ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires features several great songs with equally impressive choreography, while also sadly feeling like a passing of the torch to a new generation.
ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires delivers everything fans love about the franchise: catchy music, vibrant choreography, and an entertaining story. However, it also serves as a poignant, if somewhat emotional, passing of the torch to a new generation of characters.
The ZOMBIES movies have always championed themes of acceptance and overcoming differences, vital messages for audiences of all ages. This installment continues that tradition by introducing two new “monster” factions, daywalkers and vampires, who have an ancient rivalry. Their arrival not only enriches the diverse world of these films but also sets the stage for what feels like a significant transition for the series.
A Fond Farewell to Familiar Faces
It was wonderful to reconnect with Zed (Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly) after what feels like ages. The movie cleverly places them on a journey to summer camps after their freshman year of college, which explains the limited appearances of their usual friends, with only Eliza (Kylee Russell) and Willa (Chandler Kinney joining them. While other beloved characters are missed, this focused approach prevents the cast from becoming overwhelming, especially with the influx of newcomers.
Despite Zed and Addison being central to the plot, alongside the new duo Nova (Freya Skye) and Victor (Malachi Barton), I couldn’t shake the feeling that this might be their final significant outing. As someone deeply invested in their relationship over the years, witnessing this potential send-off was difficult, yet deeply emotional, in a good way. It’s tough to say goodbye, even when you understand it’s time for new stories to emerge.
New Stars Shine Bright
While the idea of a new couple taking the lead is bittersweet, the undeniable chemistry between Freya Skye and Malachi Barton softens the blow considerably. Zed and Addison have certainly set a high bar, but Skye and Barton are incredibly talented actors who are more than capable of carrying the franchise forward with the same infectious fun, heartfelt emotion, and memorable music that define the ZOMBIES franchise.
Music and Story at Their Best
The soundtrack of ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires stands out as some of the best in the series. While the original film’s music remains unparalleled in my opinion, these new songs come in a close second. They’re incredibly catchy, featuring choreography that’s bound to ignite countless TikTok trends. Seriously, the music is really good.
The story itself moves at a rapid, engaging pace, propelled by its well-placed musical numbers and a gifted cast. The plot is consistently entertaining and seamlessly integrates into the established ZOMBIES universe. There’s a certain magic to this film, likely amplified by the awareness that one chapter is concluding, but it certainly doesn’t feel like the end of the entire story.
Will There Be A ZOMBIES 5?
ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires concludes with an exciting teaser for a new monster to join the ever-growing community of zombies, werewolves, aliens, daywalkers, and vampires. Without giving anything away, the possibilities are thrilling and promise to fit perfectly within this vibrant world. Will there definitively be a fifth ZOMBIES film? Only time will tell, but it certainly feels like there should be.
It’s likely that Zed and Addison will take a backseat after ZOMBIES 4, perhaps appearing in brief cameos, but no longer at the heart of the narrative. Now, it’s truly time for Victor and Nova’s story to shine. Personally, I can’t wait to see what adventures await them!
NEXT: Dora’s Double Adventure: New Movie & Animated Series Continue a Timeless Legacy
About ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires
In the first three ZOMBIES movies, Zed and Addison brought human and monsterkind together in their hometown of Seabrook. Now, a new adventure dawns for the duo when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires.
Tensions flare when Zed and Addison find themselves acting as camp counselors between the two opposing supernatural factions. With the help of Eliza and Willa, they must convince sworn enemies Nova and Victor to try to unite their warring worlds before an even greater threat endangers them all.
ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires premieres July 10, 2025 on Disney Channel and next day on Disney+.
ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires features several great songs with equally impressive choreography, while also sadly feeling like a passing of the torch to a new generation.
-
7
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.