Top 50 Best End of the World Movies In 2023 [Apocalypse Movies To Watch]

 

When the COVID-19 pandemic crippled the world's social, political and financial systems, almost all of us were forced into believing that the planet is actually coming to an end. Therefore, it is not surprising that several films have been released over the years to bring many such grave problems to light.

 

These end-of-the-world feature films are often so impactful that they drive the viewers to create their to-do lists. Not only do these movies make them wonder what they'd do during an extinction event but they also make them realize the significance of time, family, and, ultimately, life.

 

Therefore, motion pictures that try to project the end of the world on the big screen have become a brand in their own right. Needless to say, they amass a dedicated following the world over courtesy of the fact that they integrate the adrenaline rush of disaster movies with the creeping panic of horror movies.

 

That said, there is no denying that these world-ending movies are quite possibly the biggest reflection of civilization's biggest apprehensions. Often, to come out of our personal disasters, we resort to watching these movies that help us in relating to our circumstances in numerous ways.

 

Therefore, this story is our earnest attempt to bring to light 50 of the best films that revolve around numerous end-of-the-world scenarios.

 

 

50. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

 

 

 

Written and directed by Roland Emmerich, this motion picture encompasses the term 'climate crisis' and attempts to showcase extreme weather conditions that break out across the country, and possibly even beyond.

 

The plot shows how a group of survivors gather in the New York Public Library and begin to work toward their rescue. This disaster movie starts brilliantly and comprises an incredible idea for a story and impressive special effects.

 

The performances in 'The Day After Tomorrow' are decent and the "approach" it furthers is open to speculation by one and all.

 

 

49. The Crazies (2010)

 

 

 

Director Breck Eisner's 'The Crazies' tracks the journey of Sheriff David Dutton and his wife, who, with a couple of other people, are the only ones left unaffected by a spate of incidents whereby people have turned into violent killers; therefore, threatening the existence of humanity.

 

A remake of the 1973 film of the same name, the plot of this feature film is well set up and builds momentum at a fine pace. Add to that the fact that the screenplay moves along at a fair speed and the run time is not long enough to make viewers feel that it has overstayed its welcome.

 

Also, the motion picture delivers several jump scares to make an impact and justify its well-deserved place on this list.

 

 

 

48. War of the Worlds (2005)

 

 

 

Director Steven Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds' stars Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning in the lead and talks about an alien invasion that threatens to jeopardize the future of humanity.

 

An alien species with higher intelligence have occupied the earth and plan to terraform it for their own survival. To do so, they need human blood and tissue to grow their vegetation.

 

This unfortunate nightmare is portrayed through the eyes of one American family fighting for survival. Spielberg directs his actors spectacularly in this motion picture and ascertains that everyone gives a remarkable performance.

 

What's vital to note here is that he does not use special effects to impress the viewers, but only as a tool to tell his story. Also, the inimitable Cruise anchors the feature film with his portrayal of a blue-collar America who wants nothing more than for his family to survive.

 

 

 

47. This Is the End (2013)

 

 

 

Directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg bring an end-of-the-world story to life with this film delightfully. The screenplay shows how during James Franco's house party, which is being attended by celebrities, all hell breaks loose when a series of ravaging events begin to take place.

 

The film has a thing or two to say about certain issues, each of which is snappily placed in the screenplay so as to not come across as preachy. That said, 'This Is the End' is an adventurous flick that manages to be exceptionally funny.

 

Props to the incredible star cast for keeping the comedy going even in the middle of unexpected occurrences.

 

 

 

46. Armageddon (1998)

 

 

This Michael Bay directorial venture was the highest-grossing film of 1998. It introduces us to NASA astronauts who discover that a large asteroid is about hit Earth in the next eighteen days.

 

With humanity on the brink of extinction, their hopes of survival are pinned on an oil driller named Harry Stamper. While the motion picture serves its purpose and goes on to provide unlimited entertainment to its viewers, several prominent critics believe that it is an assault on our common sense.

 

 

 

45. These Final Hours (2013)

 

 

Written and directed by Zak Hilditch, 'These Final Hours' makes its intentions of wanting to grab the attention of viewers clear right from its opening sequence. It shows planet Earth approaching a disaster that will be its absolute end.

 

However, it is not your average apocalypse drama, but one that stresses the importance of relationships among other things that matter the most. The brilliant and compelling entertainment that this feature film provides is aided by the decent performances of its cast members.

 

 

 

44. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

 

 

 

Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, 'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World' stars Steve Carrell and Keira Knightley in the lead. The film talks about an asteroid heading towards Earth, and how Dodge (Steve Carrell) and Penny (Keira Knightly) try to reunite the former with his lost love before it hits and destroys the planet for good.

 

In addition, the story traces how during their journey, the duo also meets others who are dealing with the impending doom in their own unique ways. This motion picture does not necessarily portray a grim, realistic look at life; primarily because a good deal of humor is injected into its screenplay.

 

To add to the proceedings, Carrell plays the role of a down-and-out loser to near perfection.

 

 

 

43. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

 

 

 

This Garth Jennings directorial venture shows Arthur's friend, an alien, notifying him of Earth's impending destruction and whisking him away in a spaceship. Even though Arthur deals with his distress, he also has a great adventure and that is what forms the base of the film's story. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' thrives on its sardonic sense of humor and an underlying sense of the absurd and unpredictable; elements that it carries from its source material.

 

Visually, the feature film looks good as the creatures and special effects grasp the tone of the vision pretty well. That said, the screenplay throws in a bit of a surprise by injecting quirky and off-beat humor to please its viewers.

 

Also, the performances in this flick are neat and leave little to no margin for error.

 

 

 

42. The Quiet Earth (1985)

 

 

This Geoff Murphy directorial venture tracks the journey of Zac, a scientist, who wakes up from a failed suicide attempt to find himself alone on planet Earth. Eventually, he finds two more survivors and once they begin to trust each other, they set out to find out why they are the only ones left on the planet and what their true purpose is.

 

The life and death idea in this feature film is incredible and well thought out, to say the least. For a New Zealand indie film that was produced in the mid-'80s, this one is a truly worthy watch.

 

The limited budget of this motion picture has been used to great effect and it shows on the screen. Even though some of the viewers might be left dissatisfied or a bit bewildered by the surreal finale, they can't help but admire the ambiguity that tags along with it.

 

 

 

41. Contagion (2011)

 

 

 

This Steven Soderbergh directorial venture became one of the most-watched films online during the Coronavirus pandemic. The story shows how healthcare specialists, government officials, and the common man find themselves amid a pandemic as the Centers for Disease Control fights to thwart its unprecedented spread.

 

The feature film, which focuses on the symbol of human strength, desire, and endurance, thrives on the performances of its outstanding cast members. While there have been a ton of doomsday movies in the market, this one here really "predicted" a virus that jolted humanity and brought it to its knees just years after its release.

 

 

 

40. 28 Weeks Later (2007)

 

 

Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's '28 Weeks Later' is a well-paced and atmospheric drama with more than enough moments present to please fans who wish to watch movies that aim to depict a threat to humanity.

 

Needless to say, it is a surprisingly good British horror film that not only adds to its predecessor but also leaves the door open for another sequel, courtesy of its well-timed ending.

 

The film is a series of scary set pieces, each of which is outlandish and dramatic in essence.

 

 

 

39. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

 

 

 

Helmed by Drew Goddard, 'The Cabin in the Woods' tracks the journey of five friends who unknowingly summon a family of murderous zombies in the woods. Unwillingly, they become involved in a ritual of human sacrifice that is carried to please the cruel belowground deities; something that threatens to not only wipe out their existence but also that of the planet.

 

The cabin, which is the battleground for these victims, is controlled by an underground facility that unleashes different monsters to slay them. 'The Cabin in the Woods' is an unusual motion picture that cannot specifically claim to belong to one genre.

 

In fact, it combines the clichés of several horror movies and strives to produce something entertaining and original. That said, the final revelation in this movie is both bizarre and awesome at the same time.

 

 

38. The Last Wave (1977)

 

 

Written and directed by Peter Weir, this motion picture stars Richard Chamberlain in the lead who plays the role of an Australian lawyer who takes a case of defending a local clan of Aborigines who have killed one of their own.

 

As Chamberlain's David Burton becomes more engaged with the tribe, he learns about their prophecies and becomes haunted by apocalyptic visions of water; one that makes him believe that "the last wave" can truly be the end of things for civilization.

 

Sooner than later, David is drawn deeper into an extraordinary web of illusions where the line between that which is real and that which is not evaporates  Besides being a good film with a legal curve and a murder mystery angle to it, it is also a rather underappreciated one on this list.

 

 

37. Miracle Mile (1988)

 

 

 

Written and directed by Steve De Jarnatt, 'Miracle Mile' features Anthony Edwards and Mare Winningham as Harry and Julie, who endure a missed connection right before the breakout of a nuclear war between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

 

The screenplay shows how Harry struggles to find Julie before the world meets its devastating end. An underrated motion picture, it shows an apocalyptic vision of an entire city with visuals so potent that it can stir the viewers from within and make them fear for the world and their very lives.

 

Indeed, the premise of this movie has a wonderfully urgent tone to it.

 

 

36. The Day After (1983)

 

 

This Nicholas Meyer-helmed feature film shows the impact that a devastating nuclear holocaust has on small-town residents of eastern Kansas and then, ultimately, the repercussions that it has on mankind.

 

One of the scariest non-horror movies one can ever come across, 'The Day After' tries to depict the reality of what could happen if there were ever a nuclear attack.

 

The screenplay can frighten the viewers while reflecting on the potential real-life horror that could occur if an event as disastrous as a nuclear war takes place. The grim aftermath of the attack in the story shows how the characters are poisoned by radiation.

 

Having said that, even though the film can feel a bit dated for today's time and technology, its overall theme and message remain relevant.

 

 

35. Jumanji (1995)

 

 

 

The end of the world has never seemed as much fun as this Joe Johnston directorial venture. The film tracks the journey of two kids who find and start to play a mysterious board game.

 

Soon after, they release a man who has been trapped in it for decades. But, the catch here is that they also unleash a host of other threats that can only be stopped by completing the game. 'Jumanji' is a great family feature film that is packed with some of the finest graphic materials of its time.

 

Even though the plot is a lot of fun and appeals to both kids and adults alike, it can still turn out to be a bit terrifying for young children.

 

This is because the screenplay shows hundreds of animals and other forces being unleashed as the game advances. Add to that the fact that Robin Williams plays the role of Alan Parrish perfectly and is, therefore, a reason strong enough for one to sit through this cult film.

 

 

34. World War Z (2013)

 

 

 

Directed by Marc Forster, 'World War Z' traces the thrilling journey of a former United Nations employee, Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt), who travels the world in a race against time to stop a zombie pandemic that is overthrowing armies and governments and threatening to destroy humanity.

 

Gerry is one of the finest investigators in the United Nations, and in return for the safety of his family, he is asked to accompany Dr. Fassbach, who has a theory that the origin of the disease is a virus and that finding its origin will enable them to make an antidote.

 

This quick-paced, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride shows the civilization on the brink of extinction.

 

 

33. The Mist (2007)

 

 

 

Helmed by Frank Darabont, the screenplay of 'The Mist' shows a monstrous storm unleashing a species of ferocious and bloodthirsty beasts on a small town, where several residents hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives and, potentially, for civilization.

 

This feature film evaluates fear and its repercussions quite effectively and couples the horror outside in the fog with the horrors inside the market as paranoia, impracticality, and religion all come into conflict with the pragmatic issues of survival.

 

The performances in this movie are good, but it is the cinematography, editing, and direction that come together wonderfully to make it a must-watch film.

 

 

32. I Am Legend (2007)

 

 

Francis Lawrence's 'I Am Legend' chronicles the journey of a scientist named Robert Neville, who is the last human survivor of a plague in New York. The man wants nothing more than to find a way to reverse the effects of the man-made virus by using his own immune blood.

 

Loosely based on Richard Matheson's 1954 novel of the same name, the film opened to positive reviews with praises being directed towards Will Smith's performance.

 

 

31. Snowpiercer (2013)

 

 

Bong Joon-ho's post-apocalyptic science fiction action film is largely based on the French climate fiction graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob. The fast-paced 'Snowpiercer' thrives on the performances of the charismatic Chris Evans and the talented Tilda Swinton.

 

The film aims to showcase how, after the freezing of planet Earth, its human remnants struggle to survive by living in segregation on a train. Sooner than later, they are pushed to withstand a revolution.

 

If you haven't seen this motion picture yet, trust us when we stress that it is the director's novel vision of the world's end.

 

 

30. The Road (2009)

 

 

 

Based on the book by Cormac McCarthy, this John Hillcoat directorial venture follows a man and his son who are striving to prevail in a post-apocalyptic world. They do their best to evade brutal scavengers and other evil forces as they make their way down "the road"; trying to move towards the coast where the situation might be warmer and safer.

 

Starring Viggo Mortensen and Charlize Theron in significant roles, 'The Road' revolves more around the destruction of both civility and civilization. Furthermore, the action sequences in this end-of-the-world motion picture are very well handled and are packed with enough anxiety to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

 

 

29. On the Beach (1959)

 

 

 

Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, and Fred Astaire headline this feature film, which takes place after a nuclear war has wiped out all but a few. However, when it becomes apparent that the radiation clouds threaten to finish off the rest, the survivors have to adapt to the tragic news in their own specific ways.

 

Director Stanley Kramer's effort is a grim apocalyptic film that attempts to cast light on the worldwide nuclear contamination as a result of an all-out nuclear war. This motion picture is a compelling reminder of how serious and deadly a nuclear war could turn out to be for humanity.

 

 

28. Melancholia (2011)

 

 

Directed by Lars von Trier, 'Melancholia' tracks the lives of sisters Justine and Claire who get involved when they uncover that Earth is about to collide with an enormous planet called Melancholia; an event that threatens to destroy mankind for good.

 

The motion picture features some solid acting and great filmmaking from a person who carefully identifies with and understands human interaction. It is one of the most thought-provoking and heart-touching movies to make it to our story today.

 

 

27. Sunshine (2007)

 

 

 

Danny Boyle's 'Sunshine' tracks the journey of a team of astronauts that is assigned the enormous duty of saving the sun. Things, however, take a terrible turn when an unseen accident occurs and the lives of the crew members, and those living on planet Earth, are endangered.

 

This feature film thrives on its stunning visuals and cinematography. Tagging along is the breathtaking usage of light, shadow, and monochrome colors that capture its spirit in the most outstanding ways possible.

 

 

26. In the Mouth of Madness (1994)

 

 

 

Director John Carpenter's 'In the Mouth of Madness' shows an insurance investigator discovering that the influence an author's stories have on his fans is more than just inspirational. One of the most ambitious slasher horror feature films ever produced, the film tries to bring in the true nature of reality; a reality that could mean doomsday for the protagonists in the screenplay.

 

Even though this motion picture can and does have a polarizing stand among cinema enthusiasts, Carpenter can take pride in his smart piece of mind-bending, nightmarish insanity. Overall, one feels that the story tries to convey that nothing is real and, therefore, there is nothing solid to hold on to in the real world.

 

 

25. A Quiet Place Part II (2020)

 

 

This critically and commercially successful post-apocalyptic horror film does complete justice to the first instalment of the franchise. We catch Regan and her family trying to utilize the fact that the predators can perhaps be deterred using high-frequency audio.

 

Needless to say, in a world where humans are nowhere to be found, this particular discovery and their brainpower are the only true weapons that the family is in possession of.

 

While Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe continue to play their respective roles from the first movie, actors like Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou are new and worthy additions to the cast. 'A Quiet Place II' set the box office on fire at a time when nobody expected it to.

 

It recorded one of the biggest opening weekends during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

24. Don't Look Up (2021)

 

 

Trust Adam McKay to make an astounding and thought-provoking apocalyptic full-length feature and inject it with the right dose of political commentary and black comedy to make a solid impression.

 

Headlined by the dynamic duo of Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, the story follows two low-level astronomers who realize that a comet approaching planet Earth threatens to destroy it once and for all.

 

While the film does provide some inevitable cringe-laughs given its plot, it does a great job at showcasing how the media largely functions today and how the world's collective IQ has hit its lowest.

 

 

23. Dogma (1999)

 

 

 

Written and directed by Kevin Smith, 'Dogma' traces the journey of an abortion clinic worker with special roots who is called upon to save the existence of humanity. As different as the storyline sounds, it is as good and is backed by sharp comedy and a splendid star cast that delivers strong performances.

 

Often considered to be a motion picture that talks about the importance of faith and religion, 'Dogma' is a unique film and certainly one of Smith's finest.

 

 

22. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

 

 

 

Popular director Zack Snyder brings a remake of one of the finest horror movies of all time. The story shows how survivors of an epidemic are infected and are turned into flesh-eating zombies who threaten to destroy the human species.

 

Even though this one is a remake of a classic film, it carries a different attitude. The fact that this was produced more than two decades after the original also helped it take full advantage of the advancement in technology.

 

Needless to say, 'Dawn of the Dead' is a solid feature film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

 

 

21. Cloverfield (2008)

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Matt Reeves, 'Cloverfield' is a found-footage monster project that stars actors such as Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, and T.

 

J. Miller in pivotal roles. In the story, we are introduced to Rob, Hud, Lily, and Marlena, who come together to form a group after a gigantic monster goes all out in destroying New York City.

 

Together, they try to rescue one of their friends, Beth, who is trapped in her apartment amid the chaos with no possible room for escape. This motion picture opened to positive reviews and was appreciated for its tight execution and narrative style.

 

 

20. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

 

 

There is no denying that 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' is Philip Kaufman's effectively chilling remake of the 1956 classic of the same title. The story showcases mysterious seeds drifting to Earth from space, resulting in the growth of mysterious pods that steadily go on to invade San Francisco.

 

Worse still, they start replicating the city's residents one body at a time. Trust Kaufman and his cast of actors to convey that maybe the first sign of the end times could be your partner acting pretty much unlike themselves.

 

 

19. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

 

 

The beauty of 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines' lies in the fact that it has been helmed by Michael Rianda in a dazzling style that blends 2D and 3D animation.

 

This Netflix original film takes a terrifying concept and gives it a supremely entertaining touch. In the story, we are introduced to a dysfunctional family that is compelled to fight a robot apocalypse during their road trip to save humanity.

 

The heartwarming and hilarious story received critical acclaim for its animation, voice performances, themes, humor, and LGBT representation.

 

 

18. Take Shelter (2011)

 

 

 

Written and directed by Jeff Nichols and starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain in the lead, 'Take Shelter' talks about a man who is haunted by a series of apocalyptic visions.

 

Being a young husband and father, he starts to question whether to shelter his family from himself or from a coming storm that could destroy humanity. Shannon plays Curtis LaForche beautifully and his portrayal of a man who has a premonition of what is to come is simply amazing.

 

His character projection makes us contemplate how we would try to save our respective families if we knew that the world is actually coming to an end. This feature film is a work of art and thrives on its fantastic performances, hard-hitting dialogues, catchy cinematography, but, most importantly,  a nerve-wracking subject.

 

 

17. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

 

 

 

The storyline of this Don Siegel directorial venture revolves around an extraterrestrial invasion that begins in the fictional California town of Santa Mira. It is safe to say that as far as classic science fiction movies of the said era are concerned, it does not get better than 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'.

 

The screenplay retains its repeat value even today courtesy of the paranoia and horror that it manages to induce in the minds of its awestruck viewers. Kevin McCarthy is brilliant in this, and the execution of the script is simple, yet very effective.

 

It is not surprising then that this movie has been remade multiple times, or that it continues to be revisited by its ardent viewers even today.

 

 

16. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

 

 

 

Directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring James Franco in the lead, 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' tells the story of Caesar, a chimpanzee, who has stayed with Will Rodman ever since he was born.

 

However, a new drug helps him think and react like humans, and when Caesar finds himself subjected to mistreatment, he decides to rebel against humanity. The CGI apes in this motion picture work really well and the action sequences and set pieces are all too good.

 

Furthermore, the characters are mostly engaging, even though the ape roles are far more interesting than the human characters. It is not surprising then that Caesar is the most spellbinding character in this film that strives to demonstrate a threat to the human species.

 

 

15. Zombieland (2009)

 

 

 

Director Ruben Fleischer's 'Zombieland' tracks the journey of Columbus, a college student, who joins forces with three unusual strangers to overcome a zombie apocalypse and travel through the southwestern USA to a haven.

 

The most dramatic aspect of this flick is the fact that it has a lot of heart. The characters in the screenplay feel comfortable and active, and the drama feels incredibly sincere.

 

No wonder then that the viewer feels invested in the storyline and the characters. Besides the ruthless zombie killing, the motion picture also includes a nice little story on human bonding which works big time.

 

 

14. 28 Days Later (2002)

 

 

This Danny Boyle directorial venture shows how a mysterious and incurable virus has wreaked havoc in the United Kingdom and pushed a team of survivors to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

 

The screenplay strives to cast a light on the survival impulse of human beings that can scare the viewers to the very core; even if not in the traditional sense of the word.

 

This motion picture is an immersive cinematic experience that thrives on its exciting pace, action-packed screenplay, and eerie atmosphere. In addition to all this, the abandoned cityscape has been shot excellently and makes this venture even more shocking to the human eyes.

 

 

13. The Birds (1963)

 

 

 

Alfred Hitchcock is such a revered director for his innovative genius that his name itself can be used as a premier adjective to define innovative cinema. In ‘The Birds', he allows his viewers to follow Melanie, a rich socialite, who pursues Mitch, an attorney, to his home in Bodega Bay to play a practical joke on him.

 

However, things take a shocking turn when the birds in the region begin to attack the people there and threaten to destroy the civilization altogether. What makes 'The Birds' a storytelling and directorial triumph is that Hitchcock uses a terror-inducing and atmospheric background score and the sounds of birds to create the most unique feature film that tries to depict the potential end of civilization.

 

The usage of both mechanical and real birds, which threaten the existence of the human species, creates a grave sense of impending horror, especially in the last quarter of this motion picture.

 

Moreover, the final haunting image of the landscape, in stark contrast to the beautiful landscape that had earlier been portrayed, is an attempt by the filmmaker to warn his viewers of the uncertainty of life and about the unpredictability of disasters.

 

 

12. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

 

 

Those who have seen Edgar Wright's 'Shaun of the Dead' agree that it is one of the funniest and most creative horror movies ever made for the silver screen. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to claim that this motion picture is credited with launching the careers of Wright and Simon Pegg.

 

The story begins right at the start of a zombie outbreak and showcases Shaun singlehandedly dealing with an entire community of zombies. The movie has gone on to acquire a cult following over the years.

 

 

11. The Fifth Element (1997)

 

 

 

Helmed by Luc Besson, 'The Fifth Element' stars Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, and Gary Oldman in prominent roles. It is primarily set in the 23rd century. The motion picture's central plot revolves around the survival of planet Earth; the responsibility of which is bestowed upon Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a taxicab driver and former special forces major, after a young woman named Leeloo (Mills Jovovich) drops into his cab.

 

Thriving on its beautiful setting and fantastic visual effects, this feature film has a lot of ingredients that make it a fabulous watch of the science fiction genre. Those who have a knack for sci-fi films or are willing to watch something truly unconventional would like this movie even more.

 

While Besson's direction is excellent here, Eric Serra's atmospheric background score, and the fun and charismatic characters, help in making this venture come across as artistic, to say the least.

 

 

10. A Quiet Place (2018)

 

 

Trust the formidable team of John Krasinski and Emily Blunt to bring to us one of the finest horror/monster movies of the 21st century. In a world that has been ravaged by noise-sensitive monsters, we are introduced to a wonderful family that is struggling to survive.

 

Sooner than later, we realize that they must resort to using sign language to communicate if they are to stay. Needless to say, their fight for survival pulls us into the story and doesn't let go until the very last minute.

 

Krasinski gets the job done with his tight direction and is ably supported by the adroit performance of his real-life wife Emily Blunt. 'A Quiet Place' relies on its grim setting, eerie atmosphere, and decent performances to connect with its target audience.

 

 

9. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

 

 

 

Written and directed by George A. Romero, 'Dawn of the Dead' is undoubtedly one of the greatest horror films of all time. There is something about being the only people left alive and breathing in a shopping mall that appeals to the film buff in all of us.

 

Another zombie film on our list that emphasizes the potential end of mankind, this one thrives on its excellent zombie creations. The movie works on so many levels that one can't help but get caught up in the drama each time they sit through it.

 

Furthermore, the filmmaker's own views on feminism, civilization, and consumerism have also been injected into the screenplay. Thankfully, it does not divert the story from making the viewers fear the end of the world.

 

 

8. Children of Men (2006)

 

 

 

Director Alfonso Cuarón's 'Children of Men' stars Julianne Moore and Clive Owen in significant roles and attempts to tell a possible "end" story of civilization. It traces how mankind is breathing it's last after a deadly pandemic has caused a widespread infertility crisis.

 

However, when a woman is learned to be pregnant, a former activist takes the onus on himself to safely transport her to a team of scientists working to find a cure.

 

The screenplay, which tries to showcase the imminent extinction of the species, thrives on its incredible cinematography and innovative story idea to make an impact. Even though this motion picture projects a gut-wrenching look at the future, it does so banking on its heart-stopping drama, stunning musical score, and flawless performances.

 

 

7. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

 

 

 

This George A. Romero directorial venture is credited with first unleashing the starving walking dead onto our screens and into the consciousness of the average cinema-goer. Even though zombies have become commonplace in the cinematic universe today, rarely have they been as authentically shown as in 'Night of the Living Dead'.

 

The screenplay shows how a surviving group in the farmhouse comes to accept Ben (Duane Jones), an African American man, as a leader for his smart persona and sharp thinking.

 

This portrayal of an African American as protagonist and problem-solver, especially in a film that depicts a threat to humanity and the world, was also unique to movies that hit the screens more than forty years ago.

 

Smart scripting and excellent visuals help in making this movie stand out despite having been released decades ago.

 

 

6. Planet of the Apes (1968)

 

 

 

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, 'Planet of the Apes' is a science fiction drama film that showcases the changes that mankind has to undergo after an astronaut crew crash-lands on a strange planet in the distant future.

 

Even though the realm appears desolate at first, the surviving crew partners encounter a civilization in which apes have advanced into creatures with human-like understanding and speech. However, what is astonishing is the fact that the apes have come to assume the part of the dominant species, and human beings are reduced into being mute creatures who are forced to don animal skins.

 

This is a definitive science fiction feature film with transcendental significance that also attempts to talk a lot about the origin of human beings by showing them as non-dominant species who are always under threat.

 

That said, the screenplay packs a whole lot of action, exploration, intrigue, and entertainment.

 

 

5. 12 Monkeys (1995)

 

 

 

This Terry Gilliam directorial venture shows how a deadly virus wipes out the world, causing only a few survivors to go subsurface. Bruce's James Cole is charged with traveling back in time to find the source of the epidemic with the hope that it could be overturned.

 

Even though Willis is the star of this film, it is Brad Pitt who steals the show as Jeffrey Goines; a charismatic but mentally ill conspiracy theorist who may hold the secret to preventing the destructive plague.

 

The story is tight, logical, and engrossing and it continues to get better with repeated viewing. The performances here are excellent and the treatment and overall execution of the theme are interesting, to say the least.

 

That said, the detailed screenplay also showcases a reasonable understanding of the future; thus, making this film a refreshingly intelligent slice of science fiction cinema.

 

 

4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

 

 

The dystopian future has never been more stimulating than it is in this wonderfully shot action film by George Miller. Set in a desert wasteland where survivors are coerced into battling for water and gasoline in enormous custom-made vehicles, 'Mad Max: Fury Road' is not only the best installment of the Mad Max franchise but it is also one of the better end-of-the-world feature films.

 

The movie features a towering performance by both Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy and thrives on its mesmerizing set pieces. Even though the story is simple, Miller's imaginative eyes make this one of the most stunning action pictures in recent history.

 

In addition, the heart-pounding action sequences and the loud explosions really make the viewers' jaws hit the floor. That said, what truly makes this venture work is that it simply strives to do what it set out to do without worrying too much about whether it will work or not.

 

 

3. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

 

 

This Stanley Kubrick-directed masterpiece takes place on the brink of nuclear war and emphasizes the government agencies dispatched to stop it. What is special about this film is that there is an underlining political commentary under every personality, every line, and every government manifestation in the screenplay.

 

Dr. Strangelove himself represents the scientific community of that period; a community that labored tirelessly to build a better bomb to bring the world to an absolute standstill. One has to take their hat off to Kubrick for making this movie that can be enjoyed by anyone who has a decent grip on world events and history.

 

No wonder then that 'Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb' was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor (Peter Sellers) at the time.

 

 

2. Wall-E (2008)

 

 

The ninth animated feature film from Pixar, 'Wall-E' is an ambitious project that took big risks to create the impact that it did upon its release. Helmed by Andrew Stanton, the compelling screenplay banked less on its dialogues and more on its lighting, performances, music, and camerawork to come up with the desired result.

 

The film traces the journey of a robot who is responsible for cleaning a waste-covered Earth, and who meets another robot and falls in love with her. Jointly, they set out on a voyage that promises to change the destiny of humanity.

 

The incredible animation makes the whole film fabulous to look at. Having said that, a feature film that deals with stories of alien invasion or the possible destruction or abandoning of mankind needs to look visually appealing.

 

Not surprisingly then, the bright colors and sublime setting are a delight to the eyes in 'Wall-E'. In addition, the music here is remarkable and some highly imaginative sequences such as the zero-gravity dance and the ride through space are worth watching.

 

 

1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

 

 

 

James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Linda Hamilton joined forces in the early '90s to create possibly the most acclaimed sequel in the history of Hollywood. The film shows a Terminator being sent on a mission to kill Sarah's son, John Connor.

 

However, what is interesting is that another cyborg, who was once after Sarah's life, has now been assigned to protect him and, ultimately, mankind. This motion picture is photographed slickly and tries to retain the dark and audacious tone of the first film; one that hints towards the possible end to mankind if the titular character ceases to save the day.

 

While the set pieces and lighting may not exactly come across as nightmarish due to the film's massive budget, they are every bit as inventive and atmospheric as technically possible.

 

The superb direction by Cameron and the haunting background score ensures that this marvelous movie stands the test of time and continues to be lauded as one of the greatest in its genre.