Nothing rounds out a movie more thoroughly than swarms of mindless killers spreading their rabies-like damnation among an unsuspecting populace. Like most well-defined genres, zombie films gain their appeal by utilizing a familiar set of rules then applying them to a new situation or in a new, fresh manner.

In short, fans like what they already know.

Here's a rundown of the basics needed for an appealing zombie movie.

1) An unusual catastrophe:
Much of the appeal of zombie movies comes from the creative origins of the undead. Recent movies have geared towards biological warfare as the cause, but even magic is acceptable for a more fantastical movie. Whatever the cause, the zombies are contagious. For this reason, typically the government sets up a quarantine that traps the protagonist.

2) Gradual build-up:
Zombies appear slowly. Your hero can easily overcome the first one because it's slow and awkward. When a small group appears, they are mindless, so your hero can outsmart them.

5) Zombies quickly form mobs:
Masses of bloodthirsty zombies form the crux of zombie movies. The characters will be forced to run or attack them in a crazy action scene... or a little of both. At the same time, survivors try to form small packs as well.

6) Loved one becomes zombified:
This is nearly always the climax. So important is this concept to zombie movies that in Sean of the Dead, this happens three separate times.

7) Deus ex machina:
Variation is allowed here. Most zombie movies either end with some form of calvary coming in and saving everyone or with all of the characters dying. Either ending is acceptable, and the creativity put into this area often sets apart good zombie flicks from the bad.

Learn more about this author, Matthew Christopher.
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