In 1968, George A. Romero released a film that would forever change the horror genre and establish the modern concept of the zombie: Night of the Living Dead. Made on a shoestring budget, this black-and-white horror film went on to become one of the most influential movies in film history, creating a template for countless future zombie films and television shows. With its shocking imagery, social commentary, and relentless tension, Night of the Living Dead remains a classic that still resonates with audiences today. Watch the full movie at the bottom of this article.
The Making of a Horror Classic
Night of the Living Dead was the brainchild of George A. Romero, who co-wrote, directed, photographed, and edited the film. It was produced by Image Ten, a small independent production company co-founded by Romero and several of his friends in Pittsburgh. With a modest budget of around $114,000, the filmmakers had limited resources but used their ingenuity to create a chilling atmosphere.
The film's premise is simple but terrifying: a group of strangers finds themselves trapped in a farmhouse, surrounded by reanimated corpses that have an insatiable hunger for human flesh. As the night progresses, the survivors must fend off the undead while dealing with rising tensions and interpersonal conflicts within the house.
Though Romero never referred to his creatures as "zombies" in the film—preferring to call them "ghouls"—Night of the Living Dead is widely considered the birth of the modern zombie genre. The film redefined the zombie, shifting away from its roots in Haitian folklore and establishing the flesh-eating, infectious undead as a staple of popular culture.
Box Office Success
For a film made on such a small budget and with no major stars, Night of the Living Dead was a tremendous financial success. Upon its initial release in October 1968, the film grossed about $12 million domestically and $18 million internationally, a remarkable achievement for a low-budget independent film. The fact that it was able to make over 250 times its budget is a testament to the film’s immediate appeal and the way it tapped into the cultural anxieties of the time.
The success of Night of the Living Dead at the box office was largely driven by word of mouth, critical attention, and its notoriety for graphic violence, especially for the time. The film's impact on independent cinema cannot be overstated, as it demonstrated that low-budget horror films could achieve financial success and cultural prominence, paving the way for future independent filmmakers.
A Groundbreaking Film in Terms of Race and Social Commentary
One of the most remarkable aspects of Night of the Living Dead was its casting of Duane Jones, an African American actor, in the lead role of Ben. While the character was not written with race in mind, Jones’ performance as the capable, rational, and resourceful protagonist was groundbreaking. At a time when African American actors were often relegated to secondary roles or stereotypical portrayals, Jones’ casting stood out as a progressive move in American cinema. He became one of the first African American actors to star as the lead in a horror film, making Night of the Living Dead significant for its racial representation.
Furthermore, the film’s release coincided with a tumultuous period in American history, particularly concerning civil rights and race relations. The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968 was fresh in the public consciousness, and the film’s brutal, ambiguous ending—where Ben is mistakenly shot by a white posse—was seen as a chilling and haunting reflection of the racial tensions of the time. While Romero has stated that casting Jones was a decision based on talent rather than a deliberate attempt to make a political statement, the social implications of the film’s ending were unavoidable and added to its cultural impact.
Critical Reception: Shock, Praise, and Controversy
Night of the Living Dead initially received a mixed response from critics. Some were horrified by its gruesome content, while others praised its boldness and innovation. The film was particularly shocking for audiences in the late 1960s, when horror films were generally less graphic, and the level of violence depicted on screen was unprecedented.
At the time of its release, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) had not yet instituted its rating system, so Night of the Living Dead was shown to audiences of all ages. Children and unsuspecting moviegoers were often unprepared for the stark brutality of the film, and some early reviews reflected the shock and outrage at its graphic content. Notably, esteemed film critic Roger Ebert wrote about the stunned reactions of young viewers who were clearly disturbed by the film’s unrelenting violence, particularly the scenes of cannibalism and the film’s bleak ending.
However, as time passed, critics began to appreciate the film for its artistry, its subversive take on societal issues, and its influence on the horror genre. Night of the Living Dead has since been reevaluated as a landmark in horror cinema, and it currently holds a strong 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 100 reviews. The film was praised for its raw energy, its ability to create tension on a minimal budget, and its exploration of fear and human behavior in extreme circumstances.
Viewer Reactions and Cultural Impact
Audiences at the time were both shocked and captivated by Night of the Living Dead. Its mix of graphic violence, claustrophobic tension, and social commentary struck a nerve in a society grappling with the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and political upheaval. The film quickly became a cult classic, and its influence spread across the world.
The film’s enduring legacy is perhaps most evident in the way it shaped the zombie genre. Before Night of the Living Dead, zombies in cinema were typically depicted as mindless slaves under the control of a voodoo master, as seen in films like White Zombie (1932) and I Walked with a Zombie (1943). Romero’s film reinvented the zombie as a relentless, flesh-eating monster with no master, driven by an insatiable hunger for the living. This version of the zombie became the blueprint for countless films, TV shows, video games, and comic books.
Romero himself would return to the genre with several sequels, including Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), and others, cementing his place as the godfather of the zombie film. The success of Night of the Living Dead also led to a resurgence of horror films in the 1970s and 1980s, inspiring filmmakers like John Carpenter, Wes Craven, and Sam Raimi to push the boundaries of what horror could achieve.
Conclusion
Night of the Living Dead is more than just a horror film; it’s a cultural phenomenon that redefined the genre, challenged societal norms, and left an indelible mark on cinema. Despite its low budget and initial controversy, the film has endured as a classic, praised for its boldness, ingenuity, and relevance. As we reflect on its lasting impact, it’s clear that George A. Romero’s vision continues to influence horror, storytelling, and the portrayal of societal issues in film. Over 50 years after its release, Night of the Living Dead remains as vital and terrifying as ever, a true testament to the power of independent cinema.