The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While the original Night of the Living Dead (1968) spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and films that consider themselves spiritual successors, definitively stating how many movies belong to the “Night of the Living Dead” universe depends entirely on your criteria. However, if we focus specifically on the direct sequels officially connected to George A. Romero’s original film, the answer is five.
These five films constitute what is commonly referred to as Romero’s “Living Dead” series: Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), Land of the Dead (2005), and Survival of the Dead (2009). This article will explore these core movies, examine other films that share thematic or stylistic similarities, and answer frequently asked questions to clarify the often-confusing world of zombie cinema connected to Night of the Living Dead.
The Official “Living Dead” Canon: Romero’s Vision
George A. Romero’s “Living Dead” series is the undisputed core of this zombie film legacy. These five films, all directed or co-directed by Romero, present a evolving commentary on society through the lens of a zombie apocalypse. While each film stands alone, they share a continuity of themes, the defining characteristic of shuffling, flesh-eating ghouls, and often, subtle or direct references to prior installments.
Night of the Living Dead (1968): The Groundbreaker
This low-budget, black-and-white masterpiece revolutionized horror cinema. Night of the Living Dead introduced the modern zombie to the world: reanimated corpses driven by an insatiable hunger for human flesh. The film’s bleak tone, social commentary, and shocking violence established a new benchmark for horror and laid the foundation for the entire zombie genre.
Dawn of the Dead (1978): Consumerism and Carnage
Ten years later, Romero unleashed Dawn of the Dead, a gory and satirical take on consumerism. Set in a shopping mall overrun by zombies, the film uses the undead horde to critique the excesses and superficiality of modern society. Its vibrant color palette, enhanced gore effects, and expanded scope cemented its place as a horror classic.
Day of the Dead (1985): Underground Dissent
Day of the Dead takes place largely underground, focusing on a group of scientists and soldiers struggling to survive in a bunker overrun by zombies. This film explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the breakdown of human relationships under extreme pressure. It’s known for its claustrophobic setting and gruesome special effects.
Land of the Dead (2005): Zombies Evolving
Two decades after Day of the Dead, Romero returned with Land of the Dead, a big-budget spectacle that expands the scope of the zombie apocalypse. This film introduces the concept of zombies evolving, with some showing signs of intelligence and organization. It explores themes of class division and the struggle for power in a post-apocalyptic world.
Survival of the Dead (2009): Island of the Dead
Romero’s final entry in the series, Survival of the Dead, takes place on an island where two feuding families are grappling with the zombie outbreak in different ways. This film is considered by some to be the weakest in the series, but it continues Romero’s exploration of social commentary through the zombie lens.
Beyond Romero: Remakes, Reboots, and Spiritual Successors
The success of Night of the Living Dead has spawned numerous remakes, reboots, and films that, while not officially part of the “Living Dead” series, owe a significant debt to Romero’s original vision. Some of these films are considered classics in their own right, while others are less well-regarded.
- Night of the Living Dead (1990): A color remake of the original, directed by Tom Savini, offers a new perspective on the story with a stronger female lead.
- Night of the Living Dead 3D (2006): A 3D remake of the original, which largely disregarded the original film’s plot and themes.
- Night of the Living Dead: Genesis (2014): A fan-made remake utilizing CGI to depict the zombie apocalypse.
Other films, like Return of the Living Dead (1985), while technically distinct from Romero’s series (due to rights issues regarding the “Living Dead” name), contribute significantly to the zombie subgenre and are often associated with the legacy of Night of the Living Dead. This film, directed by Dan O’Bannon, introduced the concept of zombies craving brains specifically. Similarly, Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later (2002), while featuring “infected” rather than traditional zombies, influenced the genre with its fast-moving, aggressive antagonists and post-apocalyptic setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the “Night of the Living Dead” series and its related films:
FAQ 1: What makes a movie officially part of the “Night of the Living Dead” series?
The primary factor is direct connection to George A. Romero’s vision and involvement. If Romero directed, wrote, or co-wrote the film, and it builds upon the established lore of the original Night of the Living Dead, it’s generally considered part of the official series. Legal rights and ownership also play a role in determining what can be officially marketed as part of the franchise.
FAQ 2: Why is “Return of the Living Dead” not considered part of the main series?
While heavily influenced by Night of the Living Dead, Return of the Living Dead was produced by different filmmakers due to copyright disputes over the “Living Dead” title. George A. Romero had no involvement in the film. It introduces different rules for zombies (brain-eating and able to talk) that contradict Romero’s established lore.
FAQ 3: Are there any plans for future “Night of the Living Dead” sequels or reboots?
Following George A. Romero’s death in 2017, the future of the “Living Dead” franchise is uncertain. While there have been various attempts to revive the series, none have captured the same critical acclaim or cultural impact as Romero’s original films. There are, however, ongoing rumors and discussions about potential future projects.
FAQ 4: What order should I watch the “Night of the Living Dead” movies in?
The best order is generally considered to be chronological by release date: Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), Land of the Dead (2005), and Survival of the Dead (2009). This allows you to follow the evolution of Romero’s vision and the development of the zombie apocalypse in his world.
FAQ 5: Which “Night of the Living Dead” movie is considered the best?
Dawn of the Dead (1978) is often cited as the best film in the series, praised for its social commentary, gore effects, and engaging characters. However, Night of the Living Dead (1968) is undeniably the most influential and groundbreaking.
FAQ 6: What are the common themes explored in the “Living Dead” movies?
Romero used zombies as a metaphor for various societal ills. Common themes include consumerism, social inequality, government incompetence, the breakdown of social order, and the dehumanizing effects of technology.
FAQ 7: How do the zombies in “Night of the Living Dead” differ from other zombie movies?
Romero’s zombies are typically slow-moving, relentless, and driven by an insatiable hunger for human flesh. They are not controlled by magic or supernatural forces, but rather by an unexplained phenomenon. They are also often depicted as victims of circumstance, reflecting Romero’s social commentary.
FAQ 8: Are there any “Night of the Living Dead” books or comics?
Yes, there are numerous books and comics based on the “Night of the Living Dead” universe, some officially licensed and others created by fans. These expand upon the world and characters established in the films.
FAQ 9: What is the legacy of “Night of the Living Dead” on the horror genre?
Night of the Living Dead is arguably the most influential zombie film ever made. It established the modern zombie archetype, popularized the zombie apocalypse scenario, and inspired countless filmmakers, writers, and artists. It revolutionized the horror genre and continues to influence zombie movies, television shows, and video games to this day.
FAQ 10: Where can I watch the “Night of the Living Dead” movies?
The “Night of the Living Dead” movies are available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Shudder, and Criterion Channel. They are also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. Availability may vary depending on your region.
FAQ 11: How did George A. Romero come up with the idea for “Night of the Living Dead”?
Romero drew inspiration from Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend, although he shifted the focus from a solitary survivor to a group of people trapped together facing a horde of undead. He also incorporated elements of social commentary into the story.
FAQ 12: Why is “Night of the Living Dead” in the public domain?
Due to a copyright error, the original Night of the Living Dead entered the public domain almost immediately after its release. This has allowed for numerous adaptations and reinterpretations of the film, contributing to its enduring legacy. This error also meant that Romero never received the full financial rewards he deserved for creating such an influential film.
In conclusion, while the official “Night of the Living Dead” series, as defined by George A. Romero’s involvement, consists of five films, the legacy of the original movie extends far beyond this core canon. Numerous remakes, reboots, and spiritual successors have explored the themes and ideas established by Romero, ensuring that the zombie apocalypse remains a potent and enduring force in popular culture.