The zombie subgenre has consistently captivated audiences, maintaining its popularity over the years. With its diverse storytelling and imaginative worlds, Anime offers a fresh perspective on this beloved theme.
Series such as Tokyo Ghoul and Seoul Statio, Zombie Land Saga, Seoul Station, Zombie-Loan, Highschool of the Dead, and School-Live! are prime examples.
Must Watch Zombi Anime
These anime contribute to the undead’s wider lore and elevate the genre by presenting innovative and gripping tales that push the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from zombie-based stories.
You can find zombie anime themes like voodoo, nuclear, chemical, apocalyptic, and magical or fantasy zombies.
Hellsing Ultimate
Alucard, the vampire, along with his master, Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, and his newly-turned protegé, Seras Victoria, are on a mission to defend England from an SS-Major obsessed with initiating an everlasting war using his legion of vampires.
This series is a visual extravaganza, marked by intense violence and gore, seamlessly paired with top-notch animation and compelling voice performances. While the soundtrack is commendable overall, there are a few questionable musical choices in the latter episodes.
Nonetheless, this show is a must-watch and truly a treat for the eyes.
For those familiar with ‘Hellsing,’ watching ‘Hellsing Ultimate‘ might feel a bit repetitive during the initial 4-5 episodes. However, as the story unfolds, the recurring motifs and character developments are genuinely captivating.
The Empire of Corpses
Empire of Corpses, released in 2015, is a Japanese sci-fi adventure horror anime crafted by Wit Studio and skillfully directed by Ryoutarou Makihara.
The voiceovers are impeccable, resonating perfectly with their respective anime characters. However, it’s the profound narrative that stands out. The film delves deep, touching upon existential themes such as Death, Souls, Ambition, Free Will, War, and Love, among others.
Though “Empire of Corpses” holds a special place as one of my all-time favorite films, potential viewers should brace themselves for an immersive experience. This isn’t your standard zombie anime movie.
Soul Eater
Set within the hallowed halls of the Shinigami Technical Academy, the narrative delves into a distinctive alliance between weapon meisters and humans who can transform into weapons.
In a world that feels like a fusion between traditional shonen and zombie anime themes, their primary objective is to attain the prestigious “Death Scythe” title. This requires them to gather the souls of 99 malevolent humans and one witch.
Soul Eater was my gateway to the shonen anime realm in my adolescence. Its enchanting allure, reminiscent of the best zombie anime, has consistently beckoned me, invoking deep-seated nostalgia.
The young main characters perfectly epitomize the hallmark traits of shonen.
Sunday Without God
Amidst the vast universe of anime about zombies, there lies an undeniably heart-touching story. Between her evolving relationship with her father, discovering that she can choose her own family with Louki and Scar, and the unwavering persistence of chasing her dreams alongside Alice, this anime transcends mere entertainment.
It’s now secured a spot as one of my favorite anime series, reminiscent of life’s unpredictable turns and the deep connections that unexpectedly weave into our hearts.
I’m eager to revisit this anime, fervently hoping for a second season, even though I’m slightly skeptical. The mystery surrounding Alice’s fate has left an indelible mark on me – a rarity in the anime about zombies genre.
Sankarea: Undying Love
Romance and zombies? You bet! Sankarea delves into the life of Chihiro, a boy obsessed with zombies. He even dreams of having a zombie girlfriend. However, when his pet cat dies, he accidentally meets a girl named Rea, who drinks a resurrection potion and becomes a zombie.
This story beautifully captures the complexities of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make. If you’re looking for a different shade of zombie anime, this is your pick.
Highschool Of The Dead
Dive headfirst into the world of zombie apocalypse anime with Highschool of the Dead. As chaos ensues following a sudden undead outbreak, a group of high school students and a nurse band together.
Facing both zombies and societal breakdown, this anime with zombies offers thrilling action sequences, deep character development, and a pulse-pounding plot. The animation beautifully captures the horror of a world overrun by the undead.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
If steampunk is your vibe, then Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is your go-to zombie anime. Set in an industrial age, humanity is threatened by Kabane, zombie-like creatures with iron-coated hearts. Amidst this peril, humans travel in massive armored trains, seeking safety.
The story revolves around Ikoma, who becomes a half-Kabane, offering a unique twist to the usual zombie narrative. This zombie animation combines beautiful artistry, gripping battles, and a captivating story.
Tokyo Ghoul
Although not a traditional zombie anime, Tokyo Ghoul is a noteworthy mention in the realm of undead storytelling. This anime about zombies reimagines the creatures as ghouls—beings that hide among humans and feed on their flesh.
Kaneki, the protagonist, finds himself turning into a half-ghoul and navigates the blurred lines between humanity and monstrosity. Tokyo Ghoul gives a philosophical take on the undead theme, making it a must-watch.
Is This A Zombie?
Fancy a good mix of comedy with your zombie animation? Is This a Zombie? is a hilariously unconventional take on the genre. The protagonist, Ayumu, is killed by a serial killer and resurrected as a zombie.
What follows is a series of comedic encounters with magical girls, vampire ninjas, and more. Although lighter in tone, this anime about zombies offers a refreshing break from the usual grim narratives.
Corpse Princess
A dark and gripping entry into the zombie animation list, Corpse Princess revolves around Makina Hoshimura, a living corpse who hunts down 108 corpses to gain entry to heaven.
Partnered with a Buddhist monk, she battles her undead counterparts in a quest for redemption. With intense combat scenes and a deeply emotional backstory, this anime about zombies isn’t just about the undead but also about the struggle of seeking purpose after death.
School-Live! (Gakkougurashi!)
One wouldn’t typically associate moe with zombies, but School-Live! masterfully combines the two. This zombie apocalypse anime surprises viewers by initially portraying an ordinary school life but gradually reveals a much darker reality.
The protagonists are a group of girls who live in their school post a zombie outbreak. This anime with zombies delves deep into psychological themes and showcases the strong bond between the characters amidst the horror.
Zombie Land Saga
When it comes to merging idol culture with the undead, Zombie Land Saga stands unchallenged. This anime about zombies introduces us to a unique story where a music producer revives seven legendary singers from different eras as zombies to form an idol group.
Beyond its comedic flair, it dives into deeper narratives about life, second chances, and breaking past societal expectations. With catchy musical numbers and heartfelt moments, this is an anime zombie apocalypse with a twist you didn’t see coming.
GYO: Tokyo Fish Attack (OVA)
While on a vacation celebrating their impending graduation, Kaori, Erika, and Aki find their world turned upside down due to a bizarre invasion of walking fish. This unexpected menace forces them to reconsider everything they once held dear, just to survive.
Amidst this pandemonium, Kaori embarks on a journey to locate her missing boyfriend. Ranking among the most eccentric zombie anime, it doesn’t shy away from diving deep into the bizarre.
This is evident when the fish-zombies are equipped with metal legs, amplifying their menace on land. The anime seamlessly blends the ludicrous, unsettling, and dreamlike into one captivating experience.
Gungrave
Diving into the realm of the best zombie anime, I must highlight this piece that not only sets a benchmark in terms of art and style but also embodies the essence of anime masterpieces.
The captivating story introduces us to Brandon Heat and Harry McDowell, two teenage rebels consistently engaging in mischief. From brawls to thefts and deceits, they carved out a notorious name for themselves.
Harry, with his charm, always had the ladies swooning, while Brandon was smitten by the enchanting short-haired blonde, Maria. This anime is a testament to what the best zombie anime genre can offer regarding storytelling and depth.
Seoul Station
While it isn’t perfect, this anime is a must-watch for zombie aficionados. The animation quality and art style shine, particularly during those intense POV shots. I have a soft spot for zombies in animation — there’s something about the visual medium that brings them to life in a unique way.
These undead, with their haunting eyes, visible dark veins, and copious amounts of blood, strike a memorable image, even if they aren’t outright horrifying.
The storyline is relatively straightforward, but it cleverly weaves in social commentary, especially concerning society’s perspective on the homeless.
Subtlety isn’t its strong suit, but then again, does it really have to be?
Ajin
Just wrapped up watching Ajin: Demi-Human on Netflix, and I’m blown away! Its dark and enigmatic plot, combined with grippingly realistic gore, reminded me of Elfen Lied but felt like a more polished version.
Typically, the fusion of 2D and 3D elements in western cartoons I’ve seen before hasn’t quite hit the mark. Yet, this anime seamlessly merged the two, and to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed the blend!
The narrative is fresh, holding my attention throughout. The CGI animation is top-notch, and the character development is both compelling and convincing. Easily one of the finest animes I’ve encountered in recent times!
Solid 9 out of 10 from me.
Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic
Among anime with zombies, this Kuroshitsuji film stands out as my top favorite. The anticipation was definitely rewarded. The animation quality was beyond impressive. While there’s some debate about the blend of 3D and 2D, I personally found the fusion compelling.
It’s evident that a tremendous amount of effort went into creating this masterpiece, and it truly shines through. From the riveting fight sequences and the meticulous character designs to the innovative reimagining of the Titanic story, it’s a cinematic triumph in the realm of anime with zombies.
Zombie-Loan
This innovative spin on the zombie genre centers around Michiru Kita, endowed with the unique ability to foresee imminent death. Surprisingly, she learns that two of her peers are not only zombies but also zombie hunters. They introduce her to Zombie-Loan, a peculiar credit bureau for the undead.
The narrative interweaves action, humor, and fan service.
While the antagonists leave something to be desired and the zombie confrontations lack brutality, the storyline can occasionally tread into predictable territory without many unexpected plot twists. It concluded rather suddenly at episode 11, right when the plot seemed to be gaining momentum.
Types Of Zombies
Traditional Voodoo Zombies: Stemming from Haitian folklore, these zombies are individuals brought back from the dead using voodoo rituals and magic. They are typically soulless, mindless, and under the control of the person who revived them.
Viral Zombies: Popular in many modern films and books, these zombies result from a viral or bacterial outbreak. Infected individuals transform into flesh-eating zombies. Examples include movies like “28 Days Later” and “World War Z.”
Nuclear Zombies: Some stories suggest that nuclear radiation or fallout can bring the dead back to life or mutate living humans into zombies.
Romero-style Zombies: Named after filmmaker George A. Romero, who directed “Night of the Living Dead.” These zombies rise from the dead due to unknown causes and are typically slow-moving but relentless.
Runner Zombies: Unlike the slow, lumbering zombies, runner zombies are fast and aggressive. They can chase down their prey at high speeds. “28 Days Later” features this type of zombie.
Cursed Zombies: In some tales, zombies arise due to a curse or supernatural force. Their existence serves as punishment or retribution for some past wrongdoing.
Chemical Zombies: Exposure to certain toxic chemicals or experimental drugs can sometimes turn individuals into zombies in certain stories.
Intelligent Zombies: While most zombies are portrayed as mindless, some stories, like “Day of the Dead,” have zombies with basic intelligence and the ability to learn or use tools.
Cybernetic Zombies: A blend of science fiction and horror, these zombies might be reanimated through technology or have cybernetic enhancements.
Magical or Fantasy Zombies: Found in fantasy settings, these zombies are resurrected or controlled through dark magic or necromancy.
Apocalyptic Zombies: These zombies bring about or exist in a post-apocalyptic world. Their sheer numbers and the devastation they cause can lead to the fall of entire civilizations.