Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023): A Joyfully Bloody Take on Life, Freedom, and the Apocalypse
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a 2023 Japanese live-action zombie comedy film directed by Yusuke Ishida and based on the hit manga by Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata. Produced by Netflix, the film brings an energetic, colorful, and emotionally charged twist to the zombie genre, mixing absurd humor with deep reflections on burnout, freedom, and the meaning of truly living.
The story centers on Akira Tendo (played by Eiji Akaso), a 24-year-old man working in a soul-crushing corporate job at a black company — one of Japan's notorious exploitative workplaces. Day after day, he drags himself through relentless tasks, abusive bosses, and lifeless commutes. But everything changes when a sudden zombie outbreak sweeps through Tokyo. Instead of fear or despair, Akira experiences something totally unexpected: relief.
With society collapsing, the pressures of work and conformity are gone. No more deadlines. No more power-hungry managers. No more suits. For the first time in years, Akira feels alive. So what does he do? He grabs a notebook and writes his ultimate goal: a list of 100 things he wants to do before becoming a zombie — his “bucket list of the dead.”
As he sets off on his mission, Akira meets other survivors who each represent different attitudes toward the apocalypse. There's Kencho (Shuntarō Yanagi), his loyal and hilarious best friend who pushes Akira toward self-expression and adventure. There's also Shizuka Mikazuki (Mai Shiraishi), a logical, stoic survivor who follows strict survival rules and initially finds Akira’s optimism foolish — but slowly begins to see the power in his approach.
The charm of Zom 100 lies in its fresh, irreverent tone. Unlike most zombie films that focus on grim survival and horror, this film is an explosion of color, creativity, and wild set-pieces — a celebration of life in the middle of death. Akira's bucket list includes everything from drinking the world’s best beer, to riding a motorcycle, to confessing his love — each goal pushing him out of his comfort zone and into unexpected personal growth.
Visually, the film is vibrant and stylish, often using comic book-inspired graphics, fast edits, and bold color palettes to reflect Akira’s mindset. The zombies are grotesque but often hilarious, and the action sequences mix comedy with chaos in over-the-top fashion.
Beneath the comedy and carnage, however, is a surprisingly poignant message: the real zombie life is one of routine without joy, ambition without purpose, and success without soul. Akira’s journey isn’t about escaping zombies — it’s about escaping the mental and emotional chains that once held him back. The film critiques toxic work culture and the dehumanizing grind of modern society, encouraging viewers to ask themselves what truly matters while they still have time.
In conclusion, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a wildly entertaining, emotionally resonant, and refreshingly original entry in the zombie genre. With its blend of slapstick, satire, heart, and horror, it reminds us that sometimes the end of the world is the perfect chance to finally start living. Whether you’re a zombie fan or simply burnt out from modern life, this film is a must-watch reminder that freedom is worth fighting for — even if you have to fight through the undead to find it.
