The ending gives the movie even more profound meaning.

Considering when and how this was made, it's incredible how terrific the finished product is. So influential, so ahead of its time, and it still holds up well today! Easily one of the greatest horror movies, period.

I like how this movie has the archetypes that would be used in zombie movies in the decades to come. You've got the girl who's too shocked to do a whole lot, the guy who keeps his head and manages to do well, the irrational guy who does everything he can to get everyone killed... it's all here. What a classic and a setting of the stage for what was to come.