Movies News Talk
Fans of the The Walking Dead franchise have often kept track of those who have done the most killing - and, as this has become an almost iconic aspect of this series, it has made the world of The Walking Dead characters much more compelling as viewers and those dedicated fans discover that there’s often a fine line between hero and villain, especially within this zombie-apocalypse universe, which features a diverse and dynamic world.
Of all of the series' most recognizable figures (often known as those Walking Dead main characters ), it is Daryl Dixon who has racked up an impressive amount of kills (an overall kill count of 89 - by the time The Walking Dead franchise signed off in 2023). It’s important to note that this only considers his human kill count.
Fans may be familiar with several figures from The Walking Dead universe that have garnered a considerable amount of recognition from dedicated fans for their kills. Many would remember Rick Grimes for his killing sprees as he sought to eliminate any sort of threat (especially when battling against villains like Negan or the Governor, both enemies who posed a risk to those Walking Dead survivors or who had a strong desire to rule), and in some cases, even had a strong urge to find a secure, safe home and fight to eliminate any threats around them. He's often seen with a handgun in a showdown, and as an essential, heroic figure.
It’s Daryl Dixon who comes in at number 1. But with his total of 89 human kills, there have been numerous, high-profile victims of this series that he's had a role in taking down - it also has a sense of cruel reality as those watching see that in the apocalypse it’s “kill or be killed,” as they confront this dangerous world.
Those following The Walking Dead and have enjoyed this popular TV Show, might find it surprising - but those in this universe have also gone on to rack up some of the highest kill counts that make for one of the deadliest worlds ever seen in entertainment.
If those watching The Walking Dead were to count those in the zombie apocalypse, a figure in the thousands has been released. However, the numbers are considered those who are counted by production, the crew behind the show - it shows how much chaos this universe is in as characters like Rick, Carol, Michonne and Negan are considered to have a much higher number than others - and often use their skills and strengths in a highly-skilled and often ruthless fashion.
It seems like there is no end to the characters who have gone on to rack up those impressive numbers, but in particular, there’s a diverse assortment of Walking Dead characters who have become some of the series' main attractions: those who take on the mantle of either hero or villain. There are some favorites. For example: Carol has racked up 52 human kills, as her journey into this dystopian universe was defined by having to make tough choices. Morgan has 51, having gone from someone seeking peace into one of the most feared characters - while, for some fans, his arc was one that showed a tragic side to how this world impacts those who make an attempt to stay human. And Negan who stands out for his infamous acts that are associated with a killing tool: Lucille.
Even though they are considered the highest ranked, there is a range of other Walking Dead Characters such as those who had fewer, but highly-disturbing kills and made their presence felt - one example being the Governor (with 20 kills). Their storylines give a glimpse of those key characters that have contributed to the franchise’s impact, often serving as those memorable scenes and stories.
It may come as no surprise that The Walking Dead has produced a wide range of spinoff shows. For those fans, there are a diverse series of productions that show those main characters from The Walking Dead making a journey, either in the past (like Fear the Walking Dead which is set prior to the events of The Walking Dead), or those in different locations within the larger zombie apocalypse - and, of course, there are those storylines in the present, such as The Walking Dead: World Beyond. In this ever-expanding world - it shows how the zombie apocalypse takes shape across a multitude of locations. It also serves to give audiences an opportunity to revisit those iconic characters - as many have been asking how The Walking Dead universe will be further expanded, especially with the announcement of a new spin-off TV show based on Daryl and the release of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (Season 2 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, a series which gave those who watch Daryl a new chance to explore his relationship to this dystopian world) is highly anticipated.
This has already shown just how popular the franchise is, giving viewers new, exciting and entertaining content, as the zombie apocalypse continues to dominate in a series of spinoffs - such as The Walking Dead season 11 ( the final season, showing how the survivors continue to face dangerous elements as the world changes in this apocalypse - this production took a new route as those familiar with the franchise can attest, showing those survivors grappling with new challenges - such as the arrival of a new force: the Reapers - a dangerous group of people - making this one of the more intense episodes in the history of The Walking Dead. However, there are also spin-offs focused on new characters. The shows will have an opportunity to expand on this world even further. The Walking Dead has also set up some production ideas, particularly with The Walking Dead spinoffs.
Those who enjoyed this popular series - especially those who tuned in over those 11 seasons, have become quite familiar with those key, influential moments - specifically the final season of The Walking Dead, a season which wrapped up in 2023. With the finale - those who are watching the TV Show had an opportunity to appreciate how this production came to an end and a grand finale for its fans. Those who were introduced to The Walking Dead in its first season back in 2010 will easily make the connection to those iconic events that occurred across its seasons - highlighting those characters (often seen as Walking Dead survivors) who are now in a different place than they were back in its earlier days.
While the original series did come to a close in 2023, this is not the end of The Walking Dead. For those fans who enjoy this series, there's an expectation that it will continue for decades to come - as the franchise has made an effort to further expand, including several spin-off series that take audiences into the universe as they watch the evolution of this apocalyptic world.
The Walking Dead TV series - a popular, culturally-significant series - had 11 seasons. The Walking Dead franchise also spawned a slew of other series: including those set in an alternate time. These stories have helped expand its universe - for example, the Fear the Walking Dead - a series set before The Walking Dead's timeline, and also several series in different locations. Fans of the franchise may even be surprised to know that there’s another production in development, The Walking Dead: Dead City.
Fans are now seeing the potential to take those characters to new destinations and introduce fresh stories to those who are drawn to this universe - making this one of the biggest attractions, along with its ability to deliver a sense of suspense as those Walking Dead survivors face off against those dangerous forces (including zombies - those that appear as "Walkers," in addition to survivors that might be trying to kill for the same resources: food, weapons, or any sense of safety that they can acquire to get them through to the next day).
Those familiar with The Walking Dead often see the world’s chaos as it confronts those survivors with a world of danger. They constantly must grapple with their mortality - with the zombie apocalypse taking hold of the planet, forcing these individuals to be put in impossible and life-threatening situations - which has helped make The Walking Dead a phenomenal cultural force that has had a long and enduring effect - not just within TV, but across a slew of other mediums. In a world that is filled with both beauty and darkness - it makes for those compelling characters that make the series so enjoyable - particularly as those who watch The Walking Dead universe make the attempt to survive and even overcome a variety of obstacles and threats.
The popularity of the Walking Dead franchise is even further highlighted by those events - the world is a cruel place, but the story also has its emotional moments, highlighting the struggles those in the zombie apocalypse face - it forces them to find ways to stay human in an increasingly cruel and inhuman world, with events that bring forth powerful lessons, often emphasizing themes like survival, hope, loyalty and even redemption as viewers and fans seek out these characters, and how their individual narratives are played out.
In the world of The Walking Dead, it is difficult to establish those kill counts - particularly with Rick Grimes . Fans know him as an iconic hero. His strength is evident. But many who watch will know that the story that plays out in The Walking Dead season 9 was a pivotal moment in this show - as it highlights those individuals who might fall short.
With the announcement that Rick Grimes has made his way into The Walking Dead universe and is being seen in The Walking Dead movies - fans should anticipate even more kill count events. Those who have enjoyed the series over those 11 seasons will recognize his capacity for being violent as well as capable, but those watching should not forget how Rick is a key figure in this world - one which helps bring a balance as those in the zombie apocalypse find ways to make their way. It’s something that makes for a thrilling, suspenseful experience, one which fans will continuously seek out.