In 1968, director George A. Romero shook horror cinema to its core with Night of the Living Dead. It launched his “Of The Dead” series (“Dawn”, “Day” and “Land”, respectively) and became one of the most profitable films of all time - making millions of dollars against its meagre budget. It’s credited for creating many of the zombie tropes we’re now familiar with and caused a stir on release for its brutal gore and bleak outlook. Possibly more importantly than just being a banger of a zombie movie, Night of the Living Dead challenged some of the social issues of America in the 1960s and cast a Black actor in the lead role - Duane Jones.

At its core, it’s the story of 7 people trapped in a house during a zombie apocalypse. I mean, 7 people trapped in a house at any time sounds rough but the zombies probably escalated the situation. Our hero, a frightened woman, a young couple, and a family with a sick little girl all try to last the night. Knowing zombie movies, I think you know how this goes.

However, the film’s dying moments (teehee) are a true suckerpunch and you’re left with that same kind of horrible “BUT WHY” feeling you might have experienced during films like <i>The Mist</i>, which I still haven’t forgiven Frank Darabont for. Damn you, Frank. Damn you.