The Most Outrageous Zombie Movies Ever Made: A Cult Classic Officially Arrives on Streaming
A cult classic on Prime Video
The Return of the Living Dead is now streaming on Prime Video in the United States, where it arrived November 1. The 1985 film blends horror with comedy and punk rock, and is known for its practical effects and memorable undead characters.
Dan O’Bannon wrote and directed the movie. He also wrote the screenplay for Ridley Scott’s Alien, a contrast that highlights the film’s very different comic tone.
An outbreak at the warehouse
The plot begins at a medical supply warehouse, where two employees accidentally release a mysterious military chemical. It brings the dead back to life and sets an outbreak in motion.
These zombies differ from the familiar shambling undead: they can talk, move quickly and think. They are also driven to eat human brains, leaving workers, punks and bystanders struggling to survive.
The people caught in the crisis
The cast includes Clu Gulager as Burt Wilson, James Karen as Frank and Thom Mathews as Freddy. Don Calfa plays Ernie Kaltenbrunner, while Beverly Randolph appears as Tina and Linnea Quigley as Trash.
Miguel A. Núñez Jr. plays Spider, and Jewel Shepard plays Casey. Together, the characters face the spreading danger as the film combines its horror premise with an irreverent approach.
Key points
- The Return of the Living Dead joined Prime Video in the United States on November 1.
- Dan O’Bannon wrote and directed the 1985 horror comedy.
- A released military chemical revives the dead at a medical supply warehouse.
- The film’s zombies can talk, move quickly, think and crave human brains.