Dawn of the Dead (1978)
- Apr 20, 1979
- 2 min read
NR | 2hr 7min | 7.8/10 | Horror, Thriller
Parental Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Storyline
"Dawn of the Dead" (1978) is a gripping horror epic where four survivors—TV reporter Francine, pilot Stephen, and SWAT members Peter and Roger—seek refuge in a sprawling shopping mall as zombies overrun society. Battling the undead and their own tensions, they carve out a temporary haven, only to face looters and inevitable chaos. The film explores consumerism, survival, and humanity’s collapse.
Why It’s Our Vibe
Dawn of the Dead is a bloody, bold masterpiece that hits like a midnight apocalypse, blending gore with sharp satire. George A. Romero’s visceral direction turns a mall into a haunting playground, with Ken Foree’s stoic Peter and Scott Reiniger’s brash Roger anchoring the gritty ensemble. The vibrant yet gruesome visuals, paired with Goblin’s pulsing score, amplify the relentless dread and dark humor. Every zombie clash and quiet moment feels raw and purposeful. It’s a vibe for anyone craving a thrilling, thought-provoking escape that skewers society while keeping you hooked. This classic’s mix of heart, horror, and wit makes it an electrifying, unforgettable ride.
Director
George A. Romero
Writer
George A. Romero
Starring
David Emge as Stephen "Flyboy" Andrews
Ken Foree as Peter Washington
Scott H. Reiniger as Roger DeMarco
Gaylen Ross as Francine Parker
David Crawford as Dr. Foster
David Early as Mr. Berman
Richard France as Scientist
Howard Smith as TV Director
Tom Savini as Blades (Biker)
Joseph Pilato as Officer at police dock
Produced by
Richard P. Rubinstein
Claudio Argento (associate)
Dario Argento (uncredited, international version supervisor)
Production Companies
Laurel Group, Inc.
Dawn Associates
United Film Distribution Company
in association with Dario Argento and Claudio Argento (European cut)
Cinematography
Michael Gornick
Edited by
George A. Romero (U.S. version)
Dario Argento (International version)
Music by
Goblin (International version)
Library music and original score by George A. Romero’s selection (U.S. version)
Distributed by
United Film Distribution Company (U.S.)
Titanus (Italy)
Release date
September 1, 1978 (Italy)
April 20, 1979 (United States)
Run Time
2 hr 6 min (U.S. theatrical cut)
Country
United States
Italy
Languages
English
Budget
$640,000
Box office
$66 million (worldwide)
About the Author
Our film posts are curated and written by various staff members at Massive Action Media. While we don't aim to be an exhaustive database like IMDb, we take a more selective and intentional approach. We focus on classics, cult favorites, top-rated gems, standout comedies, and films that reflect our unique voice in entertainment. Every title we feature is chosen with purpose to align with the tone and taste of our platform.
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