The spread of zombiism in the film has been used as a modelling example for disease control. In film studies, the film is seen as a product of post-9/11 anxiety, as well as a model for transnational comedy. It was ranked third on the Channel 4 list of the 50 Greatest Comedy Films and quickly acquired a cult following. It was met with universal acclaim and commercial success, grossing $30 million worldwide against a budget of $6.1 million and receiving two nominations at the British Academy Film Awards. It premiered in London on 29 March 2004 and was theatrically released in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2004 and in the United States on 24 September of that same year.

Principal photography took place across London and at Ealing Studios between May and June 2003. The title and plot also refer to the Dead films directed by George A. The film developed from ideas Pegg and Wright used for their television series Spaced, particularly an episode where Pegg's slacker character hallucinates a zombie invasion. It is the first instalment in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, followed by Hot Fuzz (2007) and The World's End (2013). The film co-stars Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Bill Nighy, and Penelope Wilton. Along with friend Ed, played by Nick Frost, Shaun is caught unaware by the zombie apocalypse they attempt to take refuge in a local pub with their loved ones. The film was written by Wright and Simon Pegg, who stars in it as Shaun. Shaun of the Dead is a 2004 horror comedy drama film directed by Edgar Wright.

Left for dead poster