Dawn of the Dead (1978 film) is a movie.
Dawn of the Dead ( also known internationally as Zombi ) is a 1978 American independent zombie horror film directed by George A. Romero . The film was made on a budget estimated at $ 1.5 million and was a significant box office success for its time , grossing approximately $ 55 million worldwide . Since opening in theaters in 1978 , and despite heavy gore content , reviews for the film have been positive . In 2008 , Dawn of the Dead was chosen by Empire magazine as one of The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time , along with Night of the Living Dead .