Zombieland is a 2009 American post-apocalyptic zombie comedy film directed by Ruben Fleischer, marking his directorial debut. The film features a star-studded cast, including Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee, Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus, Emma Stone as Wichita, and Abigail Breslin as Little Rock. Released on October 2, 2009, Zombieland combines humor and horror in a unique take on the zombie genre.
The plot follows Columbus, a timid college student who has survived a zombie apocalypse by adhering to a strict set of survival rules. He teams up with the tough and fearless Tallahassee, who is on a quest to find the last Twinkie on Earth. Together, they encounter Wichita and her younger sister Little Rock, who have their own survival strategies. As they embark on a cross-country road trip to find a sanctuary free from zombies, the group faces various challenges and comedic situations that test their resilience and relationships.
Critically acclaimed upon its release, Zombieland received praise for its witty screenplay and engaging performances, particularly highlighting Bill Murray's memorable cameo. The film holds a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed over $102 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $23 million. It became known as one of the highest-grossing zombie films in history at the time.
The film's success led to the development of a sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, which was released in October 2019. Zombieland remains notable not only for its blend of comedy and horror but also for its commentary on human relationships in dire circumstances, making it a beloved entry in the zombie genre.