What makes a great zombies novel?

Top 19 Zombies Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

19 Novels

Zombie novels in the web novel space often combine apocalypse survival with system mechanics or cultivation elements. The undead threat creates natural tension, forcing protagonists to make difficult choices about resources, allies, and morality. Korean novels particularly embrace this combination, using regression or unique abilities to give protagonists advantages in zombie apocalypses.

The genre varies from pure survival horror to power fantasy with zombie window dressing. Some entries focus on the human drama of societal collapse, others on combat and progression systems. The best zombie novels maintain threat relevance even as protagonists grow stronger, which is harder than it sounds. These picks represent different approaches to zombie fiction within web novels.

Completed
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)
4.4
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Just like how everyone adores heroes in their childhood, a certain boy adored those who hid in the shadows. One day, after living the mediocre life of a side character while undergoing frenzied training by night, he reincarnates in a different world and gains ultimate power.
First Impressions
I dove into "To Be a Power in the Shadows!" with a healthy dose of curiosity, and I've come out the other side with quite a few thoughts. This web novel is definitely... something. It's a wild ride that blends action, comedy, and fantasy in a way that's both incredibly entertaining and, at times, utterly baffling. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of a protagonist who's convinced he's living out a chuunibyou fantasy, only for it to actually be real, is comedy gold. The early chapters had me laughing out loud. It's a unique twist on the isekai genre, and I appreciated the author'...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
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
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Reborn Otaku’s Code of Practice for the Apocalypse
4.4
(858 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, romance
Lacking a pocket dimension, power, a thigh to hug onto, and the three life advantages (money, power, and looks), he had been cautiously living in the apocalypse for ten years, getting closer to falling inside the zombie’s mouths. Unexpectedly, he had the terrible luck, to be caught in a fight be...
First Impressions
"The Reborn Otaku’s Code of Practice for the Apocalypse" is a unique web novel that really stuck with me. It's not your typical power-fantasy apocalypse story, and that's precisely why I enjoyed it. It’s a slow-burn slice of life, with a heavy emphasis on base-building and farming amidst the zombie hordes. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: an average otaku, reborn with knowledge of the upcoming apocalypse, decides to focus on creating a comfortable life rather than becoming an overpowered hero. This immediately set it apart from countless other rebirth stories, and I was eager to see h...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Game Loading
4.4
(935 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Xie Xi was someone with luck off the charts! The advantage was that any game could be easily cleared.
First Impressions
"Game Loading" is a whirlwind of genres, and diving in, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. With tags ranging from action and adventure to yaoi and psychological elements, it sounded like a wild ride, and in many ways, it was. While the title suggests a heavy gaming focus, I quickly realized it was more of a quick transmigration story with game-like elements woven in. Initially, I was hooked by the premise of a talented gamer being thrust into a ridiculously difficult game world. The idea of a protagonist solving seemingly impossible challenges was definitely appealing. The early arcs are unde...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
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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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Heroic Death System
4.3
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
“I curse you to never die in peace! ” Thus, Shang Ke started a never-ending cycle of constantly throwing away his miserable life.
First Impressions
"Heroic Death System" is quite the rollercoaster! With its blend of action, comedy, fantasy, and a healthy dose of tragedy, I went in expecting a wild ride, and I wasn't disappointed. This novel definitely has its strengths, but it's also not without its flaws, leaving me with mixed feelings overall. The premise immediately grabbed me: a protagonist, Shang Ke, forced to transmigrate to different worlds with the mission of dying heroically. The tragedy tag is definitely earned. I found myself quickly invested in each arc, curious to see how Shang Ke would navigate the challenges and ultimately ...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Everyone Knows I’m a Good Person
4.4
(735 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Shi Qing’s task was to be a protector. It was only after transmigrating to various worlds and eagerly counterattacking the villains there that he realized he was the biggest villain out of everyone.
First Impressions
"Everyone Knows I'm a Good Person" is quite a ride, and I'm still processing my feelings after diving into this completed web novel. It’s a quick transmigration story with a chaotic MC, and while there are some repetitive elements, there's also a lot to enjoy, especially if you're looking for humor and a confident protagonist. Right off the bat, I was intrigued by the premise: a system, a cunning MC, and multiple worlds to conquer. The initial arcs had me hooked, with the MC shamelessly pursuing the ML in each world. It felt fresh and funny, a welcome change from some of the more angsty transm...
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10
#10 PICK
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
11
#11 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 fiction overlaps with survival and apocalypse tags, so check those lists if you want more options. The entries here specifically feature zombies as central elements rather than incidental threats. Quality varies in how well novels balance horror with power progression.

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

To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)

First Impressions

Mist

First Impressions

The Reborn Otaku’s Code of Practice for the Apocalypse

First Impressions

Game Loading

First Impressions

Supernatural Movie Actor App

First Impressions

Heroic Death System

First Impressions

Everyone Knows I’m a Good Person

First Impressions