All 6 George A. Romero Living Dead movies ranked from worst to best

2. Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead plunges us into a nightmarish scenario where the dead rise from their graves, hungry for the flesh of the living. George A. Romero’s genius lies in his ability to tap into the primal fears and anxieties that lurk within our collective subconscious. With a low budget and a small cast, he crafts a tale of survival and desperation that resonates even decades after its initial release.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Night of the Living Dead is its tragic and ambiguous ending. Romero subverts conventional expectations, challenging the notion of a heroic triumph over evil. This daring narrative choice leaves audiences unsettled, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of a world filled with chaos and moral ambiguity. When confronted with the option of taking a distribution deal and changing the ending, Romero stood his ground and gave us the bleak ending that really encapsulated the time in the United States.

Upon its release, Night of the Living Dead faced controversy and a critical divide, but it soon found a devoted following and became a cult classic. Its impact on the horror genre cannot be overstated, inspiring countless filmmakers and influencing popular culture in immeasurable ways. Gale Anne Hurd, producer of The Walking Dead has gone on record to say that they used Bill Hinzman’s performance as the first zombie for the basis of the walkers in the AMC show. Romero’s innovative approach, thought-provoking social commentary, and skillful direction make Night of the Living Dead a true masterpiece of horror cinema.

Romero never intended for this to be the political statement that it has become. The director revealed that race wasn’t a factor in casting Duane Jones as the hero of the movie, he was cast because he was the best actor for the part. In the script, he is just a truck driver with no mention of his race.

Night remains an essential entry in George A. Romero’s filmography and a landmark achievement in the horror genre. Its enduring legacy is a testament to Romero’s visionary storytelling, uncompromising social commentary, and ability to tap into our deepest fears. This film stands as a chilling reminder that even in the face of unimaginable horror, true monsters may lie within us.