Still, perhaps, the definitive zombie movie, and the one which went on to define director George A. Romero's career for many years to come (indeed, he's still pushing out the sequels to this day), Dawn of the Dead stands tall as the most relentlessly giddy and downright brilliant movie in that specific horror subgenre. Placing his heroes within the confines of a shopping mall and having them face off against an endless horde of zombies from within was a near-on stroke of genius, providing movie-goers with a crazed scenario in which they themselves might wish to join in on. Hi-jinks aside, Dawn of the Dead clings to neat social commentary that doesn't feel too in your face; there's no doubting that Romero intends the picture to be fun, but the moral messages - one on consumerism - are there if you want them. As the zombie haul increases with the runtime, Dawn switches from killing spree hilarity to a movie of genuine consequence, as our protagonists - played by Ken Foree and Gaylen Ross - realises the extreme nature of their situation. Violent, funny, terrifying and relevant in equal measure, zombies have never been bettered.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
