History Analysis / ZombieApocalypse

* Whatever the cause of zombiism, the effect is pandemic. Anyone who dies arises moments later as a zombie, whatever the cause of death, [[RemovingTheHeadOrDestroyingTheBrain unless they suffer damage to the brain]] or [[KillItWithFire are immolated by fire]].

* Zombies can be killed only by destroying their brains or destroying their entire body although rendering them immobile, such as through decapitation or dismemberment, is generally just as good.
** In ''Literature/TheZombieSurvivalGuide'', Max Brooks points out that, since zombies can't feel pain, a burning zombie will simply [[InfernalRetaliation keep moving around (and setting other stuff on fire) until they become immobile]]. Also, while beheading a zombie will immobilize it, the head itself can still be dangerous if one isn't careful

* Zombiism is TheVirus. Zombiism only spreads through zombie bites although the [[PatientZero patient zero zombies]] may have had a different way of acquiring the virus. Most non-Romero zombie films prefer this convention to Romero's, including the 2004 remake of Romero's ''Film/{{Dawn of the Dead|2004}}'' as there is more potential drama to be mined from the survivors avoiding zombie-inflicted damage at all costs.

* Zombies are stronger than humans and can be capable of running. Due to their [[YouCantKillWhatsAlreadyDead undead nature]], zombies can be nigh-impossible to destroy as even a bullet to the head won't put them down, and dismembering the zombie is futile as well because [[DetachmentCombat the zombie's limbs are able to move on their own]].
* Zombies are specifically compelled to [[BrainFood consume the brains of living humans]]. Russo zombies eat brains to ease the pain of their deterioration as the brain contains endorphins, which are painkiller chemicals. However, pop culture reinterprets this rule as zombies [[EatBrainForMemories eating brains to increase their intelligence]] as depicted in zombie media like ''Film/WarmBodies'' and ''Series/IZombie''.

* Zombies are more obviously intelligent, enough that they are basically [[RevenantZombie normal people who happen to be undead]]. That said, they [[VampireRefugee still have to resist their urges]] if they don't want to hurt any humans. As with Romero's portrayal of zombie intelligence, plenty of zombie works ignore Russo's "smart zombies" as well; on the other hand, [[ResurrectedRomance zombie romance stories]] usually contain Russo's revenant zombies.

Many ZombieApocalypse stories are based on one of two major rulesets, codified by Creator/GeorgeARomero and [[Film/ReturnOfTheLivingDead John Russo]].

* The bite of a zombie is infectious and is always a fatal injury, even if it seems like a [[DeadlyScratch trivial scratch]]. This results in the victim returning as a zombie, much to the horror of the ZombieInfectee, though this is essentially coincidental as zombification occurs every time someone dies, even if the victim never had any zombie-inflicted injuries in the first place. This rule is probably the source of the confusion between the first rules of the Romero and Russo rule sets.
* Zombies are [[ZombieGait slow-moving]] and [[TheDitz slow-thinking]]. That said, Romero zombies are an [[UnbuiltTrope unbuilt example]] as in their very first movie ''Film/NightOfTheLivingDead1968'', they are capable of rudimentary tool usage, problem-solving, and some memory recall, and the sequels show them growing smarter over time. Later zombie movies, including game-changers like ''Film/TwentyEightDaysLater'', tend to keep the zombies mindless since adherence to Romero's portrayal makes the zombies too human or [[ItCanThink too intelligent]] for the survivors to deal with.

* Zombies can be killed only by destroying their brains (or destroying their entire body, as by immolation, which results in the same thing), though rendering them immobile (such as by beheading or dismemberment) is usually taken to be just as good.

* Like the average human, Russo zombies can talk and can fool humans into believing that they are humans. Pop culture exaggerates this rule to depicting zombies that can only [[OneWordVocabulary repeat the word "brains"]].
* Zombies are more obviously intelligent, enough that they are basically [[RevenantZombie normal people who happen to be undead]]. That said, they [[VampireRefugee still have to resist their urges]] if they don't want to hurt any humans. As with Romero's portrayal of zombie intelligence, plenty of zombie works ignore Russo's "smart zombies" as well.

* Zombies are [[ZombieGait slow-moving]] and [[TheDitz slow-thinking]]. That said, Romero zombies are an [[UnbuiltTrope unbuilt example]] as in their very first movie ''Film/NightOfTheLivingDead1968'', they are capable of rudimentary tool usage, problem-solving, and some memory recall, and the sequels show them growing smarter over time. Later zombie movies, including game-changers like ''Film/TwentyEightDaysLater'', tend to keep the zombies mindless since adherence to Romero's portrayal makes the zombies too human or too tricky for the survivors to deal with.

* Zombies are compelled to eat the flesh of the living.

* Zombiism is TheVirus. Zombiism only spreads through zombie bites although the patient zero zombies may have had a different way of acquiring the virus. Most non-Romero zombie films prefer this convention to Romero's, including the 2004 remake of Romero's ''Film/{{Dawn of the Dead|2004}}'' as there is more potential drama on the survivors avoiding taking damage from the zombies at all costs.

* Zombies are stronger than humans and can be capable of running. Due to their undead nature, zombies can be nigh-impossible to destroy as [[RemovingTheHeadOrDestroyingTheBrain a normally practical bullet to the head]] won't put them down.
* Zombies are specifically compelled to [[BrainFood eat the brains of living humans]]. Russo zombies ate brains to ease the pain of their deterioration as the brain contains endorphins, which are painkiller chemicals. However, pop culture reinterprets this rule as zombies [[EatBrainForMemories eating brains to increase their intelligence]] as depicted in zombie media like ''Film/WarmBodies'' and ''Series/IZombie''.
* Zombies are more obviously intelligent, enough that they are basically [[RevenantZombie normal people who happen to be undead]]. That said, they [[VampireRefugee still have to resist their urges]] if they don't want to hurt any humans.

* Zombiism is TheVirus. Zombiism only spreads through zombie bites although the patient zero zombies may have had a different way of acquiring the virus. Most non-Romero zombie films prefer this convention to Romero's, including the 2004 remake of Romero's ''Film/{{Dawn of the Dead|2004}}''.
* A zombie bite results in zombification, though the transition is slow, with the victim becoming progressively more zombie-like.
* Zombies are stronger than humans, though they remain slow-moving. Zombies are nigh-impossible to destroy, being vulnerable only to damage to the brain (as above) and immolation, though the latter can also release TheVirus.
* Zombies are specifically compelled to [[BrainFood eat the brains of living humans]]. Zombies still possessing the power of speech may begin talking rather obsessively about smelling brains, before their minds deteriorate and leave them saying only, "Brains..."
** They say "brains" because Russo zombies find being dead very painful, and eating brains is the only thing that eases that perpetual agony.

Common to virtually all ZombieApocalypse tales is that, regardless of the reason zombies attack living/non-infected people, they [[NoZombieCannibals never attack other zombies]]. This makes some sense in stories where the zombies are manipulated by some force intent on attacking humanity, or where they need fresh human meat to survive, but it occurs even in films like ''Film/TwentyEightDaysLater'' where TheVirus is just supposed to make the infected vastly more angry and homicidal than before. They can sometimes be seen fighting for food, but this never goes beyond pushing each other out of the way. Why they never turn on their own is rarely, if ever, addressed, though some works have cared to do so and provide various explanations, ranging from infected flesh being unappealing to TheVirus compelling zombies to attack and infect living targets in order to spread it. Some stories take this all the way to the point that ordinary humans can avoid being attacked by [[PretendWereDead pretending to be zombies]].

* Whatever the cause of zombiism, the effect is pandemic. Anyone who dies arises moments later as a zombie, whatever the cause of death, [[RemovingTheHeadOrDestroyingTheBrain unless they suffer damage to the brain]].
* The bite of a zombie is infectious, and is always a fatal injury, even if it seems a trivial scratch. This results in the victim returning as a zombie, much to the horror of the ZombieInfectee, though this is essentially coincidental, as zombification would equally result had the infectee died of, say, rabies. This rule is probably the source of the confusion between the first rules of the Romero and Russo rule sets.
* [[ZombieGait Zombies are slow-moving, lumbering, and stupid.]] Subversions of this have only recently appeared, but are increasingly common. In the Romero canon, it is a recurring theme that zombies become cleverer as time passes.

* Zombiism is TheVirus. Zombiism results only from being bitten by another zombie, though event zero created the first zombie that starts off the chain reaction. Most non-Romero zombie films prefer this convention to Romero's, including the 2004 remake of Romero's ''Film/{{Dawn of the Dead|2004}}''.
* A zombie bite results in zombification, though the transition is slow, with the victim becoming progressively more zombie-like. Zombies become stupider and less human over time, presumably as their brains decompose. A "recent" zombie may be able to [[ResistTheBeast suppress his monstrous tendencies]] for a time.

Common to virtually all ZombieApocalypse tales is that, regardless of the reason zombies attack living/non-infected people, they [[NoZombieCannibals never attack other zombies]]. This makes some sense in stories where the zombies are manipulated by some force intent on attacking humanity, or where they need fresh human meat to survive, but it occurs even in films like ''28 Days Later'' where TheVirus is just supposed to make the infected vastly more angry and homicidal than before. Why they never turn on their own is rarely, if ever, addressed, although sometimes they can be seen fighting for food, but this never goes beyond pushing each other out of the way. This can be subverted if ordinary humans can avoid being attacked by [[PretendWereDead pretending to be zombies]].

Any truly large-scale zombie apocalypse is likely to demand a heavy degree of HollywoodTactics or handling of the IdiotBall by the military. Against any sort of heavy or explosive weaponry, the unprotected human body is not simply wounded, but ripped apart. For that matter, armored vehicles like tanks would be completely invincible against an unarmed foe, and weigh enough to crush bones merely by running something over. Rarely will any of this come into play. There is some justification under the Romero rules as any death renews the problem, and quite possibly within a secure area. Depictions where zombiism is TheVirus may avoid the issue by noting that, eventually, the problem is contained and dealt with. In ''Literature/WorldWarZ'', there is an attempted {{Handwave}} along the lines of zombies not feeling pain or fear, and the military caring more about looking good for the media, but at best badly underestimates the ability of modern ordnance to blow organic matter apart wherever it hits.

Overwhelmingly, zombie apocalypse stories tend to fall into one of two categories of [[WriterOnBoard political allegory]]. The zombie horror can be used to make a political statement against consumer capitalism, with zombies representing the bulk of humanity as unthinking (flesh-eating) sheep ([[Film/DawnOfTheDead1978 zombies in the mall]], anyone?). The other strain of zombie horror advocates hardcore individualism and libertarianism, again with the zombies as the "unthinking masses", but with an added emphasis on the heroic "[[SurvivalistStash well-prepared]]" [[CrazySurvivalist survivalist]], with KarmicDeath to anyone who dares show compassion for others or cares about anything other than their own personal survival. In both versions, anything that would be considered conventionally patriotic is right out; [[ArmiesAreEvil the military]], [[ObstructiveBureaucrat the government]], and [[CorruptCorporateExecutive corporations]] are rarely anything but obstacles at best, and actively evil at worst. Strangely, though zombies seem to fit the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens "aliens as communists"]] archetype, pro-capitalist, anti-communist zombie apocalypses are less common.

Many ZombieApocalypse stories are based on one of two major rulesets, codified by Creator/GeorgeARomero and Creator/JohnRusso:

* Whatever the cause of zombiism, the effect is pandemic; anyone who dies arises moments later as a zombie, whatever the cause of death, [[RemovingTheHeadOrDestroyingTheBrain unless they suffer damage to the brain]].

* [[ZombieGait Zombies are slow-moving, lumbering, and stupid]]. Subversions of this have only recently appeared, but are increasingly common. In the Romero canon, it is a recurring theme that zombies become cleverer as time passes.
* Zombies are not significantly stronger than humans, though they are not disadvantaged by injury as humans are.
* It is generally the case that a single zombie is not a tremendous threat, owning largely to the previous two rules. The threat of zombies generally stems from the fact that they tend to turn up in mobs.
* Zombies can be killed only by destroying their brains (or destroying their entire body, as by immolation, which results in the same thing), though rendering them immobile is usually taken to be just as good.
** In ''Literature/TheZombieSurvivalGuide'', Max Brooks points out that since zombies can't feel pain a burning zombie will simply [[InfernalRetaliation keep moving around (and setting other stuff on fire) until they become immobile]].

* Zombiism is TheVirus. Zombiism results only from being bitten by another zombie, though event zero created the first zombie that starts off the chain reaction. Most non-Romero zombie films prefer this convention to Romero's, including the recent remake of Romero's Dawn of the Dead.

* Zombies are stronger than humans, though they remain slow-moving. Zombies are nigh-impossible to destroy, being vulnerable to damage to the brain as above, and immolation — though this can also release TheVirus.
* Zombies are specifically compelled to eat the brains of living humans. Zombies still possessing the power of speech may begin talking rather obsessively about smelling brains, before their minds deteriorate and leave them saying only, "Brains..."

The ZombieApocalypse is so iconic that perfectly sane people will formulate emergency survival plans in case of shambling corpses. There are also survival guides available all over the web and in print. The explanation occasionally given for this is if one is sufficiently prepared for the complete collapse of societal order and infrastructure and the almost spontaneous appearance of unending hordes of hostiles with a quick and simple method of conscription, [[CrazyPrepared one is effectively prepared for ''anything''.]] Actual rescue agencies will sometimes have "Zombie Apocalypse" training exercises because it allows the people to brainstorm freely without causing political turf wars or falling into routine ideas (and because professional rescuers have dark senses of humor). And be honest, [[http://www.cracked.com/article_136_5-reasons-you-secretly-want-zombie-apocalypse.html you know that you would secretly love for one to happen.]]

Zombie films have an ace in the hole for directors, too. The monsters are ''cheap''. While you ''can'' use CGI, etc for them. all you really have to do is hire some extras, throw makeup on them, and voila! -- instant monsters.

In reality, this situation is highly unlikely. A week-old corpse on a pleasant summer day, moving or not, will be fertilizer by evening. It's also rather like going up against a bear every time you want to make a sandwich or mate from the perspective of the zombies, as their preferred choice of food and reproductive medium is also their greatest predator. And, as it has been noted in the quotes page, humans send robots to other planets, while zombies are befuddled by doorknobs and stairs.

The ZombieApocalypse is so iconic that perfectly sane people will formulate emergency survival plans in case of shambling corpses. There are also survival guides available all over the web and in print. The explanation occasionally given for this is if one is sufficiently prepared for the complete collapse of societal order and infrastructure and the almost spontaneous appearance of unending hordes of hostiles with a quick and simple method of conscription, [[CrazyPrepared one is effectively prepared for ''anything''.]] Actual rescue agencies will sometimes have "Zombie Apocalypse" training exercises because it allows the people to brainstorm freely without causing political turf wars or falling into routine ideas (and because professional rescuers have dark senses of humor). And be honest, [[http://www.cracked.com/article/136_5-reasons-you-secretly-want-zombie-apocalypse/ you know that you would secretly love for one to happen.]]

The ZombieApocalypse is so iconic that perfectly sane people will formulate emergency survival plans in case of shambling corpses. There are also survival guides available all over the web and in print. [[CrazyPrepared The explanation occasionally given for this is if one is sufficiently prepared for the complete collapse of societal order and infrastructure and the almost spontaneous appearance of unending hordes of hostiles with a quick and simple method of conscription, one is effectively prepared for ''anything''. Actual rescue agencies will sometimes have "Zombie Apocalypse" training exercises because it allows the people to brainstorm freely without causing political turf wars or falling into routine ideas (and because professional rescuers have dark senses of humor).]] And be honest, [[http://www.cracked.com/article/136_5-reasons-you-secretly-want-zombie-apocalypse/ you know that you would secretly love for one to happen.]]

In reality, this situation is highly unlikely. A week-old corpse on a pleasant summer day, moving or no, will be fertilizer by evening. It's also rather like going up against a bear every time you want to make a sandwich or mate from the perspective of the zombies, as their preferred choice of food and reproductive medium is also their greatest predator. And, as it has been noted in the quotes page, humans send robots to other planets, while zombies are befuddled by doorknobs and stairs.

Many ZombieApocalypse stories are based on one of two major rulesets, codified by George Romero and John Russo:

Overwhelmingly, zombie apocalypse stories tend to fall into one of two categories of [[WriterOnBoard political allegory]]. The zombie horror can be used to make a political statement against capitalism and consumerism, with zombies representing the bulk of humanity as unthinking (flesh-eating) sheep ([[Film/DawnOfTheDead1978 zombies in the mall]], anyone?). The other strain of zombie horror advocates hardcore individualism and libertarianism, again with the zombies as the "unthinking masses", but with an added emphasis on the heroic "[[SurvivalistStash well-prepared]]" [[CrazySurvivalist survivalist]], with KarmicDeath to anyone who dares show compassion for others or cares about anything other than their own personal survival. Strangely, though zombies seem to fit the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens Aliens-As-Communists]] archetype, pro-capitalist, anti-communist zombie apocalypses are less common -- and anything that would be considered patriotic is right out; the military is never anything but an obstacle at best, more often [[ArmiesAreEvil actively evil]].

* A zombie bite results in zombification, though the transition is slow, with the victim becoming progressively more zombie-like. Zombies become stupider and less human over time, presumably as their brains decompose. A "recent" zombie may be able to suppress his monstrous tendencies for a time.

The ZombieApocalypse is so iconic that perfectly sane people will formulate emergency survival plans in case of shambling corpses. There are also survival guides available all over the web and in print. The explanation occasionally given for this is if one is sufficiently prepared for the complete collapse of societal order and infrastructure and the almost spontaneous appearance of unending hordes of hostiles with a quick and simple method of conscription, one is effectively prepared for ''anything''. Actual rescue agencies will sometimes have "Zombie Apocalypse" training exercises because it allows the people to brainstorm freely without causing political turf wars or falling into routine ideas (and because professional rescuers have dark senses of humor). And be honest, [[http://www.cracked.com/article/136_5-reasons-you-secretly-want-zombie-apocalypse/ you know that you would secretly love for one to happen.]]

Overwhelmingly, zombie apocalypse stories tend to fall into one of two categories of [[WriterOnBoard political allegory]]. The zombie horror can be used to make a political statement against capitalism and consumerism, with zombies representing the bulk of humanity as unthinking (flesh-eating) sheep ([[Film/DawnOfTheDead zombies in the mall]], anyone?). The other strain of zombie horror advocates hardcore individualism and libertarianism, again with the zombies as the "unthinking masses", but with an added emphasis on the heroic "[[SurvivalistStash well-prepared]]" [[CrazySurvivalist survivalist]], with KarmicDeath to anyone who dares show compassion for others or cares about anything other than their own personal survival. Strangely, though zombies seem to fit the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens Aliens-As-Communists]] archetype, pro-capitalist, anti-communist zombie apocalypses are less common -- and anything that would be considered patriotic is right out; the military is never anything but an obstacle at best, more often [[ArmiesAreEvil actively evil]].

Often, zombie apocalypse stories are tied with a ScienceIsBad message, or an allegory about human nature. (''Film/NightOfTheLivingDead'' contained an allegory for race relations, though Romero stated that it was unintentional. Its sequel, ''Film/DawnOfTheDead'', skewered American consumerism.)

Any truly large-scale zombie apocalypse is likely to demand a heavy degree of HollywoodTactics or handling of the IdiotBall by the military. Against any sort of heavy or explosive weaponry, the unprotected human body is not simply wounded, but ripped apart. For that matter, armored vehicles like tanks would be completely invincible against an unarmed foe, and weigh enough to crush bones merely by running something over. Rarely will any of this come into play. There is some justification under the Romero rules as any death renews the problem, and quite possibly within a secure area. Depictions where zombiism is TheVirus may avoid the issue by noting that, eventually, the problem is contained and dealt with. In ''WorldWarZ'', there is an attempted {{Handwave}} along the lines of zombies not feeling pain or fear, and the military caring more about looking good for the media, but at best badly underestimates the ability of modern ordnance to blow organic matter apart wherever it hits.

** In the ''ZombieSurvivalGuide'', Max Brooks points out that since zombies can't feel pain a burning zombie will simply [[InfernalRetaliation keep moving around (and setting other stuff on fire) until they become immobile]].

In reality, this situation is highly unlikely. A week-old corpse on a pleasant summer day, moving or no, will be fertilizer by evening. It's also rather like going up against a bear every time you want to make a sandwich or mate from the perspective of the zombies, as their preferred choice of food and reproductive medium is also their greatest predator. And, as it has been noted in the quotes page, humans send robots to other planets, while zombies are befuddled by doorknobs and stairs.

* Whatever the cause of zombiism, the effect is pandemic; anyone who dies arises moments later as a zombie, whatever the cause of death, [[RemovingTheDeadOrDestroyingTheBrain unless they suffer damage to the brain]].

Any truly large-scale zombie apocalypse is likely to demand a heavy degree of HollywoodTactics or IdiotBall by the military. Against any sort of heavy or explosive weaponry, the unprotected human body is not simply wounded, but ripped apart. For that matter, armored vehicles like tanks would be completely invincible against an unarmed foe, and weigh enough to crush bones merely by running something over. Rarely will any of this come into play. There is some justification under the Romero rules as any death renews the problem, and quite possibly within a secure area. Depictions where zombiism is TheVirus may avoid the issue by noting that, eventually, the problem is contained and dealt with. In ''WorldWarZ'', there is an attempted {{Handwave}} along the lines of zombies not feeling pain or fear, and the military caring more about looking good for the media, but at best badly underestimates the ability of modern ordnance to blow organic matter apart wherever it hits.

Zombie films have an ace in the hole for directors, too. The monsters are ''cheap''. While you ''can'' use CGI, etc for them. all you really have to do is hire some extras, throw makeup on them, and voila! -Instant monsters.

In reality, this situation is highly unlikely. A week-old corpse on a pleasant summer day, moving or no, will be fertilizer by evening. It's also rather like going up against a bear every time you want to make a sandwich or mate from the perspective of the zombies, as their preferred choice of food and reporductive medium is also their greatest predator. And, as it has been noted in the quotes page, Humans send robots to other planets, while zombies are befuddled by doorknobs and stairs.

Any truly large-scale zombie apocalypse is likely to demand a heavy degree of HollywoodTactics or IdiotBall by the military. Against any sort of heavy or explosive weaponry, the unprotected human body is not simply wounded, but ripped apart. For that matter, armored vehicles like tanks would be completely invincible against an unarmed foe, and weigh enough to crush bones merely by running something over. Rarely will any of this come into play. There is some justification under the Romero rules as any death renews the problem, and quite possibly within a secure area. Depictions where zombiism is TheVirus may avoid the issue by noting that, eventually, the problem is contained and dealt with. In ''WorldWarZ'', there is an attempted {{Handwave}} along the lines of zombies not feeling pain or fear, and the military caring more about looking good for the media, but at best badly [[DidNotDoTheResearch underestimates the ability of modern ordnance]] to blow organic matter apart wherever it hits.

Overwhelmingly, zombie apocalypse stories tend to fall into one of two categories of [[WriterOnBoard political allegory]]. The zombie horror can be used to make a political statement against capitalism and consumerism, with zombies representing the bulk of humanity as unthinking (flesh-eating) sheep ([[DawnOfTheDead zombies in the mall]], anyone?). The other strain of zombie horror advocates hardcore individualism and libertarianism, again with the zombies as the "unthinking masses", but with an added emphasis on the heroic "[[SurvivalistStash well-prepared]]" [[CrazySurvivalist survivalist]], with KarmicDeath to anyone who dares show compassion for others or cares about anything other than their own personal survival. Strangely, though zombies seem to fit the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens Aliens-As-Communists]] archetype, pro-capitalist, anti-communist zombie apocalypses are less common -- and anything that would be considered patriotic is right out; the military is never anything but an obstacle at best, more often [[ArmiesAreEvil actively evil]].


Often, zombie apocalypse stories are tied with a ScienceIsBad message, or an allegory about human nature. (''NightOfTheLivingDead'' contained an allegory for race relations, though Romero stated that it was unintentional. Its sequel, ''{{Dawn of the Dead}}'', skewered American consumerism.)