A zombie by definition is a mythological undead being which is essentially a corpse that has been brought back to life. Due to this fearsome phenomenon, several terrifying pieces of fiction have been created.
It was a given that when Zombies are paired together with the creative minds behind anime, we were in for a treat. Extending its arms into several genres such as action, comedy and even romance, Zombie anime have gone on to develop a huge fan base.
In this article, we will be recommending some of the best zombie anime out there for any who wishes to start watching them.
15. Sunday Without God
- Author: Kimihito Irie
- Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Drama, Supernatural
- Source: Light Novel
- Studio: Madhouse
Sunday Without God is an anime unlike any other which is adapted from a light novel. The Madhouse series tells the story of a world abandoned by god where the dead roam about aimlessly without purpose. At the same time, beings known as grave keepers are given the ability to put them to rest with their abilities.
We are told the story of a young girl named Ai as she runs into a mysterious man who kills everyone in her village. Together, they go around several places and experience a variety of things in this Godless world.
14. Soul Eater
- Author: Atsushi Okubo
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Fantasy
- Source: Manga
- Studio: Bones
Soul Eater is an anime which has gradually gathered a huge fan base while becoming popular among watchers all around the world. The series follows a group of characters as they study and work together in order to become Death scythes who will be wielded and used to protect the world against evil forces. It is an extremely entertaining Shounen series with a cast of diverse and distinctive characters as they all start off as strangers but grow to form meaningful relationships with one another.
It contains many fantastical creatures right from Shinigamis to Zombies and features explosive fight sequences enhanced by the unique animation style of Bones Studio. For any fans of the classic battle shounen shows with great character development, Soul Eater is must-watch.
13. School-Live!
- Author: Norimitsu Kaihō
- Genre: Psychological, Horror, Mystery, Slice of Life
- Source: Manga
- Studio: Lerche
“School-Live!” (Gakkougurashi!) is a zombie apocalypse anime that combines elements of slice-of-life, psychological thriller, and zombie horror. The story revolves around a group of high school girls who form the School Living Club, living and surviving within their school after a zombie apocalypse.
The series initially presents a cheerful school life, but there’s a dark secret underlying their reality. The main character, Yuki, sees the world as a vibrant school, unaware of the zombie outbreak. The other club members try to protect her and maintain the illusion of a peaceful life.
The series initially presents a cheerful school life, but there’s a dark secret underlying their reality. The main character, Yuki, sees the world as a vibrant school, unaware of the zombie outbreak. The other club members try to protect her and maintain the illusion of a peaceful life.
Character development plays a crucial role in the series, providing depth and emotional resonance. Each character has a distinct personality and backstory, with their struggles and growth adding layers to the narrative. Yuki undergoes a poignant transformation as she confronts the harsh reality around her, and the camaraderie between the characters becomes a source of strength in the face of adversity.
12. Gungrave
- Author: Yasuhiro Nightow
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Source: Video Game
- Studio: Madhouse
While Video Games don’t necessarily have the best track record when it comes to getting anime adaptations, Gungrave is a pleasant surprise. It tells the story of a pair of friends named Brandon and Harry who spend their days in leisure while doing whatever they want. This changes when they are contacted by an organization and recruited into its ranks.
While Harry has high ambitions, Brandon only wishes to keep those he loves safe. However, in a world with rampant crime and even creatures such as zombies, having a normal life is far from achievable. The designs and animation yet again speak volumes of how good Madhouse is while keeping the viewer engages through every scene. With an adult cast and a deep dive into the world of crime, this is one anime that cannot be missed.
11. Tokyo Majin
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Mystery, Drama
- Source: Video Game
- Studio: AIC Spirits
“Tokyo Majin” follows a group of high school students in Tokyo who possess unique powers and find themselves embroiled in a battle against hordes of zombies and dark forces.
In the bustling streets of Tokyo, a sinister presence emerges as the city is plagued by a wave of mysterious deaths. People are transforming into the ‘Reborn Dead,’ vanishing at night only to return as lifeless corpses by day. As the city descends into chaos, a diverse group of high school students discovers their extraordinary abilities and forms the Tokyo Majin, a team dedicated to combating the undead menace.
As the series unfolds, the Tokyo Majin faces not only mindless zombies but also powerful adversaries pulling the strings from the shadows. They delve into the secrets of ancient prophecies, unlock hidden abilities, and unravel the sinister plots that aim to plunge Tokyo into eternal darkness.
What sets “Tokyo Majin” apart for zombie fans is its intense and thrilling action sequences, combined with a captivating supernatural storyline. The series masterfully blends elements of horror and suspense with supernatural abilities, offering a unique take on the zombie genre anime. The diverse cast of characters, each with their own compelling backstory and powers, adds depth to the narrative and keeps viewers engaged.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a thrilling world of zombies, supernatural powers, and high-stakes battles as the Tokyo Majin fights to protect the city from the encroaching darkness.
10. Zombie-Loan
- Author: Peach-Pit
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Horror, Mystery
- Source: Manga
- Studio: Xebec
Zombie-Loan is a short yet impactful anime that takes us on a journey filled with action and horror. It introduces us to a girl named Michiru who has the unique ability to determine how close a person is to death. One day, she is left perplexed when two boys in her class are shown to be dead already.
It is soon revealed that they are alive due to a mysterious loan that requires them to kill zombies. Having revealed her ability to them, Michiru is also roped into their terrifying world as she struggles to survive. While the story could be considered rushed by many, Zombie-Loan is an electrifying and very enjoyable anime.
9. Zombie Land Saga
- Genre: Comedy, Music, Supernatural
- Source: Original
- Studio: MAPPA
“Zombie Land Saga” is a popular anime series that offers a unique twist on the zombie genre. It combines comedy, music, and a touch of horror to create an entertaining and refreshing storyline. Here’s a plot overview that highlights what makes it worth watching for zombie fans:
In “Zombie Land Saga,” a young girl named Sakura Minamoto wakes up to find herself resurrected as a zombie in Saga Prefecture, Japan. She soon discovers that she is not alone, as a group of other undead girls from different time periods and backgrounds are also brought back to life.
Under the guidance of a mysterious manager named Kotaro Tatsumi, Sakura and her fellow zombies form an idol group called Franchouchou. Their mission is to revitalize Saga’s struggling entertainment industry through their unique performances and win over the hearts of the living.
As the group of zombie idols navigates the challenges of being undead, they must also confront their pasts and reconcile their newfound identities. Each member of Franchouchou brings their own talents and quirks to the group, creating a dynamic and lovable cast of characters.
Throughout the series, “Zombie Land Saga” balances moments of comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and catchy musical performances. It showcases the growth and development of the zombie idols as they face various obstacles, all while dealing with their undead nature. The series also cleverly subverts zombie tropes, injecting humor and unexpected twists into the traditional zombie narrative.
8. Corpse Princess
- Author: Yoshiichi Akahito
- Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural
- Source: Manga
- Studio: Gainax
Corpse Princess is a relatively popular zombie anime that also revolves around an undead person killing others of their kind. It follows a young girl named Makina as she is revived by a mysterious man and is tasked with killing zombies that pose a threat to the world. With her objective in mind, she experiences a variety of things which make lead to several mysteries being unveiled.
The series has a great style of animation which complements its dark tone and the music is extremely addictive. Every main character is extremely likeable while the story itself only keeps improving in quality through each episode.
7. The Empire of Corpses
- Author: Project Itoh (based on the novel by Toh Enjoe)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Source: Novel
- Studio: Wit Studio
The Empire of Corpses is an extremely interesting venture which is based on a novel and adapted by the amazing Wit studio. As humanity has developed the ability to use zombies to complete tasks, the matters of their souls are still a complete mystery which leaves them as inexpressive beings.
The story follows the life of a man called John Watson as he attempts to find the research of an esteemed doctor named Victor Frankenstein who was able to revive a corpse with its soul. On his quest, he finds out several shocking truths which completely change his perspective. While the story has a lot of loose ends, the movie is a great watch.
With the stylistic animation one expects from Wit and several memorable characters, it manages to rank high in this list of best zombie anime.
The series is a fresh concept that doesn’t restrict itself to any stereotype and gives fans a sense of adventure. With the crisp animation, one expects from Madhouse and a great cast of characters, it is an amazing zombie anime.
6. Is This A Zombie?
- Author: Shinichi Kimura
- Genre: Harem, Comedy, Supernatural, Ecchi, Fantasy
- Source: Light Novel
- Studio: Studio Deen
“Is This a Zombie?” (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?) is an anime series that combines elements of comedy, supernatural, harem, and, of course, zombies. The story revolves around Ayumu Aikawa, a high school boy who is killed by a serial killer and brought back to life as a zombie by a necromancer named Eucliwood Hellscythe.
As a zombie, Ayumu must navigate the challenges of his new existence while dealing with the everyday struggles of being a high school student. He becomes entangled in a battle between various supernatural entities, including a magical girl named Haruna, who mistakes him for a servant and forces him to take on the role.
The series blends humor, action, and romance as Ayumu tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding his death, protect those he cares about, and navigate the eccentricities of his new companions. Along the way, he encounters other supernatural beings, both friend and foe, and gets involved in increasingly bizarre and comedic situations.
5. Seoul Station
- Author: Yeon Sang-ho
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
- Source: Original
- Studio: Studio Dadashow
Seoul Station is a very well-acclaimed zombie film which is also a prequel to the masterpiece live action film, Train to Busan. It features its cast of characters as they struggle to survive a zombie apocalypse which breaks out in the world.
As this contest where only the fittest can survive begins, we watch many things which make us question morality and question right from wrong. The sticks to what it knows best without getting too ambitious and stays a high-octane and thrilling journey throughout.
While you will either love or hate its animation style, the intensity is definitely worth experiencing.
4. Sankarea: Undying Love
- Author: Mitsuru Hattori
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Supernatural, Horror
- Source: Manga
- Studio: Studio Deen
Sankarea is one of those anime which proves how flexible anime can be when given themes surrounding zombies. It follows a young boy named Chihiro who is obsessed with zombies and manages to make a potion which brings one back to life. When a beautiful girl named Rea unknowingly drinks it and dies, she ends up resurrecting.
While one would believe this to be the dream situation of zombie-obsessed Chihiro, Rea is far from ordinary as she brings a lot of chaos to his life. With hilarious scenes and satisfying Ecchi moments, Sankarea is a fun-filled series to watch.
3. High School of the Dead
- Author: Daisuke Satō
- Genre: Action, Horror, Ecchi
- Source: Manga
- Studio: Madhouse
High School of the Dead is the first name that pops up for many when they hear of zombie anime, and for good reason. This exhilarating series revolves around its group of main characters as they are stuck in a high school when a zombie outbreak occurs. With several horrifying scenes around them, they decide to work together and use each other’s positive attributes in order to survive.
This leads to several exciting action sequences right from martial arts to gun fighting. In addition, High School of the Dead also has a stunning female cast and its heavy use of nudity and gore does not go to waste.
2. Zom 100
- Author: Haro Aso
- Genre: Comedy, Horror, Supernatural
- Source: Manga
- Studio: Bug Films
“Zom 100” follows Akira is an ordinary office worker who is dissatisfied with his mundane life. However, his world is turned upside down when a zombie outbreak suddenly engulfs the city, transforming his once-normal surroundings into a post-apocalyptic zombieland.
In an unexpected twist, instead of succumbing to fear and despair, Akira embraces his newfound freedom and decides to live his life to the fullest in this zombie-infested world. He declares that he will achieve his ultimate goal of enjoying a carefree life, free from societal pressures and responsibilities.
For zombie fans, “Zom 100” offers a fresh and light-hearted take on the genre, providing a balance of zombie mayhem, humor, and relatable character development. It’s a anime series that showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of a zombie-filled world, all while delivering laughs and excitement along the way.
1. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
- Author: Wit Studio
- Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Horror
- Source: Original
- Studio: Wit Studio
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is an anime which is beloved by fans for its elements of action and fantasy as well as using historical influences. It tells the story of mankind struggling for survival against a zombie horde which keeps adding falling enemies to its ranks. Against this impossible opponent, they have constructed a huge wall to keep them out and spend their days in hiding.
However, their sense of safety is nothing but an illusion as they are in constant danger and we are introduced to our main character, Ikoma, who believes he has the key to defeating these zombies. Being yet another accomplishment of Wit Studio, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is visually beautiful while having a cast of unforgettable characters and has a huge impact despite its short number of episodes.
