Buzz
The CDC has recently unveiled a practical guide focused on zombie preparedness, complete with survival tips and tools for navigating catastrophic events, all depicted in a graphic novel format. While some might think CDC officials are experiencing pandemic-induced restlessness, their advice is undeniably valuable and applicable to a wide range of emergency scenarios.
Reading a brochure is one thing, but witnessing survival strategies in action is entirely different. Over the past two decades, we’ve been treated to numerous adaptations of zombie survival tales. Here are 13 shows and movies that, combined with the CDC’s guidance, could enhance your chances of surviving a zombie apocalypse.
The Walking Dead
In The Walking Dead, Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) awakens from a coma amidst a global epidemic and embarks on a mission to find his family and survive the zombie apocalypse together. Grimes embodies the archetype of a natural leader, ready to go to extreme lengths to safeguard those he loves. However, he soon discovers that zombies are often the lesser threat compared to desperate humans. The Walking Dead excels at showcasing the darker side of human nature under duress, allowing viewers to step into Grimes’ shoes as he navigates both undead hordes and hostile survivors. Watching Grimes and his group might offer insights into evading dangerous humans while fending off the undead.
Where to stream: AMC+
Fear the Walking Dead
In the spinoff of The Walking Dead, Nick Clark (Frank Dillane) awakens from a drug-induced haze to witness his friend consuming another person. Fleeing barefoot into the street, he is hit by a car and hospitalized, though it’s too early in the outbreak for anyone to take his claims seriously. Clark and his family quickly learn brutal survival lessons as the zombie apocalypse unfolds, such as the grim necessity of putting down infected animals or neighbors. This series offers a stark look at how to endure when societal systems collapse at the start of a crisis.
Where to stream: Hulu
Daybreak
In Daybreak, high schooler Josh Wheeler (Colin Ford) narrates humanity’s downfall directly to the audience. The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic suburb where a nuclear disaster has transformed adults into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures called “ghoulies.” Wheeler, initially a loner, shares his survival rules for this new world, such as steering clear of aggressive jocks. With society now dominated by teenagers, Glendale becomes a chaotic battleground, and Wheeler’s journey underscores the importance of alliances and community in surviving the end of the world.
Where to stream: Netflix
Kingdom
In Kingdom, Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-Hoon) steps up to lead his people as his father succumbs to a mysterious ailment. As the dead begin to rise and feast on the living, the prince and his loyal followers must defend their kingdom in this historical zombie thriller set in the aftermath of the Japanese invasions of Korea. Lee Chang’s strategic use of his military forces offers valuable lessons on how to protect your homeland during a crisis.
Where to stream: Netflix
Black Summer
In Black Summer, Rose (Jaime King) is torn from her daughter and joins a makeshift group of survivors in an emergency shelter. Teaming up with a soldier (Justin Chu Cary) and other strangers, she embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with her child. Her transformation from naivety to ruthlessness provides a stark lesson in adapting to survive when the stakes are life and death.
Where to stream: Netflix
Zombieland & Zombieland: Double Tap
In Zombieland, the world is overrun by zombies, and we follow Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a resourceful survivor who relies on his intellect to stay alive. Alongside Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), a gun-toting cowboy, they face off against various zombie types Columbus has categorized, such as Homers, Hawkings, Ninjas, and T-800s. The film delivers a humorous yet practical survival guide, emphasizing the importance of preparation and the golden rule: always double-tap to ensure the undead stay dead.
Where to stream: Online purchase
Little Monsters
In Little Monsters, Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong’o) works tirelessly to protect her students during a school trip disrupted by a sudden zombie outbreak. Using her creativity and teaching skills, she keeps the children calm and safe by turning survival into a game, such as playing tag with zombies as “it.” This film offers a unique perspective on staying composed and resourceful during chaos, reminding us that sometimes, zombies are just like lava.
Where to stream: Hulu
Train to Busan
In Train to Busan, a chemical spill triggers a rapid outbreak of flesh-eating zombies across South Korea. Seok-woo (Gong Yoo) and his daughter Soo-an (Su-an Kim) find themselves trapped on a train from Seoul to Busan as the infection spreads. Seok-woo’s determination to protect his child leads to intense battles with the undead, showcasing survival tactics in confined spaces and the lengths a parent will go to for their family.
Where to stream: Crackle, Tubi, Prime Video
World War Z
When a mysterious global pandemic erupts, former UN investigator Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) and his wife Karin Lane (Mireille Enos) are evacuated with their family to a naval base in New Jersey. Tasked with locating the outbreak’s origin to halt its spread, they face a harrowing race against time, dodging swarms of sprinting zombies. World War Z offers a unique perspective on surviving fast-moving undead hordes, a stark contrast to the slower zombies typically seen in the genre.
Where to stream: Hulu, Sling TV
Dawn of the Dead
Dawn of the Dead is a contemporary remake of George A. Romero’s 1978 classic. Ana (Sarah Polley) wakes up to a neighbor behaving erratically in her home, leading to a violent encounter that claims her husband’s life. Escaping the chaos, she joins a group of survivors who take shelter in a deserted mall. Using radio and TV broadcasts, they piece together the grim reality of a zombie apocalypse. The film emphasizes resilience and adaptability in the face of overwhelming trauma.
Where to Stream: Prime Video, Sling TV
Shaun of the Dead
In Crouch End, London, Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his slacker best friend Ed (Nick Frost) lead uneventful lives, frequenting The Winchester pub. Shaun’s girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) urges him to get his life together. When their town is overrun by slow-moving zombies, Shaun must rally his loved ones and navigate a perilous journey to the pub, armed with bats and golf clubs. Shaun of the Dead humorously demonstrates how to survive by relying on familiar surroundings and sticking together.
Where to stream: Hulu and HBO Max
28 Days Later
When animal rights activists release a lab chimp carrying a highly contagious and aggressive virus, chaos ensues as the infection spreads globally. Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bike courier, wakes from a coma to discover an empty hospital overrun by the undead. Clad only in a hospital gown, he navigates a desolate world until he meets two survivors who explain the crisis and share crucial tips for defeating the infected—aim for the head, as always.
Where to stream: Online purchase
Death Valley
A year after a monster outbreak, the San Fernando Valley establishes the Undead Task Force (UTF), a specialized LAPD unit tasked with managing rogue werewolves, vampires, and zombies. A documentary crew follows the UTF’s humorous exploits, blending the absurdity of Reno-911 with a zombie apocalypse. This satirical mockumentary explores adapting to a world where monsters are part of everyday life.
Where to stream: Online purchase
