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Shaun of the Dead (2004)

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Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
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10.0 (2 Ratings)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)

2004 | Comedy | Horror

97 mins

A direction-less electronics salesman named Shaun decides to turn his bland life around by winning back his ex-girlfriend, reconciling his strained relationship with his mother, and surviving a hostile horde of the undead.

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Produced by Focus Features
Director Edgar Wright
Writer Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright
Cast Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Nick Frost, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Bill Nighy, Matt Lucas and Reece Shearsmith
Zombie Romantic Comedy Funny RomZomCom

Main Image Courtesy: Universal Pictures / Rogue Pictures .
Background Image Courtesy: Polygon.com.
Images And Data Courtesy Of: Focus Features.
This content (including text, images, videos and other media) is published and used in accordance with Fair Use.

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Shaun of the Dead (2004) Reviews & Ratings (106)
9-10
56.6% (60)
7-8
38.7% (41)
5-6
1.9% (2)
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1.9% (2)
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Shaun of the Dead (2004) reviews from people you don't follow
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated

Dec 26, 2020 (Updated Dec 26, 2020)  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
9
8.5 (106 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Zombie hilarity
Film #8 on the 100 Movies Bucket List: Shaun of the Dead

Shaun of the Dead (2004) is the first film in the Cornetto trilogy, a series of films directed by Edgar Wright and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. I have to admit I’m a little biased when it comes to Shaun and 2007’s Hot Fuzz (shameful that this isn’t also on the bucket list), the first two films in the trilogy, as they’re two of my comedy favourites and films I can quote far too much from. And as zombie horror comedies go, you can’t get much better than Shaun of the Dead.

The film follows Shaun (Simon Pegg), a hopeless boyfriend who shares a house with his slacker friend Ed (Nick Frost) and stickler Pete (Peter Serafinowicz), while he tried to save his Rocky relationship with girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) whilst trying to battle his way through a zombie apocalypse. The best thing about Shaun of the Dead is how it follows Shaun trudging almost zombie like through his own life, while in the background a real zombie apocalypse is breaking out. It’s so incredibly fun watching all of the zombie related acts in the background that the main characters are completely oblivious about, and not only is it funny, it’s also a rather clever commentary on the state of our culture and society – I’m sure we could all imagine this oblivious self absorbed attitude being very much present in a lot of people if a zombie apocalypse ever really happened.

Shaun also succeeds due to the incredibly clever and witty script and the gags that don’t ever seem to let up. From the subtle zombie nods in the beginning to the wisecracking and snide remarks between Shaun, Ed and virtually everyone else in Shaun’s life, this film is hilarious and infectiously quotable. The zombie apocalypse is tackled in such a typically British way, and not only is this funny but it’s incredibly refreshing too when compared to the overly stylish guns ‘n’ ammo style zombie films we’re used to from across the pond. How often do you see character trying to kill zombies with records before settling down with a cup of tea and a cornetto? It’s a work of genius.

The cast too are equally responsible for how good this film is, and do a great job with the script and pace. Not only do you have the charismatic pairing of Pegg and Frost who’s chemistry is undeniable, there’s also an excellent supporting cast with some rather big names in the UK industry: Bill Nighy, Jessica Hynes, Dylan Moran, Lucy Davis and Penelope Wilton. And some blink and you’ll miss it cameos from comedy greats Matt Lucas, Reece Shearsmith and Tamsin Greig. These names paired with Edgar Wright’s well paced directing style makes for an engaging film.

Shaun of the Dead is basically a big screen zombie version of Spaced, and this definitely isn’t a bad thing. The only negative about this, especially watching it 16 years later, is that it seems so obviously low budget which I think has only been made more obvious with age. Even in HD it does look a tad aged which is a shame, but the amount of blood and gore is still impressive for a 15 rated film.

Despite it’s age, Shaun of the Dead is one of the best zombie films out there and the fact that it’s hilarious too just makes it even better. And after watching this, you’ll never think of Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now in the same way again.
(5)   
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Erika (17789 KP) rated

Apr 29, 2018  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
9
8.5 (106 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
I rewatched this film the other night, and I honestly had forgotten how funny this was. It's a great horror comedy, and it still makes me laugh. It's definitely my favorite zombie movie. Edgar Wright's direction completely works, and it's an impressive first movie. I also love Simon Pegg in this movie, but I think I love him in every film.
I think I send gifs from this movie all of the time to my friends to express my feelings.
(5)   
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Andrew Kennedy (199 KP) rated

Aug 30, 2019  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
10
8.5 (106 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
The first film in the Cornetto triology and arguebly the best.
The idea for this film was spawned from another Pegg/Frost?Wright project Spaced, when Peggs character Tim is having a dream inspired by the Resident Evil game.
From that short sequence Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright came up with Shaun of the Dead.
I dont want to spoil this movie by over reviewing it but when I went to see this when it came out I howled with laughter.
I watched it again this week and still find it so funny.
A solid must see film.
(3)   
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Doctor Jones (5 KP) rated

Sep 30, 2017  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
9
8.5 (106 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
It's like Spaced with a bigger budget and zombies. (0 more)
It's not as good as Spaced. (0 more)
Spaced on the big screen
In principle, I really don't like comedies. Yes, there are examples of the genre out there that I like, don't get me wrong. But generally-speaking I just don't dig them. I won't go into my anti-comedy rant in great detail here, but I think that one of the main reasons for it is that I love the craft of filmmaking and most comedies are severely lacking in any kind of interesting creative decision that make me appreciate a filmmaker's craft. Now Edgar Wright, there's a director who knows his craft, and it is very much evident in Shaun of the Dead. It is very slickly shot and edited, brilliantly-paced, pitch-perfect in tone and yes - it's funny! There aren't many comedy-horror movies that work, but this one really does. Also, I am a huge fan of Spaced, which is up there in my top 5 tv shows of all time, and this film is very much a spiritual successor to the show.
(3)   
Shaun of the Dead (2004) reviews from people you don't follow
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Jeremy King (346 KP) rated

May 13, 2019  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
7
8.5 (106 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
A fun movie about fighting zombies.
Ok lets admit it. most of think we will be like crew in the walking dead but come on there is a better chance of us be like these guys in shaun of the dead. Ya lets just pop down to the local pub and wait till the army comes in to deal with the zombies.
Love this movie
(2)   
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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated

Feb 3, 2019  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
8
8.5 (106 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Good Fun
With the help of a close friend, Shaun (Simon Pegg) sets out to his rescue his mum during a zombie apocalypse and hole up at their favorite pub The Winchester.

Acting: 10
Pegg delivers a strong performance in his role as Shaun. You can’t decide whether Shaun is just a plain loser or if he’s just oblivious to the people around them and their feelings, particularly his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield). Pegg has a way of keeping you guessing from one scene to the next. Just when you think you can figure his character out, he evolves just a little bit, enough to remain interesting. The entirety of the cast breathes life into this comedy horror film.

Beginning: 3

Characters: 10

Cinematography/Visuals: 10
The film is shot in a very unique way that helps to drive the narrative. It has the feel of a horror movie, but you’re never really frightened. It’s just as gory and in-your-face as any zombie movie I’ve seen, but sometimes those same scenes will have you cracking up. It was very cool how they capture the graduation of the first twenty-four hours. It started with a couple of one-off strange incidents. Before long, the streets were swarming and things were out of control. Very well-done.

Conflict: 10
Zombie films/shows should never be about the zombies, but about survival and the reality of the human spirit. You wanna find out who you really are? Get thrown into the middle of an apocalypse. Shaun of the Dead takes the nature of the human spirit and fleshes it out over the course of the film. Some people see tragedy and they run from it while others, like Shaun, take the bull by the horns and go right at it. The conflict succeeds in the group not just taking on the zombies but handling their internal squabbles as well.

Genre: 6

Memorability: 7
There were a number of funny, memorable events that stick out. I won’t ruin them, but my personal favorite was the car scene where seven survivors had to squeeze into a little sedan. The hilarity that ensues as they move from Point A to B is pretty awesome. There is also a touching moment within that same scene that adds emotional power to the movie. There are a number of scenes like this here, scenes that can make you laugh and make you feel at the same time.

Pace: 10

Plot: 10

Resolution: 7

Overall: 83
Shaun of the Dead is one of those movies where you fall in love with it more and more the more times you revisit it. I wasn’t a fan my first viewing, but noticed a lot of things the second time around that made sense and added to the overall strength of the movie in a subtle way. Good watch.
(2)   
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Paige (277 KP) rated

Dec 7, 2018 (Updated Dec 7, 2018)  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
10
8.5 (106 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Casting (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost). (3 more)
Prosthetic Makeup.
Irony.
Emotional Investment.
Shaun of the Dead (2004).
'Take car. Go to Mum's. Kill Phil. Grab Liz. Go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint, and wait for all of this to blow over. How's that for a slice of fried gold?'

Shaun of the Dead is a 'slice of fried gold,' with consistent irony throughout that contributes towards the comedic content, uncommon throughout differentiating zombie movies. 'Next time I see him, he's dead,' is an ironic quote from Shaun of the Dead (2004) that is also foreshadowing.

Progressing from this, the casting for Shaun of the Dead (2004) was exceptional. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have done alternative movies together, encompassing Hot Fuzz and The World's End. Their undeniable friendship contributes significantly towards their ability to collectively produce fantastic movie's, all of which have no fault.

Furthermore, the prosthetic makeup is also an imperative aspect to confer when deliberating the positive aspects of Shaun of the Dead (2004). When taking into consideration that this film was released in 2004, the prosthetic makeup was beyond expectation, with multiple scenes that are hard to watch attributable to the gore.

Comparable to this, an alternative aspect to confer when deliberating the positive aspects of Shaun of the Dead would be the emotional investment in each character. Shaun of the Dead (2004) makes evident an imperative moral; to not take those you love for granted. One of many subtle morals throughout Shaun of the Dead (2004), which subsequently contribute towards the emotional investment in each character, to be understood upon watching the movie.

To conclude, Shaun of the Dead (2004) is a contributor towards the extensive amount of zombie movies released. However, it is an innovative, unique zombie movie, integrating comedic content and irony, whilst maintaining the high quality of prosthetic makeup and emotional investment you would expect from a movie depicting the prospective end of the world.
(2)   
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Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated

Apr 28, 2018  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
9
8.5 (106 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Simon pegg (2 more)
Nick frost
Zombie makeup
Its bascally spaced meets dawn of the dead and it works pegg and frost have a field day with the plot as they try to surive the zombie appocalpse and save his ex girlfriend from being next on the menu the zombie makeup is eccellent thimbs up from me
(2)