Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampire—A Heartfelt Passing of The Torch

I watched the Zombies 4 movie immediately after it came out. As a huge fan of the franchise, I was extremely excited to watch the new movie. I was really upset in 2022 when I thought the Zombies 3 movie was going to be the finale of the franchise, so when I realized there was going to be a fourth movie, I was completely overjoyed.

Although Zombies 4 continued the fun, inclusive, bright spirit, along with some heartfelt moments, I do wish it had more moments where we got to see some of the older characters that fans have always loved.

Some beloved characters were mentioned briefly when Addison said, “Bucky’s back from space,” and Zed replied, “Bonzo and Bree just started their first summer jobs,” followed by Addison saying, “Willa told me Wynter is teaching meditation.” Unfortunately, they didn’t mention other fan-favorite characters such as Wyatt, Zoey, the Aceys, and more.

And although these beloved characters were only mentioned briefly, they remind the fans of how the older characters had once united all those creatures and made long-lasting friendships and are moving on from being leaders and are now passing the torch to the next generation, who will unite all the monsters and make new friendships of their own. It also reminds us that the franchise has not forgotten about our favorite characters.

As it is shown that they are passing the torch to the new generation of Zombies, I do wish all of our favorite characters from Seabrook came to the camp and met the vampires and daywalkers, especially Victor, Nova, Ray, Vargas, and Vera—the new leaders of the next generation, and celebrated with them.

The song Someday is also the most loved song of the entire franchise, and it would’ve been much better if Addison and Zed sang “Someday” with Victor and Nova. It would’ve been so heartwarming and sweet, and would really show that they’re passing the torch to Victor and Nova.

Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires follows Addison, Zed, Willa, and Eliza’s road trip before Zed and Addison start their football and cheer camp to become the best on their respective teams, leading to them encountering vampires and daywalkers—who are enemies. They act as camp counselors and attempt to guide Victor, a vampire, and Nova, a daywalker—soon to be the next leader of their people, to bring their people together by working as one team.

While I do wish that the franchise could’ve included more of our most favorite characters, there are many strengths that made Zombies 4 just as loved as the first three movies.

For example, the music was just so unbelievably amazing. As always, they were very catchy, upbeat, and so full of energy. The lyrics were so thought-out and really captured the emotions of the characters. Especially in “Dream Come True,” where Victor and Nova sang about how it felt like a dream to finally see each other after all the visions. It really captured the sweet, beautiful chemistry that they had. “Possible” was also amazing, it showed Zed and Addison encouraging Victor and Nova to work together to unite their people. It truly showed them passing the torch on, to unite more creatures together. “Someday” has really become the anthem of Zombies, as many fans have sung along to it and used it on social media. Along with “Don’t Mess With Us”, it showed how the vampires and daywalkers refused to get along and added some humor to it by Ray, Vera, and Vargas going back and forth, roasting each other.

The choreography was also super exciting and electric, and really reminded me of the older Disney Channel dance numbers.

It was also nice that they showed Addison, Zed, and even Willa and Eliza’s growth and maturity. Instead of being the ones who were saving the day and uniting everyone, they guided the new generation of leaders, showing them they could do the same and unite both the vampires and daywalkers.

Not only were the music and choreography insanely cool, the visuals, setting, and background were breathtaking. Shadyside and Sunnyside—the vampires and daywalkers’ town, respectively. It was extremely detailed and absolutely beautiful.

Aside from that, the story was so amazing, interesting, and so detailed. The tiniest details—even as small as a grain of sand—really brought the whole story together. Such as when Nova flips Victor and throws him to the ground then helps him up and says “Sorry, reflexes,” really brought us back to Zombies 1, 2, and 3, when Addison used to do that to Zed. The story even included many deeper messages and themes. It reminds us to stand up for what’s right, and to be inclusive and embrace diversity. There’s also more to that, it goes beyond the surface line. It shows us to look beyond our fears and prejudice and learn to understand and cooperate with one another. Another theme I really love is when Zed and Addison realize there’s more to becoming the football star or cheer captain—our family, friends, and those who love us and spending time with them.

I really loved every second of the movie—from the songs, to the choreography, to the humorous moments and themes. Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires isn’t just another sequel, it’s a heartfelt and beloved story that has grown up with its audience and has captured the hearts of many Zombies fans. With powerful themes of unity, inclusivity, and standing up for what’s right, it brings an exciting new energy to the movie, truly passing the torch to the new generation of Zombies. Especially to fans who have followed Zed, Addison, and all of Seabrook from the very beginning, you will feel right at home. But whether you are a fan or not, and whether you are here for the music, choreography, or the emotions, Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires is definitely worth watching.