I know I’m not the only one who isn’t the biggest fan of “The Walking Dead.” Sure, I’ve heard amazing things about it and seen some great clips, but for whatever reason, I quit after a few episodes every time I start it. Maybe it’s the slow pacing or the intimidation of catching up to 11 seasons; whatever it is, “The Walking Dead” is just not my cup of tea.
You know what my cup of tea is? Asian zombie series and films. There’s something so exciting and captivating about the storytelling that feels different from any American apocalyptic story I’ve seen. Here are a few of my favorites that I think everyone should watch at least once.
“Train to Busan”. (Credit: Next Entertainment World (NEW), RedPeter Film, and Movie Comics via Kinorium.)
“Train to Busan”
This is the movie that got me hooked on the zombie apocalypse genre when I realized “The Walking Dead” wasn’t for me. It packed so much emotion into a short amount of time, and it hooks you immediately.
“Train to Busan” is a South Korean zombie movie released in 2016. The film’s primary setting is, you guessed it, a train headed from Seoul to Busan.
The story follows Seok-woo (Gong Yoo) and his daughter Su-an (Kim Su-an) as they travel on the train to Busan to see Su-an’s mother for Su-an’s birthday. What they don’t know is that an infected passenger boards the train at the last minute, and that this ride could potentially be their last.
All of the characters are so well-played you form an emotional connection that grows as the story progresses. My favorite character by far is Sang-hwa (Ma Dong-seok). That man is basically The Hulk. He fought for everyone including those that wronged him. He is truly such an admirable character.
Make sure to grab a big box of tissues and a cozy blanket to cry into, because this one’s a hard two-hour watch for the emotional types like myself.
“Peninsula”. (Credit: Credits to RedPeter Film and Next Entertainment World (NEW) via Kinorium.)
“Peninsula”
“Peninsula,” released in 2020, is the prequel to "Train to Busan.” This film has grossed over $42 billion worldwide since its release. If that’s not enough to reel you in, maybe the premise will.
The story follows former soldier Jeong-seok (Gang Dong-won), who is tasked with retrieving a truck full of money located on the Korean Peninsula that is currently inhabited by zombies, rogue militia, and a sweet family that shows mercy to Jung-seok when they first interact.
One thing I found really interesting about this movie was the personality of the two girls, Joon-yi (Lee Re) and Yoo-jin (Lee Ye-won), when we first met them. Unlike many other children experiencing a zombie apocalypse, these girls appear fearless and even save Jeong-seok’s life. I liked them right away and grew attached as the movie went on and I experienced different sides of their character.
The film throws you into the story and hooks you with a sad beginning that is sure to keep you asking, “What could possibly happen next?”
“Zomvivor”. (Credit: Domundi TV, Mandeework, and Netflix.)
“Zomvivor”
From Thailand, “Zomvivor,” released by Netflix in 2025, takes place on a college campus. Apparently, surviving college wasn’t hard enough, they had to be thrown in the middle of a zombie apocalypse too.
A group of college students becomes trapped on their college campus when a zombie outbreak strikes. Chaos, sadness, and a dramatic mystery unravel as the students fight to make their way out with everyone alive. Can they do it, or will the truth tear them apart before the zombies even get a chance?
I was most surprised about the mystery aspect of this show. The mystery of the origin of the zombies is so interesting and well thought out. It’s something I would’ve never expected to work in a show like this but it does and so well at that.
I was so hooked on this show in the weeks watching it, I would start episodes in the 15 minutes I had between class. I was so devastated when I finished it and there wasn’t another season ready right away.
“All of us are Dead”. (Credit: Film Monster Co., Kimjonghak Production Co., and Netflix.)
“All of Us Are Dead”
“All of Us Are Dead,” released on Netflix in 2022, is based on the Webtoon “Now at Our School.”
This series follows a group of students from Hyosan High School as they make their way around their school in an attempt to be rescued and survive the constant zombie attacks from people while coming to terms with the fact that the world they once knew was gone.
“All of Us Are Dead” is so much more than your regular zombie apocalypse show. It features everything that a stereotypical high school is, while simultaneously fighting for your life from the undead. There are bullies, jocks, nerds, snobs, heroes and heroines, outcasts, and more. And somehow, they all have to work together to survive.
This show has everything you could ever need: drama, romance, gore, serious topics, and of course, flesh-eating zombies. Hurry! If you watch it in time, you may be able to join the rest of the fandom for the long-awaited release of season two, expected in early 2027.
“Kingdom”. (Credit: AStory and Netflix.)
“Kingdom”
“Kingdom,” released in 2019, is a historical zombie apocalypse series set in Joseon-era Korea, adapted from the webcomic series “The Kingdom of the Gods.” “Kingdom” was Netflix’s first original Korean series.
The story takes place three years after the Imjin War and follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he investigates the sudden illness that infects the king. Unexpectedly, he uncovers a deadly epidemic and political conspiracy. Prince Lee Chang must protect the capital of Hanyang from the quickly-spreading plague while fighting the coup led by Minister Cho Hak-ju (Ryu Seung-ryong).
My favorite part about this series is the time period it is set in. I’ve never been one to like historical shows, but there was just something about learning about another culture's history paired with the zombie apocalypse factor that made this show so interesting and worthwhile.
The series received so much praise that it was renewed for a second season released just over a year later in 2020.
Now It’s Your Turn
So there you have it, five of my favorite zombie apocalypse series and movies that are sure to bring on a plethora of mixed emotions and deep thoughts. Which ones are you adding to your watch list?