The Ultimate Guide to the Highest-Grossing Zombie Movies
Hello there, zombie enthusiasts! Today, we're going to dive into the world of the undead and explore the highest-grossing zombie movies that have left audiences craving more. So, grab your popcorn and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and highest-grossing zombie movies.
The Walking Dead Phenomenon
Before we dive into the highest-grossing zombie flicks, let's talk about the Walking Dead phenomenon. This TV show, based on Robert Kirkman's comic series, has taken the world by storm. It's not just a show; it's a cultural phenomenon that has reignited the zombie genre's popularity. The Walking Dead has inspired countless spin-offs, merchandise, and even theme park attractions. But enough about TV – let's get back to the big screen!
Zombie Movies: A Brief History
Zombie movies have been around since the 1930s, but they didn't gain mainstream popularity until the 1960s with films like Night of the Living Dead. The genre has since evolved, with sub-genres like romantic zombies (Warm Bodies), political zombies (The Crazies), and even musical zombies (Shaun of the Dead). But which of these films have made the most money at the box office? Let's find out!
The Top 5 Highest-Grossing Zombie Movies
1. World War Z (2013) - $540 million
Kicking off our list is World War Z, directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt. This film is based on Max Brooks' novel of the same name and follows a United Nations employee as he travels the world to find a way to stop a zombie pandemic. With a budget of $190 million, World War Z had a lot to live up to, and it delivered, grossing over $540 million worldwide.
2. Train to Busan (2016) - $98.5 million
Next up, we have a South Korean horror film that took the world by storm – Train to Busan. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this movie follows a group of passengers trapped on a speeding train during a zombie outbreak. With a budget of just $3.5 million, Train to Busan was a sleeper hit, grossing over $98.5 million worldwide.
3. Resident Evil (2002) - $91.1 million
Based on the popular video game franchise, Resident Evil was released in 2002 and was directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, the film follows a team of soldiers fighting to survive a zombie outbreak caused by a viral outbreak in a secret facility. With a budget of $33 million, Resident Evil grossed over $91.1 million worldwide.
4. Dawn of the Dead (2004) - $84.7 million
A remake of George A. Romero's classic 1978 film, Dawn of the Dead was directed by Zack Snyder and starred Sarah Polley and Ving Rhames. This film follows a group of survivors who take refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie outbreak. With a budget of $28 million, Dawn of the Dead grossed over $84.7 million worldwide.
5. Shaun of the Dead (2004) - $30.1 million
Rounding out our list is Shaun of the Dead, a British horror-comedy directed by Edgar Wright and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. This film follows a man trying to win back his girlfriend while also dealing with an ongoing zombie outbreak. With a budget of $8 million, Shaun of the Dead grossed over $30.1 million worldwide, proving that you don't need a huge budget to make a successful zombie film.
The Future of Zombie Movies
The zombie genre shows no signs of slowing down, with several high-profile projects in the works. We have World War Z 2, the sequel to Brad Pitt's hit film, set to be released in 2021. There's also The Cursed, a zombie Western starring Nicholas Cage, and Army of the Dead, a Netflix original film from The Walking Dead creator, Robert Kirkman.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the highest-grossing zombie movies and the future of the genre. From World War Z to Shaun of the Dead, these films have left their mark on cinema history and have given us countless hours of undead entertainment. So, the next time you're in the mood for a good zombie flick, be sure to check out these box office smashes. Until next time, stay safe and keep your brains locked away!