Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Edgar Wright's genre-defining zom-rom-com turns zombie apocalypse into a love letter to friendship, laziness, and the perfect local pub.
Shaun of the Dead - Movie Information
- Original Title: Shaun of the Dead
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Edgar Wright
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 9, 2004 (United Kingdom - 15), September 24, 2004 (United States - R), October 17, 2024 (Canada - 18A), December 30, 2004 (Germany - 16), July 19, 2005 (France - 12), October 7, 2004 (Australia - MA 15+), September 24, 2004 (Brazil - 16), August 20, 2004 (Italy - VM14), October 29, 2004 (Spain - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Ein Zombie kommt selten allein (DE), Todo Mundo Quase Morto (BR), 笑死人凶間 (HK), Muertos de risa (MX), Muertos de risa (AR), L'alba dei morti dementi (IT), Muertos de Risa (SV), Zombie Party - Uma Noite... de Morte (PT)
- Production Companies: WT² Productions, Big Talk Studios
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Shaun of the Dead - Plot
Shaun lives a supremely uneventful life, which revolves around his girlfriend, his mother, and, above all, his local pub. This gentle routine is threatened when the dead return to life and make strenuous attempts to snack on ordinary Londoners.
Shaun of the Dead - Trailer
See the zombie chaos and deadpan comedy collide in the official trailer:
A romantic comedy. With zombies.
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Shaun of the Dead - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Edgar Wright
Main Cast
- Simon Pegg
- Nick Frost
- Kate Ashfield
- Lucy Davis
- Dylan Moran
- Jessica Hynes
- Penelope Wilton
- Bill Nighy
- Martin Freeman
- Matt Lucas
Writers
- Simon Pegg
- Edgar Wright
Producers
- Nira Park
Shaun of the Dead - FAQs
What is Shaun of the Dead about?
Shaun of the Dead follows Shaun, a directionless London slacker whose biggest concerns are his girlfriend, his mum, and his local pub. When a zombie apocalypse breaks out, he hatches a gloriously simple plan: round up the people he loves and wait it out at the Winchester. It's equal parts hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt.
Is Shaun of the Dead part of a larger film series?
Yes! Shaun of the Dead is the first entry in Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg's beloved Cornetto Trilogy, named for the ice cream brand that appears in each film. The trilogy continues with Hot Fuzz (2007) and wraps up with The World's End (2013). Each film is a standalone story but shares thematic and stylistic DNA.
Where can you watch Shaun of the Dead?
You can catch Shaun of the Dead on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — all offering rental or purchase options. If you'd rather not spend anything, YouTube Free streams it with ads. Plenty of ways to get your zombie fix.
Does Shaun of the Dead have any hidden Easter eggs?
Absolutely — the film is packed with them. Eagle-eyed viewers will spot foreshadowing in early dialogue that pays off during the zombie outbreak, including lines like "We're coming to get you, Barbara" and the pub quiz answers. Edgar Wright also peppers in visual gags and references to classic zombie cinema throughout.
Who are the main actors in Shaun of the Dead?
Simon Pegg leads the cast as the lovable slacker Shaun, with Nick Frost as his best mate Ed stealing nearly every scene. The ensemble also features Kate Ashfield, Dylan Moran, Lucy Davis, Penelope Wilton, Bill Nighy, Jessica Hynes, Martin Freeman, and Matt Lucas — a remarkably stacked British cast.
Is Shaun of the Dead worth watching?
Without question. Shaun of the Dead holds a rare 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror comedies ever made. It works as a sharp zombie parody, a genuinely funny comedy, and a touching story about friendship and growing up. It's endlessly rewatchable.
What is the famous "Don't Stop Me Now" scene?
One of the film's most iconic moments sees Shaun and his friends bludgeon a zombie to the beat of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" in the Winchester pub. The sequence is brilliantly choreographed so every hit lands in time with the music. It's become one of the most celebrated scenes in modern British comedy.
Did Shaun of the Dead win any awards?
Yes — the film earned widespread recognition, winning the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film and picking up the Empire Award for Best British Film. It also won multiple Saturn Awards from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, cementing its status as a modern genre classic.
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