Sis, welcome back to part two of our epic zombie movie journey! In part one, we already dived into five thrilling, mind-bending films that redefined the genre. Now, let’s kick it up a notch with five more wild rides that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about zombies From a zombie with a detective hat to a hilarious zombie tale, this list has it all. Trust me, sis, you don’t want to miss these!
6. The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale (2019): A Hilarious Zombie Movie
Plot Summary
Okay, sis, are you ready for a laugh? The Odd Family:Zombie on Sale is a quirky, hilarious take on the zombie genre that you didn’t know you needed. When a zombie (played by Jung Ga-ram) stumbles into a small town after some shady pharmaceutical experiments, the Park family—led by Park Joon-gul (Jung Jae-young), his wife Nam Joo-ri (Uhm Ji-won), and their son Park Min-gul (Kim Nam-gil)—sees a golden opportunity to make bank. The zombie has the ability to temporarily restore youth, and the Parks go all in on exploiting him. But of course, things get out of hand fast—and I mean fast. A village-wide zombie party? Yeah, chaos follows!
Why It Stands Out
What sets this movie apart? It’s a zombie comedy, sis! Unlike the usual dark, brooding zombie movies, this one has you rolling with laughter. The absurdity of the plot, mixed with the family’s wild schemes, is just too good to miss. Think zombie chaos with family hijinks—seriously, you’ve never seen anything like this!
Quick Deets
Interesting Fact: Jjong-bi, the zombie, became a Korean sensation. People loved him so much, they made a ton of fan art. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with a youth-restoring zombie, right?
Box Office Earnings: Made a solid $6.9 million in South Korea, proving that this zombie comedy was a hit with the local crowd.
Runtime: 112 minutes of pure fun!
Director and Release Date: Directed by Lee Min-jae, released on February 13, 2019.
Personal View: Sis, if you’re in the mood for something that’s light, fun, and different from the usual zombie horror, this is your movie. Trust me, it’s a riot from start to finish!
7. Flu (2013): A Pandemic Thriller with Zombie-Like Horror
Plot Summary
Alright, hold onto your seat, sis! Flu isn’t your typical zombie film, but it definitely gives you those post-apocalyptic vibes. When a deadly airborne virus spreads in Bundang (a city near Seoul), everything goes downhill. The movie focuses on Kang Ji-goo (Jang Hyuk) and Kim In-hae (Soo Ae), who are trying to survive the madness and save In-hae’s daughter, Kim Mi-reu (Park Min-ha). It’s intense, sis, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Why It Stands Out
While this one doesn’t feature traditional zombies, the virus that spreads makes the infected act like zombies, and honestly, it’s one of the scariest things I’ve seen. The post-pandemic themes are all too real, and the movie shows how a society collapses under pressure. So relevant, especially post-COVID!
Quick Deets
Interesting Fact: The movie got mad praise for accurately depicting quarantine measures and public panic, making it feel like a glimpse into a real-life crisis. Talk about being ahead of its time!
Box Office Earnings: It made $19.8 million worldwide, with most of its revenue coming from South Korea
Runtime: 121 minutes of intense, heart-pounding action.
Director and Release Date: Directed by Kim Sung-su, released on August 14, 2013.
Personal View
Flu is so terrifying. The mix of disaster and human emotion is what really sets it apart. Not a zombie movie per se, but the horror feels so real. Must-watch if you’re into pandemic thrillers, sis!
8. The Wailing (2016): A Supernatural Horror with a Zombie Twist
Plot Summary
Sis, if you’re looking for something that blurs the line between zombie horror and supernatural, The Wailing is your movie. Set in a small South Korean village, people start acting violently, almost zombie-like, after a series of mysterious deaths. The film follows a local policeman, Jong-goo (Kwak Do-won), who investigates the strange occurrences. As he delves deeper, he encounters a foreign stranger, a man named Mu-yeong (Jun Kunimura), who may be the source of the village’s downfall. As the events spiral out of control, the mystery becomes darker, and the supernatural forces at play become even more chilling. The tension between reality and horror will keep you on the edge of your seat, sis.
Why It Stands Out
This isn’t your typical zombie film, sis. The violence and chaos have that zombie vibe, but there’s so much more at play—supernatural elements and psychological thrills that make it stand out. The film takes a slow-burn approach, slowly building the suspense until you’re left in a tense, eerie atmosphere, making it unlike any other zombie-like movie.
Quick Deets
Interesting Fact: The film’s blend of horror, mystery, and supernatural elements has garnered praise worldwide. The performances, especially by Kwak Do-won and Jun Kunimura, have been widely lauded for their intensity and depth, adding layers to the otherwise chilling narrative.
Box Office Earnings: With a box office haul of $49.8 million worldwide, The Wailing was a hit in South Korea and received critical acclaim globally, solidifying its place as one of the standout horror films of 2016.
Runtime: 156 minutes of gripping suspense, so be ready for a lengthy, but immersive experience.
Director and Release Date: Directed by Na Hong-jin, released on May 12, 2016.
Personal View
Honey, if you’re in the mood for something that combines the eerie vibes of a zombie movie with deep psychological elements and supernatural horror, The Wailing will satisfy all your cravings. It’s not just a horror flick; it’s a mind-bending experience that will haunt you long after the credits roll. Definitely one for the horror fanatics out there!
PLOT TWIST ALERT
Now that we’ve tackled the most fascinating Korean zombie movies that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat, it’s time to flip the script. Here’s something you didn’t see coming: two underrated zombie dramas that might not have made it to the hype radar but are absolute hidden gems. These series bring a whole new vibe to the zombie genre, blending mystery, humor, and some jaw-dropping twists you won’t forget. Ready? Let’s dive in!
9. Zombie Detective (2020): A Zombie Detective Drama Youl Didn’t Know You Needed
Plot Summary
Okay, sis, get ready for something totally different. Zombie Detective is a zombie drama series (yes, you heard me right), and it’s packed with comedy, drama, and a bit of detective mystery. The show follows Kim Moo-young (Choi Jin-hyuk), a zombie with no memory of his past life. He decides to become a private detective, disguising himself as a human to solve cases—while keeping his undead nature under wraps. It’s a wild ride as he teams up with a quirky writer, Gong Sun-ji (Park Ju-hyun), and solves mysteries all while hiding his secret. The drama!
Why It Stands Out
What makes this show special? Sis, it’s a zombie detective—I can’t even! This is the first time I’ve seen a zombie trying to solve mysteries. If you like zombies, comedy, and a bit of heartwarming drama, this show has to be on your list.
Quick Deets
Interesting Fact: Choi Jin-hyuk, the lead, totally nailed the role of a funny, charming zombie detective. He became a major fan favorite!
Box Office Earnings: It’s a TV drama, so no box office earnings, but it got mad love on KBS2 and Netflix.
Runtime: Each episode is about 60 minutes, and the series has 12 episodes.
Director and Release Date: Directed by Shim Jae-hyun premiered on September 21, 2020.
Personal View
This series is a must-watch, sis! It’s quirky, heartwarming, and unlike anything you’ve seen. The zombie detective concept is so fresh, and you’ll definitely fall for the hilarious leads.
10. Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021): A Prequel That Will Blow Your Mind
Plot Summary
Sis, you cannot miss Kingdom: Ashin of the North. This special prequel to the Kingdom series takes us back to the origins of the zombie plague, all thanks to a resurrection plant found by Ashin(Jun Ji-hyun), a woman whose life is torn apart by betrayal. When she uncovers the plant’s dangerous powers, the stage is set for the chaos we saw in the original Kingdom series. Get ready for betrayal, action, and serious emotional depth.
Why It Stands Out
This prequel is everything. It adds so much depth to the Kingdom universe, and Ashin’s character arc is wild. With stunning cinematography and intense action, it’s a must-watch for any Kingdom fan (or anyone who loves a good zombie thriller!).
Quick Deets
Interesting Fact: Jun Ji-hyun, who plays Ashin, is an absolute legend in South Korea. Her performance was so praised, she made this prequel even more iconic.
Box Office Earnings: No box office earnings (it’s a Netflix original), but Ashin of the North quickly became one of the most-watched Netflix titles globally.
Runtime: 92 minutes of pure action and drama.
Director and Release Date: Directed by Kim Seong-hun, premiered on Netflix on July 23, 2021.
Personal View
Sis, this prequel is everything. The visuals, the drama, and the shocking twists make it a must-watch for any zombie fan or Kingdom lover. So epic!
And there you have it, sis! From the emotional twists in The Cured to the laugh-out-loud moments in The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale, we’ve covered the spectrum of zombie stories you didn’t know you needed. So, what’s next? Grab some popcorn, hit play, and get ready to binge your new favorite zombie flicks. Stay tuned, share your wildest theories, and let me know which one had you hooked! Until next time, keep your eyes peeled for the next spooky adventure!