The Return of the Living Dead
Added Updated How We Rate
- Directed by
- Dan O'Bannon
- Written by
- Dan O'Bannon, John A. Russo, Russell Streiner, Rudy Ricci
- Produced by
- Tom Fox, John Daly, Derek Gibson, Grahame Jennings, Graham Henderson
Why it’s HorroRated
Return of the Living Dead invented the brain-eating zombie while also being extremely funny about it, which is a combination almost nobody else has pulled off. Dan O'Bannon figured out how to make zombies faster and smarter and funnier without losing any of the dread. The punk soundtrack fits the chaos perfectly. Essential.
Synopsis
The gas reanimates the dead, and the situation spreads to a punk group partying in the graveyard. Dan O'Bannon invented the brain-eating zombie here while also making a genuinely funny film about it, which is a harder combination to pull off than it sounds. The punk soundtrack fits the chaos perfectly.
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Where to watch The Return of the Living Dead
- Subscription
- Prime Video · AMC+
- Free
- Prime Video · Tubi · Kanopy · Amazon MX Player
- Rent or buy
- Prime Video · Apple TV · YouTube · Google Play · Fandango at Home
Streaming in the US changes often. Listings from JustWatch via TMDB, checked November 10, 2026.See every option
Quick facts
- Release date
- April 25, 1985
- Runtime
- 1 hour 31 mins
- Country
- United Kingdom, United States of America
- Language
- English
- Content rating
- R
- Entry type
- Movie
Tags
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