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For better or worse, the zombie genre is packed with content. From some legendary TV shows with many spin-offs to movies and even anime. For the latter, even if it isn’t the most prominent genre, there are still some fantastic series fans can binge-watch in a day. While it takes a while before we get a good zombie anime, there are some we consider to be the best, and any fan of the shuffling undead should add them to their watchlist as soon as possible.
10 Zombie Anime You Must Add to Your Watchlist
As always, we’ve taken the task of finding the best zombie anime you can watch. While some might be in the list’s last spots, that doesn’t mean they are the worst. Some take the crown as the best you can watch due to the animation quality, plot, and characters.
10. High School of the Dead
The sudden rise of the undead throws Japan into utter chaos. Now, Takashi Kimuro and Rei Miyamoto are trapped within the deadly confines of their school. Escaping the horrors within, they find themselves in a society already consumed by the pandemic. Determined to reunite with their families, Takashi, Rei, and their fellow students embark through the undead world.
It is worth noting, however, that the story remains unfinished due to the untimely passing of the writer and the artist’s decision not to continue. Also, please be aware that High School of the Dead features excessive fan service.
9. Zom-100: Bucket List of the Dead
What happens when you hate your job but lack the courage to quit it? The universe sends a zombie apocalypse to give you some well-deserved vacations. That is what happens to our protagonist in Zom-100.
The premise might not sound too appealing at first, but it is. You have many characters who were always stuck in their jobs or certain aspects of their life without any freedom to choose what to do. What should be an anime focused on survival still shows us how to embrace what we want to do regardless of what’s happening around us. But yes, there are also zombies, and they are quite dangerous, so it isn’t all fun and laughter in this show.
8. Sunday Without God
Sunday Without God is an anime combining fantasy, mystery, and supernatural elements. It occurs in a world where humans are no longer capable of procreation or death. The story revolves around God abandoning his creations and appointing grave keepers. Now, these supernatural beings are tasked with guiding the living dead to eternal rest.
Although the “zombies” depicted in this anime differ from traditional walkers, they follow similar rules. When individuals pass away in this realm, they continue to move without decaying. The story revolves around Ai, a young protagonist who joins forces with an immortal gunslinger. Here, she must uncover the truth behind their world and ensure the peaceful repose of the living dead.
7. Is This a Zombie?
Is This A Zombie? is a comedic anime that cleverly blends elements of zombies and absurdity. The series revolves around Ayumu, a character whose life takes a tragic turn when a serial killer kills him. However, his fate takes an unexpected twist when Eucliwood Hellscythe, a silent and adorable magical girl necromancer, resurrects him. Now, Ayumu must set out to find his killer and unravel the mystery.
But this time, Ayumu’s death doesn’t spell the end for him. Thanks to Hellscythe’s magical abilities, his undead body is brought to life. The anime delves into a realm of ridiculous romance and danger through encounters with demons and murderers. Amidst all the wackadoodle themes and ideas, the series manages to weave a memorable and humorous story that goes beyond mere slapstick comedy.
6. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Taking place during the Industrial Revolution, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is frequently referred to as the steampunk Attack on Titan. Instead of titans, this world is inhabited by resilient undead creatures known as Kabane.
The primary similarity between the two series lies in their shared concept of protecting humanity from these threats. In Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, this is achieved through fortified stations and colossal walls, mirroring the methods employed in Attack on Titan.
5. Seoul Station
Fans of the South Korean zombie film Train to Busan will undoubtedly find joy in its animated prequel, Seoul Station. This zombie anime film has garnered a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Seoul Station centers around a young woman’s struggle for survival amidst the chaotic outbreak of alarmingly swift zombies in downtown Seoul. With a focus on three main characters, the movie offers a direct and fast-paced narrative, complemented by a mind-blowing twist that will captivate any zombie enthusiast.
4. GYO: Tokyo Fish Attack
The 75-minute GYO: Tokyo Fish Attack OVA takes inspiration from the horror manga of the same name. Junji Ito is the author of the original title. In this peculiar tale, Tokyo faces an unusual menace as it becomes besieged by putrid undead fish, which pose an additional threat due to the infectious disease they carry.
Amidst the chaos, a young girl named Kaori embarks on a quest to locate her missing boyfriend. GYO: Tokyo Fish Attack is one of the most eccentric zombie anime. The inclusion of metallic legs for the fish zombies enhances their menace on land, creating a blend of silliness, disturbance, and surrealism all in one package.
3. Zombie Land Saga
In 2008, Sakura Minamoto, a high school student with dreams of becoming an idol, had her life tragically cut short when she was unexpectedly struck by a truck while on her way to submit her idol application. However, a decade later, Sakura’s story takes an unexpected turn. Alongside six other girls, each hailing from different eras of Japan’s history, Sakura is resurrected as a zombie by a man named Kotaro Tatsumi.
Kotaro has a unique vision of bringing life back into Saga Prefecture by forming an idol group consisting entirely of zombies. This motley crew of undead girls, known as Franchouchou, embarks on a remarkable journey to revive their once-forgotten dreams of becoming idols. Together, they aim to captivate audiences and bring renewed vitality to Saga Prefecture through their performances.
2. Ajin
Ajin tells the story of Nagai Kei, a student who discovers he is an “Ajin” after a fatal traffic accident. In this world, a few humans known as “Ajin” possess immortality and extraordinary regenerative abilities that activate upon death. Due to their abilities, the general public views Ajin as dangerous and non-human, leading governments to capture and exploit them. Consequently, Ajin, who manages to escape government custody, including the main antagonist, Satou, seeks revenge against the government.
On the other hand, Kei desires no part in the emerging conflict between Ajin and humans. However, he strikes an agreement with Japanese governmental agents: in exchange for his freedom from government experimentation, he agrees to fight against Satou.
1. Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing Ultimate is an OVA that continues the original Hellsing anime series, closely following the storyline of the manga. At the core of Hellsing Ultimate is the clandestine Hellsing Operation, dedicated to combating the onslaught of supernatural creatures that haunt England.
Taking center stage is the iconic character Abraham Van Helsing, renowned as a vampire hunter with unwavering determination. His expertise extends beyond vampires, as he fearlessly confronts and eradicates any and all undead threats.
Right now, these are the best zombie anime you can watch. We’ll likely get more in the future, but it’ll take some time to take away the crown from these shows. Still, we hope the genre keeps growing because we can’t get enough of it.
