Have you thought about what you would do in a zombie apocalypse? If so, you’re not alone. According to a survey this year, many people in the U.S. are preparing for a zombie apocalypse. One in 10 respondents have stockpiled food, 1 in 4 don’t think it’s unusual to be prepared for when the streets become infested, and 58% believe it will occur within the next 30 years.
Many of these ideas, conspiracy theories and survival knowledge are inspired by pop culture. Whether it’s because of a new TV series, video game, book or movie, your mind starts to come up with ways to stay alive and that’s reflected in the content you consume on the internet: Google searches on zombie apocalypse preparedness increased by 2000 percent between 2019 and 2021.
Where are you most likely to survive a zombie apocalypse?
The survey of Americans found that the state most prepared to deal with zombies is Wyoming, because it is easy to avoid the undead (and even the living) as it is mountainous and less populated. Alaska is second, followed by Vermont, North Dakota and South Dakota.
On the other side, you should avoid California and especially the densely populated cities of New York, Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania.
But survival is not only determined by where you are located geographically, you must also know how to kill a zombie: according to the survey, 53% of Americans say they know how to kill an undead — among the preferred weapons are baseball bats, crossbows and swords.
However, most people are realistic, believing they would not survive a zombie apocalypse and would probably be the first to die. But they don’t give up easily; on average, they say they could kill 39 zombies per day.
From fiction to reality
Undoubtedly, movies and series about zombies are addictive, they play with the audience’s imagination, taking it to a level where no one can get it out of their brains. These stories also help people feel prepared in case an apocalypse of the undead occurs.
The most realistic zombies, according to respondents, are in The Walking Dead. Others include World War Z, 28 Days Later, Zombieland and I am Legend.
The most realistic zombie stories
The Walking Dead
This popular TV series is based on the comic book of the same name created by Robert Kirkman. The plot takes place in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by zombies, where a group of survivors struggle to stay alive and find a safe place, both from zombies and other hostile survivor groups
The Walking Dead has a passionate following and has made a significant impact on popular culture due to its stunning visual effects, unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on edge and the depth of the plot in a world torn apart by violence.
World War Z
The film adaptation of the novel written by Max Brooks unfolds the story of a world devastated by a global zombie pandemic. The main character, played by Brad Pitt, is a former UN researcher who embarks on a mission to find a cure for the zombie plague and save humanity.
Both the book and the film manage to capture the sense of panic of a post-apocalyptic scenario, exploring themes of survival, desperation and human resilience. Moreover, it doesn’t only focus on action and violence, it also examines their social and political implications.
Zombieland
This film combines humor and horror effectively, offering funny moments, witty dialogue and exciting action scenes. The story of Zombieland follows a group of survivors, very different from each other, as they search for a safe place to settle down.
Zombieland has become a classic of the zombie genre, appreciated for its fresh approach, superb action sequences and self-referential humor, breaking the fourth wall multiple times and offering nods to the traditions of the zombie genre.
The Last of Us
This is the most recent zombie series, but probably the one with one of the biggest fan bases so far. It is based on the video game of the same name and was adapted for HBO by the video game’s creator Neil Druckmann and Chernobyl showrunner Craig Mazin.
The Last of Us has been praised for its equal amounts of horror and heart, in a world where people are doing everything they can to survive; including the otherwise unimaginable. Its harrowing, deep plot and thrilling action sequences have earned this series the title of the best video game adaptation, according to many viewers.
Image: cottonbro studio