Welcome to our exploration of some of the most notable movies that start with Z. From animated family favourites to gripping thrillers and quirky comedies, these films span a wide range of genres and styles. Whether you’re in the mood for an action-packed adventure, a thought-provoking drama, or a light-hearted comedy, this list has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 18 movies that start with Z, highlighting what makes each one stand out and why they’ve earned their place in cinematic history.
Movies That Start With Z
Zootopia
Zootopia, a 2016 animated film by Disney, is known for its vibrant world where anthropomorphic animals live in harmony—until they don’t. The film follows Judy Hopps, the first rabbit police officer in Zootopia, as she teams up with a sly fox named Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious case. The movie explores themes of prejudice, diversity, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, making it a standout in modern animated cinema.
Zombieland
Zombieland, released in 2009, is a horror-comedy that redefined the zombie genre with its blend of humour, gore, and heart. The film follows four survivors—Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock—as they navigate a post-apocalyptic America overrun by zombies. Known for its unique rules for survival, sharp wit, and a memorable cameo by Bill Murray, Zombieland has become a cult classic.
Zero Dark Thirty
Zero Dark Thirty, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, is a gripping 2012 thriller that chronicles the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. The film stars Jessica Chastain as Maya, a determined CIA analyst, and explores the moral and ethical complexities of the search for justice in the aftermath of 9/11. Praised for its intense narrative and unflinching portrayal of the events, Zero Dark Thirty is a powerful cinematic experience.
Zodiac
Zodiac is a 2007 crime thriller directed by David Fincher, based on the real-life investigation of the Zodiac Killer who terrorised the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and 70s. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, and delves into the obsessive quest for the killer’s identity. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and atmospheric tension, Zodiac is considered one of Fincher’s finest works.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Zack Snyder’s Justice League, released in 2021, is the director’s cut of the 2017 superhero film Justice League. This version, driven by fan demand, offers a darker, more expansive vision of the DC Universe, bringing together Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and other heroes to face the apocalyptic threat of Darkseid. The film’s four-hour runtime allows for deeper character development and a more cohesive narrative, making it a significant entry in the superhero genre.
Zoolander
Zoolander is a 2001 comedy directed by and starring Ben Stiller as Derek Zoolander, a dim-witted male model who becomes embroiled in an international conspiracy. The film satirises the fashion industry and celebrity culture with its absurd humour and memorable catchphrases. Despite initial mixed reviews, Zoolander has gained a cult following for its over-the-top characters and quotable lines.
Zathura: A Space Adventure
Zathura: A Space Adventure is a 2005 science fiction film directed by Jon Favreau, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. The movie follows two brothers who discover a mysterious board game that transports them into outer space, where they must survive various challenges to return home. Often considered a spiritual sequel to Jumanji, Zathura is praised for its imaginative story and special effects.
Zombieland: Double Tap
Zombieland: Double Tap, the 2019 sequel to Zombieland, reunites the original cast for another round of zombie-killing mayhem. Set a decade after the first film, the group encounters evolved zombies, new survivors, and humorous adventures while trying to find a safe haven. The film retains the wit and charm of the original, offering fans a satisfying continuation of the story.
Zoolander 2
Zoolander 2, released in 2016, is the sequel to the cult classic Zoolander. Ben Stiller reprises his role as Derek Zoolander, joined by Owen Wilson as Hansel, as they are drawn back into the fashion world to uncover a sinister plot. While the film features many of the same outlandish characters and humour, it received mixed reviews compared to its predecessor but still holds appeal for fans of the original.
Zorro
Zorro refers to various films and adaptations of the legendary masked vigilante who defends the oppressed in Spanish California. Among the most notable is The Mark of Zorro (1940), starring Tyrone Power, which set the standard for swashbuckling adventure films. Zorro’s legacy as a symbol of justice and resistance has made him a timeless character in cinema history.
Zola
Zola is a 2020 film directed by Janicza Bravo, based on a viral Twitter thread that details a wild, dangerous weekend in Florida. The movie follows Zola, a waitress who gets caught up in a road trip that quickly spirals out of control, involving sex work, violence, and betrayal. Zola is praised for its raw, unfiltered storytelling and its unique blend of humour and tension, making it a standout in contemporary cinema.
The Zone of Interest
The Zone of Interest is a thought-provoking film that explores the horrors of the Holocaust from a chillingly detached perspective. Directed by Jonathan Glazer and based on the novel by Martin Amis, the film focuses on the mundane lives of Nazi officers and their families living near Auschwitz. The film’s stark and unsettling portrayal of evil in everyday life has garnered critical acclaim for its bold narrative and disturbing insights.
Zookeeper
Zookeeper, a 2011 comedy starring Kevin James, tells the story of a kind-hearted zookeeper who discovers that the animals in his care can talk and are willing to help him win back the love of his life. The film blends slapstick humour with a heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery, making it a family-friendly entertainment choice, though it received mixed reviews for its predictable plot.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a 2008 romantic comedy directed by Kevin Smith. The film stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks as lifelong friends who, facing financial difficulties, decide to make an adult film to pay their bills. As they navigate the awkward and comedic challenges of their new venture, they realise their feelings for each other. Known for its raunchy humour and surprisingly sweet romance, the film is a distinct entry in Kevin Smith’s filmography.
Zardoz
Zardoz is a 1974 science fiction film directed by John Boorman and starring Sean Connery. Set in a dystopian future, the film explores themes of power, immortality, and the human condition through its bizarre and surreal narrative. Despite its initial critical reception, Zardoz has gained a cult following for its unique vision, imaginative world-building, and thought-provoking themes, making it a significant piece of 70s sci-fi cinema.
Zoom
Zoom is a 2006 family superhero film starring Tim Allen as Jack Shepard, a retired superhero known as Captain Zoom, who is tasked with training a new generation of young heroes. The film combines action, comedy, and adventure as Zoom guides the kids through their powers and personal challenges. While Zoom received mixed reviews, it offers light-hearted entertainment for a younger audience with its fun, superhero-themed plot.
Zanjeer
Zanjeer, a 1973 Bollywood action film, is notable for being one of the movies that established Amitabh Bachchan as the “angry young man” of Indian cinema. Directed by Prakash Mehra, the film tells the story of an honest police officer who fights against corruption and crime in a city plagued by injustice. Zanjeer is considered a classic in Indian cinema, known for its gripping storyline, powerful performances, and its role in shaping the action genre in Bollywood.
Zombie Strippers
Zombie Strippers is a 2008 horror-comedy that blends campy horror with social satire. Starring Robert Englund and Jenna Jameson, the film is set in a dystopian future where a government experiment gone wrong leads to a zombie outbreak in a strip club. Known for its over-the-top gore, dark humour, and satirical take on consumerism and government control, Zombie Strippers has carved out a niche for itself as a cult favourite in the horror genre.
