How many Return of the Living Dead movies are there? This question often arises among fans of the iconic horror franchise. The Return of the Living Dead series, which began with its 1985 release, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror, comedy, and zombies. Over the years, the franchise has expanded, leading to a plethora of sequels, remakes, and even a television series. In this article, we will explore the various iterations of the Return of the Living Dead movies and provide a comprehensive list of the films in the series.

The original Return of the Living Dead, directed by Dan O’Bannon and produced by George A. Romero, was a groundbreaking film that introduced the world to the “zombie-fied” version of the toxic waste dump creature. The film’s success paved the way for a series of sequels, with each film bringing its own unique take on the zombie apocalypse.

Here is a list of the Return of the Living Dead movies, including the original and its sequels:

1. Return of the Living Dead (1985) – Directed by Dan O’Bannon and produced by George A. Romero, this is the first film in the series and introduced the world to the toxic waste dump creature.

2. Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988) – Directed by Ken Wiederhorn, this sequel follows the events of the first film and introduces the “Brain Suckers.”

3. Return of the Living Dead Part 3: Brainwave from Hell (1993) – Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, this film serves as a loose continuation of the second installment and features a new breed of zombies.

4. Return of the Living Dead Part IV: Necropolis (1995) – Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, this film is a prequel to the original and focuses on the events that led to the creation of the toxic waste dump creature.

5. Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (2019) – Directed by Rob Klassen, this is a direct sequel to the original film and serves as a reboot of the franchise.

In addition to these theatrical releases, there have been several other versions of the Return of the Living Dead series, including:

– Return of the Living Dead: Rave to the Grave (2005) – A low-budget direct-to-video film that features a new zombie outbreak at a rave.

– Return of the Living Dead: Birth of the Brain Suckers (2005) – Another direct-to-video film that focuses on the origins of the Brain Suckers.

– Return of the Living Dead: 3D (2013) – A 3D re-release of the original film, which was also available on Blu-ray.

– Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (2020) – A television series that serves as a continuation of the film series.

In conclusion, the Return of the Living Dead franchise has seen a total of 8 major films, not including the various spin-offs and television series. The series has remained popular over the years, thanks to its distinctive style and memorable characters. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a new viewer, the Return of the Living Dead movies offer a thrilling and entertaining experience for all.