What makes a great zombies novel?

Top 11 Zombies Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

11 Novels

Zombie apocalypse novels focused on survival, social breakdown, and human behavior under extreme pressure. The setting provides structure for stories about resourcefulness, moral compromise, and what holds societies together when everything falls apart.

I selected for novels that take their apocalypse seriously: logistics matter, decisions have consequences, and the zombie threat creates genuine stakes rather than power fantasy backdrop.

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1
TOP PICK
Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil
4.5
(3.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
A top hacker was chosen by the Lord God to be reborn into countless worlds, always as an expendable villain. With no free will, every world became a dead end.
First Impressions
"Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil" is quite the ride, a whirlwind of different worlds and romantic entanglements that kept me thoroughly entertained, even if it wasn't always perfect. It's a novel that seems to inspire both fervent devotion and some equally strong reservations, and I can see where both sides are coming from. Jumping into this novel, I was immediately struck by the sheer variety. The premise of a protagonist transmigrating through multiple worlds, each with its own unique genre and storyline, is undeniably appealing. There's something for everyone here, from ancient China set...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Lord of the Mysteries
4.7
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: drama, horror, mature
With the rising tide of steam power and machinery, who can come close to being a Beyonder? Shrouded in the fog of history and darkness, who or what is the lurking evil that murmurs in our ears?
First Impressions
"Lord of the Mysteries" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It’s a unique blend of genres – drama, horror, mystery, with a dash of steampunk and Cthulhu mythos thrown in for good measure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, drawing you into a 19th-century-esque setting filled with secret societies, mystical powers, and hidden truths. The beginning can be a bit slow. I'll admit, I almost bounced off at first. There's a lot of information to absorb, and the pacing takes its time to establish the worl...
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Mist
4.7
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, mature
Hyperthymesia. Those with this condition can remember every detail of their lives from something as significant as the world’s turning point to something as small and as insignificant as a minor fleeting thought.
First Impressions
"Mist" is a web novel that really took me on a ride. Blending action, adventure, sci-fi, and romance with a dash of mystery, it's a story that demands your attention. While it has its quirks, the overall experience was definitely memorable. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of time travel interwoven with complex sci-fi elements. The beginning felt a bit slow as the characters were being introduced, and I wondered if the romance would feel rushed. However, as the story progressed, the initial setup proved essential for understanding the intricate plot and the characters' motivations. I q...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Supernatural Movie Actor App
4.7
(923 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, horror
Xie Chi is a patient with multiple personality disorder. On the surface, he is educated and gentle but the secondary personality is cold, ruthless, and powerful, with explosive strength.
First Impressions
Okay, wow. "Supernatural Movie Actor App" was quite the ride. I went into this expecting a fun horror romp, and while I got that, I also got a whole lot more. This novel isn't just about scares; it's a clever blend of genres that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The premise alone grabbed me: a protagonist who falls in love with his split personality and then uses a horror movie app to help them get their own body? It's bonkers, and I was immediately on board. I was a little hesitant about the self-cest aspect, but the author quickly establishes the MC and ML as distinct individuals, which...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Dominion’s End
4.5
(730 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The red meteor shower rained across the sky, a black fog engulfed the world. After waking from a night of torture and agony, Humans discovered they no longer dominated the world.
First Impressions
"Dominion's End" has been quite the ride so far! Jumping into a post-apocalyptic world with a gender-bending protagonist wasn't exactly on my radar, but I'm definitely hooked. The story blends action, adventure, comedy, and a touch of the supernatural in a way that keeps me constantly entertained. Initially, the premise seemed a bit chaotic – age regression, amnesia, an alternate world, and an apocalypse all rolled into one? It felt like a lot to take in. But the writing quickly won me over. I was immediately drawn to the main character's internal struggles and the dynamic between the siblings...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Card Room
4.5
(648 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Xiao Lou was killed in an accident and reborn in the Card World. Each card here represents a secret room and clearing the instance will give a reward.
First Impressions
"Card Room" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a deadly game of survival, wrapped in a package of mysteries, puzzles, and just a touch of romance. As someone who enjoys a good blend of genres, I was intrigued by the premise, and overall, I found it to be a compelling read, though not without its quirks. The initial chapters hooked me with their clever blend of escape room scenarios and crime-solving. The premise of a forensic doctor and a police chief teaming up in a deadly card game world is definitely unique. I found myself drawn in by the mysteries and the budding partnership bet...
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#7 PICK
New Times, New Hell
4.6
(574 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, romance
Yu Zhengdu joined a small start-up company that claimed to offer “life management services”……as a programmer. On his first day in office, he received a phone call from a stranger: “Hello, I received a text message from your company that informed me of my reincarnation tomorrow……” Yu Zhengdu: “……??
First Impressions
"New Times, New Hell" immediately grabbed my attention with its quirky premise: a modern-day Hell operating as a company, desperately in need of a tech upgrade. The fusion of ancient beliefs and modern technology is a concept ripe with comedic potential, and from what I've read, this novel delivers on that promise. The initial chapters are a whirlwind of humor as Yu Zhengdu, our programmer MC, stumbles into this supernatural workplace. The world-building is surprisingly intricate, with a clear understanding of how a bureaucratic Hell would adapt to the 21st century. It's a refreshing take on t...
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Conclusion

Zombie novels appeal to readers interested in survival scenarios and societal collapse. These eleven handle the premise with varying emphases: some focus on action, others on character dynamics, others on world-building. Check individual descriptions for your preferred approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best zombies novels combine compelling storytelling with well-executed zombies elements that enhance the reader experience.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil

First Impressions

Lord of the Mysteries

First Impressions

Mist

First Impressions

Supernatural Movie Actor App

First Impressions

Dominion’s End

First Impressions