Winter is the best time to watch zombie anime. So, are you looking for a list of the 10 Best Zombie Anime? Well, this is the right place to land! The zombie subculture is pretty popular as a trope and a sub-trope for horror. Although there aren’t as many zombie anime as live-actions or movies, they are slowly gaining popularity. However, do keep in mind that the anime industry has a different take on the genre compared to the West.
But since it is winter and preparing a list takes too much time, here is a list of the best zombie anime we could find for you to binge-watch.
10. School-Live!
Let’s start the list with the 10th best zombie anime. Although the animation might look very cutesy, the anime has darker undertones. The main characters are cute schoolgirls of the School Living Club who keep doing ‘normal’ everyday activities. However, as the show progresses, details about the zombie apocalypse that has befallen the world are revealed. While the lines between reality and delusion can blur, the School-Live! adds a dark new flavor to the genre. The anime is available on Crunchyroll.
9. Sankarea: Undying Love
At the 9th spot on the best zombie anime list, there is Sankarea: Undying Love. The usual setting for anything zombie is a post-apocalyptic world with a zombie outbreak. However, Sankarea has more complicated tones than that. So, the anime is about Chihiro Furuya, who is obsessed with zombies. He also wants a zombie girlfriend. Certain events lead to him making a resurrection potion that causes a girl, Rea Sanka, to become a zombie. Now, Chihiro must deal with a zombie girlfriend. If you’re in the mood for something zombie, but on the rom-com side, this is for you.
8. The Empire Of Corpses
For the 8th spot on the best zombie list, it is The Empire of Corpses. The story is set in an alternate timeline in 18th century England. Victor Frankenstein manages to reanimate a corpse, but his creation method is destroyed. However, another method is discovered, leading to corpses being used for manual labor. This method, however, has some flaws. So, the British Government gives Dr. Watson the task of seeking Frankenstein’s method. The plot is exciting and fun, especially if you are vaguely aware of the famous literary figures of the era.
7. Kabenari Of The Iron Fortress
Running for the next spot is Kabenari of the Iron Fortress. The story goes that a mysterious virus outbreak occurred during the Industrial Revolution. This causes infected humans to become kabane or corpses. The story follows Ikoma, who creates a weapon that can kill the kabane when some kabane hijack a steam train and crash into a station. The anime has gained critical acclaim for its steampunk themes and certainly is a must-watch. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
6. Tokyo Ghoul
Depending on how loose the definition of a zombie is, Tokyo Ghoul attempts to be 6th on the list for the best zombie anime. Ken Kaneki is a quiet college student. However, a ghoul saves him with an organ transplant when a date goes terribly wrong. But the transplant makes him become a hybrid creature that needs to eat human beings to live. The anime is extremely popular and has one of the most memorable opening theme songs ever.
Also Read: Best Anime Like Tokyo Ghoul That Will Keep You Busy This Fall!
5. Highschool of the Dead
Highschool of the Dead is probably the closest, on the top 10 best zombie list, to a western zombie flick. The story follows five high school students as they navigate their way when a zombie outbreak occurs at school. The anime has a serious plot coupled with copious amounts of gore and violence. It is available for streaming on Hulu.
4. Corpse Princess
Contending for the 4th position on the best zombie list is Corpse Princess. The story follows Maina Hosimura. Makina was killed with her family and became a zombie (although she doesn’t look like one). In order to reunite with her family in heaven, she is tasked with killing 108 other zombies. Makina plays the role of the coll female MC with MAC-11 machine guns and sets an example for strong female characters in anime. The anime is available to stream on Hulu.
3. GYO: Tokyo Fish Attack
Securing the 3rd position of the top 10 best zombie anime list is GYO: Tokyo Fist Attack. This is very unlike the usual zombie movies or even anime. It is an Original Video animation and is an adaption of Junji Ito’s manga of the same name. Several stinky zombie fish with the disease has invaded Tokyo. Moreover, these undead fish can also walk on land with metal legs, and their disease can affect humans. The story follows Kaori, who is looking for her missing boyfriend in this apocalypse. So, it is available on Aniplex USA.
2. Gungrave
Placing at the 2nd spot in the best zombie anime list is Gungrave. This anime is based on a shooting game. However, it has a fully fleshed-out serious storyline. The main character, originally Brandon Heat, was betrayed by his best friend and mafia syndicate partner. However, he is revived to become an almost zombie-like creature. The story follows him trying to get revenge on his best friend as he continues to kill the other undead. The anime is available on Hulu.
Also Read: 13 Best Succubus Anime To Watch If You Enjoy Echchi Vampire Stories
1. Seoul Station
Fighting for the top spot of the top 10 best zombie anime list is Seoul Station. Fans of Train to Busan will be excited to know that Seoul Station is a prequel movie to Train to Busan. The story has only three characters; two men and a woman. It follows the woman’s journey to survive the zombie outbreak in Seoul. Although it may appear like any other zombie movie, it has a few unexpected moments and groundbreaking twists.
Also Read: 15 Best Korean Anime Of All Time That Everyone Should Watch!
With this, we have reached the end of the top 10 best zombie anime list. Have we covered some of the best? Or do you think there might be more zombie anime we have missed out on? Do let us know in the comments. For more such lists, keep an eye on this space.