Zack Snyder Dawn of the Dead fans will soon have another opportunity to watch the acclaimed 2004 zombie film, as Netflix will add the movie to its U.S. streaming roster starting January 1, 2026. The film, a remake of George Romero’s 1978 classic, unites director Zack Snyder and screenwriter James Gunn prior to their rise as blockbuster filmmakers in the superhero realm.
Snyder and Gunn’s Early Collaboration on Dawn of the Dead
Before becoming influential figures in modern superhero cinema, Zack Snyder and James Gunn first collaborated on the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead—a pivotal project that predates Snyder’s Justice League and Gunn’s recent Superman film. The pair revitalized Romero’s original with fresh performances, a tense atmosphere, and fast-paced action, helping launch their careers beyond niche horror circles.
The film features a standout cast, including Sarah Polley in the lead role as Ana, with supporting performances from Ving Rhames, Ty Burrell, Mekhi Phifer, and Matt Frewer. Their combined talents helped modernize the 1978 film for 21st-century audiences. Snyder’s direction and Gunn’s script earned critical praise, as demonstrated by a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As described in the site’s summary,
“A kinetic, violent and surprisingly worthy remake of George Romero’s horror classic that pays homage to the original while working on its own terms.”
– Critics’ Consensus.
Plot Summary and Noteworthy Characters
Dawn of the Dead centers on Ana, who escapes her Milwaukee home after her husband falls victim to a zombified neighbor. Seeking safety, Ana teams up with Kenneth, a cautious police officer played by Ving Rhames, and a group of survivors. They take refuge in a local shopping mall, striving to remain safe from the undead that have overrun their neighborhood. After gaining the trust of wary security guards, the ensemble unites to defend themselves against relentless zombie hordes.
“When her husband is attacked by a zombified neighbor, Ana (Sarah Polley) manages to escape, only to realize her entire Milwaukee neighborhood has been overrun by the walking dead. After being questioned by cautious policeman Kenneth (Ving Rhames), Ana joins him and a small group that gravitates to the local shopping mall as a bastion of safety. Once they convince suspicious security guards that they are not contaminated, the group bands together to fight the undead hordes.”
– Official Synopsis
Success at the Box Office
While critical reception was positive, the film also achieved commercial success following its 2004 theatrical release. Produced on a relatively modest budget of $28 million, Dawn of the Dead managed to gross $103 million worldwide. Its box office results were split between $59 million in domestic ticket sales and $44 million from international markets, making it the 54th highest-grossing motion picture globally that year. These numbers solidified the film’s place within the horror genre and underscored the effective collaboration between Snyder and Gunn.
Legacy and Renewed Interest with Netflix Release
The renewed availability of Zack Snyder Dawn of the Dead on Netflix is expected to bring attention back to the film and spark interest among dedicated horror fans and new viewers alike. The performance of Sarah Polley as Ana and Ving Rhames as Kenneth, as well as the survival scenario set against a besieged shopping mall in Milwaukee, have remained memorable since the film’s original release. Key cast members, including Ty Burrell, Mekhi Phifer, and Matt Frewer, continue to draw fans, and the film’s achievement at both the critical and box office levels maintains its standing as a modern horror favorite.
As streaming options evolve and the popularity of the zombie genre endures, industry watchers and fans anticipate that the return of this classic could encourage both nostalgic viewership and fresh analysis of Snyder and Gunn’s early work. With its return to Netflix, Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead is poised to secure a new chapter in its ongoing legacy starting in January 2026.
