9 Zombie Shows Better Than The Walking Dead

As a big fan of zombie films and shows, I have to say that while The Walking Dead and its spin-offs are definitely popular, they aren’t necessarily the best the genre has to offer. For a long time, zombie stories really thrived in movies – the undead were at the heart of some truly terrifying and iconic horror films.

Lately, zombie stories have become increasingly popular on television. There’s a growing number of shows exploring these creatures in fresh and diverse ways – from funny takes on the zombie apocalypse to historical dramas where a zombie plague unfolds. There’s plenty to discover for fans of the genre.

Look, The Walking Dead definitely deserves credit for kicking off the zombie boom again, but honestly, a lot of shows have come along since then and just done it better. I mean, sometimes watching The Walking Dead felt like wading through mud – slow and a bit awkward. Other series? They just grabbed you and didn’t let go. They were far more compelling and streamlined, leaving The Walking Dead feeling a little… behind.

Z Nation

Z Nation is a standout zombie series that offers a fresh and interesting take on the genre. The story begins three years after a virus devastated the world, turning most of the population into zombies.

What really sets Z Nation apart is its focus on Alvin Murphy, a guy who’s immune to the zombie virus. Now, the ‘immune character’ trope isn’t new, but the show does something interesting with it. Alvin wasn’t just immune from the start; he was bitten multiple times after the outbreak began. And while it didn’t turn him into a zombie, it definitely changed him – in ways the show is keen to explore. It’s not just about that he’s immune, but how it affects him that’s compelling.

Unlike The Walking Dead, this show adds humor, making it feel faster-paced and more captivating. Thanks to a great cast, a compelling storyline, and a truly fascinating core idea, Z Nation is a show that more people should check out.

Kingdom

As a huge fan of both historical dramas and horror, I was completely blown away by this South Korean series when it hit Netflix in 2019. It’s an incredible action-packed horror story set during a zombie outbreak in 17th century Korea! What really sets it apart is how brilliantly it mixes real historical events with a supernatural twist – the production quality is just top-notch, and it immediately grabbed my attention.

This show is more intense and realistic than something like The Walking Dead. The story centers around a prince who must discover the source of a frightening disease to prove his worth, and the consequences of failure are much greater.

This series stands out from others in its genre, and the way it blends political themes with the main storyline creates a truly powerful and memorable experience, despite only having two seasons.

All of Us Are Dead

South Korea excels at creating zombie stories that feel realistic and emotionally impactful, focusing on relatable situations rather than over-the-top fantasy. The upcoming horror series, All of Us Are Dead, is a prime example of this approach.

When a zombie outbreak begins, a group of high school students are stuck inside their school, trying to stay safe. This isn’t a story about superheroes or adults saving the day—it focuses on ordinary kids dealing with an unbelievable crisis. The show is exciting, full of suspense, and keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unpredictable twists and turns.

iZombie

Although gripping zombie dramas are popular, American shows like iZombie are also changing the genre with creative new approaches. Inspired by the DC Comics series, this unique procedural show offers a fresh take on the zombie story.

Becoming a zombie completely changed Liv Moore’s life, forcing her to abandon her old career. Instead of giving in to her primal urges, Liv decides to use her unique condition to help others and give her new existence purpose.

Liv is a zombie who gains temporary memories by eating brains. Her new job at a morgue helps her feed her appetite, and she unexpectedly starts using these memories to solve crimes. It’s a fun, smart show that feels fresh and different from typical zombie stories like The Walking Dead.

The Last Of Us

Whether the infected in The Last of Us are technically zombies is up for debate, but the outbreak and scary elements are similar to classic zombie stories. Because of this, the show – based on a very popular video game – really showcases the potential of the zombie genre.

While the creatures are important to the story, the heart of it really lies in how the characters interact with each other. It’s comparable to The Walking Dead in some ways, but I think The Last of Us feels more realistic and ultimately has a greater impact.

From

Currently airing as of this writing, From is a newer addition to this list. It differs from the other shows by incorporating science fiction and a wider range of supernatural elements, including creatures beyond just zombies. Despite these differences, the show’s overall quality makes it deserving of a place here.

As a horror fan, I was immediately hooked by From. It’s about this incredibly creepy town that basically traps anyone who comes near. Once you’re in, you’re stuck dealing with all sorts of terrifying, supernatural stuff, but it’s not just about survival. The characters are also trying to figure out why this town is so messed up and what’s causing all the horrors – it’s a really unsettling and compelling story.

This series is brilliantly crafted and remarkably insightful, seamlessly combining various elements to create a truly captivating experience.

Dead Set

While Charlie Brooker is famous for creating the thought-provoking series Black Mirror, he actually made a British miniseries about zombies a few years before. This earlier show already displayed the smart and inventive style he would later become known for.

Dead Set is a fictional show that portrays what would happen if a zombie outbreak occurred during the filming of Big Brother. Over five days, London falls into chaos, leaving the reality show’s contestants and crew isolated and struggling to survive.

As a film buff, I have to say, this show is brilliantly crafted! What I really appreciated was its concise storytelling – just five episodes gave it a proper beginning, middle, and end. It actually felt complete, which is more than I can say for shows like The Walking Dead that just seem to drag on.

In The Flesh

The British series In The Flesh takes place after a zombie outbreak has been overcome. Surprisingly, humans not only defeated the zombies, but also developed a way to bring them back to awareness through medication.

The show centers around a young man trying to adjust to life after being treated and released. However, the community is hostile towards those they label as “troublemakers.” It’s a thoughtful and captivating take on zombies, exploring complex ethical questions.

Ash vs Evil Dead

The popular horror series Evil Dead, created by Sam Raimi, is back with a new sequel to Ash vs Evil Dead. The story picks up about 30 years after the events of Army of Darkness, finding Ash Williams seemingly living a calm and ordinary life.

When ghosts start causing trouble, Ash reluctantly steps back into the role of hero, this time with a group of new survivors. The show brilliantly mixes humor and horror, making it far better than most similar programs.

While The Walking Dead successfully popularized zombies for a new generation, the show’s quality dipped over its long run of 11 seasons. Even with several spin-offs attempting to continue the story, it’s worth exploring other zombie narratives that truly stand out – and thankfully, there are many to choose from.

2025-10-29 00:30