The Evolution Of Speed And Intelligence Of Zombies In Pop Culture

Zombies have been a staple of the horror genre for nearly 70 years. And it's no surprise that the creatures have evolved over time. But no matter what, there are two characteristics that mark a zombie: intelligence (or lack thereof) and speed. In fact, it was George A. Romero who set the standard that most people know today. Zombies in Night Of The Living Dead were sluggish and had little brain power except for the need for flesh. Eventually, zombies developed attack skills, motor functions, self-awareness and in Warm Bodies case, true emotion.

Then there's speed. I Walked With A Zombie was all but human, just dazed. Then films like 28 Days Later and Zombieland pressed on the gas peddle. World War Z marks another significant step in the zombie evolution. The speed of this film's creatures are probably the fastest in pop culture (unless you count the quick steps of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"). Surprisingly, they lack any real intelligence, just a frighteningly intense desire for flesh.

CLICK HERE FOR A MATRIX OF ZOMBIES IN POP CULTURE. (Or click image for Hi-Res.)

Either way, if zombies are around, it means one thing: The end of the world. Celebs from all the summer blockbusters talk about how they would survive (or not, in some cases).

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[Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures]