As the spooky season heats up, streaming platforms are seeing a surge in horror favorites. This October, one title is clawing its way to the top of Paramount+ charts: Brad Pitt's World War Z. The 2013 zombie blockbuster has re-entered the global top 10 most-watched movies on the service, reminding audiences why it remains a genre heavyweight.
The film's resurgence comes at a time when theatrical horror is thriving. Resident Evil, the recent reboot directed by Zach Cregger, has been making waves at the box office, grossing over $362 million worldwide against a $75 million budget. However, as that film begins to wind down its theatrical run—recently losing 1,400 screens—viewers are turning to streaming to get their undead fix. World War Z is filling that void, offering a different flavor of zombie apocalypse that has stood the test of time.
Based on Max Brooks' acclaimed novel, World War Z follows former UN investigator Gerry Lane (Pitt) as he races against time to stop a global pandemic that turns the infected into ravenous, fast-moving zombies. The film's scale is epic, spanning multiple continents and featuring some of the most memorable set pieces in modern horror. It also boasts a strong supporting cast, including James Badge Dale, Mireille Enos, and Daniella Kertesz.
Upon its release, World War Z became Pitt's highest-grossing film, a record he held until last year's F1. With a global haul exceeding $540 million, it remains the highest-grossing zombie movie ever made. While critical reception was mixed at the time—some praised its ambition, others criticized its deviations from the source material—its enduring popularity on streaming proves that audiences have embraced it as a thrilling, big-budget spectacle.
The film's renewed success is timely, as Pitt is gearing up for a busy 2026. Following his Oscar-winning turn in F1 and the quiet hit Heart of the Beast, Pitt is set to reprise one of his most beloved characters in The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth. The standalone sequel to Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood will see Pitt return as the laid-back stuntman, with Tarantino penning the script and David Fincher directing. The film hits IMAX on November 25 and streams on Netflix starting December 23.
For those who haven't yet experienced World War Z, or are looking for a rewatch before the sequel arrives, it's now easier than ever to catch it on Paramount+. The film's presence in the streaming top 10 is a testament to its lasting appeal, and it's a perfect pick for a Halloween movie night. If you're in the mood for more horror, check out our list of modern horror's finest to keep the scares going all month long.
As the entertainment world looks ahead to the World War Z sequel, this streaming surge is a clear sign that audiences are hungry for more. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, now is the time to dive into one of the biggest zombie epics ever put on screen.
