Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British zombie horror-comedy has lots of gore, swearing.
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Why Age 15+?
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Shaun of the Dead
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 37 parent reviews
Parents say this film mixes humor with horror, featuring a blend of gory scenes and strong language that can be polarizing for younger viewers. While many find it an amusing introduction to the zombie genre suitable for mature teens, others caution against its intense violence and profanity, suggesting parental discretion.
- funny and entertaining
- strong language
- graphic violence
- suitable for teens
- mixed reviews on appropriateness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 158 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In SHAUN OF THE DEAD, Shaun (Simon Pegg) is a 29-year-old slacker who holds down a dead-end job he hates. His girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield), has asked him to make something of himself, but he can't bring himself to change. Sick of playing second fiddle to Shaun's immature roommate, Ed (Nick Frost), to beer, and to video games, Liz breaks up with Shaun. Shaun wants to save the relationship, but before he can, he must deal with a strange situation that has emerged: a horde of zombies taking over London, and looking for new recruits. Now Shaun must save his family and friends as chaos erupts through the city.
Is It Any Good?
This cult-favorite romzomcom pokes fun at zombie movie clichés, but it also honors those movies by following their rules. Shaun of the Dead balances laugh-out-loud funny scenes (such as when Shaun is so self-absorbed that he doesn't see the zombies wandering around his neighborhood and then misses the news warnings because he's channel-surfing) with intense, suspenseful, and yes, very gruesome scenes (for example, the zombies attack a man and pull various bloody organs out of his stomach). The gore is plentiful but also over the top and cartoonish. Mature horror fans are likely to really enjoy the movie's droll British humor and its homage to George A. Romero's zombie classics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of zombie movies like Shaun of the Dead. How does this movie fit in with other zombie films and TV shows? And how does the movie parody the conventions of the genre? Is the violence necessary, or gratuitous? What makes you think so?
What do you think of Shaun and Ed's friendship? What are some positive or negative aspects of their relationship?
What do you think of this British comedy's humor? Did you enjoy its sarcasm, profanities, and tongue-in-cheek gags, and the banter and insults between characters? Are there any times you think it goes too far?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 23, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : December 21, 2004
- Cast : Lucy Davis , Nick Frost , Simon Pegg
- Director : Edgar Wright
- Studio : Rogue Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : zombie violence/gore and language
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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