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The Return of the Living Dead

The Return of the Living Dead

1985
Comedy, Sci-fi
1h 31m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 58.29% from 1457 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1457)
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Rated 28 Aug 2020
90
93rd
Luckily for me, this 80's cult classic zombie horror/comedy managed to live up to all the high expectations I had built up for the movie over the years, never actually seeing it. Fortunately, it was love at first sight, as this insanely quotable, campy, punk rock, black comedy was just a delight, and should practically be a must see for genre fans. Maybe my favorite line/exchange in a movie in a while: "It worked in the movie!" "Well, it ain't working now, Frank!" "YOU MEAN THE MOVIE LIED?"
Rated 12 Dec 2017
76
82nd
Opens like someone's twisted take on Abbott and Costello Meet the Living Dead. Pretty damn hilarious at times, pretty damn naked girl on a car at others. Not enough gets said about movies that feature crematoriums, but I can't think of a bad one.
Rated 17 Jan 2010
75
71st
This is one of those films that I would put into a time capsule that symbolized the 80's. It mixes hilarious zombie cheese, punk rock, camp, and actual scares all into an effective mix. The effects are revolting but awesome too. Some of the lines are infinitely quotable "Send more paramedics" and this is due in a large part to Dan O'Bannon's great screenplay.
Rated 26 Aug 2014
80
70th
When the title card popped up stating it was a true story and that no names had been changed, I knew I was in for something special.
Rated 17 Oct 2010
100
99th
You think this is a fuckin' costume? This is a way of LIFE!!!
Rated 14 Jan 2015
100
99th
If I were trapped in my house with only a couple hours left to live, I would probably spend them watching this movie.
Rated 27 May 2016
71
62nd
A very enjoyable horror/comedy hybrid, delivered with a great deal of enthusiasm by all concerned. It's actually pretty well put together, and holds up even today despite being very much an 80s film in every sense. Loved the hammy exposition linking it to Night of the Living Dead. There are moments of genuine comedy, tension, and some likeably revolting effects. I suspect you might have to be in the right mood to watch it, but definitely worth a look.
Rated 21 Jan 2019
100
98th
“Get some light over here, James Karen is taking his clothes off again.”
Rated 09 May 2008
71
52nd
This is basically every reason that people like horror movies all crammed together into one glorious film.
Rated 15 Oct 2011
82
76th
The Dr. Strangelove of zombies films; So absurd it's almost believable. The way problems escalate in this is priceless and some of the practical yet original twists on the genre conventions are brilliant. Plus Miss Quigley gives the quintessential performance of the decade.
Rated 01 Nov 2012
7
84th
A narratively conventional zombie movie that nevertheless succeeds on the basis of its high energy level, joyous and unapologetic camp, and (especially compared to something like AMC's bone-dry and utterly humorless The Walking Dead) not taking itself so damn seriously all the time.
Rated 19 Nov 2012
95
98th
80's overload and in my book, there simply is no better zombie movie.
Rated 02 Feb 2013
81
54th
A sort of meta-sequel to NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, wherein a secret government toxin that reanimates the dead is unleashed--and guess what happens? Oh, and it's a broad comedy as well, with an undead dissected dog, the most hostile punk alive (not for long, though), practical gore effects galore, 80s fashions, 80s music, insanely hammy acting (James Karen merely gets the ball rolling), a bleak ending, and a thousand other delights. Hilarious script and go-for-broke direction by Dan O'Bannon.
Rated 17 Feb 2014
88
83rd
Considering the 100's of zombie variations this past decade's offered, it's amazing how distinctive & memorable this cult classic is. Not only are the zombies here possibly the first to ever run, but they're lethal in ways I haven't seen in a zombie movie since. It's a B-movie w/ a brain, but neither does it ever forget to deliver the goods genre flicks like this promise. It's the most unexpected & fun combination of gore, cheap thrills, & utterly unnecessary T&A shots I've seen in a long time.
Rated 12 Sep 2014
73
78th
Wickedly funny horror-comedy hits all the right notes and almost single-handedly reinvented the zombie sub-genre. Unlike many horror-comedies, it gets the balance just right and never skimps on laughs or gore, and it effectively references other horror films without becoming a tribute piece. O'Bannon directs his debut with complete assurance, producing a quintessentially 80's work that is time bound yet captures what was so great about that era of genre film making.
Rated 08 Jan 2007
84
92nd
The first time comedy was intentionally mixed with zombies. A classic in the genre and a must-see for all fans.
Rated 22 Mar 2007
80
78th
The first zomcom of note. While the scope of this zombie apocalypse is much smaller than more modern audiences may be used to, they fill it well. There was a minor revival of old pre-code horror comics in the 80's, and this movie is definitely a reflection of that; primary colors, black humor and background sight gags abound. The use of punk and new wave music is neat, but I can't help but think the music makes it seem like a Repo Man cash-in (it's not, but watch one after the other).
Rated 23 May 2007
86
79th
One of the best horror comedies ever made with a soundtrack that kills
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
59th
Very funny, yet also fairly scary (not unlike the original Night of the Living Dead). There are some good effects, too.
Rated 24 Aug 2007
80
68th
Excellent pop-corn zombie movie that never takes itself too seriously, and at the risk of sounding shallow, definitely the hottest horror movie nude scene ever.
Rated 03 Mar 2008
30
16th
The writers of this movie had their brains eaten. Otherwise, they wouldn't have written such a piece of shit.
Rated 01 Jun 2008
86
92nd
in a world where crappy zombie movies flourish this one is one of the least crappiest. it has tongue-in-cheek humor and some great zombie horror.
Rated 07 Jan 2010
86
90th
A classic zombie flick that takes a comedy and adds a slightly disturbing twist. Instead of rehashing Romero's zombie aesthetic, this film gives the social satire a whole different direction.
Rated 26 Jan 2011
86
66th
A hilarious horror comedy! But don't let that fool you. "Return of the Living Dead" is also a great zombie movie as well, with a lot of cool '80s special effects. It knows exactly what it wants to be and runs with it. If you're a fan of zombie movies or a fan of funny '80s horror movies, this is a must see.
Rated 30 Dec 2013
95
65th
A great horror film that stands as both a parody and homage. "You mean the movie lied?!"
Rated 13 Oct 2015
95
96th
The perfect blend of horror and comedy (one of only a handful of films that does horror comedy well), and is one of those fun films that I could watch over and over and over again (and I have in the past). Hell, I might get crazy and watch it with the commentary (my disc comes with two commentary tracks!)
Rated 03 Feb 2017
3
24th
Trashy, cheesy, freewheelin' zombie mayhem, with some hilarious overacting and a cast of killable old white men and punks. Note: All of the actors look like b-movie versions of more famous people. Final note: It has charm, especially some of the creature fx, but I'm not taken by it like others are.
Rated 31 Oct 2017
70
56th
I have more of a respect after seeing this in 2017 considering it does a lot of new stuff with zombies. There has been a nearly nauseating amount of other zombie movies/books/TV Shows/comics that I am burnt out of the super serious zombie stories. For all it's flaws this at least gives the zombies some character. Also the effects are fantastic.
Rated 19 Sep 2018
84
85th
It is amazing that Dan O'Bannon's horror comedy (with the emphasis on comedy) has nearly as many iconic scenes and lines as Romero's original. From its campy beginning to the lunacy that follows, ROTLD is an absolute blast.
Rated 31 Jan 2007
70
63rd
Classic zombie comedy featuring a gang of punks hanging out at a graveyard when the dead come back to life via an accidentally released army toxin. Plenty of enjoyably stupid comedy and it doesn't skimp on the nudity or gore either.
Rated 15 Dec 2008
95
98th
My favorite zombie related film of all time.
Rated 27 Aug 2009
79
67th
a zombie apocalypse that i want nothing to do with. nothing could kill them! the sludge zombie was awesome looking. the naked punk chick was dumb, but a babe. good movie. definately watch at least once
Rated 09 Dec 2009
86
74th
Half remake, half parody of _Night of the Living Dead_, this is that rare horror movie that is both funny and frightening, often at the same time. The cast -- especially Karen and Gulager -- is every bit as good as the excellent, outrageously disgusting special effects. A must-see for those with strong stomachs.
Rated 17 Aug 2010
90
66th
Yep, this one creeped me out, especially the last 15 minutes. And I'm a pretty hard core horror fan. Recommended--has some great gore.
Rated 30 Aug 2010
71
73rd
Hilarious horror comic semi-sequel to _Night of the Living Dead_. A fast pace, terrific comic acting (including Linnea in her star-making role), and an inventive and funny script are marred only by an abrupt, unsatisfying ending.
Rated 16 Oct 2010
70
79th
Really enjoyable horror comedy flick breathes some life into the zombie genre. The naked punk is one of the hottest things in the recorded history of man.
Rated 07 Jun 2011
87
88th
Not fantastically spectacularly awesome but still the best zombie apocalypse flick ever.
Rated 17 Sep 2011
71
59th
Dat theme.
Rated 10 Nov 2011
94
90th
The movie that taught me that all skeletons come from India. International treaty. This may not be the best zombie movie, but it is certainly the most fun. BRAINS!
Rated 29 Jan 2012
50
55th
The zombies were in the wrong place, because they'll find no braaaaaaaaains in this movie. I guess that's why it makes it so much fun...well, that and the punker girl who's naked for all but 2 scenes.
Rated 07 Feb 2012
65
16th
Either go all-scary (Dawn of the Dead remake) or go heartfelt homage (Shaun of the Dead) but tongue-in-cheek movies just annoy the piss out of me. Not a total waste of time, but I never need to see it again.
Rated 08 Oct 2012
10
2nd
Pathetic story, really stupid script, and too dumb to be really scary. This movie was bad when it first came out, but it seems much worse now. There are a few special effects with the zombies that were interesting, but other than that it is hard to watch. It was not interesting to me, and the sound track and music was just awful.
Rated 13 May 2013
81
60th
One of the best horror comedies ever, Return of the Living Dead is just great.
Rated 22 Apr 2014
90
61st
Once that broad started dancing naked in the graveyard, I knew I was going to like this movie. Great start.
Rated 21 Oct 2015
78
65th
My favorite zombie movie ever. The only one I really like, actually. Even some ridiculously inept characters were fun (instead of annoying, as usual).
Rated 12 Apr 2016
55
43rd
Bannon certainly has got an eye for the effects. Every comic aspect of it seems dated, except for the girl who gets naked and becomes an attractive redhaired zombie or when the zombies call the paramedics and cops simply asking them to send more paramedics and cops. The script is so over the top - the fact that these zombies can't die, produced by some chemical military shit. The toxic rain keeps bringing them and an off narration at the end says the president will visit Louisville anytime soon.
Rated 01 Apr 2017
11
79th
An 80's must see, humorous, cheesy and greatness and some bitchen effects. if you havent seen this you can not call yourself a film buff, let alone a horror one, like it or not.
Rated 21 Jul 2019
80
55th
Night of the Living Dead filtered through the punk rock sensibilities of Repo Man. Great stuff that manages to balance comedy and horror quite well.
Rated 24 Jun 2020
70
56th
The Return of the Living Dead scratched my Evil Dead itch pretty solidly. Though neither it's horror or comedy is groundbreaking, the two factors of this film bolster each other higher and end up forming a pretty solid flick.
Rated 01 Feb 2007
75
75th
It is very stupid, but that's an advantage. Also has cheese and the 80's leaking out of it.
Rated 29 Mar 2007
50
33rd
Much like one of its zombies, this movie is ugly, not funny, not scary, and in serious need of brains
Rated 14 Aug 2007
51
6th
Really cheesy, really '80s zombie horror movie. This is actually that popularized zombies talking and moaning for "brains." There are ton of unintentionally funny moments in this. Enjoy it for what it is.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
45
35th
It's really probably one of the more dumb zombie films, but it is funny. It has a great, and rather abrupt, ending.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
45
25th
Passes the time.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
76th
One of the best zombie films I've seen.
Rated 16 Sep 2007
70
63rd
fun zombie comedy
Rated 19 Oct 2007
70
16th
Great camp zombie film. No real scares here, but a good time will be had by all.
Rated 18 Jan 2008
55
37th
Campy classic. With talking zombies and a punker chick that spends 99% of her screen time naked, this is quite possibly the very definition of B-movie fun.
Rated 27 Mar 2008
90
91st
Naked zombies.
Rated 04 Jun 2008
65
21st
recklessmess said it best- "The writers of this movie had their brains eaten. Otherwise, they wouldn't have written such a piece of shit." -I concur.
Rated 09 Aug 2008
55
41st
Cheeseball zombie emergence. Faux-hawx "punk" soundtrack, zombified titties and all sorts of nonsensical effects - worth a watch.
Rated 25 Nov 2008
7
70th
Really cheesy.
Rated 13 Jan 2009
80
81st
Hilariois
Rated 26 Apr 2009
90
96th
YES
Rated 01 May 2009
40
25th
poor horror and bad comedy.
Rated 29 Aug 2009
84
62nd
This movie is a ton of fun, gory scenes and a wicked sense of humour this is by far one of the better zombie movies ever made as well as one of the best spoofs of the genre.
Rated 30 Jan 2010
30
19th
When I was young I thought this was great. But now 2010 it's not that funny and not that good.
Rated 18 Feb 2010
66
46th
Braaaaaaaaaiiiiiiinnnnnnnssssss!!!!!!!!
Rated 31 Jan 2011
60
35th
Having become a legitimate fan of genre cinema at 16, its finally taken 5 years for me to see this for the first time and, despite the rocky start, it lives up to its reputation.
Rated 31 Oct 2011
84
80th
A hilarious and endlessly fun entry in the zombie film canon.
Rated 05 Mar 2012
62
35th
It's pretty much zombies vs. the decade of the 80s. Mostly a comedy, but there are some really great zombie special effects as well. But if you aren't into corny humor or excessive violence, maybe you'll like the gratuitous nudity. If not... You probably won't like it at all.
Rated 23 Mar 2012
7
58th
Fun. I loved the punks.
Rated 24 Mar 2012
86
80th
Brainnnnnnnnnss...Moar Brainsssssss
Rated 07 Jun 2012
78
61st
78.000
Rated 10 Jun 2012
60
50th
The credit sequence and the pre-credit setup is awesome. I liked the over-acting and the dialogue but the zombies are too silly-looking.
Rated 16 Jun 2012
70
26th
Full of cheese and goofs; this is a movie to be laughed at. I had to give extra points because of 'Tar Man', may be my favorite zombie of all time.
Rated 05 Aug 2012
85
97th
It's not a bad question Burt.
Rated 20 Nov 2012
85
76th
Funny and slimy.
Rated 30 Dec 2012
32
23rd
Wasn't bad but I don't see why this has become a cult classic.
Rated 06 Jan 2013
65
10th
Part comedy, mostly horror, and neither is particularly stunning. The acting here is what really brings this down; in the hands of slightly better actors (and perhaps writers) this might have been a much better film. As it is, it does have it's moments, both in comedy and horror, but they are very few.
Rated 27 Jun 2013
81
68th
81.000
Rated 21 Aug 2013
80
81st
Yes!!!
Rated 10 Sep 2013
90
21st
It's the zombie movie that defines the 80's. Quite the cult classic.
Rated 21 Jan 2014
60
34th
It's completely forgettable from the moment it's over, but this movie is all about delivering mindless fun, and it succeeds with flying colors. In the horror-comedy genre, it isn't nearly on the level of the outrageous gorefests Evil Dead and Dead Alive, but it's great fun nonetheless.
Rated 30 Jan 2014
63
14th
Braaaaains. I don't enjoy gore fests and the last act of this is all gory zombies eating people, the script is mostly predictable and the acting is weak to say the least, but on the other hand I found this much funnier than other similar gross-out horror comedies. It really is just so ridiculous that even I enjoyed it despite all the things going against it. So yeah, not good but not that bad either.
Rated 09 Mar 2014
100
96th
One of the greatest comedy horrors of all time.
Rated 01 Mar 2015
73
82nd
"A self-parody that is an actual good movie. Has a nice pace and takes zombie clichés and turns them around."
Rated 10 Nov 2015
4
70th
Trash is the true hero of the film.
Rated 07 Jul 2016
74
63rd
Fun and inventive play on the zombie genre that still feels fresh.
Rated 30 Oct 2016
92
75th
The more you watch this movie the more it grows on you. it's now my favourite horror comedy.
Rated 25 Jan 2017
30
15th
Moderately campy eighties zombie flick. The best I can say for it is that it's too unsophisticated to make the usual attempt of living dead fare at socio-political allegory. The pretentious ones are the worst.
Rated 31 Mar 2017
73
79th
Punk rocker chick running around wishing she had clothes definintley influenced my score.
Rated 29 Oct 2017
82
70th
Fim de semana do dia das bruxas filme #8: A Volta dos Mortos-Vivos. DVD Versátil Zumbis no Cinema Volume 2
Rated 30 Nov 2017
20
3rd
I want my eyes back.
Rated 18 Sep 2018
4
59th
Braaaaaains. I loved the punks and the setting and just the overall attitude and aesthetic of the film. It's fun and goofy while still maintaining a terrifying atmosphere and feeling that everything is fucked. My favorite part was the way that main zombie out of the tank moved. And its face. The Cramps on the soundtrack helps a lot as well
Rated 02 May 2020
45
29th
Under Quarantine Film Reviews #66: A campy 80s zombie flick. Kickstarted a lot of the genre tropes but other than the killer soundtrack, it didn't do much for me.
Rated 24 May 2020
100
99th
Masterpiece
Rated 15 Oct 2020
55
53rd
Split dog, the movie lied, you think this is a costume, if you like this job, things are getting out of hand, send more paramedics, Trash, Colonel Glover: a lot of memorable moments and ideas in this undeniably fun bit of eighties silliness.
Rated 04 Oct 2021
77
53rd
Sharp direction from O'Bannon, and an absurdly funny screenplay, help this solid piece of silliness score a bullseye. While not especially scary or even unsettling (the split dogs are the closest thing to a shiver moment), this has a cartoonishly energetic spirit all of its own; it's like Karen's jacked up to a 100 performance was the tuning fork that everyone else followed. If nothing else, the rare chance to see Karen in a leading role makes the movie a must-see.
Rated 20 Oct 2021
85
59th
Viewed October 8, 2021. “I try not to think too much about dying.” A consistently inventive and laugh-out-loud funny parody of Romero’s zombie films. So much of what Dan O’Bannon gets right here is the tone, amplifying the steely hysteria of Romero’s movies into the realm of the absurd. This comes across in the barren sets and rubbery special effects, the pitch-perfect acting choices, and the bleakly funny climax that makes this as effective a social commentary as any of Romero’s mov

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