--- title: "Zombieland" year: 2009 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/zombieland" fi1m_id: "zombieland" imdb_id: "tt1156398" tmdb_id: 19908 wikidata_id: "Q219810" fi1m_score: 78 critics_score: 70 critics_reviews: 15 published: "2026-09-15" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:32.095666+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Zombieland (2009) Directed by Ruben Fleischer · 1h 28m · MPA R · Comedy, Horror ## Identity Zombieland - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/zombieland - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** zombieland - **IMDb ID:** tt1156398 - **TMDB ID:** 19908 - **Wikidata ID:** Q219810 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1156398/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/19908, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219810 **Fi1m score: 78** · Critics 70 from 15 reviews *In a sentence:* The end of civilisation seems to agree with Woody Harrelson > Ruben Fleischer’s zombie comedy is funny, brisk and better company than its flimsy plot deserves. Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson supply most of the pleasure, though anyone after sustained fear should lower their expectations. ## Synopsis Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) makes his way through a zombie apocalypse with a set of rules for staying alive. His road trip brings him together with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), whose enthusiasm for dispatching the undead differs from his own approach. Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) complete a group of travellers who have to deal with one another as well as the zombies. Columbus narrates their progress as encounters along the road put his precautions to work. Between bouts of violence, the survivors try to find company in a world with fewer people left to offer it. ## Review Ruben Fleischer’s *Zombieland* is a good, bloody comedy whose chief attraction is the people still alive. It takes the zombie road trip as an excuse for comic friction, with survival rules, physical gags and little interest in making the apocalypse feel unbearable. The plot is thin enough to notice, even at 88 minutes, but the cast can make an ordinary exchange worth staying for. We would choose it for an undemanding evening, provided the comedy matters more than the horror. Jesse Eisenberg’s Columbus narrates through his rules for survival, a useful way of giving the chaos a comic rhythm. Woody Harrelson’s Tallahassee supplies a much less cautious enthusiasm, especially when there are zombies to dispatch. We laughed at Harrelson’s eagerness: he makes the violence look like an opportunity he is delighted to have been offered. Eisenberg’s more restrained delivery gives him something to play against, and the pleasure comes from their different ways of responding to the same trouble. Emma Stone’s Wichita and Abigail Breslin’s Little Rock keep that partnership from exhausting the film’s supply of conversation. Both have the timing to make an underwritten exchange sound less underwritten, and the four performers work well together without needing much help from the plot. That also lets writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick get away with leaving too much underdeveloped in the characterisation. The dialogue often earns a laugh before we notice how little else the scene has accomplished. Michael Bonvillain’s cinematography makes the zombie attacks readable as physical comedy, which matters when the joke depends on the method of destruction. The less convincing digital blood occasionally distracts from the joke, but the film seldom asks us to dwell on a wound. Maher Ahmad’s production design gives the travellers a world that seems available for mischief, in keeping with the film’s cheerful approach to catastrophe. Editors Alan Baumgarten and Peter Amundson are good at getting the action to its comic payoff without lingering over the mechanics. They cannot entirely hide the gaps between worthwhile incidents, and the later stretch feels less inventive than the opening. David Sardy’s score is serviceable, though it contributes little to the already limited sense of danger. The pacing and music suit a comedy this light, but neither gives the weaker episodes much urgency. There is little appetite for social satire here, and we do not need every zombie film to explain what is wrong with the rest of us. Fleischer is interested in whether his survivors can stand each other’s company, which is a perfectly adequate subject for a comedy. The affection is welcome, even when the script takes shortcuts in earning it. The shortage of sustained fear is harder to ignore if horror is the reason for watching. We recommend it for the cast, with the warning that the story gives them less to do than they deserve. It helps to want a comedy first, and to be comfortable with the amount of blood Fleischer considers compatible with one. If the plan is to be frightened, choose something else. *Fi1m score 78, published 15 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find Zombieland a funny, character-led horror-comedy, with praise clustering around the script, comic timing and cast. Eisenberg’s narration and his partnership with Harrelson receive particular approval, while a cameo is repeatedly singled out as a highlight. The reviews generally welcome the road-trip structure and playful approach to zombie violence, treating the film’s emphasis on laughs rather than scares as a strength. The spread is wide, however, and even favourable reviews flag thin plotting, uneven pacing and limited interest in doing anything new with the genre. Critics disagree over whether the characters have depth and whether the comedy sustains itself. The Evening Standard finds inspiration running short after half an hour; Slant Magazine goes further, rejecting the direction, jokes and relationships as poorly developed. For most critics, though, the performances and wit are enough to make those shortcomings tolerable. ## Straight answers **Is Zombieland worth watching?** *Zombieland* is worth watching for anyone who wants a bloody comedy rather than a horror film, and we scored it 78. Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson carry a thin plot with ease, and at 88 minutes it suits an undemanding evening. Anyone hoping to be frightened should choose something else. **How long is Zombieland, and what is it rated?** *Zombieland* runs 1h 28m and is rated R by the MPA in the US. It is a comedy and horror film. **Where can I watch Zombieland in the US?** *Zombieland* is streaming on HBO Max, Hulu and The Roku Channel in the US, and it is also available to rent from Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Zombieland, and is it suitable for children?** *Zombieland* is a 15 in the UK and rated R in the US, and it is bloody rather than frightening. The zombie killings are played as physical comedy, with a good deal of blood, some of it unconvincingly digital, but the film seldom dwells on a wound. It is not for young children, and the squeamish should expect frequent gore. **How does Zombieland compare to Shaun of the Dead?** *Zombieland* is the lighter and thinner of the two, while [*Shaun of the Dead*](https://film.one/film/shaun-of-the-dead) has sharper character writing and makes its danger count. Fleischer's film runs on the friction between Eisenberg and Harrelson and cares little about fear or grief, where Wright's earns its laughs from ordinary failings and lets the horror hurt. Choose *Zombieland* for easy company and *Shaun of the Dead* for the better film. **What should I watch after Zombieland?** After *Zombieland*, try [*Shaun of the Dead*](https://film.one/film/shaun-of-the-dead) (2004, Fi1m 85): For sharper character writing and jokes that leave room for grief. Then [*The Return of the Living Dead*](https://film.one/film/the-return-of-the-living-dead) (1985, Fi1m 79): A nastier, scruffier zombie comedy with a welcome disregard for good taste. ### Reviews we read (21) - **Empire**, Chris Hewitt (85/100, inferred): The critic praises Ruben Fleischer’s assured debut as inarguably brilliant, highlighting its witty characters, the standout cameo, and how it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the genre like Shaun of the Dead. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/zombieland-review/) - **The AV Club**, Nathan Rabin (B+): The critic calls it a winning road movie/horror-comedy that runs with the wish-fulfillment conceit of a zombie apocalypse. The clever script, goofy physical comedy, and comic chemistry between Eisenberg and Harrelson are praised. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/zombieland-1798207107) - **Time Out**, David Jenkins (4/5): The critic praises the film's abundant laughs from its witty script and a standout cameo, calling it brisk multiplex entertainment. Some genre fans may find it light on horror conventions but it delivers gory fun and strong comedic energy overall. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/zombieland-1) - **Total Film**, Matt Glasby (80/100, inferred): The review calls Zombieland funny throughout and often screamingly so, singling out the whip-smart script, Eisenberg’s voiceover, and the cast’s comic timing while noting it is light on plot. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/zombieland-review/) - **Evening Standard**, Derek Malcolm (50/100, inferred): The critic describes a blood-spattered comedy-horror with an amusing Bill Murray cameo and a few good lines, but notes that inspiration is pretty fallow after about half an hour. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/bloodspattered-comedy-in-zombieland-7416973.html) - **Slant Magazine**, Nick Schager (20/100, inferred): The critic deems the film a lurching, sketchy affair that fails to establish its world or tone, resulting in a flimsy cartoon. It is faulted for unsure direction and two-dimensional jokes that fail to capture the spirit of zombie movies or human relationships. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/zombieland/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Michael Ordoña: Ordoña praises the film as a character-based comedy rather than a standard gore-fest, highlighting the crack cast and Woody Harrelson's relish in dispatching zombies. He notes first-time director Fleischer's impeccable timing and bloodthirsty wit. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/hero-complex-blog/story/2009-10-01/lat-review-zombieland-kills-as-character-based-comedy) - **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert: Ebert finds the film a funny zombie comedy thanks to strong comic timing and a standout Bill Murray cameo. He praises the inventive road-movie structure and the cast's performances amid the gore. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/zombieland-2009) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw: The critic calls it a very ridiculous film which is also a treat, praising its entertaining take on the zombie canon with strong performances from the leads and a focus on character relationships over satire. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/oct/09/zombieland-review) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Michael Rechtshaffen: The critic finds the film a bloody, disgusting blast that balances humor and gore with energetic panache. The perfectly pitched performances, especially the standout Bill Murray cameo, are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/zombieland-review-movie-2009-93595/) - **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis: Dargis calls it a minor, self-amused diversion that follows the familiar gore-slicked zombie path without Romero's politics. She notes the cast is icing on a film whose real pleasure is its appetite for inventive zombie destruction. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/02/movies/02zomb.html) - **The Times**, Kevin Maher: The review describes it as a smartly-written zombie movie parody that eschews excessive gore for amiably droll lines, noting the pacing is lackadaisical and the plot riddled with holes but still enjoyable. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/zombieland-zgb56r3kxqs) - **Den of Geek**, Ron Hogan (5/5): The critic finds it a great funny comedy with zombies, praising the script, casting especially Woody Harrelson, and the pacing. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/zombieland-review-2/) - **Eye for Film**, Daniel Hooper (85/100, inferred): Everything about Zombieland works, from the voice-over narration and flashbacks to the well-judged tone changes and depth of the characters. The critic highlights the slick direction, casting, and screenplay as key strengths. [Read](http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/zombieland-film-review-by-daniel-hooper) - **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B+): The film is a breezy horror-comedy road trip heavy on inventive kills and infectious fun rather than horror or reinvention. Harrelson's Tallahassee steals the show with his gleeful zombie-slaying flair and the rules narration sets a light, video-game-like tone. [Read](https://collider.com/zombieland-review/) - **/Film**, Peter Sciretta (8/10): Zombieland exceeds expectations as a fun, awesome film that hits multiple genres with clever humor, heart, and standout sequences like the opening credits and a memorable cameo. The screenplay is singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/505543/fantastic-fest-movie-review-zombieland/) - **Paste**, Michael Saba (80/100, inferred): Zombieland flips zombie conventions for a gory buddy-comedy road trip with snappy dialogue, memorable characters, and slick set pieces that waste no time in its tight runtime. It succeeds as a smart, well-produced action flick focused on enjoying the little things without deeper aspirations. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/zombieland/zombieland) - **The Playlist**, Rodrigo Perez (B): The film is a clever and entertaining riff on the zom-com genre with wry humor and stylish rules, though it remains predictable and has issues with digital blood effects. It is diverting and largely satisfying overall. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/some-thoughts-on-zombieland-oh-tha-20091005/) - **Digital Spy**, Simon Reynolds (70/100, inferred): Praises it as lean, tight multiplex entertainment with inventive deaths and wry comedy, but notes some flaws like thin characters and awkward chemistry; highlights the genius cameo as making it worth seeing. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a180475/zombieland/) - **HeyUGuys**, David Sztypuljak (6.5/10): The critic finds the first half strong with belly laughs and an excellent opening sequence but feels the second half falls short of its potential. The cast is praised, particularly the cameo by Bill Murray. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/review-zombieland/) - **The Wrap**, Desson Thomson (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the film opportunistic and exploitative, turning the zombie genre into a perky gorefest for the multiplex with recognizable Hollywood stars. It devalues the B-movie currency of zombies, unlike the clever Shaun of the Dead. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/zombies-we-have-seen-enemy-and-its-us-dead-8102/) ## Details - **Director:** Ruben Fleischer - **Director:** Ruben Fleischer - **Writer:** Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick - **Cinematography:** Michael Bonvillain - **Editor:** Peter Amundson, Alan Baumgarten - **Music:** David Sardy - **Production design:** Maher Ahmad - **Costume design:** Magali Guidasci - **Producer:** Gavin Polone - **Cast:** Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus; Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee; Emma Stone as Wichita; Abigail Breslin as Little Rock; Amber Heard as 406; Bill Murray as Bill Murray; Derek Graf as Clown Zombie; Elle Alexander as Zombie Meter Maid (uncredited) - **Runtime:** 1h 28m - **Certificate (MPA):** R - **Release (the US):** 8 October 2009 - **Genres:** Comedy, Horror - **Budget:** $24 million - **Box office:** $102 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m9EVP8X7N8 ## Where to watch in the US - HBO Max: streaming - Hulu: add-on, hd - The Roku Channel: add-on, hd - Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $7.99, uhd - Apple TV: buy $7.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-15.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Shaun of the Dead* (2004), Fi1m 85: For sharper character writing and jokes that leave room for grief. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/shaun-of-the-dead.md) - *The Return of the Living Dead* (1985), Fi1m 79: A nastier, scruffier zombie comedy with a welcome disregard for good taste. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-return-of-the-living-dead.md) - *One Cut of the Dead* (2017): Give this zombie comedy time; its carefully arranged jokes reward patience. - *Housebound* (2014): Dry family friction and a confined setting make the supernatural trouble funnier. - *Grabbers* (2012): Small-town squabbling and creature trouble, with a similarly generous fondness for fools. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/zombieland