5 Most Unhinged Zombie Horrors You Haven't Heard of to Watch After '28 Years Later'
Seen Train to Busan, Shaun of the Dead, and 28 Days Later dozens of times? If so, these lesser-known horror films will quench your thirst for unique projects that offer a fresh take on the genre.
On June 20, Danny Boyle's long-awaited zombie horror movie, 28 Years Later, finally hit theaters. While the film got rave reviews from critics – 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, it received a much more restrained reception from viewers – only 65%.
If you were expecting more from the third installment in the 28 Days Later film series, we recommend these lesser-known but brilliant zombie horror flicks.
1. 'Tombs of the Blind Dead', 1972
In the 13th century, the Templars returned from the Holy Land with ancient crosses, which were symbols of eternal life. However, instead of grace, the artifacts brought Satanism.
The Inquisition executed the Templars, leaving their bodies hanging in trees until crows pecked out their eyes. The knights were buried in the castle, and from then on, anyone who dared enter became a victim of the blind dead.
Tombs of the Blind Dead has stood the test of time thanks to its unique and disturbing medieval atmosphere, as well as its original monsters: blind monks in hoods who are much smarter than typical mindless zombies.
2. 'It Stains the Sands Red', 2016
Molly's boyfriend is eaten by a zombie. The couple's car broke down in the middle of the desert while they were on their way to catch a plane and escape the undead epidemic engulfing the city.
Molly quickly grabs supplies and sets off on foot for her destination. The only problem is that the zombie in a business suit who killed her man is stubborn, so he follows Molly, who is unarmed, all the way.
It Stains the Sands Red is a clever mix of zombie horror, drama, and thriller. It not only scares you but also keeps you on the edge of your seat thanks to the suspense and unexpected plot twists.
3. 'MadS', 2024
Romain visits a dealer, picks up supplies for a birthday party, and gets into a car. On a country road, a strange girl jumps into the car and wounds herself and bites Romain.
The bitten young man feels dizzy and hears voices. Soon, he begins to feel an irresistible hunger. At the same time, people in uniform walk around the quiet French city, shooting random passersby.
Thanks to one-take filming and the presence effect, the director expands the usual horror framework and avoids repeating established genre techniques. Thus, MadS will definitely please viewers tired of typical zombie horror.
4. 'Dead of Night', 1974
Bob Clark is the director of two iconic holiday movies, the horror film Black Christmas and the comedy A Christmas Story. However, fans of zombie horror should pay attention to his Dead of Night, which is rightfully considered one of the most memorable horror flicks of the 1970s.
It tells the story of a soldier who died in Vietnam but returned home, gradually turning into a monster before his parents' eyes.
Dead of Night masterfully combines psychological thriller and body horror to create a unique atmosphere of hopelessness. It offers an unsettling exploration of war, death, and the loss of humanity.
5. 'The Cured', 2017
In The Cured, humanity has already dealt with an outbreak of a dangerous virus. However, the world will never be the same again – not for those who survived the disaster nor for those who were cured of the zombie virus.
One of the main characters is Senan, an ex-zombie. He was one of the lucky ones who was saved. However, there is still a percentage of infected people who cannot be cured.
Senan and the other ex-zombies are trying to start new lives. There's just one problem: they all remember what they did before being cured, and society is in no hurry to accept them.
