When you think of the best zombie horror shows, what's the first series that comes to mind? It's probably The Walking Dead, which isn't surprising given its immense popularity and lasting impact on the genre. However, as the zombie craze continues to evolve, there are newer series that are carving out their own place in the world of undead horror, offering unique takes and fresh perspectives that are just as thrilling. There's one fairly new zombie horror series that we can think of now that's just as intense and equally addictive as TWD. It's the smash-hit Korean zombie horror All of Us Are Dead, which took the world by storm with its gripping storyline and unforgettable characters.
It's a Netflix original series that was released back in January 2022. Around that time, Korean shows were already gaining a significant global following after the release of hit horror series such as Squid Game and Hellbound the year before. All eyes were on the next big thing in Korean television, and All of Us Are Dead quickly stepped up to fill that role. And boy, did it not disappoint!
Similar to many other shows and films, this zombie series is adapted from another source. It's based on Joo Dong-geun's Naver webtoon of the same name, and takes the chilling premise of the original webtoon and brings it to life with explosive action and emotional depth. Set in a high school, the series follows a group of students who must fight for survival when a virus outbreak turns their classmates into bloodthirsty zombies.
While the first episode might start off slow as it lays the groundwork and introduces key characters, it doesn’t take long before things escalate. Once the outbreak begins, the tension skyrockets and the pace becomes relentless. That early build-up pays off big time, making the chaos that follows feel even more intense and impactful. You're going to want to continue on because each episode ramps up the tension, diving deeper into the survival struggles, shifting alliances, and heartbreaking moments.
Then, there's the talented cast consisting of Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Byung-chul, Lee Kyu-hyung, Jeon Bae-soo, and so many others. Their performances truly elevate the series, making the characters feel incredibly real and relatable, even in the midst of the chaos.
Chun Sung-il, Lee Jae-kyoo, and Kim Nam-su are the creators, who expertly bring this thrilling tale to the screen. What sets it apart from other zombie series is its emphasis on the emotional and psychological journeys of its characters. Instead of just relying on gore and survival strategies, All of Us Are Dead delves into the relationships that develop between the students, their desperation to protect each other, and the inner conflicts they grapple with as they navigate a harsh and unforgiving world.
Seeing teenagers who should be worrying about school or friendships have to fight for their lives makes the story hit harder emotionally. Viewers aren’t just hoping they make it out alive. They’re experiencing their fear, their hope, and their heartbreak right alongside them. It’s this emotional richness that elevates the series beyond the typical zombie show. You'll even find yourself rooting for characters you initially disliked or underestimated, as the show peels back their layers and reveals just how deeply human and vulnerable they really are.
But don't go thinking there's not enough action. All of Us Are Dead doesn’t hold back when it comes to delivering intense, heart-racing sequences. From narrow escapes to fierce fights against the undead, the series knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. Fortunately, the zombie show will be returning with a second installment to continue the story. However, it's unclear when exactly it'll be released as there haven't been many updates.
This is great for you, though. Now you have time to catch up on the first season and prepare yourself for what’s sure to be an even more intense and thrilling next installment!
All 12 episodes of All of Us Are Dead season 1 are streaming now on Netflix.