# Night of the Living Dead

> 1968 American independent zombie horror film by George A. Romero

**Wikidata**: [Q623051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q623051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Living_Dead)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/night-of-the-living-dead

## Summary
*Night of the Living Dead* is a 1968 American independent zombie horror film directed by George A. Romero, widely regarded as the foundational work of the modern zombie genre. It is a splatter film that blends horror, science fiction, and exploitation elements, marking a significant shift in the representation of zombies from supernatural to biological entities.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: The film was released on multiple dates, including January 1, 1968, March 18, 1971, October 1, 1968, October 4, 1968, and November 15, 1968.
- **Director**: George A. Romero, an American filmmaker known for his contributions to the horror and exploitation genres.
- **Genre**: Zombie horror film, splatter film, exploitation film, and science fiction film.
- **Subgenres**: Horror film, thriller film, mystery film, and drama film.
- **Production Type**: Independent film, produced outside the major film studio system.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Preservation Status**: Included in the National Film Registry of the United States Library of Congress since 1988.
- **Sequel**: *Dawn of the Dead* (1978), another film by George A. Romero.
- **Aliases**: Night of The Living Dead.

## FAQs
**What genre does *Night of the Living Dead* belong to?**
*Night of the Living Dead* is classified as a zombie horror film, splatter film, exploitation film, and science fiction film. It also incorporates elements of thriller, mystery, and drama.

**Who directed *Night of the Living Dead*?**
The film was directed by George A. Romero, an American filmmaker renowned for his work in the horror and exploitation genres.

**Is *Night of the Living Dead* part of any preservation initiatives?**
Yes, the film is included in the National Film Registry of the United States Library of Congress, which preserves culturally significant films.

**What is the significance of *Night of the Living Dead* in the zombie genre?**
The film is considered foundational to the modern zombie genre, introducing zombies as biological entities rather than supernatural beings and influencing countless subsequent works in the genre.

**Does *Night of the Living Dead* have a sequel?**
Yes, *Dawn of the Dead* (1978), also directed by George A. Romero, serves as the sequel to *Night of the Living Dead*.

## Why It Matters
*Night of the Living Dead* revolutionized the zombie genre by presenting zombies as biological, decaying creatures rather than mindless, supernatural undead. Its low-budget, independent production style and gritty realism set a new standard for horror films, inspiring future directors and shaping the modern zombie genre. The film's influence extends beyond cinema, impacting literature, television, and pop culture, cementing its status as a cultural landmark. Its inclusion in the National Film Registry underscores its enduring significance in film history.

## Notable For
- **Genre Innovation**: Pioneered the biological zombie concept, shifting the genre away from supernatural horror.
- **Independent Film Milestone**: Demonstrated the potential of low-budget, independent production in the horror genre.
- **Cultural Impact**: Inspired countless films, TV shows, and works of literature, establishing the modern zombie as a recurring theme in media.
- **Preservation**: Selected for the National Film Registry, ensuring its long-term preservation and recognition as a classic.
- **Sequel Legacy**: Launched a franchise with *Dawn of the Dead*, further solidifying its influence on the genre.

## Body
### Overview
*Night of the Living Dead* is a 1968 American independent film directed by George A. Romero, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the zombie genre. The film blends elements of horror, science fiction, and exploitation, presenting zombies as biological, decaying creatures rather than supernatural entities. Its low-budget production and gritty realism set a new standard for horror cinema, influencing countless subsequent works.

### Genre and Classification
The film is classified as a zombie horror film, splatter film, exploitation film, and science fiction film. It also incorporates subgenres such as thriller, mystery, and drama. Its independent production status reflects its origins outside the major film studio system, emphasizing its grassroots origins in the horror genre.

### Historical Context
The film was released on multiple dates, including January 1, 1968, March 18, 1971, October 1, 1968, October 4, 1968, and November 15, 1968. Its production and release history reflect the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking in the 1960s and 1970s. The film's inclusion in the National Film Registry in 1988 highlights its cultural significance and enduring legacy.

### Influence and Legacy
*Night of the Living Dead* is widely regarded as a foundational work in the zombie genre, inspiring countless films, TV shows, and literary works. Its impact extends beyond cinema, shaping the modern representation of zombies as biological entities. The film's sequel, *Dawn of the Dead* (1978), further solidified its influence on the genre.

### Related Works
The film is preceded and succeeded by other works by George A. Romero, including *Dawn of the Dead*. Its connections to the broader horror and exploitation film genres underscore its role as a defining work in those fields as well.

### Preservation and Recognition
*Night of the Living Dead* is included in the National Film Registry, a collection of films deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. This preservation status ensures its continued availability and recognition as a classic of American cinema.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063350/)
2. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film582638.html)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=1133.html)
4. [Source](http://www.ofdb.de/film/218,Die-Nacht-der-lebenden-Toten)
5. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/noc-zywych-trupow-1968)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1512222/)
7. [Source](https://www.allmovie.com/movie/night-of-the-living-dead-v35311)
8. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063350/fullcredits)
9. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
10. The Movie Database
11. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
12. Night of the Living Dead. Rotten Tomatoes
13. Lexicon of international films
14. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063350/releaseinfo)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Source](http://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2013/10/30/the-top-ten-best-low-budget-horror-movies-of-all-time/2/)
17. [Source](https://www.e-cinema.com/blog/article/top-10-des-films-pas-chers-qui-rapportent-un-max)
18. [The Top Ten Best Low-Budget Horror Movies Of All Time](http://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2013/10/30/the-top-ten-best-low-budget-horror-movies-of-all-time/2/)
19. [The Numbers](https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Night-of-the-Living-Dead-(1968)#tab=summary)
20. Kinopoisk
21. [Source](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/night-of-the-living-dead-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0ynza1ody)
22. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
23. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2022&s_month=2&e_year=2022&e_month=2&pageID=2)
24. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/36760)
25. [Source](https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20170718/00532537803/george-romero-zombies-public-domain.shtml)
26. Bechdel Test Movie List
27. mymovies.it
28. Night of the Living Dead
29. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/C326-4F83-CED1-F0EC-29DB-5)
30. Kanopy
31. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
32. TheTVDB
33. Trakt.tv
34. FilmVandaag.nl