Ranking the “sexiest” zombies might seem like a paradox, but in the world of horror, there are some undead characters that have captured the imagination with their blend of fear and glamour. While zombies aren’t traditionally associated with sex appeal, certain portrayals in films, TV shows, and pop culture have added a dash of charisma, wit, or physical appeal to these otherwise decaying figures.

Here’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek list of the “top 10 sexiest zombies” across different media.

1. R (Nicholas Hoult) – Warm Bodies

In Warm Bodies, Nicholas Hoult plays R, a zombie who’s just trying to navigate his post-apocalyptic world. His brooding, introspective nature and slow-burn romance with a human girl makes him one of the most appealing zombies in recent memory. His gradual return to life mirrors the return of his charm and personality, making him a standout in the genre.

2. Liv Moore (Rose McIver) – iZombie

Liv Moore, the protagonist of iZombie, is a smart, witty, and highly capable zombie who solves crimes by eating brains and absorbing the memories of the deceased. Her sense of style, intelligence, and personality make her one of the most charismatic and attractive zombies on TV, proving that being undead doesn’t have to mean losing your charm.

3. Julie (Julie Walker) – Return of the Living Dead 3

Julie from Return of the Living Dead 3 is a unique character in zombie cinema. She’s part of a love story that takes a tragic turn after her death, but even as she transforms into a zombie, her passionate nature and rebellious spirit remain. Her punk-rock appearance and intense relationship with her boyfriend add an unexpected layer of allure to the role.

4. Tarman – Return of the Living Dead

Tarman may be more grotesque than sexy in the traditional sense, but his personality makes him stand out. With his gooey, terrifying appearance and his iconic line, “Brains!”, he’s unforgettable. There’s something oddly charming about his animated, almost lively movement—especially in the realm of the undead.

5. Sheila (Zombified) – Army of Darkness

In Army of Darkness, Ash’s love interest Sheila is temporarily turned into a zombie-like Deadite. Despite her transformation, her appearance remains striking, and her duality as both the fair damsel and the fierce, possessed villain makes her a memorable and alluring character, even in her undead state.

6. Zombie Strippers – Zombie Strippers

As the title suggests, Zombie Strippers brings together the bizarre combination of sexiness and the undead. While the film leans into camp and gore, the zombies in this film, particularly the lead stripper played by Jenna Jameson, are presented as both horrifying and seductive, playing up their grotesque appeal in a hyper-stylized setting.

7. The Bride (Eva Mendes) – Exit Wounds Music Video

Eva Mendes briefly appears as a zombie bride in the music video for Exit Wounds by rapper DMX. Although her appearance is brief, the combination of her stunning beauty and eerie zombie makeup has left a lasting impression on fans. She’s one of those rare cases where the undead is given a glamorous twist.

8. Bianca (Brittany Allen) – What Keeps You Alive

While not a traditional zombie flick, What Keeps You Alive features a near-undead-like portrayal in Bianca, who’s driven to extreme limits of survival. Her transformation into a vengeful, almost primal force blurs the line between life and death, giving her an unsettling but undeniably intense presence.

9. The Zombie Girl in the Red Dress – Resident Evil

In Resident Evil, one of the most iconic zombie scenes involves a stunning girl in a red dress, though her appearance is brief. Despite being reanimated and deadly, her memorable fashion choice and cold, eerie stare made her a standout among the undead masses in the series.

10. Zombie Nurse – Silent Hill

The zombie nurses from Silent Hill are designed to be disturbing, but they also have a strange allure due to their eerie, doll-like movements and unsettling beauty. Their stylized, monstrous appearance taps into that uncanny valley of horror, where something terrifying still holds a strange attraction.

While zombies are traditionally seen as decayed, rotting figures more likely to inspire fear than admiration, these characters show that even in the world of the undead, there’s room for a little charisma, humor, and, in some cases, unconventional attractiveness…