Dawn of the Dead

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Dawn of the Dead

1978

2h 6m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

57 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

As hordes of zombies swarm over the U.S., the terrified populace tries everything in their power to escape the attack of the undead, but neither cities nor the countryside prove safe. In Pennsylvania, radio-station employee Stephen (David Emge) and his girlfriend, Francine (Gaylen Ross), escape in the station helicopter, accompanied by two renegade SWAT members, Roger and Pete. The group retreats to the haven of an enclosed shopping center to make what could be humanity's last stand.

Critics Consensus

One of the most compelling and entertaining zombie films ever, Dawn of the Dead perfectly blends pure horror and gore with social commentary on material society.

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Peter Travers

Gannett Westchester Rockland Newspapers

In the final analysis, Dawn of the Dead exploits more than illuminates the bloodlust of our times. No technical proficiency, however cleverly utilized, can quite cover up the hole in its moral center.

Nov 16, 2023

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Kathleen Sachs

Chicago Reader

Dawn of the Dead is arguably Romero’s best zombie film, and its stark social satire (it takes place in a mall, where the excesses of capitalism help to sustain survivors of the zombie apocalypse) will wake you up figuratively if not literally.

Dec 27, 2022

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David Ansen

Newsweek

For blood, guts and chuckles, most horror fans will undoubtedly find Dawn of the Dead finger-lickin’ good.

Oct 7, 2022

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Chuck Bowen

Style Weekly (Richmond, VA)

The film is gnarly, funny, poetic, free-associational, and ultimately irresolvable.

Jul 10, 2024

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Paul Klein

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

But what remains most of all is the message at its heart, Romero has something to say about the state of the world in 1978 where the US is all about buying, Romero is taking aim at mindless consumerism.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 4, 2024

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

There's still plenty of the low-budget charm that made the original 1968 Night of the Living Dead a classic, and there's also plenty of good old fashioned 1970s shock value and societal despair regarding post-Vietnam America.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 7, 2023

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Scott R

The 3-D was very well done! Its been a really long time since Ive seen the original, and I always liked Night of the Living Dead the best. Thats why I didnt give it 5 stars, it lacks some character development and is a bit of a weak plot.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/10/22

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david

You know the movie and love it. Fun 3D effects.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/22

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Trevor R

Really fun 3D conversion!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/08/22

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Webster P

Flaws and all there is nothing like seeing this classic on the big screen again. Loved it!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/02/22

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CPTNEMOJR

It was great to see a calssic on the big screen. In 3D no less!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/01/22

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ian_isom

All time classic and the 3D was real good.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/01/22

Full Review

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George A. Romero

Director

David Emge

Stephen

Ken Foree

Peter

Gaylen Ross

Francine

Scott H. Reiniger

Roger

David Crawford

Dr. Foster

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Synopsis

As hordes of zombies swarm over the U.S., the terrified populace tries everything in their power to escape the attack of the undead, but neither cities nor the countryside prove safe. In Pennsylvania, radio-station employee Stephen (David Emge) and his girlfriend, Francine (Gaylen Ross), escape in the station helicopter, accompanied by two renegade SWAT members, Roger and Pete. The group retreats to the haven of an enclosed shopping center to make what could be humanity's last stand.

Director: George A. Romero
Producer: Richard P. Rubinstein
Screenwriter: George A. Romero
Production Co: Dawn Associates, Laurel Group
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Mar 16, 2004
Runtime: 2h 6m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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