Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Kernel Score: 80% · 4,378 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Action
Released: 2004-03-19
Runtime: 101 minutes
Is Dawn of the Dead worth watching?
Worth watching. Survivors hole up in a shopping mall as fast, aggressive zombies swarm outside. It's a brisk, nasty remake that opens strongly and works as a no-frills zombie thriller, though it lacks the original's bite.
Watch it if you
- want fast, violent zombie action
- like survival-in-one-place horror
- enjoy genre remakes
Skip it if you
- can't stomach gore
- want the original's social satire
Best for: Horror night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Dawn of the Dead
- Stream: Philo, Starz
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A group of survivors take refuge in a shopping mall after the world is taken over by aggressive, flesh-eating zombies.
Dawn of the Dead parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Dawn of the Dead is an R-rated zombie horror film with frequent graphic violence and gore.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic zombie violence and gore are central to this R-rated horror remake.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dawn of the Dead
If you liked Dawn of the Dead, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dawn of the Dead (1978) — 85%: The original that this remake is based on.
- 28 Days Later (2002) — 82%: Fast, bleak infection horror.
- Shaun of the Dead (2004) — 85%: Affectionate zombie comedy.
- Train to Busan (2016) — 86%: Fast-moving zombie thriller with real emotion.
- I Am Legend (2007) — 82%: Lonely survival story set after an outbreak.
- #Alive (2020) — 80%: Zombie survival film set in one apartment.
Director
Cast
- Sarah Polley as Ana
- Ving Rhames as Kenneth
- Jake Weber as Michael
- Mekhi Phifer as Andre
- Ty Burrell as Steve
- Michael Kelly as C.J.
- Kevin Zegers as Terry
- Michael Barry as Bart
- Lindy Booth as Nicole
- Jayne Eastwood as Norma
Dawn of the Dead FAQ
Is Dawn of the Dead worth watching?
Worth watching. Survivors hole up in a shopping mall as fast, aggressive zombies swarm outside. It's a brisk, nasty remake that opens strongly and works as a no-frills zombie thriller, though it lacks the original's bite.
Where can I watch Dawn of the Dead?
In the US you can stream Dawn of the Dead on Philo and Starz and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Dawn of the Dead OK for kids?
Dawn of the Dead is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Dawn of the Dead is an R-rated zombie horror film with frequent graphic violence and gore.
What movies are like Dawn of the Dead?
If you liked Dawn of the Dead, try Dawn of the Dead, 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead and Train to Busan.