Zombieland

Zombieland is currently streaming in the US on Netflix, and in the UK on Netflix and Sky Go, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Jesse Eisenberg is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

Zombieland arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. The jokes in Zombieland land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Columbus has made a habit of running from what scares him. Tallahassee doesn't have fears. If he did, he'd kick their ever-living ass. Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson lead a cast that never overplays a joke. Zombieland came out in 2009. What keeps Zombieland from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Zombieland is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Jesse Eisenberg anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.