Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

Year: 1985

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: George A. Romero

ThrillerHorror

During a traditional Day of the Dead celebration, the boundary between the living and the deceased weakens, allowing spirits to return. Families honor their ancestors with elaborate offerings and joyous festivities, but this year, the reunion is far from peaceful. As the veil thins, long-held secrets are revealed and terrifying events unfold, threatening to engulf the community in chaos and dread.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Day of the Dead yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Day of the Dead (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Day of the Dead (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Post-apocalyptic, October - November

The movie is set in the aftermath of a catastrophic plague that has decimated human civilization. This period is characterized by societal collapse, rampant despair, and the unyielding struggle for survival against hordes of the undead. October marks the beginning of their desperate survival, culminating in the dark significance of November 4th, the Day of the Dead.

Location

Fort Myers, Florida

Fort Myers, a city in Southwest Florida, serves as the primary setting for the film. Once a thriving community, it has now been reduced to a desolate landscape ravaged by a mysterious plague that caused humanity's downfall. The abandoned harbor highlights the remnants of a civilization lost to chaos and decay.

🏙️ City 🌊 Harbor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:10

Main Characters – Day of the Dead (1985)

Meet the key characters of Day of the Dead (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sarah

Sarah is an anxious and determined protagonist, grappling with the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world. Her responsibility to lead and support her team is challenged by the psychological toll of their circumstances. Torn between her affection for Miguel and the harsh realities of survival, she exhibits strength and resilience as chaos surrounds her.

🦸‍♀️ Protagonist 🥵 Resilience 💔 Conflict

Private Miguel Salazar

Miguel is characterized as an overwhelmed soldier struggling with intense pressure and trauma. His relationship with Sarah adds complexity to his character, showcasing vulnerabilities that complicate his mission. As the chaos escalates, his anguish transforms into madness, culminating in decisions that threaten the survival of his team.

🪖 Soldier 💔 Love 😢 Tragedy

John

John, a composed Jamaican pilot, provides a level-headed presence amid the chaos. His practical approach to survival, combined with a sense of camaraderie with Sarah and Bill, underlines the importance of teamwork. Despite the bleak circumstances, he remains a steadfast ally, contributing to their fight against the undead.

✈️ Pilot 🤝 Ally 🔧 Practical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:10

Major Themes – Day of the Dead (1985)

Explore the central themes of Day of the Dead (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💀 Survival

The theme of survival permeates the narrative as characters grapple with the harsh reality of a world overtaken by zombies. Their fight against the undead reflects the instinctual human drive to persevere in the face of insurmountable odds. Struggles for resources and mental stability create an intense atmosphere where survival often comes at a high cost.

🤝 Camaraderie

Camaraderie becomes a beacon of hope amid despair as Sarah and her team navigate the treacherous environment together. Their connections, forged through shared struggles against zombies and their oppressive military structure, highlight the importance of trust and support in facing overwhelming danger. However, tensions also arise, testing these relationships under pressure.

🧪 Ethics of Science

The theme of ethical dilemmas surrounding scientific experimentation is central to the film. Dr. Logan’s gruesome experiments on captured zombies raise questions about morality in the pursuit of knowledge, especially as the line between humanity and monstrosity blurs. This theme evokes critical reflection on the consequences of desperation in the quest for survival and understanding.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:10

Unlock the Full Story of Day of the Dead

Don't stop at just watching — explore Day of the Dead in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Day of the Dead is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Day of the Dead Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Day of the Dead, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Day of the Dead Summary

Day of the Dead Timeline

Track the full timeline of Day of the Dead with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Day of the Dead Timeline

More About Day of the Dead

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Day of the Dead: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Day of the Dead

Similar Movies to Day of the Dead

Discover movies like Day of the Dead that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.