5. REC (2007)
The zombie movie: A Barcelona apartment block is quarantined following a serious flu epidemic. At least that's what the authorities drip feed to the buildings' inhabitants through the industrial grade sheaths boarding up their abode. Conveniently there just happens to be a news crew inside who capture the evening's events and by the time the first tenant charges at the team, frothy-mouthed and bloody-faced, it's clear this isn't the sniffles.
Why it's great: Seldom is found footage utilised to make full use of its capabilities, yet REC breaks the mould. It's impossible to imagine that final sequence in the attic bringing you closer to the edge of your seat had it been shot any other way.
4. Zombie (1979)
The zombie movie: AKA Zombie Flesh Eaters or Zombi 2, Italian goremeister Lucio Fulci made his mark on the genre with this graphic tale set aboard an abandoned boat headed for an island where a doctor attempts to remedy a cure for zombieitus. None of the passengers make it which is unsurprising considering the cacophony of horrors Fulci has in store. He might have attempted to riff on Romero but his style is unmistakably unique.
Why it's great: A zombie fights a shark. Enough said.
3. 28 Days Later (2002)
The zombie movie: Way back in 2002 the zombie saturation of popular culture hadn't struck yet, lending Danny Boyle's zombie thriller somewhat of an edge. Set in and around London it revolves around a coma survivor (Cillian Murphy) who teams up with a bunch of stragglers and soldiers after 'the infected' take hold of the capital.
Why it's great: The 'infected' are unlike their ancestors. This particular virulent strain gives them a tendency to run at top speed. Which is frankly, rather terrifying.
2. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The zombie movie: George A. Romero's trendsetting picture reminded modern audiences to be afraid of hanging out in cemeteries, and kickstarted a new wave of zombie flicks. In comparison to later films in the canon it's remarkably low key, focusing on the inner struggles of a bunch of survivors who find refuge from the invasion in a small farmhouse.
Why it's great: Its influence can still be felt nearly forty years later, with countless imitators attempting to recapture Romero's knack for character and circumstance.
1. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
The zombie movie: The world is coming to an end and where do people go? The mall. A thematic sequel to Night of the Living Dead charts the experiences of a bunch of survivors who barricade themselves inside the shopping complex to prevent the undead from feasting on their flesh.
Why it's great: Never since has horror so effectively interwoven its brazen social commentary into the raw bloodletting on display here. Romero's penchant for driving forth his opinions on current cultural issues - in this case, consumerism - is perfectly twinned with the rampant zombie gore.
