The zombie genre has long been a staple in horror entertainment, with its roots firmly planted in Western media. However, anime has taken this concept and transformed it in ways that Western zombie stories rarely explore. Japanese animation offers unique perspectives on the undeadapocalypse.
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Zombie animeis particularly fascinating compared to other mediums as it can blendstunning visualswith storytelling that pushes boundaries. Rather than simply focusing on survival horror, these sevenseries use the zombie premise to explore deeper themes about society, human nature, and what it truly means to be alive.
7The Empire Of Corpses
The Empire Of Corpses
Set in an alternate 19th-century Europe, The Empire of Corpses presents a world where reanimated corpses, known as “Frankensteins,” are used for labor,war, and various other tasks. Unlike traditional zombies, these corpses are artificially revived through a mysterious process called “Necroware,” allowing them to function without a soul. However, one scientist, John Watson, seeks to defy the system by resurrecting a corpse with its soul intact, leading him on a journey that intertwines history, philosophy, and horror.
The anime blends elements of steampunk and gothic horror, crafting a visually rich and thought-provoking world. Adapted from an unfinished novel by renowned sci-fi writer Project Itoh, the story plays with real historical figures, incorporating them into its fictional setting. Though it leans more toward a philosophical exploration of life and death rather than all-out zombie carnage, the unsettling atmosphere and tragic narrative make it a unique entry in the zombie genre.
With its hauntingly beautiful animation and a soundtrack that complements its eerie tone, The Empire of Corpses is amust-watchfor those looking for something deeper than just mindless undead hordes. It is available in English dub, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
The Ultimate Predator in a World of Prey
Hellsing Ultimate
While not a conventional zombie anime, Hellsing features one of the most terrifying undead beings in anime history: Alucard. This story follows the Hellsing Organization, a secret group dedicated to hunting supernatural threats, including ghouls, mindless creatures created when vampires feed on humans without turning them.
At the center of it all is Alucard, a vampire so powerful that even other monsters fear him. As an agent of Hellsing, he wipes out entire armies of the undead with sadistic pleasure, wielding a pair of oversized handguns and an arsenal of supernatural abilities. However, the true horror unfolds when the Nazi faction “Millennium” resurrects an army of artificial vampires, turning the battle into an all-out war.
Both the original Hellsing (2001) and Hellsing Ultimate (2006-2012) deliver intense action and grotesque horror, though Ultimate follows the manga more faithfully. The series is available in English dub, with Alucard’s voice performance standing out as one of the best in anime history.
5School-Live!
The School Life That Should Have Ended Long Ago
School-Live!
At first glance, School-Live! looks like a slice-of-life anime about four girls enjoying high school life in their “School Living Club.” The bright colors, cheerful music, and lighthearted interactions make it seem like atypical high schoolcomedy. But beneath this facade is a horrifying reality, these girls are the last survivors of a zombie apocalypse, barricaded inside their school.
The series brilliantly plays with perspective, revealing the grim truth through the eyes of Yuki, a girl suffering from severe delusions that make her believe everything is normal. As the story progresses, her psychological trauma is slowly unraveled, exposing the harrowing struggle of her friends as they fight to survive in a decaying world.
Unlike most zombie anime, School-Live! focuses heavily on the emotional toll of isolation and loss, rather than just action and gore. The contrast between the upbeat school setting and the bleak, crumbling world outside creates an unforgettable and heartbreaking experience. The anime has an English dub too.
4Zombieland Saga
These Idols Just Won’t Stay Dead
Zombieland Saga
When you think of zombie anime, high-energy idol performances probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, Zombieland Saga takes the undead genre and flips it on its head, literally, by making its protagonists a group of resurrected girls forced to become idols to “save” the declining Saga Prefecture.
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After being hit by a truck and dying instantly, high schooler Sakura Minamoto wakes up as a zombie with no memory of her past. She soon meets other girls from different eras, all of whom were brought back to life by the eccentric manager Kotaro Tatsumi. Instead of using their undead nature to fight off a zombie invasion, they are turned into a music group, performing concerts while hiding their true identities from the public.
Though it starts off as a comedy, the anime gradually explores the tragic pasts of each girl, revealing how they died and why they were chosen. This blend of humor, music, and surprisingly emotional storytelling makes Zombieland Saga one of the most unique takes on zombies in anime history. The show has a well-received English dub, making its ridiculous yet heartfelt moments even more enjoyable.
3Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
From the same studio that brought Attack on Titan, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress delivers heart-pounding action in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by monstrous creatures called “Kabane.” These zombies are far deadlier than the usual undead, possessing steel-like hearts that make them nearly impossible to kill.
The story follows Ikoma, a young engineer determined to fight back against the Kabane after his home is overrun. In a desperate attempt to survive, he transforms into a half-Kabane, granting him enhanced strength and speed while still retaining his human mind. Alongside the skilled warrior Mumei, he boards the Kotetsujou, a massive armored train carrying the last remnants of humanity.
With its breathtaking animation and intense action sequences, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a spectacle that keeps viewers on edge. Though its story structure is similar to Attack on Titan, its fast-paced battles and steampunk-inspired setting set it apart. The anime has an English dub, making it accessible to a global audience.
2High School Of The Dead
The World Ended in an Instant, But High School Drama Never Dies
If you want an anime that fully embraces the chaos of a zombie outbreak, High School of the Dead is the perfect choice. The series wastes no time throwing its characters into a desperate struggle for survival as a sudden zombie apocalypse turns their high school into a war zone.
The story follows Takashi Komuro and his classmates as they fight their way through the ruins of society. Armed with whatever weapons they can find, they face not only the undead but also the collapse of human morality as lawlessness spreads. The anime doesn’t shy away from showing the worst sides of humanity, from power-hungry teachers to opportunistic survivors.
Famous for its over-the-top action, High School of the Dead delivers brutal fight scenes, intense chases, and some of the most exaggerated fan service in anime history. Despite this, the show manages to build genuine tension and stakes, making it a cult favorite. Unfortunately, due to the passing of its creator, the story remains unfinished. The anime is available in English dub, keeping its high-energy action accessible for all.
1Zom 100 Bucket List Of The Dead
The End of the World Never Looked This Fun
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Imagine working yourself to death at a soul-crushing job, only to feel relieved when the zombie apocalypse starts. That’s exactly what happens in Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, where Akira Tendo sees the end of civilization as the ultimate escape from corporate slavery.
Instead of cowering in fear, Akira takes the apocalypse as a chance to finally live his life, creating a bucket list of things he wants to do before he inevitably turns into a zombie himself. From confessing his feelings to going on ridiculous adventures, he fully embraces his newfound freedom. However, survival isn’t just about having fun, eventually, he must face the grim reality of the undead world.
With vibrant animation, comedic moments, and surprisingly deep themes about work culture and personal fulfillment, Zom 100 is a refreshing take on the zombie genre. It has an English dub, making its humor and heartfelt moments even more enjoyable.
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