Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

Netflix’s Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Brings Zombie Chaos—and a Fresh Take on Survival

The zombie genre has been gnawed on for decades, but Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023) injects new life into the undead trope with a uniquely Japanese twist. Directed by Yusuke Ishida and starring Eiji Akaso, the film flips the script on apocalyptic dread, turning a corporate drone’s existential crisis into a darkly comedic bucket-list adventure. latestnetflix.com's view is that here’s what we know about the making and buzz behind this Netflix original.

**From Manga to Screen: The Origins of *Zom 100***

The film is based on the manga series Zom 100: Zonbi ni Naru Made ni Shitai 100 no Koto (literally, "100 Things I Want to Do Before I Become a Zombie"), written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata . The source material, serialized in Monthly Sunday Gene-X, blends horror with absurdist humor, following a disillusioned office worker who, after a zombie outbreak, decides to live life to the fullest instead of despairing. The Netflix adaptation stays true to this premise, with a screenplay by Tatsuro Mishima .

While the manga’s tone leans into satire—mocking Japan’s grueling work culture—the film’s shift to live-action required balancing gore with heart. Director Yusuke Ishida, known for his work in Japanese genre cinema, was tapped to helm the project, bringing a visual style that contrasts the mundane (crumbling office buildings) with the macabre (zombie hordes in business suits) .

**Casting a Zombie Apocalypse: Who’s Who in *Zom 100***

The film’s ensemble cast reads like a who’s who of Japan’s rising and established talent:

• Eiji Akaso (Tokyo Revengers, Alice in Borderland) stars as Akira Tendo, the protagonist whose corporate burnout makes him oddly thrilled by the zombie apocalypse. Akaso’s ability to pivot between deadpan humor and physical comedy was likely a key factor in his casting .
• Mai Shiraishi (Shin Ultraman, The Naked Director) plays Shizuka Mikazuki, a former coworker who joins Akira’s misadventures. Shiraishi’s experience in both action and drama roles suggests she was chosen to ground the film’s more emotional beats .
• Shuntaro Yanagi (The 13 Lords of the Shogun) and Yui Ichikawa (Rurouni Kenshin) round out the core group, with veteran actor Kazuki Kitamura (Kill Bill: Vol. 1) appearing in a supporting role .

The chemistry among the leads is critical—Zom 100 isn’t just about survival, but about found family in the face of absurdity. Early reviews (see below) suggest the cast delivers, though specifics on their off-screen dynamics remain scarce .

Behind the Scenes: A Zombie Film with a Pulse

Unlike typical zombie fare, Zom 100 leans into comedy and social commentary, a choice that likely shaped its production:

• Tone and Practical Effects: Japanese zombie films often favor practical gore over CGI (see One Cut of the Dead), and Zom 100 appears to follow suit. While the evidence doesn’t detail the film’s effects budget, the manga’s over-the-top zombie designs—ranging from salarymen to schoolgirls—suggest a mix of prosthetics and digital enhancements .
• Shooting Locations: The film’s urban setting (likely Tokyo or a stand-in city) plays a key role, with the contrast between corporate drudgery and post-apocalyptic chaos driving the visuals. No reports confirm specific filming locations, but the manga’s backdrop of office towers and shopping districts would translate well to live-action .
• Director’s Vision: Yusuke Ishida’s previous work isn’t widely documented in the provided evidence, but his direction here aligns with Japan’s knack for genre-blending. As one review notes, Japanese cinema excels at balancing "thought-provoking" themes with "mindless" fun, and Zom 100 fits neatly into that tradition .

**Early Buzz: Does Zom 100 Deliver?**

The film premiered globally on Netflix on August 3, 2023 , and early reactions have been cautiously optimistic:

• Critics’ Take: Film Fugitives calls Zom 100 "no exception to the rule" of Japan’s strong genre filmmaking, praising its energy but stopping short of a full endorsement. The review highlights the film’s ability to juggle humor and horror, though it doesn’t dive into specifics about pacing or character arcs .
• Fan Reactions: IMDb’s user reviews (as of the evidence cutoff) are limited, but the film’s premise—zombies as a catalyst for self-discovery—has clearly resonated with audiences tired of grim apocalypse narratives. The tagline, "All it takes is a zombie outbreak for him to finally feel alive," encapsulates its tone .
• Unanswered Questions: Is Zom 100 a one-off, or could it spawn a franchise? The manga’s popularity suggests potential for sequels, but Netflix hasn’t announced any plans. Rumors of a spin-off or second season are unconfirmed.

The Verdict: A Zombie Film with a Soul

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead stands out in a crowded genre by asking: What if the apocalypse is the best thing that ever happened to you? With a strong cast, a director attuned to Japan’s genre strengths, and a premise that flips zombie tropes on their head, the film is a gamble that mostly pays off. Whether it becomes a cult hit or fades into the undead horde of Netflix originals remains to be seen—but for now, it’s a fresh take on survival, satire, and second chances.