With a new series under The Walking Dead label now out, fans are getting their weekly dose of zombies back on TV. However, there are not as many zombie anime shows and movies compared to live-action horrors. It’s just a matter of time, though, before anime catches up with the world of practical and digital effects. For more zombies on your screen, here’s a list of the best zombie anime series up to date. Note this list isn’t in a particular order just because each entry is so different from the other.
High School of the Dead (1 season, 12 episodes).
Highschool of the Dead is widely considered the best zombie anime to date. This is because it presents a familiar yet thrilling Western-style zombie apocalypse story. The series revolves around five high school students who must find safety amidst a zombie outbreak.
The sudden rise of the undead throws Japan into utter chaos. Now, Takashi Kimuro and Rei Miyamoto are trapped within their school’s deadly confines. 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 Highschool of the Dead features excessive fan service.
School-Live! (1 season, 12 episodes)
School-Live! is hard to describe without spoiling the first episode (it being on this list is spoiler enough). This anime is really one of those that a viewer should go in blind. The synopsis for the show reads;
Yuki Takeya loves her school so much that she does not want to ever leave! Megurigaoka Private High School is a unique and lively place! Yuki enjoys her carefree life as a third-year high school student and member of the School Living Club. On top of meeting after classes, the members must live within school grounds, from sleeping over to eating meals!
https://youtu.be/-wddVR_GmeI
Sunday Without God (1 Season, 12 episodes)
Sunday Without God is an anime combining fantasy, mystery, and the 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.
Is This a Zombie? (2 seasons, 24 episodes)
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 he is killed by a serial killer. However, his fate takes an unexpected twist when he is resurrected by Eucliwood Hellscythe, a silent and adorable magical girl necromancer. Now, Ayumu must set out to find his killer and unravel the mystery.
https://youtu.be/1o4PAHbqBd4
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.
Surprisingly, Is This A Zombie? offers more than just laughs, striking a balance between humor and character-driven storytelling, creating a highly entertaining and engaging anime.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (1 season, 12 episodes)
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.
Seoul Station (1 movie)
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 is sure to captivate any zombie enthusiast.
GYO: Tokyo Fish Attack (1 OVA)
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.
Zombie Land Saga (2 seasons, 24 episodes)
In 2008, Sakura Minamoto, a high school student with dreams of becoming an idol, has her life tragically cut short when she is 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 to breathe 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.
The story of Sakura and her fellow zombie idols is a tale of second chances, unexpected alliances, and the power of pursuing one’s passion against all odds. As Franchouchou navigates the challenges and obstacles that come their way, they strive to leave an unforgettable mark in the world of entertainment.
Ajin (2 seasons, 26 episodes)
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.
Hellsing Ultimate (1 Season, 10 episodes)
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.
