George A. Romero’s 1968 independent horror film “Night of the Living Dead” continues to scare audiences today (per The Guardian), but when it was first released, the movie was notable for more than just its frightening elements. At the time, casting a Black stage actor like Duane Jones as the film’s lead, Ben, was controversial. Jones also portrays Ben as a cool-headed leader who keeps a houseful of hysterical people alive when the dead rise from the graves and attack the living.

At the time of its premiere, the MPAA film rating system wasn’t in place yet, so many young children came to see the movie and were horrified by scenes of “ghouls” — notably not referred to as zombies — eating their victims. After surviving the ghouls, the film ends on a shocking and surprising note with Ben killed by an armed posse who mistakes him for one of the creatures. 

Variety notoriously called the film an “orgy of sadism” and “pornography of violence,” but nevertheless, the film grossed millions, thanks to audiences who were intrigued and horrified by the gruesome images (per Forbes). Some film historians consider the film a critique of ’60s American racism and politics (via The Village Voice), although Romero denies he cast Duane Jones specifically for his race, citing his acting talent instead (via The Wrap). Nevertheless, with prominent Black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated only months before the film was released, it’s easy to see how audiences could draw those connections.