"Zombie" typically refers to a reanimated corpse or a mindless, flesh-eating creature originating from Haitian folklore and popularized by modern horror films. In Haitian Vodou, a zombie is a person revived through supernatural means, often controlled by a sorcerer. Western media, especially George A. Romero's *Night of the Living Dead* (1968), reshaped zombies into contagious, apocalyptic threats. These undead beings symbolize societal fears, such as pandemics or consumerism. Zombies lack free will, driven solely by primal instincts, making them both terrifying and tragic figures. The trope thrives in movies (*28 Days Later*), TV (*The Walking Dead*), and games (*Resident Evil*), evolving into viral or mutated variants. Their enduring appeal lies in their adaptability as metaphors for human vulnerability.
