Zombie Shows & Movies That Are As Gripping As 'Kingdom'

Binged all six episodes of the second season of Kingdom last weekend and now completely hungover? We totally get you! With the thrilling twists lent by each of the episodes, it's definitely hard to get over the South Korean TV show starring Ju Ji Hoon. Centring around a Joseon-era Crown Prince struggling against a political takeover and a mysterious plague, Kingdom's creative and compelling storyline definitely stood out from the gruesome zombie tropes we're used to seeing on-screen. So while we desperately wait for news for a possible third season, ahead, we list down a few zombie shows and films that offer an equally interesting take on the post-apocalyptic sub-genre.

I Am a Hero

Adapted from the manga of the same name, I Am a Hero shakes up the tired zombie tropes mainly by having a protagonist devoid of any heroic qualities. That's right — the Japanese movie follows Hideo Suzuki, a meek 35-year-old manga artist assistant, who's not fit in any way to fight hordes of manic creatures. But his life is turned upside down when a virus spreads throughout the country. With people infected transforming into zombie-like creatures, he's forced to step up despite his lack of confidence to survive.

iZombie

Another interesting work that came out of the zombie sub-genre in recent years is The CW's iZombie. Also based on a comic book, the procedural crime drama does away with the portrayal of zombies as mindless monsters and gets us in the perspective of the undead themselves. It stars Rose McIver (remember Amber from A Christmas Prince?) as Liv Moore, a doctor who turns into a zombie and ends up using the side effects of eating brains to help solve crimes. Who knew switching to a wholly different diet could help find justice, right?

In The Flesh

To satisfy your cravings for zombie shows with fresh storylines, how about giving In The Flesh a watch? Like iZombie, the BAFTA award-winning supernatural drama lends us a different perspective, with the series following 18-year-old rehabilitated zombie named Kier. Years after rising as a zombie in the apocalypse, he now finds himself part of a group of re-animated zombies being re-introduced back to society. Unfortunately, for him, however, he returns home unwelcome, and like many others, suffers prejudice from society upon his return.  

Dead Set

Love reality shows? How about watching one featuring the undead? That's exactly what you get with Dead Set. The British television horror by Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker is set in a fictionalised version of the real-life program Big Brother, where the housemates and crew find themselves stranded in the house during a zombie outbreak. It's gruesome and heart-pounding, but more than that, it provides a commentary on modern media and entertainment. 

Rampant

Period K-drama lovers who want something closely similar to Kingdom will definitely enjoy Rampant. The 2018 South Korean action film ticks is also set in the Joseon era with a zombie outbreak happening in the backdrop. Political intrigue comes with exiled prince Lee Chung (played by none other than Crash Landing On You's Hyun Bin) clashing with Minister of War Kim Ja Joon (played by Jang Dong Gun, aka Ta Gon from Arthdal Chronicles) who holds influence over the king. Can't get over the two of the most successful K-Dramas of 2020? This is definitely a must-watch for you.

(Cover photo from: @thecwizombie)

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