When two bumbling employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to rise again as zombies.

The Return of the Living Dead is a gleefully grotesque horror-comedy, though its broad performances and cheap thrills sometimes detract from its sharper moments.

'The Return of the Living Dead' is celebrated for its innovative horror-comedy fusion, featuring witty, brain-hungry zombies. The film is lauded for its memorable dialogue, iconic soundtrack, and high-quality special effects. Performances by Clu Gulager and Linnea Quigley are often praised for their depth and charm. Despite some critiques on pacing and character portrayals, it is widely considered a cult classic that has significantly impacted the zombie genre.