Netflix’s Superb Post-Apocalyptic Series Is Still Better Than The Last Of Us

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With its emotional storytelling and high production values, The Last of Us revitalized the post-apocalyptic zombie genre on television. While some felt The Walking Dead had made the genre stale, TLOU showed there was still potential for compelling stories in a ruined world. But viewers who had already seen Netflix’s Kingdom knew this resurgence had actually begun a little earlier.

The Korean series Kingdom, which premiered on Netflix in 2019, uniquely blends historical drama with intense zombie action. Set in Korea’s Joseon period, it’s a far cry from typical modern zombie stories. Unlike shows like The Last of Us that focus on survival and fungal outbreaks, Kingdom centers on political intrigue, social inequalities, and the terrifying spread of a deadly plague.

While The Last of Us is a standout post-apocalyptic drama and has earned critical acclaim, Kingdom is consistently better. Kingdom excels with its frightening take on zombies, faster storytelling, more focused plot, and overall provides a more satisfying experience from beginning to end.

Why Netflix’s Kingdom Is Rated So Highly

Kingdom’s Critical And Audience Scores Reflect A Rare Near-Perfect Balance

Winning awards adds to a show’s reputation, and The Last of Us has received a lot of them. The HBO series gained significant recognition through Golden Globe nominations and Emmy wins, proving its influence in the television industry. However, awards don’t always reflect how much the general public enjoys a show, and this is noticeable when comparing audience reactions to The Last of Us with those for Kingdom.

Kingdom has earned exceptionally high ratings, with 98% positive reviews from critics and 91% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. While The Last of Us also received strong reviews (94% from critics), its audience score is considerably lower at 62%. Although both shows are popular, these numbers indicate that Kingdom seems to connect with audiences more powerfully and consistently.

The high praise for Kingdom is well-deserved, and a major reason is its excellent pacing. The show doesn’t waste any time, building suspense with each episode by seamlessly blending political drama and horror. The tension rises organically, and the different plotlines come together perfectly. It avoids unnecessary filler or side stories, maintaining a consistently gripping momentum.

The actors truly make the fast-paced story of Kingdom even more compelling. Ju Ji-hoon, as Crown Prince Lee Chang, powerfully portrays a leader grappling with both his responsibilities and his own fear. Bae Doona as Physician Seo-bi provides a strong, logical center to the unfolding events, emphasizing the desperate need for answers. Every actor delivers a meaningful performance, contributing directly to the story rather than simply adding decoration.

The historical setting of Kingdom really sets it apart. By placing zombies in 15th-century Korea, the show takes the typical zombie story and makes it feel fresh. The palaces, villages, and strict social classes of the time add unique challenges you don’t usually see. The zombies aren’t just monsters; they reveal problems with the government, unfairness in society, and how power is breaking down.

Even the zombies in Kingdom feel fresh and unique. They move quickly and unpredictably, and their quiet stillness during the day adds to the suspense. This turns action scenes into challenging situations that require thought, rather than just endless running. While the show is definitely scary, it builds tension gradually and makes sure everything is visually clear, avoiding cheap jump scares. Kingdom doesn’t just do the typical zombie or post-apocalyptic things well—it improves on them, making the experience more intense, streamlined, and believable.

Both Are Good, But Kingdom Is A Better Post-Apocalyptic Show Than The Last Of Us

A Historical Setting Helps, But Superior Execution Makes The Real Difference

The success of Kingdom doesn’t diminish The Last of Us, which remains a standout achievement in video game adaptations and serious science fiction. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey create a particularly captivating on-screen family, thanks to their realistic performances and a story focused on believable characters.

Despite a lot of other zombie and post-apocalyptic shows already available – like The Walking Dead, which really set the standard for the genre – The Last of Us has still become a huge success. Standing out in such a crowded field takes something special, and The Last of Us mostly delivers that exceptional quality.

The show Kingdom stands out because it doesn’t try to be like other zombie series. By taking place in 15th-century Korea, it feels fresh and avoids the clichés of the modern zombie genre. Instead of guns, characters use swords; instead of radios, they rely on messengers. The focus on a rigid political system, rather than scattered groups of survivors, also sets it apart, creating a visually and thematically distinct experience.

While being unique helps, Kingdom is a stronger post-apocalyptic show than The Last of Us because of how well it’s made. Kingdom tells a tighter story with clearer character development, quicker build-up of conflict, and more impactful reveals. Each season feels carefully planned, and every plot point moves the story forward.

Compared to other shows, Kingdom has a more focused and balanced tone. It skillfully weaves together political intrigue and horror, ensuring neither overshadows the other—they actually enhance each other. This creates a unified story, rather than feeling like two separate narratives. While it tackles more complex themes than The Last of Us, it ultimately provides a more rewarding experience for the viewer.

Zombie stories work best when they’re tense, force characters to make difficult choices, and constantly raise the stakes. The series Kingdom consistently delivers on all of these points better than The Last of Us. Kingdom‘s outbreaks feel truly devastating, its political conflicts are compelling, and the repercussions of events are long-lasting. While The Last of Us tries to be a high-quality drama set during an apocalypse, Kingdom successfully combines both elements without sacrificing either.

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2026-03-22 21:20