(1968) Why did I choose to start with Night of the Living Dead? The film revolutionized the horror genre. It can basically be said that there were horror movies before Night of the Living Dead, and horror movies after Night of the Living Dead. Before Night, the greats included any Hollywood monster movies (i.e. Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, etc...), and Alfred Hitchcock movies (i.e. Psycho, Birds). The cannibalism gore George Romero used was unheard of in those days. It can be said (and has been said) that George Romero invented and wrote the rules for the zombie genre; they can only be killed by headshots, they eat flesh, they walk slow (although this would be changed by future movies). The film has also spawned three sequels, a tribute (Shaun), a remake, and numerous imitations. It is difficult to imagine that a great movie would be made on a low budget, but that is part of the reason this movie is good. The grainy look of the film (something used by Texas Chainsaw Massacre later on) added to the realism, as did the black and white look. Now it is common for a horror movie to take place at dark, and most of this one does, but the first scene starts off at daytime in a cemetery, and that is where the horror begins. Romero gets right to the point as a zombie attacks Barbara and Johnny. Surviving the attack by herself, Barbara runs to an old farmhouse out in the country and this is where the rest of the movie takes place. The idea of being surrounded in a farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere by zombies adds to the horror. Here Barbara meets other survivors. George Romero has a talent for using colorful characters (i.e. Bub and the mad scientist, flyboy, Cholo and Charlie), and he does so in Night. You are introduced to primary characters Ben, the smart, inventive, good leader, and Harry, who is selfish, critical, and always has to be right. Also introduced are the other characters, Tom (helpful), Judy (eh?), Helen (Harry‘s wife), and Karen (Harry and Helen’s daughter). Another aspect which made the film great is the character relations. From the beginning, there is drama and tension with Ben and Harry, this could be attributed to the claustrophobia of being trapped inside the house. These characters are desperately trying to preserve their way of life (boarding up the house and keeping the zombies out). Romero also does a good job of showing a society falling apart both on the outside and the inside (through the use of radio and television broadcasts). Whether done intentionally or unintentionally, there is social commentary in the film (something which many horror movies lack). George Romero said that the theme of the film was revolution, old ways being replaced by the new ways (or being eaten by the new ways). He does show this in the metaphor of the survivors trying to preserve their way of life. The film shows what humanity is like when pushed to extremes, when Harry and Ben clash until the end. It also did what other movies rarely do, it placed a black actor as the lead character (Ben), but Romero has said that this was unintentional and that Duane Jones was simply the best actor. The use of the tilted camera during times of insecurity, uncertainty, and panic, also heightens the terror in the film. In the end Ben gets shot by a sheriff, who mistook him for a zombie (or did he?). ‘Night of the Living Dead placed #93 on the American Film Institute’s “100 Years, 100 Thrills list,” and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress.’ (info from wikipedia)

Yes, Night of the Living Dead truly is a Great Horror Movie, and remains my favorite of all zombie movies. BASK IN ITS GREATNESS.