Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015) movie poster

Timeline

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2015 · 93 min · English
JustWatch #4,368 174
Directed by
Christopher B. Landon
Starring
Cloris Leachman, David Koechner, Halston Sage, Hiram A. Murray, Joey Morgan, Logan Miller
Budget
$15M

When a zombie outbreak hits their quiet town, three Boy Scouts—Ben, Carter, and Augie—are forced to use their scouting skills to survive. Along with the assertive Denise, they embark on a chaotic journey filled with undead creatures. To earn their badges and save humanity, they must navigate the escalating crisis and confront the horrifying reality of the apocalypse.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015)

Where can you watch Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Essential and Paramount Plus Premium: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

15 events in order · contains spoilers

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Ron the Janitor's Discovery

    The movie begins with Ron, a janitor, cleaning the halls of a research facility while enjoying music. During his rounds, he stumbles upon a peculiar scene behind a curtain, leading him to discover a man connected to an ominous machine.

    Where
    Research Facility
  2. A Shocking Revelation

    Upon inspecting the man, Ron is horrified to learn he is in a critical state with pale, veiny skin. As he attempts CPR, Ron is met with the surreal realization that his hands penetrate the man's stomach, showcasing a moment of pure panic.

    Where
    Research Facility
  3. Zombie Awakening

    Just as Ron grapples with the shocking incident, the man suddenly revives and lunges at him. This unexpected turn marks the beginning of chaos as Ron's frenzied attempts to escape coincide with Dr. Pieter's snack break.

    Where
    Research Facility
  4. Scouts Registration Day

    The scene shifts to three childhood friends, Ben, Carter, and Augie, attending their scout registration with their leader, Rogers. The event is disheartening as they are the only attendees, leaving them feeling demoralized yet hopeful for Augie's badge ceremony that evening.

    Where
    Scout Registration
  5. A Disastrous Drive Home

    While driving home, Carter broaches the subject of quitting scouting, signifying their struggle with the death of Augie's father. Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by a deer that runs into their path, causing a flat tire and setting off a series of events.

  6. Unexpected Visitors

    As the boys attempt to fix the flat tire, Carter's sister, Kendall, arrives with her boyfriend Jeff and friend Chloe. Ben's crush on Kendall complicates matters, and the boys are tempted by the prospect of attending a secret senior party later that night.

  7. A Grumpy Encounter

    On their way home, the boys encounter their cantankerous neighbor, Ms. Fielder, who reprimands them for their litter. This comic relief highlights the lighter moments amidst the mounting tension they are facing.

  8. The Deer Strikes Back

    Meanwhile, an ominous event unfolds in the woods as Rogers discovers Dr. Pieter's badge. To his shock, he is attacked by a deer that has transformed into a menacing zombie, marking the beginning of a terrifying outbreak.

    Where
    Wooded Area
  9. A Failed Beer Run

    Ben and Carter make a stop at a liquor store before heading to the ceremony, hoping to grab some beers. Their plans backfire when they attract the attention of a drunken bum who leads them to Denise, who helps them snag the beers.

    Where
    Liquor Store
  10. A Camping Adventure

    Once in the woods with Augie, the boys reminisce about their childhood, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. However, the tension escalates when Augie, feeling abandoned, finds out about their plans to sneak out to the party.

    Where
    Campsite
  11. The Zombie Apocalypse Begins

    As night falls, Ben and Carter embark on a chaotic adventure filled with zombies at every turn. They discover the devastation of the liquor store and must run for their lives from the undead, encountering grotesque creatures along their path.

    Where
    Various Locations
  12. Facing the Undead

    With the rec center as their destination, the boys find themselves cornered by a growing horde of zombies. They must rely on teamwork and ingenuity, fighting off the undead while keeping their spirits high amidst the terror.

    Where
    Rec Center
  13. A Surprising Reunion

    During the fray at the rec center, they are shocked to encounter Kendall's ex-boyfriend Jeff among the zombies. This unexpected twist adds complexity to their fight for survival as they navigate emotional ties amidst the chaos.

    Where
    Rec Center
  14. A Courageous Moment

    Through a combination of clever improvisation and bravery, Ben finally overcomes his fears and seizes a chance to pursue Kendall. In a heartwarming moment, he kisses her, symbolizing hope and potential for future adventures.

  15. Final Revelations

    As the credits roll, the audience is treated to glimpses of the boys' deepened friendships forged through hardship. The final scene features a comedic twist, leaving viewers to ponder the unpredictable nature of life after a zombie apocalypse.

Last updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:20

Was this helpful?

Timeline questions answered

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

How does the zombie outbreak start?

The outbreak begins at a research facility where janitor Ron discovers a man hooked to a machine with pale, veiny skin. When Ron tries to perform CPR, his hands penetrate the man's stomach, and the man suddenly revives and attacks Ron, marking the first zombie incident.

  • zombie outbreak origin
  • first zombie
  • research facility
  • ron janitor
Q2

Why is Augie hurt when Ben and Carter want to quit scouting?

Augie is devastated because his father recently died, and scouting is the only thing keeping him connected to his childhood memories and his father. Ben and Carter's decision to quit feels like abandoning him during an emotionally vulnerable time.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Rogers reminds the boys that the badge ceremony is a significant event for Augie, hinting at its emotional weight.

  • augie father death
  • scouting badges
  • childhood friends
  • emotional moment
Q3

What happens to Scout Leader Rogers in the woods?

While in the wooded area, Rogers finds Dr. Pieter's discarded badge and is suddenly attacked by a deer that has transformed into a zombie. He becomes the first victim of the actual outbreak in the main characters' vicinity, triggering the chaos that follows.

Foreshadowing: The earlier scene with Ron at the research facility establishes that something has infected animals, setting up this moment.

  • scout leader rogers
  • zombie deer
  • first victim
  • woods attack
Q4

Why does touching the infected man cause Ron to get attacked?

When Ron attempts CPR, he discovers his hands pass through the man's stomach, indicating the man is already dead or nearly dead. The moment Ron makes contact, the man revives as a zombie and lunges at him, spreading the infection through the facility.

Foreshadowing: The man's pale, veiny appearance and the ominous machine hint that something unnatural is happening to him.

  • ron janitor
  • cpr scene
  • infection spread
  • laboratory
Q5

How does Ben end up with Kendall after the zombie apocalypse?

Throughout the chaotic night, Ben proves his bravery and resourcefulness while fighting zombies to protect the group. At the rec center, he finally overcomes his fear and kisses Kendall, which she reciprocates, marking their official start as a couple.

Foreshadowing: Ben's crush on Kendall is established early when she arrives with her boyfriend Jeff, creating romantic tension he must overcome.

  • ben kendall romance
  • first kiss
  • zombie fighting
  • relationship
Q6

What causes the deer to attack Rogers?

The deer has become infected with whatever created the zombies at the research facility. When Rogers discovers Dr. Pieter's badge in the woods, the zombie deer attacks him, marking the spread of the outbreak from the facility to the surrounding wilderness.

Foreshadowing: Dr. Pieter leaves the facility for a snack break earlier, suggesting the infection has already escaped beyond the lab walls.

  • zombie deer
  • infection spread
  • woods
  • rogers attack
Q7

Why does Denise help Ben and Carter at the liquor store?

Denise is introduced when the drunken bum leads Ben and Carter to her after they fail to get beers themselves. She takes pity on them and uses her skills to successfully acquire the beers, becoming an ally who later joins their survival group.

Foreshadowing: The boys' failed beer run and the bouncer turning into a zombie at the strip club establish the escalating danger that brings Denise into the story.

  • denise character
  • liquor store
  • beer run
  • joining group
Q8

What is the comedic twist at the end of the movie?

As the credits roll, the movie shows various comedic moments and glimpses of the characters' newfound relationships. The exact twist varies but typically involves a humorous final image or scenario that subverts expectations about surviving a zombie apocalypse.

Foreshadowing: The meta notes indicate the tone is consistently light and comedic, with a happy ending that prioritizes humor over genuine horror.

  • ending twist
  • credits scene
  • comedic moment
  • final scene

Movie threads

More Movies Like Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Chaotic Coming-of-Age Horror Comedy like Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

Adolescent adventures collide with high-stakes chaos and gross-out humor. If you liked the rowdy, adolescent energy of Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features similar comedies where young characters use their wits (or lack thereof) to survive monstrous threats, all while dealing with the usual dramas of growing up.

  • comedic
  • youthful
  • chaotic
  • gross-out
  • adventurous
  • thrilling
  • Tone: light, comedic
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a group of young friends who are thrust into an extraordinary situation, often a monster invasion or apocalypse. Their journey is less about mastering their environment and more about surviving it through improvisation, slapstick, and the bonds of friendship, with a narrative that prioritizes fun over fear.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared core: a lighthearted, comedic tone applied to a high-intensity horror scenario, filtered through the lens of youth and inexperience. The focus is on the humorous misadventures and character growth rather than pure terror.

Movies about Unlikely Heroes in the Apocalypse like Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

Ordinary people use their unique skills to survive the end of the world. Fans of Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse will enjoy these films about everyday underdogs rising to the occasion. Discover similar stories where unconventional skills, from scouting to a nerdy hobby, become the key to surviving zombies, monsters, or other world-ending catastrophes.

  • resourceful
  • hopeful
  • comedic
  • adventurous
  • underdog
  • survival
  • Tone: hopeful, light
  • Pacing: fast, steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a group of misfits or average individuals who are initially dismissed. When catastrophe strikes, their specific knowledge or quirky talents—be it survival skills, scientific expertise, or sheer dumb luck—become invaluable. Their journey is one of proving their worth and finding courage they didn't know they had.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by the central theme of undervalued skills saving the day. They share a sense of optimistic resourcefulness, combining action and survival elements with character-driven comedy and a generally positive outlook, even in dire circumstances.

If you liked this

Movies Like Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

Similar movies to Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app