in more frenetic and action-oriented sequences. The pacing is often quicker, with intense chase scenes and dynamic action sequences.

• Storytelling and Themes: While the core concept of a zombie outbreak remains consistent, the storytelling and themes have evolved. 1980s zombie movies often explored social commentary, addressing themes like consumerism, societal collapse, and human nature. In contemporary zombie movies, the focus has expanded to include survivalist narratives, exploring the human response to extreme situations, and examining themes like family, morality, and the breakdown of society.
• Characterization and Diversity: The portrayal of characters in zombie movies has evolved over time. In the 1980s, the emphasis was often on a small group of survivors trying to stay alive. Today, there is a greater emphasis on diverse characters, representing a wider range of backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities. Modern zombie movies tend to feature more complex and well-developed characters with individual story arcs, providing opportunities for diverse perspectives and representation.
• Tone and Genre-blending: The tone of zombie movies has also shifted over the years. While horror remains a central element, contemporary zombie films often blend genres, incorporating elements of comedy, romance, or action. This blending allows for a more nuanced exploration of themes and appeals to a broader audience.