Today, November 1, 2013, is Dia de Los Muertos, aka Day of the Dead. The holiday is of Mexican origin and consists of family and friends gathering around to pray and pay homage to those who have passed away. It’s a great way to honor your lost loved ones.

Horror fans have created a different tradition for this day, which they could call, Day of the Living Dead. They celebrate great zombie movies of horror cinema. From Romero’s classics to more modern day films, here is a list of ten zombies movies that should be viewed on Day of the Dead.

1. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

George A. Romero’s black and white classic is a must see. It was the first film to create what we perceive to be the modern day zombie, and took the genre from its voodoo roots to a much sinister terror. Without this film, the other movies on this list would not exist.

2. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

George A. Romero struck gold twice with his sequel to Night by bringing the living dead not only to color, but also to a mall. He sets up four main characters sheltered in the mall and makes a clear path for satire on consumerism to seep into the film. The movie is key to a good night and a well-crafted fright.

3. Zombie (1979)

Romero’s Dawn of the Dead was known as Zombi in Italy and so in order to make money off of its success, Zombie was called Zombi 2. The movie is fun and definitely not perfect, but it would be a shame to miss out on this movie and not catch one of the most iconic scenes in zombie movie history: zombie vs shark.

4. Day of the Dead (1985)

Romero’s third installment in the “of the Dead” films takes place in an underground military bunker. The film dwells into the possibilities of rehumanizing the dead by experimenting on them. Much more gruesome than Romero’s previous efforts, it still contains the treasures of what makes his movies so great.

5. The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

John Russo, the man who also penned Night of the Living Dead, continued on with the story by making his own sequel. Unlike Romero’s films, Russo focused on a more comedic aspect of the living dead, yet maybe more intimidating zombies, by making them practically unable to be killed and hungry for “Brains!” As 45 Grave would like to know, “Do you want to party? It’s party time!”

6. Night of the Creeps (1986)

This movie is not just for horror fans, but it also satisfies those who enjoy science fiction and, of course, comedy. Gruesome parasites from aliens take over people’s brains and turn them into zombies. It’s a film that knows  how to be fun and dark at times.

7. Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988)

As a sequel, the film still manages to remain as fun as the original and is special in its own way. Two of the main actors from the first film, James Karen and Thom Matthews, return to play different characters with virtually the same fate as before. It doesn’t make sense at times, but it is arguably one of the better zombie comedies out there.

8. Dead Alive (1992) aka Brain Dead

Before Peter Jackson was being praised for directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he directed a New Zealand based zombie gem. Like others on the list, Dead Alive is a horror comedy; it features a zombie baby, priest, nurse, and, of course, a mother! Jackson’s film has been known as “the goriest film” ever and one must see it to believe it.

9. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Probably the most well known movie to the public on the list is Shaun of the Dead. Marketed as a romantic comedy with zombies, it is a movie made for everyone to enjoy. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright make sure to include homages to Romero, which is very clear in the name of the movie itself.

10. Dead Snow (2009)

The last spot on the list goes to a movie that is soon to be considered a cult classic of its time. Nazi zombies is a popular theme amongst video games and has been done before in movies, but none have proven to be as exciting and gory as Dead Snow. It’s the perfect movie to end the marathon with and disgust your friends.

There are more than ten zombie movies that deserve to be on this list and so here are some honorable mentions: Fido, Zombieland, The Video Dead, Pontypool, and Tom Savini’s Night of the Living Dead.

Regardless of whether you are celebrating Day of the Dead the traditional way or the horror way, remember to respect and honor the dead.

By: Jessica Ureste