George Romero’s Horror Film Collection

Description: This is where it all began. Romero's first foray into the zombie genre redefined horror, introducing the concept of flesh-eating ghouls to the world. Its social commentary on race and consumerism remains relevant.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white due to budget constraints, which inadvertently added to its eerie atmosphere. It was also the first film to feature African-American actor Duane Jones in a leading role, which was groundbreaking for the time.

Description: Before zombies, Romero tackled biological warfare with this film about a virus causing insanity, reflecting on government response to crises.

Fact: The film was remade in 2010, but Romero's original remains a stark commentary on military and governmental overreach.

Description: A sequel that expanded on the zombie apocalypse, this film delves deeper into consumerism with its mall setting, offering a satirical look at society's obsession with materialism.

Fact: The film was released in two versions: a 127-minute cut for the US and a 119-minute cut for international markets. The iconic scene with the zombie bikers was inspired by a real-life incident Romero witnessed.

Description: An anthology horror film co-written with Stephen King, it pays homage to EC horror comics, blending humor with horror in a unique way.

Fact: The film features segments directed by both Romero and King, with King also appearing in one of the stories. It was a commercial success, spawning a sequel and a TV series.

Description: This film explores the dark side of medical experimentation, focusing on a quadriplegic man and his helper monkey that becomes dangerously intelligent.

Fact: The film was inspired by a novel by Michael Stewart. Romero used real monkeys for the film, which added to the authenticity but also posed challenges during filming.

Description: Romero returns to his zombie roots with this film, which introduces class warfare and the idea of zombies evolving, reflecting on societal decay and inequality.

Fact: This was the first film in the series to receive a wide theatrical release since "Day of the Dead." It also features a cameo by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, who were influenced by Romero's work.

Description: The final film in Romero's Dead series, it focuses on a group of soldiers and civilians on an island, dealing with the undead and human conflicts over how to handle the zombie threat.

Fact: This film was released directly to video, marking a shift in Romero's distribution strategy. It also explores themes of family and tradition amidst chaos.

Description: The third installment in Romero's Dead series, this film focuses on a group of survivors in an underground military bunker, exploring themes of military control and human nature.

Fact: Romero had to fight to keep the film's ending, which was considered too bleak by the studio. The film also features one of the most memorable zombie characters, "Bub," who learns to use a gun.

Description: Shot in a found-footage style, this film explores the initial outbreak of the zombie apocalypse through the lens of a film student, commenting on media manipulation and the power of the internet.

Fact: Romero wrote this film as a response to the popularity of found-footage horror films like "The Blair Witch Project." It was also one of the first films to address the impact of social media on news dissemination.

Description: While not a zombie film, "Martin" showcases Romero's ability to delve into psychological horror, telling the story of a young man who believes he's a vampire.

Fact: The film was shot in Romero's hometown of Pittsburgh, and he used his own house as a location. It's often cited as one of the most realistic vampire films due to its grounded approach.