Night of the Living Dead
Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead

1968Movie96 minEnglish

A ragtag group barricade themselves in an old Pennsylvania farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls ravaging the Northeast.

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Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic89/100
Google Users93%
Director: George A. RomeroGenres: Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

A disparate group of strangers are trapped in a rural farmhouse while the dead mysteriously come back to life and hunt the living. As the situation grows dire, internal conflicts and the encroaching horde threaten their survival. The film culminates in a bleak and unforgettable conclusion.

Critical Reception

George A. Romero's directorial debut was a groundbreaking horror film that redefined the zombie genre. Initially met with controversy for its graphic content and bleak outlook, it has since been recognized as a seminal work of independent cinema and a powerful social commentary. Its low-budget, gritty aesthetic and visceral scares left a lasting impact on horror filmmaking.

What Reviewers Say

  • A landmark in horror cinema, noted for its relentless suspense and terrifyingly realistic gore.
  • Praised for its social commentary and unflinching depiction of societal breakdown.
  • Considered one of the most influential independent films ever made.

Google audience: Audiences laud the film's pioneering vision and enduring scares, with many appreciating its raw, independent spirit and its lasting impact on the horror genre. Some viewers find the pacing deliberate but ultimately effective in building tension.

Awards & Accolades

Inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1999. Recognized as a masterpiece of independent filmmaking and a significant cultural artifact.

Fun Fact

The iconic 'ghouls' in the film were portrayed by friends, family, and local volunteers, many of whom were unpaid and worked for food.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Barbra" (Judith O'Dea) and her brother are laying some flowers at a cemetery when they espy a man wandering around aimlessly. He suggests it's really a zombie and boy how right he is. She manages to flee to their car but, oh, only if she c...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**The film that practically founded the zombie subgenre.** As I've said on other occasions, I'm not a fan at all of films about zombies and similar creatures. It's a type of horror cinema with a strong graphic appeal that doesn't really ...
Nathan

Nathan

Night of the Living Dead is without a doubt a fantastically innovative film; creating the modern day interpretation of a zombie and forever changing the genre as we know it. There is a lot to like about this film, but unfortunately the limi...