Day of the Dead

  • 1985
  • NR
  • 101m
movieMx RATING
7.0/101.3K
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Day of the Dead Review

Last updated: February 3, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 3, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Day of the Dead (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Day of the Dead features a noteworthy lineup led by Lori Cardille . Supported by the likes of Terry Alexander and Joseph Pilato , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Day of the Dead (1985) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Day of the Dead stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Day of the Dead

Quick Plot Summary: Day of the Dead is a Horror, Drama, Mystery film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. As the world is overrun by zombies, scientists and military personnel in an underground Florida bunker must decide on how they should deal with the undead. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Ending Explained: Day of the Dead

Ending Breakdown: Day of the Dead resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Day of the Dead reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Day of the Dead?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere

Box Office Collection: Day of the Dead

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $3.8M
Worldwide Gross $34.0M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Day of the Dead Budget

The estimated production budget for Day of the Dead is $3.8M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Day of the Dead

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Where to Watch Day of the Dead Online?

Streaming Hub

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Day of the Dead Parents Guide & Age Rating

1985 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Day of the Dead age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Day of the Dead is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Day of the Dead is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Day of the Dead is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Day of the Dead. Rating: 7.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Day of the Dead worth watching?

Day of the Dead is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Day of the Dead parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Day of the Dead identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Day of the Dead?

The total duration of Day of the Dead is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.

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Critic Reviews for Day of the Dead

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.0
Day of the Dead
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