The worlds of zombie movies and romance movies may seem like complete opposites that should never mix, but they have surprisingly come together in the last 30 years to create some truly mind-blowing and out-of-the-box stories of love and loss. These zombie romance movies take you on exhilarating, captivating, bone-chilling, and heartwarming journeys that will make you both jump out of your seat and shed a tear, offering an experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
One of the earliest successful zombie romance movies was Return of the Living Dead 3, which took audiences on a rollercoaster ride of emotions through love, heartbreak, and the depths of grief. Since then, this peculiar subgenre has transformed, with lighter-hearted entries like Warm Bodies and Life After Beth, which added a dash of humor to the world of the undead. These wonderfully bizarre combinations of terror and romance have managed to tell timeless tales in new and fascinating ways.
Zombie romance movies come in all shapes and sizes, from hilarious horror comedies to heartwarming romantic comedies to downright spine-chilling horror films. They fearlessly defy the conventions of both genres, offering fresh and unexpected surprises at every turn. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of zombies or a hopeless romantic, these films have something thrilling in store for you.
If you’re itching to dive into this one-of-a-kind genre, be sure to explore the cream of the crop when it comes to the best zombie romance movies of all time. And while you’re at it, why not check out the crème de la crème of zombie movies and romance movies to see where these genre-blending films stand among the absolute greatest in their respective fields.
1. Shaun of the Dead
Shaun of the Dead is widely considered one of the best horror comedies ever made. It expertly combines scares and laughs, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. What often goes unnoticed is the touching love story that drives the film forward. Shaun and his ex-girlfriend Liz are going through a rough patch in their relationship when an unexpected zombie apocalypse hits London. In a heartfelt gesture of his love, Shaun is determined to save Liz and reluctantly, her roommates as well. Together, they must face countless hungry zombies, who are out to cause chaos, death, and satisfy their craving for human flesh.
2. Warm Bodies
Warm Bodies is a remarkable love story that stands out from the usual fare, taking viewers on a journey through a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombies. However, there’s a unique twist: one zombie doesn’t quite fit in. R, our protagonist, yearns to regain his humanity, experience emotions, and find love. When he crosses paths with Julie, one of the few survivors left on Earth, an unlikely bond forms between them, potentially saving both their species. This film skillfully combines elements of horror and romance, effectively reshaping the zombie subgenre and propelling it into the mainstream.
3. Return of the Living Dead 3
Return of the Living Dead 3 is an incredibly underrated sequel that stands out as one of the greatest zombie romance movies ever made. This film takes us on a journey through the tragic and heart-wrenching love story of Curt and Julie. Unfortunately, their lives are shattered when Julie becomes a zombie after a devastating accident.
Curt is consumed by the desperate search for a way to save his beloved Julie from her monstrous fate. In its exploration of themes such as obsession, devotion, and the blurred line between humanity and monstrosity, Return of the Living Dead 3 dives deep into the complexities of love in the face of the undead.
What sets this film apart are its jaw-dropping special effects that will leave you in awe. The visuals are truly remarkable and add an extra layer of intensity to the already gripping narrative. Additionally, the characters of Curt and Julie are so compelling that audiences can’t help but become enamored with them.
Despite all these exceptional qualities, Return of the Living Dead 3 unfortunately remains one of the most underrated and underappreciated horror films of its time. Its brilliance and impact have been unjustly overlooked.
4. Zombie Honeymoon
In a tale where love knows no bounds, this tragic love story confronts the terrifying dilemma of choosing between saving loved ones and preserving humanity. Brace yourself for a side-splitting zombie romance comedy that will leave you in stitches and reaching for a few napkins. Enter the twisted world of Zombie Honeymoon, where Danny and Denise, newlyweds filled with anticipation for a lifetime together, find their dreams shattered when Danny is bitten by a zombie. Prepare for heartbreak as this film challenges our perception of the phrase “till death do us part.”
5. Nina Forever
Nina Forever” is a highly praised zombie romance film that delves into the themes of love, loss, and grief. The story revolves around a man who is haunted by the memories of his deceased girlfriend. Suddenly, his past resurfaces, and he finds himself grappling with the emotional turmoil of dealing with both love and the undead. This movie skillfully combines romance, dark humor, and heartfelt moments to explore the essence of being human, the challenges of love, and the difficulties of moving forward in life
6. Life After Beth
Life After Beth is a quirky and strange zombie romance film that really tugs at your heartstrings. It explores the difficult emotions that come with having to say goodbye to a loved one, only to have them come back as an undead creature. The film stars Aubrey Plaza and Dane DeHaan, and they absolutely steal the show. This underrated cult classic pushes the boundaries of what a romantic comedy can be.
Plaza delivers a flawless performance as the character Beth. Her deadpan humor and complete dedication to the role add to the overall absurdity of the situation. While the film may have its cheesy and downright bizarre moments, there’s a surprising amount of heart beneath the surface that makes it truly compelling.
7. Night Of The Living Deb
Night of the Living Deb is a refreshingly unique take on the tired “one-night stand gone wrong” storyline. It follows the story of Deb, a socially awkward woman who, after a steamy encounter, finds herself battling zombies alongside her lazy date, Ryan. This unlikely pair must fight for their lives in a world overrun by the undead.
But this film is more than just gore and laughs. Amidst the chaos, a budding romance develops between Deb and Ryan, challenging the limits of love in a post-apocalyptic world. Night of the Living Deb stands out from other horror rom-coms with its perfect blend of bloodshed and heartfelt moments.
This movie is not for the faint of heart, as it takes the gore factor to a whole new level. However, it also delivers plenty of laughs along the way. And what sets it apart from the rest is the originality it brings to the zombie subgenre. Night of the Living Deb proves that there are still risks worth taking when it comes to creating fresh and exciting zombie stories.
8. Boy Eats Girl
Boy Eats Girl is a movie that lives up to its ridiculous title. It combines a mix of love, adolescence, loss, zombies, and high school to create a unique and unforgettable experience. The film fully embraces its over-the-top nature, and while some may find the dialogue and delivery cheesy, it somehow becomes endearing and campy in the most charming way possible. It offers plenty of gore for horror enthusiasts and enough romance and drama to please fans of romantic comedies. Boy Eats Girl is an unexpectedly entertaining and captivating horror adventure.
9. Burying the Ex
Joe Dante, the renowned director behind horror classics such as Gremlins, The Howling, and Piranha, decided to venture into the world of zombies for the first time in his career with the 2014 film Burying the Dead. This cult classic takes an unconventional approach, offering a love triangle with a twist. Meet Max, a young man trying to move on after the death of his ex-girlfriend, Olivia. As Max starts to rebuild his life and find new love, Olivia rises from the grave filled with envy and jealousy, determined to prove that she is the only woman for him. Prepare for a wild ride, as Burying the Dead delivers a delightful mix of campiness, cheesiness, and pure fun. With just the right amount of heart and humor, this film gives a showstopping performance that is sure to entertain.
10. Deadheads
Deadheads is truly a one-of-a-kind zombie film that takes you on a wild and otherworldly adventure. It follows the story of Mike and Brent, two zombies who are surprisingly self-aware. Their mission? To locate Mike’s lost love, and they’re willing to travel across the entire country to find her. This journey is both strange and mind-bending, but it’s also filled with moments of laughter and genuine emotion.
In this peculiar world, zombies like Mike and Brent are met with fear and misunderstanding. It’s a constant struggle for them to navigate through a society that doesn’t quite know how to handle their unique condition. Despite their undead state, they’re forced to confront their own humanity and discover what it means to truly be alive.
While the romance aspect of the film may not be the main focus, it’s worth noting that the bond between Mike and Brent is incredibly touching. It showcases a different kind of love, one where two friends are willing to go to great lengths to make each other happy, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.
