Fast zombies or slow zombies? The debate rages on. Here are 5 arguments each for either one being the scariest.
The zombie has been a staple creature of horror movies for decades, but George Romero made it truly famous with his breakout hit Night of the Living Dead. Since that time, zombies have infiltrated everything from video games to television shows, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
RELATED:10 Low Budget Zombie Horror Movies That Are Better Than Blockbusters (& Where To Stream Them)
In an effort to spice things up, many writers and directors have altered the standard slow-moving shuffler zombie by turning it into a monster that can run at tremendously high speed to chase down its victims. While that may seem to be a more terrifying prospect, there's more than meets the eye. Which type of zombie is truly more frightening?
Slow-moving zombies are much creepier and more ominous than fast zombies, specifically because both the victims and the audience are forced to come to grips with the reality of the situation. Theres time for the brain to analyze the cold bleakness of reality as the undead shamble along in slow pursuit of their next meal.
With so much time to process the experience, the human mind would involuntarily become plagued with depression and a sense of helplessness at the sheer desperation of it all. The zombie menace would be seen everywhere, rather than being concentrated in a single fast-moving swarm.
Slow zombies might be spookier, but fast zombies are much deadlier due to the inherent challenge of outrunning them. A single split-second of indecision could spell the difference between living to fight another die or dying horrifically at the hands of the undead.
The brain would have little time to process the larger scope of the situation as the body became spiked with adrenaline. Sheer flight instincts would take over in a desperate attempt to escape the ravenous hordes, and the effects would not wear off for some time.
Fast zombies are largely represented as creatures of sheer impulse rather than a testament to the downfall of society. Survivors would be able to analyze the details in each zombie and determine where these former humans came from, what they were interested in, and how they were infected.
In the end, it would be hard for the human mind to comprehend the symbolism of a planet full of the undead aimlessly shuffling forth in search of a warm-blooded meal. Imagine having to deal with that reality day in and day out.
They may be the rotting undead, but fast-moving zombies are the closest approximation of a real human due to their speed. The ability to run on sheer instinct and chase after prey would prove to be the ultimate nightmare scenario that would stick with lucky survivors.
RELATED:10 Scariest Zombie Movies (Ranked By How Hard It'd Be To Survive)
In contrast to the soulless husks that make up the slow shambling undead, fast zombies could spring to life at any moment and race forward like a track star, which would require a very kinetic form of human locomotion and skill.
Though many slow-moving zombies snarl and hiss at their victims, its largely a representation of their complete lack of humanity and a primary focus on feeding. Other slow zombie variants make little to no sound at all, which can be far more frightening.
With no clear trace amounts of humanity left in their rotting bodies, humans would find rationalizing their pointless hunger quite difficult. After all, theres nothing behind those dead eyes to work with except mindless instinct.
Fast zombies are far more interested in making moves without hesitating. Their need to feed kicks their bodies into overdrive and motivates them to close the gap as quickly as possible in order to secure a kill. Its a predatory instinct not unlike a jaguar pursuing an antelope through the tall grass.
With all markers of humanity purged from the body, the fast zombie becomes a bestial force of pure raw killing power that will not stop until it has been killed, or the victim escapes intact.
The general consensus people have regarding slow zombies is that their speed is a disadvantage. Its true that live humans can easily avoid, outrun and navigate around pockets of the undead, but that usually ends with a false sense of security giving way to disaster.
Because these zombies move so slow, their numbers steadily increase as they creep ever closer to their prey. Unless keen eyes are on the lookout, a cluster of zombies can soon turn into an inescapable horde that can overwhelm almost any force.
A single fast zombie is terrifying enough, but when others are alerted to the chase, the chances of survival quickly plummet. There are many variables at play in this scenario, including the speed of individual zombies in relation to one another.
Outrunning one zombie might be possible, butthe dynamics immediately shift as their numbers grow. Its also far more likely the victim will be overwhelmed by a horde that can form in seconds as opposed to minutes, or even hours as with slow-moving zombies.
Many foolhardy heroes have met their end at the hands of a zombie horde thanks to a false sense of security. While it is possible to take out several slow zombies with melee weapons or firearms, these actions draw attention away from the surroundings.
RELATED:The 10 Most Overused Tropes & Cliches In Zombie Fiction, Ranked
Any fighter who believes they are victorious may soon find themselves surrounded by a horde that is rapidly closing in. Others might botch a kill and step back into an injured zombie just waiting to take a bite out of the ankle. Slow-moving zombies invite bravado, machismo and aggression, but they never reward it.
The kinds of counterattacks, battle strategies and herd management plans normally associated with slow-moving zombies never work on fast ones. The situation becomes far too chaotic, too quickly. As such, its nearly impossible to formulate a decent strategy against them.
This is especially true when traversing unfamiliar territory. With no knowledge of the land, resources or chokepoints,crafting a solid battle strategy is almost impossible. Even the most basic of plans can go to the dogsduring the first minute of a free-for-all.
NEXT:The 10 Goriest Italian Horror Movies Ever Made, Ranked
Next 5 Ways Frozen 2 Is Better Than The Original (& 5 Ways The Original Is Best)
Derek's been a pop culture nut since he was a wee lad. When it's time to yell "Get off my lawn," he'll be dressed up like Kratos until the cops arrive. Derek loves contributing to both ScreenRant and TheGamer.
Visit link:
5 Reasons Slow Zombies Are Scarier Than Fast Zombies (& Vice Versa) - Screen Rant
- The Cranberries' Zombie - the story behind the incendiary song - Louder - April 22nd, 2024
- Chris Riddell on the zombie Tory government falling apart at the seams cartoon - The Guardian - April 22nd, 2024
- Zombie grave dating back 4,200 years discovered in Germany, photos show - Miami Herald - April 22nd, 2024
- Steam zombie survival game leaves early access 11 years on, and you've got one week to get it cheap - PCGamesN - April 22nd, 2024
- "Zombie" cicadas with STDs are coming to Virginia - Axios - April 22nd, 2024
- Deathtroopers is the Star Wars zombie horror game I never knew I needed - PC Gamer - April 22nd, 2024
- Zombie Army VR Reveals The Story In Latest Trailer - Bleeding Cool News - April 22nd, 2024
- Where Infected "Zombie Cicadas" In The US Will Emerge In 2024 - TheTravel - April 22nd, 2024
- Zombie anti-abortion laws are menacing American women - The Hill - April 22nd, 2024
- Joe Manganiello to Zombie It Up in Mountain Man Adaptation - Reactor - Reactor - April 22nd, 2024
- Frozen Soul Covered White Zombie and It Rules - MetalSucks - April 22nd, 2024
- Arizona's abortion ban could bring zombie laws back to life in other states - Fast Company - April 22nd, 2024
- Arizona abortion ban shows the dangers of reviving zombie laws - MSNBC - April 22nd, 2024
- Zombie fires smoldering near Canadian oil and gas wells threaten production following 2023 wildfires - WorldOil - April 22nd, 2024
- You'll Never Guess Who Doesn't Want to Repeal a Zombie Abortion Ban - The New Republic - April 22nd, 2024
- Zombie Army VR: New trailer gives a glimpse of the gruesome campaign - MIXED Reality News - April 22nd, 2024
- Zombie Tests: Is the SAT Back From the Dead? - Fair Observer - April 22nd, 2024
- How likely are you to survive a zombie apocalypse in Connecticut? You may want to travel north - Hartford Courant - April 22nd, 2024
- Missouri Reports 162 New Cases Of Deer 'Zombie' Disease In 2023 - Lake Expo - April 22nd, 2024
- Zombie Fires Pose Looming Threat to Canada's Oil and Gas Infrastructure - OilPrice.com - April 22nd, 2024
- Rob Zombie Presenting House on Haunted Hill Soundtrack on Vinyl - ComicBook.com - April 22nd, 2024
- Take on Zombie Stormtroopers In This Star Wars Fan Game - IGN - April 22nd, 2024
- The Best Zombie Game of 2023 Has a New Expansion Out Now - Esports.net News - April 22nd, 2024
- Frozen Soul Debuts Frosty Rendition of White Zombie's 'Creature of the - Knotfest - April 22nd, 2024
- 'Dawn of the Dead' at 45: A Zombie Love Affair That Never Died - The New York Times - April 12th, 2024
- Hyper-sexual 'zombie cicadas' infected with bizarre STD fungus will emerge in US - New York Post - April 12th, 2024
- Zombie malls and other retail centers getting extreme makeovers to keep up with the times - Chicago Tribune - April 12th, 2024
- 'Zombie' drug xylazine found in cannabis THC vapes in UK - BBC.com - April 12th, 2024
- Taxing health insurance: The Republican zombie that refuses to die - Roll Call - April 12th, 2024
- Fungus-infected Zombie Cicadas with hypersexuality to emerge in the US this year: Expert - Hindustan Times - April 12th, 2024
- Zombie Classic Dawn Of The Dead Coming Back to Theaters for 45th Anniversary - MetalSucks - April 12th, 2024
- E-News | 'Zombie cicadas' infected with sexually transmitted fungus expected to emerge this year in parts of US - WVU ENews - April 12th, 2024
- Deadly Zombie Sedative Penetrating The U.K.s Illicit Drugs Market - Forbes - April 12th, 2024
- Seattle Police warn that base ingredient in 'zombie drug' tranq is being sold as standalone pill - FOX 13 Seattle - April 12th, 2024
- Opinion | Today's Opinions: Haunted by zombie law and thrown into abortion time-travel - The Washington Post - The Washington Post - April 12th, 2024
- Rob Zombie Teases 'House of 1000 Corpses' Book With Rare Photos, Original Script and More! - Bloody Disgusting - April 12th, 2024
- Zombie malls getting extreme makeovers to keep up with the times - Detroit News - April 12th, 2024
- 2000s Horror Fantasy Is One Of The Most Unique Takes On The Zombie Genre - Giant Freakin Robot - April 12th, 2024
- Mysterious 'Zombie Neurons' Unlock Secrets of Learning in The Brain - ScienceAlert - April 12th, 2024
- Zombie SKUs: What They Are, How They Work & Results - JumpFly PPC Advertising News - April 12th, 2024
- Arizona Reviving Its Zombie Abortion Ban Is Trump's Doing - The Cut - April 12th, 2024
- Hyper-sexual "zombie cicadas" that are infected with sexually transmitted fungus expected to emerge this year - CBS News - April 12th, 2024
- Should we be concerned about zombie cicadas? - WGN Radio - Chicago - April 12th, 2024
- You need to play this underrated zombie shooter before it leaves Xbox Game Pass - Digital Trends - April 12th, 2024
- End the 'zombie' Comstock Act - Star Tribune - April 12th, 2024
- OPINION - Flesh-eating zombie narcotics are on our streets Britain is badly losing its war on drugs - Yahoo News UK - April 12th, 2024
- What Is Xylazine - The Flesh-Eating 'Zombie' Drug Linked To 11 Deaths in The UK? - Times Now - April 12th, 2024
- Zombie Cicadas To Emerge In Virginia: What To Know - Patch - April 12th, 2024
- What Is "Zombie Drug" Gripping The UK? - NDTV - April 12th, 2024
- OJ Simpson's Final Film Will Resurrect His Naked Gun Character - As A Zombie? - Looper - April 12th, 2024
- Flesh-eating 'zombie drug' sweeping US is linked to 11 UK deaths - The Telegraph - April 12th, 2024
- Flesh-rotting 'Zombie drug' tranq raises alarm in UK - The Times of India - April 12th, 2024
- Zombie Cicadas To Emerge In GA: What To Know - Patch - April 12th, 2024
- What was the first-ever zombie movie? - Far Out Magazine - April 12th, 2024
- Even Will Smith Couldnt Save Zombie Survival Game Undawn, Which Flopped Spectacularly - IGN - March 24th, 2024
- Rob Zombie Recommends This Surprisingly Wholesome Comedy - Dread Central - March 24th, 2024
- Army Writing and the Zombie (Noun) Apocalypse - Modern War Institute - United States Military Academy West Point - March 24th, 2024
- Fatal Fury's Mai Shiranui Is In This Zombie Survival Game For Some Reason - Time Extension - March 24th, 2024
- Should you be worried about 'zombie deer'? | College of Public Health - George Mason University - March 24th, 2024
- 'Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island' Scares Its Way to Blu-ray for the First Time This Spring - Collider - March 24th, 2024
- Rob Zombie hates my guts: GWAR's Dave 'Oderus Urungus' Brockie was a genius, and here's an interview that proves it - Louder - March 24th, 2024
- In the fight against gun violence, Rep. Frost Introduces the Destroy Zombie Guns Act - The Apopka Voice - March 24th, 2024
- Elfriede Jelinek's 'The Children of the Dead' is a historical zombie novel - The Washington Post - The Washington Post - March 24th, 2024
- Germany's Zombie Government Is Fueling the Far Right - The Atlantic - March 24th, 2024
- Zombie Survival Game Undawn Has Crashed And Burned According To A Reuters Report - MMOs.com - March 24th, 2024
- Will Smiths Zombie Game Has Been Hit Harder Than Chris Rock at the Oscars Its Astronomical Budget Was ... - imdb - March 24th, 2024
- Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island / Return to Zombie Island Blu-ray (Warner Archive Collection) - Blu-ray.com - March 24th, 2024
- Registration almost here for Dothans annual Zombie 5K Chase - WDHN - March 24th, 2024
- Zombie magic and gambling club Magic Island will come alive again this summer - Houston Chronicle - March 24th, 2024
- Undawn | The $140m zombie survival game starring Will Smith that bombed while nobody was looking - Filmstories - March 24th, 2024
- After 4 years, a cult classic zombie horror manga from Ga-Rei's creator is finally getting an official English release - Gamesradar - March 24th, 2024
- Will Smith's Zombie Game Has Been Hit Harder Than Chris Rock at the Oscars - Its Astronomical Budget Was ... - FandomWire - March 24th, 2024
- "The game literally no one knew existed": The Will Smith Zombie Survival Game is Reportedly a Big Flop and Fans Are ... - FandomWire - March 24th, 2024
- Zombie-palooza --- Get to the biggest undead music event in the latest Dead Island 2 expansion: SoLA - Gaming Trend - March 24th, 2024
- Bournemouth University medical students treat 'zombie attack' in mass training simulation - The Tab - March 24th, 2024
- Zombie car factories on the rise in China as buyers opt for EVs - Financial Times - March 16th, 2024
- Hey, Remember When Rob Zombie Was Going To Direct THE CROW 3? - FANGORIA - March 16th, 2024
- New Walking Dead Twist Shows How The Zombie Outbreak Will Finally End - Screen Rant - March 16th, 2024
- Candid conversations from death row with The Zombie Hunter - Arizona's Family - March 16th, 2024
- Zombie! The Musical - REVIEW - City Hub Sydney - March 16th, 2024
Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero