If you want a tense, edge-of-your-seat movie night, zombie stories are hard to beat: tight settings, constant pressure, and characters making impossible choices with imperfect information.
Netflix’s own genre hub and Tudum roundups show there’s plenty to pick from, spanning action-forward thrill rides, intimate survival stories, and genre-bending comedies. Availability can vary by country, so treat this as “currently on Netflix in at least some regions” and double-check your local catalog.
Train to Busan
A fast-moving, high-tension ride that keeps tightening the screws as the situation spirals. It’s widely cited as one of the standout modern entries in the genre, and it’s also been highlighted in major “best on Netflix” lists.
#Alive
A survival story built around isolation: one person, one apartment, and a city that no longer feels navigable. It’s a strong pick if you want suspense that comes from small decisions and limited options rather than scale.
Cargo
A quieter, more emotional take that focuses on family, responsibility, and time running out. If you prefer a character-first story that still keeps the tension steady, this is the one.
Army of the Dead
A big, glossy action-horror blend with a “mission” structure and a large ensemble, designed for viewers who want spectacle and momentum. It’s also one of Netflix’s headline genre originals.
The Dead Don’t Die
A deadpan, offbeat comedy take where the tone is intentionally strange and self-aware. It’s a good choice if you want something lighter in vibe (while still staying in zombie territory).
Valley of the Dead
A period setting that swaps the usual modern-city backdrop for a very different kind of pressure-cooker environment. It stands out mainly because the setting and tone are not the default template.
Outside
A contained, family-focused story where the tension isn’t only from what’s happening outdoors, but also from what the characters bring with them into isolation. If you like slow-building pressure and interpersonal strain, it fits.
Ziam
A newer Netflix entry with a straightforward hook: speed, endurance, and staying upright when everything becomes chaos. Watch this if you want pace and urgency more than slow-burn mood.
One Cut of the Dead
A clever, format-bending pick that plays with filmmaking itself, and becomes more rewarding the longer you stick with it. Best for viewers who enjoy something unusual rather than purely straightforward thrills.
