Netflix’s ‘All Of Us Are Dead’: Is It Worth A Watch?

Move over “Squid Game!” There’s a new Korean drama on Netflix that is causing a sensation online!

The 12-episode coming-of-age horror-drama series is called “All of Us Are Dead.” Despite the foreboding title, there are still a few students that remain alive as they fight to survive a zombie apocalypse. The story focuses on a group of trapped high school students trying to escape their school, which has become ground zero when an unsuspecting student becomes the victim of a science teacher’s deadly experiment.

The show first premiered on Netflix on January 28, 2022 and it has been causing a stir online. Each episode is over an hour long, and there are 12 episodes, so watching the show is definitely a commitment. So what do critics say? Is it worth a watch?

On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has earned a critic rating of 81% and an audience score of 82%.

Caroline Framke of Variety wrote, “Like Squid Game before it, All of Us Are Dead makes the most out of its nightmarish central location to otherworldly, dizzying effect.”

Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “‘All of Us Are Dead’ is nothing if not self-aware. It's also quite well executed, even when it feels more like an exercise than an organic creation.” He gave the show 3 out of 4 stars.

John Doyle of Globe and Mail wrote, “The series is not really elevated and, at 12 hours, is way too long. If you’re addicted to variations on the zombie apocalypse, you will enjoy the South Korean riff on a familiar format. It isn’t Squid Game, though. Far from it.”

Steve Greene of indieWire wrote, “It's delivered in an oddly-paced season that fights against an intuitive structure as much as these students try to beat back chomps from throngs of kids in uniforms.” He gave the show a C+ rating.

Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting wrote, “The series ultimately bites off more than it can chew in themes, characters, and ambition.” She rated the show 2 out of 5.

Audiences seemed to rate the show much more highly than critics.

“All of us are dead was a extremely terrifying and the best zombie show, in my opinion,” one fan wrote. “I believe it is better than TWD. Not only the zombies were extremely terrifying and fantastic, but also the show made me care about the main characters, it was really emotional […] I cried so much and I definitely want a season 2 because all of us are dead is f---ing fantastic.”

“Absolutely brilliant!” another shared. “Probably one of the best shows I've ever watched. The casting was perfect, and the acting was very good too. You definitely feel immersed into this series and it kept me wanting to watch more (series 2 - ???)”

“It’s sort of your traditional zombie movie, one gets its and spreads around sort of thing,” they continued. “And as someone who loves realism, this definitely met my likes. There are many Gory scenes and so likely not suitable for younger audiences. For those that enjoy a horror/thriller - this is the show for you. Very well done to the actors, actresses and the whole team who put this show together you deserve so much credit. Again, absolutely brilliant, would definitely recommend to anyone!”

“My wife and I loved this show,” another wrote. “Characters were easy to invest in, no one was safe, the cosmetic and action scene were practical and effective. The eventual villain is intimidating and fills the screen with dread. Continuously in the show you would go from heart wrench deaths to they had that coming. We just loved it and it is the best of what Korean media has to offer. Most Hollywood shows don't have this depth, consistency, or talent. Highly recommend for people that are not usual fans of the Zombie genre.

“A must see TV series,” another concluded. “Best Zombie Drama. Looking forward to second season.”

The first season of “All Of Us Are Dead” is currently available to stream on Netflix. A second season has not been confirmed. Fans can watch the trailer for season 1 and see if it’s worth a watch below.