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Evolution of Zombies

  • Haitian Slaves

    Haitian Slaves
    West African slaves were brought to Haiti to work in Haitian sugar cane plantations.
  • Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

    Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
    Mary Shelley releases Frankenstein, who is the first zombie ever created.
  • Mistreatment of African Americans

    Mistreatment of African Americans
    African slaves were tortured and injected with toxins to prevent them from sleeping and being paid—the English word "zombie" is rooted in the African language related to gods, ghosts, and souls.
  • W.B Seabrook's Trip

    W.B Seabrook's Trip
    W.B. Seabrook goes to Haiti and documents his experience.
  • The Magic Island, W.B. Seabrook

    The Magic Island, W.B. Seabrook
    W.B. Seabrook releases his book, The Magic Island, exposing Western culture to the concept of 'voodoo zombies.'
  • First Movie Adaption: White Zombie

    First Movie Adaption: White Zombie
    Victor Halperin released the first zombie film, White Zombie, which was influenced by voodoo zombies. Backlash was received.
  • I am Legend, Richard Matheson

    I am Legend, Richard Matheson
    Richard Matheson released his book, I am Legend, which is the first to bring the idea of infection through a pathogen and science, later evolving zombies to spread infection through pathogens in films like 28 Days Later.
  • Night of the Living Dead

    Night of the Living Dead
    George A. Romero released his film, Night of the Living Dead, popularizing modern zombie tropes. Zombies are slow but strong and hungry for flesh.
  • Dawn of the Dead

    Dawn of the Dead
    George A. Romero begins his Dead Series with his second film, Dawn of the Dead.
  • Return of the Living Dead

    Return of the Living Dead
    George A. Romero introduced the concept of brain-eating zombies in the film The Return of the Living Dead.
  • The Serpent and The Rainbow, Wade Davis

    The Serpent and The Rainbow, Wade Davis
    Wade Davis released his book, The Serpent and the Rainbow, bringing attention to Haitian slavery, their cultures, and a hypothetical explanation for voodoo zombies.
  • Viral Zombies in Video Games

    Viral Zombies in Video Games
    Viral zombies have begun to become popular in video games, such as Resident Evil.
  • 28 Days Later, Fast Zombies

    28 Days Later, Fast Zombies
    The rise of fast zombies became popular in films, such as 28 Days Later. They're fast, and their blood is infectious, officially introducing humans becoming infected through pathogens.
  • Found Footage Trope

    Found Footage Trope
    George A. Romero introduces a new zombie trope, the "Found Footage" film.
  • Zombie Mutations Become Popular

    Zombie Mutations Become Popular
    Introduces zombie mutations becoming more vicious, powerful, and intelligent in games, such as Left 4 Dead.
  • Biters and Walkers, The Walking Dead

    Biters and Walkers, The Walking Dead
    Introduces biters in the TV show, The Walking Dead. Everyone is infected, you turn when you die or when you're bitten. Zombies recognize each other through scent, and you can walk through hoards of infected if you cover yourself in their guts.
  • Z Zombies, World War Z

    Z Zombies, World War Z
    The World War Z film popularizes the apocalypse narrative. The 'z zombies' emit chattering noises with their teeth, ignore people who are terminally ill, are attracted to noise, and only die when they are burnt.
  • Volatiles, Dying Light

    Volatiles, Dying Light
    Dying Light is a game that brings zombies to a parkour playground. Introducing more terrifying mutations such as demolishers and the volatile, who only hunts at night, is extremely agile and strong, dangerous, can climb and jump, and is vulnerable to UV light.