95 Best Post-Apocalyptic Movies Of All Time Ranked

Desolation among a vacant world once rocked by a natural or man-made calamity often intrigues and engages cinema-goers like most other sci-fi adventures can't. There's something eerily prescient about the proliferation of these types of stories in the past several decades. It's as if humankind is seemingly awaiting the inevitable or constantly pondering the "what ifs" of a tragic future. Ultimately, most post-apocalyptic stories are rooted in hope — a feeling survivors often chase as they try to pick up the pieces of humanity to start anew.

Survival is coded into the DNA of every living being. Distilling any drama or narrative down to that single primal objective instantly speaks to the heart and soul of everyone engaged in the story. Whether an individual has ever had to fight for their life or not, it's a narrative catalyst everyone can understand. We all want to survive well into the future and it's that desire that connects us with the protagonists of any solid post-apocalyptic film. Whether it's evading the lethal aftershock of an extinction-level event, living off of the new perilous wilderness, or fending off fellow ravenous human beings ready to kill and pillage to survive, there's simply danger at every corner within these lawless worlds. Let's rank some of cinema's greatest post-apocalyptic treats to ever grace the silver screen from the least engaging to the most dramatically stirring adventures for survival.

This 2013 M. Night Shyamalan-directed film features the father-son duo of Will and Jaden Smith. "After Earth" takes place in the distant future almost an entire millennium after humankind has abandoned Earth due to it no longer being suitable for habitation. Furthermore, humans have now come into direct conflict with an alien race known as the S'krell, who use creatures that sense fear in order to hunt their prey. The father-son actor duo also portrays a fictional father-son partnership in the film: Cypher Raige (Will Smith) is the leader of the Ranger Corps, who combat the alien the race, while his son Kitai (Jaden Smith) is following his father's lead on a final mission before his retirement.

Unfortunately, during their mission, the pair encounter a barrage of asteroids which send them plummeting into Earth's atmosphere. After crash landing, Cypher is injured, and Kitai must find a beacon in order to request evacuation. To amp up the intensity, Earth is teeming with hostile wildlife. The story does a serviceable job setting the stage for a tense sci-fi adventure. However, it wasn't well-received by critics, who felt the film was far duller than its premise promised. Nevertheless, the post-apocalyptic Earth is its own mystery begging to be explored.

If the first two films in the "Cloverfield" franchise left you with many questions, this Netflix-distributed threequel will probably leave you scratching your head a bit. 2018's "The Cloverfield Paradox" follows a crew aboard a research station orbiting Earth that tests a particle accelerator in hopes of solving the world's energy crisis. Of course, once the device is activated, chaos ensues on Earth and in space. The particle beam tears through the fabric of reality and opens the world to several parallel universes, causing monsters to invade while displacing the crew of the space station. Several strange happenings occur aboard the station that tangle an already messy timeline of events.

The film has been criticized for shoe-horning the narrative into the Cloverfield universe, but audiences were far more forgiving. Indeed, "The Cloverfield Paradox" does at least attempt to explain how the events of the first two films came to be — albeit in a convoluted manner — by mixing both timelines and parallel universes in one heaping narrative. 

"Extinction," a 2018 Netflix original film, stars Michael Peña in the lead role of Peter, a family man and engineer. Throughout the beginning of the film, Peter is plagued with dreams or visions of an otherworldly invasion. His wife prods him to get help, and he visits a clinic only to find another patient who is having similar nightmares. Soon, much to Peter's horror, an invasion actually does occur,  but the aggressors are not what he expects. In fact, he learns remarkable truths about himself and his own family. 

Without giving the major twists of the film away, just know that there's a reason this film deserves to be on this list of post-apocalyptic films. "Extinction" endeavors to subvert audience expectations, and it certainly hits the mark in that regard. Humankind is not the civilization that we know, and we get to the witness the revelations of this world's human history unfold through the naïve eyes of Peña's character. While the film isn't ground-breaking in the realm of sci-fi cinema, it's absolutely worth at least a single viewing for any fan of the genre.

What do you get when you mix "Black Hawk Down" with "Independence Day"? Well, it might look something like "Battle Los Angeles." This film cuts right to the apocalypse as aliens with high-tech weaponry invade planet Earth. Pretty quickly, the streets of Los Angeles become an urban hellscape. The United States military is  under-equipped and shell-shocked by the sudden extra-terrestrial visitors and must do all they can to survive and find the enemy's weakness.

Aaron Eckhart leads the cast as Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz, who leads a battalion to fend off the invaders. The alien opposition firmly has the upper hand, thanks to their highly capable command of the skies with drones that routinely patrol and destroy. So reclaiming the skies and finding a way to destroy the waves of drones is the ultimate goal of Nantz's platoon. Ultimately, critics disparaged the film for feeling overly serious and hampering the narrative with war film clichés. However, despite these tropes, "Battle: Los Angeles" still provides an ample dose of tension and atmosphere for movie fans looking for a sci-fi war time escape.

This post-apocalyptic world is born from the ashes of World War III in 2002's "Equilibrium." The film depicts a world ruled by an authoritarian state wherein emotions are suppressed by a psychoactive drug known as Prozium II. The rulers of this new state believe the world descended into war because of the fallibility of human emotion. However, this film wouldn't be any fun if someone didn't break the mold, now, would it? 

So Christian Bale plays the role of John Preston, a Grammaton Cleric who basically enforces the law. After John mistakenly misses a daily Prozium injection due to breaking his vial, though, he begins exhibiting emotions and becomes far more aware of his own sense of morality and a sense of regret and sadness for his actions of the past.

"Equilibrium" is a thrilling sci-fi world that examines the very fabric of what makes us human: our emotions, feelings, and the ability to express ourselves. Additionally, it offers some pretty sweet action sequences as the Clerics are trained in the art of gun kata — a visceral style of combat that involves both hand-to-hand action and close-range gun fighting. Don't sleep on "Equilibrium."

Who knew that Godzilla would one day be the very thing that halted the extinction of humankind? In modern cinema, Godzilla has established himself as a protector of humanity. While seemingly being an imposing and threatening beast, humans have learned their lesson and now let the giant kaiju do what he does best: slay other angry monsters. In 2019's "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" he must go up against his greatest foes yet — namely Rodan and King Ghidorah. These monsters unleash hell on Earth and destroy countless cities, ushering in a new age for humanity amid supreme devastation. At one point, it seems that Godzilla even may have met his match.

However, in this post-apocalyptic world, humanity has simply run out of options. They only thing they can do is support Godzilla as best as they can in hopes that he can bring an end to the terror of other monstrosities. "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" depicts a world reeling from the advent of indestructible monsters after their emergence in the first film. Giant city-leveling beasts are the new normal, and humans must learn how to give them a wide berth to survive.

Unlike its contemporary "Armageddon," the 1998 film "Deep Impact" does depict an actual comet collision with Earth. Humanity doesn't exactly succeed in deflecting the danger from the heavens — at least not completely — and "Deep Impact" tells the story of world's population preparing for the inevitable even as they attempt to enact plans to shift their impending doom. It's a harrowing story that is rooted in a potential reality. Of course, we can only hope that we are more adequately prepared for such an event than the world's governments in this film.

The film stars Robert Duvall, Téa Leoni, and Elijah Wood. Duvall plays the role of the astronaut Captain Tanner who leads a mission to deflect the comet. Leoni takes on the role of the journalist knee-deep in the story, while Wood portrays Leo Beiderman, the teenager who helps discover the comet in the first place. Funny enough, this film was released the same summer as "Armageddon," but despite this very direct competition, "Deep Impact" still managed to turn a hefty profit at the box office. Apparently, world-ending asteroids were all the rage in 1998.

2010's "The Book of Eli" takes place in a land that had been ravaged by nuclear war just three decades prior. Lawlessness now rules the day as humans band together to pillage and steal from other unsuspecting travelers. Eli (Denzel Washington) seemingly travels the land as a drifter. However, he proves to be highly capable in defending himself and surviving. Eventually, he encounters the ruthless leader of a town by the name of Carnegie (Gary Oldman), who seeks a book to add to his collection and discovers that Eli has it in his possession: the Bible. He stops at nothing to retrieve the now-rare literature from the drifter.

The film features many thrilling action sequences as Eli capably eliminates bandits and thugs. However, there's also a beautiful subtext to the story that shines far beyond the film's perilous wasteland exterior. Eli's journey is one of fulfillment, and the narrative highlights the importance of the fruits of humanity that we often take for granted — things like literature and art.

"Oblivion" is a winding tale with twists and turns at every corner. The film stars Tom Cruise as Jack Harper, a man who has been assigned to Earth to help manage combat drones that hunt and destroy remaining alien threats. Most of humanity has already fled to Titan as a result of a war with the aliens, and despite an alleged victory over the aliens, the use of nuclear weapons has rendered most of Earth uninhabitable. However, Jack and his partner Vika (Andrea Riseborough) are the sole humans on Earth who help operate and manage the combat drones. Soon, though, Jack begins experiencing memories of his life before the war, despite having had his memory erased. Things become even more dicey when a capsule crash lands with a woman passenger who looks just like the one from his dreams. Of course, in a world where memories have been manipulated, nothing is as it seems.

The film features beautiful settings that are wild and visually striking sights to behold, much like the fractured Statue of Liberty at the end of the original "Planet of the Apes." Most audiences will simply enjoy the ride for its imagery. However, those who delve into the story of "Oblivion" will be equally entertained with an engaging sci-fi narrative.

For decades, civilization has often wondered what it'd be like if aliens invaded our planet. Obviously, they'd have superior technology since they'd have the capability of traveling light years to be here. But would it be an all-out slaughter fest? Or would we be ingenious enough to find a weakness to exploit? Tim Burton's ultra-goofy 1996 film "Mars Attacks!" puts that scenario to the test. The brainy little green men of Mars obviously have total domination on their minds. Staging a fake gesture of friendship, the martians unleash chaos on a world that almost seems to deserve it. Tim Burton's film is filled to the brim with characters both colorful and despicable in their own way. Watching the martians vaporize arrogant humans with ray guns actually turns into a smashing delight.

Of course, the martians have brought about the apocalypse, but it's up to humanity to survive well into the future. Thankfully, the martians have a weak spot, and it's just a matter of discovering it in time. "Mars Attacks!" boasts a massive all-star cast including Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Natalie Portman, and even a young fresh-faced Jack Black. If you're looking for a post-apocalyptic world you can cackle at, "Mars Attacks!" might be your bag.

Overpopulation is a genuine fear. In many areas of the world, it's already an issue. Netflix's 2017 film "What Happened to Monday" takes this potentially destabilizing threat to a new level where authoritarian rule dictates that all families can only have one child. Additional children are taken away and allegedly put into cryo sleep until a future day when they can resurface once the population is under better control. The film follows identical septuplets — all played by Noomi Rapace – who are raised by their grandfather. He names them each after a day of the week and keeps them hidden by letting them take turns being Karen Settman, and each girl is only able to go out into the world on the day she is named after. This process keeps them safe from being taken and put into cryo sleep. One fateful day, however, Monday doesn't return home and the other sisters follow clues to find out what happened to her.

The film is thought provoking and rests on themes of love and sacrifice. A post-apocalyptic world doesn't necessarily have to be one that has suffered destruction or disease. The rise of social and economic turmoil can result in catastrophic changes to society ultimately causing a dystopian setting like the one presented in this film. "What Happened to Monday" is a thrilling story that'll make you appreciate Rapace's talent for acting against herself using several different personalities.

The 1976 classic "Logan's Run" presents a dystopia under the guise of a sleek modern way of living (a faux-utopia, if you will). In the year 2274, most of humanity lives in a city sealed away from the rest of the derelict planet. Here, technology serves them well with an AI computer fulfilling their every need for survival. The catch, however, is that the population is under tight control with regards to their numbers. They're each given a life-clock that basically forces them to undergo renewal at the age of 30. 

However, "renewal" is just a fancy word for death. Some folks who come of age decide they don't buy into the renewal promise, and they run. Law enforcers known as Sandmen pursue them and kill them. The titular character, Logan, is one of the Sandmen. After eliminating a runner, he learns that there is, in fact, a sanctuary where runners can be protected and remain safe. However, the AI forces Logan into finding the sanctuary and destroying it. It does so by removing years of his life off of his life clock. "Logan's Run" is a time-honored sci-fi film that hinges on the natural unease of futuristic computers capable of thinking for themselves. 

The 1971 film "The Omega Man" tells the story of U.S. Army Col. Robert Neville (Charlton Heston), who is seemingly the last remaining survivor of humanity. This apocalyptic world comes after biological warfare erupts, killing most of the world's population while rendering a few as albino mutants who tend to only emerge at night. Robert's immunity is a result of his own research and an experimental vaccine that he created and injected himself with as the plague spread. While living life among a vacant Los Angeles, Robert is assaulted and captured by a cult group known as the Family. They are obviously mutated survivors of the plague. But Neville soon discovers he's not alone when it comes to unaffected human beings, and he must figure out a way to help what remains of humanity survive.

"The Omega Man" contributes to a long line of post-apocalyptic films that feature a lone vagrant amid an empty world. Based on the 1954 novel "I Am Legend," both the film and the book contributed inspiration to the modern zombie genre. The book would also be adapted for the big screen once again 2007 with the Will Smith-led "I Am Legend."

The Neill Blomkamp-directed film "Elysium" brings the classic post-apocalyptic trend of over-crowding and rampant pollution to new heights. The film follows a blue-collar worker by the name of Max Da Costa (Matt Damon), who is mistakenly infected with high levels of radiation. He's informed that the exposure is fatal and that he only has mere days to live. In Earth's orbit is a vessel that acts as a lavish artificial world called Elysium. The rich and affluent are the only ones who inhabit the grand vessel and live with the luxury of advanced health care through a med-bay system, while the rest of humanity lives on Earth amid the slums. Max is determined to stow aboard a ship that will take him to Elysium so he can use a med-bay to be cured of his terminal diagnosis.

It's no secret that "Elysium" offers substantial commentary on socioeconomic and class issues. Furthermore, the film highlights the fact that healthcare is a luxury only available to the powerful who can afford it. While the film is science-fiction, the issues the narrative tackles are all too real.

The 2013 post-apocalyptic thriller "World War Z" presents a terrifying look at the undead. In the past, zombies had been known to be the shambling undead. While never exactly quick on their feet, their real threat simply came when their numbers overwhelm a victim. "World War Z" presents a world where those who succumb to infection turn into blood-thirsty sprinting killing machines. The film stars Brad Pitt in the role of a U.N. investigator named Gerry Lane. The central plot follows Gerry and his family as they attempt to evade and combat the global pandemic that is turning the world's populations into rabid zombies.

The film is based on the novel written by Max Brooks, though the movie doesn't follow its source material very closely. The film also features heavy use of CGI, but "World War Z" was still praised for its sweeping narrative, and fans of zombie-themed films will likely find something to enjoy in this roller coaster ride.

Like "The Omega Man" before it, "I Am Legend" is another adaptation of the 1954 Richard Matheson novel with the same title. However, this film distills the original narrative told in "The Omega Man" down to its most basic elements of isolation, loneliness, and despair with a glimmer of hope. Will Smith takes on the role of a virologist by the name of Robert Neville who is seemingly unaffected by a globally devastating virus that kills most of the population but turns few into albino cannibal mutants. Robert dedicates his time to researching a cure while attempting to relieve his loneliness through conversations with his trusty German Shepherd Sam and well-placed mannequins. Amid the dilapidated ruins of New York City, Robert sets out to trap a mutant in order to test his cure. In doing so, he gets the attention of other mutants.

The film was largely seen in a positive light, with critics complimenting Smith's performance as the lonely tortured soul of Robert Neville. Some, however, criticized the film's departure from the source material in the final act. Even so, "I Am Legend" is a well-constructed narrative set in a beautifully fallen post-apocalyptic world.

The 1973 film "Soylent" envisioned a 2022 wherein worldwide pollution and overpopulation have led to massive shortages of resources, including food and housing. This dystopian future depicts a world that is divided into extreme wealth and poverty. Only those who have the means can truly afford lavish homes with unending resources while the poor are left to crowd the streets of New York City. In this bleak future, the film follows a detective by the name of Frank Thorn (Charlton Heston), who must investigate the murder of a wealthy aristocrat who happened to be a board member of the Soylent Corporation — a company that mass produces food cubes made from plankton called Soylent Green. Of course, a sinister purpose lies behind the board member's assassination, and Frank begins to uncover the horrifying truth.

"Soylent Green" combines a post-apocalyptic dystopian world with a police procedural narrative. The mystery ultimately beckons viewers to stay for the big reveal, as nothing is quite as it seems.

1985's "The Quiet Earth" film chronicles the apocalypse by way of government experimentation, though, the film is far more mysterious in its basis. The picture follows Zac Hobson (Bruno Lawrence), who attempts to harm himself at the same moment "Project Flashlight" is activated — an apparent attempt funded by the U.S. to establish a global energy grid. What happens, however, is simply that Zac awakens to find the world is now entirely vacant. It's as if all of humankind simply disappeared. He finds instances where activity once occurred, like meals that were partially eaten or the wreckage of an airliner without any bodies inside. Zac eventually finds two more people who managed to survive, and the trio attempt to find out what happened and why they still exist.

The film is haunting and contemplative, and much of the details are left to the interpretation of the audience. But make no mistake, the final scene is just as bizarre and mind-boggling as humanity's sudden disappearance.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

Imagine a world where every so often a massive kaiju monster would emerge from the ocean and attack a city off the coast somewhere in the world at random. That's the plot of 2013's "Pacific Rim." After an interdimensional tear appears at the bottom of the ocean, kaiju periodically come through the portal to wreak havoc in our world. Thankfully, humanity won't take the beating lying down. Massive machines are developed called Jaegers that humans use to combat kaiju each time one emerges. The Jaegers are piloted by a team of two who use a mental link that syncs with the massive machine. In particular, the film follows Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) during his career slaying 30-story tall beasts. The world still knows very little about kaiju despite their penchant for mass destruction, but Raleigh becomes determined to shut down the threat once and for all.

"Pacific Rim" garnered plenty of attention upon release thanks to its unique story and flashy battles. The film proved to be a massive success at the box office and won over many critics with its fun thrill-ride and wild visuals. It's definitely a creature feature sci-fi fans won't want to ignore.

Most post-apocalyptic stories are depressing by nature, but "The Road" is even more likely to leave you queuing up an old comedy film afterwards than most. The film follows an nameless man and boy played by Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee, respectively, as they journey across a wasteland that has clearly been devastated by an unspecified extinction-level event. The goal is not just to survive, but hopefully reach safe harbor by making a difficult journey through this grim new world.  

Despite the perpetual state of sadness and desolation on display throughout this film, there still remains a glimmer of hope for the boy's future, which is what keeps them moving on the titular road. The film garnered critical praise for the film's direction, solid performances, and its haunting vision. 

If you're looking for another cheeky comedy concerning the apocalypse, look no further than "Fido." This 2006 film takes place in a fictional 1950s-style world where radiation has caused the dead to return as zombies. Of course, humanity had to put up a fight to stop their own extinction and they did so through a military effort known as the Zombie Wars. While humans ultimately quelled the undead threat, the dead still return as zombies. So communities are fenced in and decapitate or cremate their own dead to prevent the rise of more zombies. Now, a corporate entity known as ZomCon provides collars that control zombies, and many households have now acquired zombies as servants. The central narrative focuses on a young boy Timmy who befriends his family zombie servant and gives him the name Fido.

"Fido" received critical praise for its silly premise and well-executed sense of humor. It's a satire on the age-old narrative of the bond between a boy and his dog. Horror fans who enjoy the gore effects of zombie films will also have plenty to sink their teeth into despite the film's satirical, light-hearted nature. This strange new world where humans and zombies co-exist is a bloody-good time.

George A. Romero was known for his "Living Dead" series of films, and 2005's "Land of the Dead" is the fourth of the six films in that series. In this film, the zombie apocalypse has already occurred, and now humans simply co-exist and cope with the horrifying reality that the dead walk. Most communities are highly guarded and closed off to the outside world to keep zombies at bay, and the film focuses on Pittsburgh, where a major power struggle embroils the city.

"Land" brings social commentary into the mix, depicting the wealthy living in luxury while everyone else fends for themselves on the streets. However, the film's central focus is on Riley Denbo (Simon Baker), the creator of an armored vehicle capable of traversing no man's land called Dead Reckoning. The vehicle is used to travel into zombie-infested territories in order to scavenge for supplies to bring back to the city. Of course, no good zombie film would be complete without a total zombie onslaught on the unsuspecting populace, and that's exactly what happens.

"Land of the Dead" continues what Romero started decades ago with "Night of the Living Dead." The horror master has been hailed for his ability to layer films with subtext. After all, it's only in the face of oblivion that people show their true colors.

Based on the 1898 H.G. Wells novel, Steven Spielberg helmed this 2005 adaptation of "War of the Worlds" in which aliens invade an unsuspecting world. The film depicts an Earth with alien machines buried beneath the crust that were placed there long ago before the dawn of humanity. The actual extra-terrestrials then invade by rocketing down to Earth and piloting these tri-pedal machines. Like the novel, the machines are outfitted with lasers that instantly vaporize humans running in terror. The film follows Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise), who attempts to survive while protecting his children in this apocalyptic world.

"War of the Worlds" is filled with death and destruction as the aliens mercilessly kill and harvest humans in an effort to terraform Earth. This sci-fi film contains moments of action and intensity as well as scenes rooted in horror and anxiety. Nowhere is safe, and the aliens are unstoppable... or are they? You'll have to watch and find out.

Want another unhinged and unique take on the zombie apocalypse? Just check out Robert Rodriguez's grindhouse film "Planet Terror," starring Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Michael Biehn, and Josh Brolin. This 2007 flick is set to the backdrop of a land ravaged by zombies created from an outbreak of DC2, a potent biochemical weapon. Survivors include McGowan's Cherry Darling, who eventually becomes equipped with a machine gun for a left leg, as they battle their way through the undead and fend off a rogue military crew.

Rodriguez intentionally filmed this slick bloody action romp with a grindhouse feel and over-the-top elements. It's obviously not a post-apocalyptic film that is meant to be taken seriously. Quentin Tarantino even gets in on the action having a minor role in the film (alongside being a producer). Fans of Rodriguez, Tarantino, zombies, action, and gore will feel right at home with "Planet Terror."

You know the world has descended into chaos when the Statue of Liberty's head lands in the street right outside of your apartment. "Cloverfield," a 2008 found footage film directed by Matt Reeves, provides an interesting and horrific take on the whole "kaiju attacking a city" trend because Godzilla is no where to be seen. Instead, we get mere glimpses of a monster that's otherworldly and terrifying. As several young adult friends attempt to flee the ensuing destruction, they also learn that smaller creatures have populated the ground level and subway systems, infecting humans and seemingly causing them to degrade and explode from the venom.

The tension in is real in this reel, and despite the superb depiction of a group of students filming their escape from the city, the camera is often shaky and can be a bit dizzying to watch. Still, Reeves managed to make a genuinely scary creature and an apocalyptic setting no one would want to be a part of.

"Z for Zachariah" is a post-apocalyptic drama that centers around the desperate need for human connection. The 2015 film chronicles the lives of three survivors who are trapped in a love triangle. Some time after nuclear holocaust, Ann Burden (Margot Robbie) lives a quiet life on her family farm mostly away from the reach of harmful radioactive contaminants. She meets a man by the name of John Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who states that he has journeyed from a government bunker. He eventually forms a partnership with Ann that teeters on romance until another survivor, Caleb (Chris Pine), joins the mix. Soon, differences over religious outlooks and opinions over the care of the farm take root within the group and cause a stir that will ultimately lead to a pivotal moment.

"Z for Zachariah" is a character-driven drama, with solid cast performances. Their interactions, emotions, and decisions ultimately envelop audiences in the reality of a world rife with desolation. While this film might be slower than most on this list, it's just as captivating all the same.

The 1964 film "The Last Man on Earth" also borrows from the 1954 novel "I Am Legend," making it the first film to actually be based on the written work which would later be succeeded by "The Omega Man" and "I Am Legend." This film, however, doesn't use the same character names and takes a few liberties with its narrative. The plague that killed many and turned others into vampiric monsters still exists here. Though, the parallels to vampire mythology are even stronger, with the film containing references to the creatures' aversion to garlic, issues with mirror reflections, and fatal vulnerability to wooden stakes. This emphasis on vampires is actually more accurate to the source material than the film adaptations that would later emerge. "The Last Man on Earth" follows Dr. Robert Morgan (Vincent Price) as he attempts to find a cure for the plague while combating his own loneliness and despair amid the apocalypse.

"The Last Man on Earth" is regarded as a classic and has the notoriety on review aggregate sites to prove it. Comparatively, many reviewers often refer to this film as the better production when considering "The Omega Man" as a similar feature based on the same work. This is mostly due to Vincent Price's haunting performance. Give it a watch and decide for yourself.

Of course, we are going to see more of Romero's zombie apocalypse series on this list, including the third in the series of "Living Dead" films, 1985's "Day of the Dead." This brain-chomping adventure takes place in Florida where several survivors barricade themselves inside of an underground facility in the Everglades. Here, scientists poke and prod zombies studying them for a possible cure or for behavioral conditioning. Predictably, in this type of grisly scenario it's always possible that a scientist could get a little carried away and, perhaps, go mad. Meanwhile, the civilians simply concerned for humanity are clueless as to what's happening in the outside world.

"Day of the Dead" is a cautionary tale of prejudices and the lack of communication amongst the living. It's these ills harbored by the greater part of humanity that ultimately lead to chaos, violence, and confusion when the world faces calamity. You can't expect Romero to ever sleep on providing subtext to accompany his zombie dramas.

The popularity of the young adult book series "The Hunger Games" was undoubtedly going to receive a film adaptation. Indeed, the first film in the series emerged in 2012, making Jennifer Lawrence a household name. The world of "The Hunger Games" takes place in a distant dystopian future wherein democracy has crumbled and a nation known as Panem has emerged as an authoritarian state in North America. The rulers of Panem reside in the Capitol and are considered the wealthiest and most powerful. The rest of the land is divided into districts that are all subservient to the Capitol. At one point, the districts staged a rebellion against the Capitol which failed. In light of that failure, the Capitol forces the districts to annually compete in an event called the Hunger Games. A boy and a girl are selected from each district to participate in a broadcasted gladiatorial event where they are forced to fight the other districts' kids to the death. This acts as a reminder to all the districts of their failed rebellion. Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, a tribute from one of the poorest districts who ultimately becomes the star player.

Despite the dark themes of the film, there is an element of hope and survival that often pervade the hostile forests of the arena. And despite her humility, Katniss proves to be a force to be reckoned with. The film has sequels that follow the remaining books in the series, continuing the plot of Katniss and her battle with the Capitol.

This may not be the apocalyptic film the general population might be looking for, given the pain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 2011's "Contagion" does present a more accelerated and horrifying view of a lethal virus spreading throughout the global population. The film chronicles scientists and government officials doing everything they can to halt the spread of the virus while a vaccine is rapidly being produced. Does this sound familiar? 

Even though the world has recently experienced a viral outbreak spread through respiratory droplets in real life, director Steven Soderbergh ("Oceans 11," "Magic Mike") does still present a compelling and dramatic escalation that plays out on the world stage in this film. It also excels because of it's all-star cast, which includes Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bryan Cranston, and Kate Winslet. 

Perhaps Charlton Heston's most iconic role is that of George Taylor in the 1968 sci-fi classic "Planet of the Apes." The film paints a grim picture for humanity as the George and his comrades return to Earth after slumbering in hibernation in space for years. At first, they believe they're on an alien planet ruled intelligent apes. Feral humans are either enslaved, killed, or experimented on. They eventually learn the awful truth. This world is Earth long after the downfall of humanity and the rise of intelligent simian life. "Planet of the Apes" is so well-regarded in the world of sci-fi that it spawned four direct sequels, a television series, a Tim Burton-directed remake, and a rebooted film series chronicling the fall of humanity and the rise of the apes (with more slated to come). There've also been countless books, comics, games, and toys based on the property.

The original film offers an interesting and poignant commentary on a social divide between apes of different species as well as the abhorrent treatment of human beings — a critique of the issues that plague our modern world. The film is even critical of the tense Cold War, once again putting nuclear holocaust as morbid reality with George ultimately being disgusted by humanity's will to destroy itself. "Planet of the Apes" is a weird, but wonderful post-apocalyptic world where the message is clear: humans had their chance.

Here's another perpetually bleak film focused on an apocalyptic illness. In this film, society has crumbled under the weight of a deadly contagion. The film focuses on Paul (Joel Edgerton), his wife Sarah (Carmen Ejogo), and their son Travis (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). They live isolated out in the middle of the forest away from any possible civilization to stay healthy. After a traveler garners Paul's immediate mistrust, a decision is made by Paul and his wife to allow the man and his family to join them as long as they follow the rules of staying safe and health-conscious in their home. This arrangement works out for a time. Then problems arise that drag these good folks into the depths of darkness and despair and it never relents.

"It Comes at Night" is technically a horror film that masterfully captures the essence of the idea behind "less is more." The anxiety and tension cultivated by the actors on screen truly stoke a fear in audiences of the unseen, and while it's a gripping film, it certainly requires the right temperament.

We're not off the deadly virus hook just yet. Terry Gilliam's 1995 sci-fi film "12 Monkeys" initially depicts a world ravaged by a devastating virus that nearly killed off most of humankind, with survivors living underground. The year is 2035, and James Cole (Bruce Willis) is selected by an institution to be sent back in time to help develop a cure. James arrives in Baltimore in 1990 and is quickly placed in a mental institution, where he meets Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), one who the future organization alleges is involved in the viral outbreak.

The film takes a few twists and turns as James begins uncovering more details about the apocalyptic epidemic. The film is highly regarded by critics for its exceptional cast performances and unpredictable plot twists. So if you enjoy a solid mystery, there's definitely one waiting to be uncovered at the heart of "12 Monkeys."

The world of 2017's "Cargo" is also ravaged by a virus that causes those it infects to turn rabid. A single bite is all that is needed to pass the virus on. The film follows Andy Rose (Martin Freeman) and his baby daughter Rosie as he journeys to find Rosie a safe home after becoming infected himself. His time is running short, but he does all that he can to secure his daughter's future. Along the way, Andy encounters allies and enemies that ratchet up the drama and tension of the film.

While the film isn't exactly ground-breaking, it's still a critical darling simply because of the raw emotion and depth Freeman and the other actors bring to their performances. While the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world terrorized by zombies, the focus is on the story's characters. Additionally, the film's setting in the outback of Australia adds a refreshing layer to a genre that's oversaturated with zombie apocalypse productions in the United States or Great Britain.

Twinkies are a precious commodity in the hit 2009 film "Zombieland," which plays up the zombie apocalypse for laughs instead of frights and does so brilliantly. Just like its aforementioned sequel, the film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin in the same roles, albeit five years younger. Of course, "Zombieland" chronicles how the fated crew first came together and bonded. Like any group of misfits, however, there are a few growing pains the group has to endure as they experience life after the apocalypse as an odd family.

We've seen the zombie apocalypse before. We've also laughed at the zombie apocalypse with "Shaun of the Dead." So, while the idea isn't entirely novel, the foursome in this story boast incredible chemistry that's fertile ground for comedy. It's ultimately these endearing characters and some sensational action sequences that send "Zombieland" into the top echelon of post-apocalyptic films.

In a world where mutants are being hunted down by relentless and indestructible robots called sentinels, somehow the fabric of humanity has also crumbled. In 2014's "X-Men: Days of Future Past," it seems that if the mutants fall, we all do. Nevertheless, this post-apocalyptic future is a dark one brimming with thunderous clouds, ruins, and murderous machines. Wolverine, Professor X, and the rest of mutant-kind are on the run simply trying to stay alive. Eventually, however, Professor X has the idea to project Wolverine's consciousness back into the past so that he can foil the production of the sentinels long before they're ever put into production. It's truly the first X-Men film where the old and young generations of the X-Men share the screen in one film.

Despite the cheeky jab at the film's questionable apocalypse, the film was still a success and received plenty of praise from critics for being a memorable standout of the franchise. Fans were also thrilled to see the new, younger generation of mutants that began with "X-Men: First Class" appear alongside the older generation that started it all in the 2000 film "X-Men." Whether you're in to superhero films or not, this one has enough sci-fi elements, twists, and drama to keep anyone entertained throughout its runtime.

Director Matt Reeves picked up where "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" left off in the stellar 2014 sequel "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes." The film dials back the timeline to the very beginning of humanity's downfall and the creation of intelligent apes. "Dawn" takes place nearly 10 years after the previous film, long after the simian flu has killed off a majority of humanity. A very small percentage of people are immune to the disease, but society has collapsed as intelligent apes have created a colony. The film depicts the uneasy co-existence of apes and humans. Apes tend to not trust humans due to the historical treatment of their kind.

From a special effects perspective, the film is hailed as a marvel depicting some of the most realistic CGI animals ever seen on screen. "Dawn" spectacularly visualizes the crumbling of relationship between the two species in dramatic fashion. Whether you're familiar with the franchise or new to the world of apes, this will most assuredly be a thrill ride for viewers.

The 2020 sequel to the John Krasinski-directed "A Quiet Place" is just as adrenaline-inducing and tense as the original. The film continues the journey of the Abbott family, right where the first film left off, in this post-apocalyptic world devastated by alien creatures who hunt through sound. However, now Evelyn (Emily Blunt) takes the children and heads for a new hideout where an old family acquaintance is waiting for them. The alien creatures are just as threatening, and while the Abbotts have seemingly unlocked the key to their weakness using the jarring tuned-up sound of Regan's (Millicent Simmonds) hearing aid, it's not quite the end-all be-all to the alien invasion. They still must fight for their lives and be deathly quiet when possible.

This sequel takes audiences to new places and even separates the family amid the chaotic and deadly world to add an extra layer to the film's tension. Cillian Murphy plays the role of Emmett, a former acquaintance of the family who embarks on a journey with Regan, and the actor is certainly no stranger to a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by monsters. His performance is a solid and welcome addition to narrative, which deftly extends the heart-racing adventure of the central family.

The 2015 Canadian comedy film "Turbo Kid" is a parody of both the superhero and sci-fi genres. It basically plays out like a self-aware B movie to great effect. The film follows the misadventures of the Kid (Munro Chambers) and his partner in crime... er super heroics, Apple (Laurence Leboeuf). The film's setting is an alternate version of 1997 wherein the Earth is desolate and in the throes of a post-apocalyptic state. The Kid is an avid comic book reader and lands himself an issue of "Turbo Rider" in a trade with a junk dealer. Later, he stumbles upon the remnants of the real Turbo Rider and dons the hero's suit and armor. He sets off to save his friend and combat a warlord by the name of Zeus (Michael Ironside).

While the premise seems quirky and fantastical enough, it's definitely not for young eyes. There's plenty of gore to go around. In fact, the movie is targeting a generation of adults who grew up in the age of Saturday morning cartoons, '80s and '90s sci-fi apocalypse films, and shows like "Power Rangers." It's definitely a blast and a nostalgia trip rife with humor and adult themes. 

Imagine a world where humanity suddenly becomes infertile due to some mysterious biological development and can no longer bear children. This is the world of 2006's seminal thriller "Children of Men." The bulk of the story takes place 18 years after the last child was born, meaning that the youngest person alive is now all grown up. The world economy is reeling from the drastic population decline, and society has reached a destitute state of collapse. The United Kingdom remains one of a few nations that still maintains an intact government following war and economic collapse. Theo Feron (Clive Owen), an everyman, obtains a job helping transport a refugee named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey). He quickly discovers that she is pregnant and his mission to help her find safety becomes all the more important.

"Children of Men" takes place in a depressing world where there's little hope for better tomorrow and the prosperity and innovation of future generations. Optimism is a fleeting memory — at least, until Kee's pregnancy enters the picture. "Children of Men" plays with themes of despair, renewal, and faith to great effect. It's an engaging drama worthy of it's full runtime.

Like Nostradamus, Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon) seems to be suffering from visions of a devastating apocalypse in 2011's "Take Shelter." He dreams of a storm that brings massive destruction, and, at first, he attempts to suppress these recurring nightmares and hide his visions from his wife, Samantha (Jessica Chastain). However, he develops a fixation with preparing for the coming doomsday by building a storm shelter and gaining a "prepper" persona. He later attempts to cope with his stress by seeing a therapist, and it's revealed that his mother suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, which brings into question his own mental wellness. As work and life continue to take a toll on Curtis, his world begins falling apart — with or without the storm. 

The film received notable acclaim as a character-driven drama saturated in dread and anxiety. Shannon delivers a stellar performance as the lost family man, and the pic also smartly echoes the modern-day concerns about the effects of climate change. "Take Shelter" is an impactful movie that will leave viewers pondering its ambiguous narrative long after the screen goes dark.

Another Bong Joon Ho classic worth the watch is "Snowpiercer." The film takes place in the year 2031, as a new ice age covers the Earth thanks to a failed project to stop global warming several years prior. The few survivors of humanity ride aboard a self-sustaining train, known as the Snowpiercer, that travels around Earth nonstop. The occupants of the train are divided by classes: those in the tail section of the train are among the poorest who are used as slave labor, while those near the front of the train live in luxury. Given the extreme disparity, eventually a revolution breaks out, and the film follows this skirmish from one jaw-dropping car scene to the next.  

"Snowpiercer" stars Chris Evans in the role of Curtis Everett, the leader of this band of revolutionaries. Throughout his journey to the front of the train, Curtis learns more about the chilling history of the train and its inventor, and many existential questions emerge through the story. In addition to being stylish and gritty, the pic is powered by the strong performances of its cast. 

2020's "Love and Monsters" takes place in a world ravaged by a monster-infested apocalypse. Humanity has accidentally traded one apocalypse for another: after discovering an asteroid destined for crash-landing on Earth, mankind destroyed the flying space rock with a bunch of missiles, but the resulting radiation spray has mutated all the cold-blooded creatures of the world into giant monstrosities. Most of the population has been either eaten or killed in battle against the creatures. What remain are survivors who mainly stick to living in underground bunkers. One such hapless survivor is Joel Dawson (Dylan O'Brien), who decides he can't handle isolation with a group who have already paired off in romantic couples. He misses his girlfriend who is at another distant bunker and sets off across the dangerous wilderness to be with her.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film only saw a limited theatrical release, but was released globally through video on demand in October 2020. In addition to being a successful streaming release, critics enjoyed the film's charming lead Dylan O'Brien and felt the film, despite some comedic elements, offered a resonating story with substantial depth.

Max Rockatansky returns in the 1981 sequel to the original film, "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior." As Max is known to do, he gets mixed up here in a clash with the more unsavory folks in this apocalyptic world. Society has descended into total collapse at this stage following armed conflicts and exhausted resources. Max is no longer a law enforcer. He now roams the wasteland scavenging for food and materials. The film follows Max's do-gooder nature as he provides aid to a group of innocent settlers who are being terrorized by bandits and marauders.

As a man who's lost it all, Max is truly a force to be reckoned with. The death of his family haunts him daily. George Miller's fictional world continues to degrade beautifully with each succeeding film. "Mad Max 2" is a thrill ride that will leave you rooting for a man who solidifies his own legend both among the tribes of people in the Australian wasteland and with the fans of the film series.

It's hard to think that a post-apocalyptic film for youngsters exists. After all, a post-apocalyptic setting is fairly grim all on its own. But Pixar's "WALL-E" manages to bring a sense of wonder and renewal into the picture that makes this a delightful little tale about a robot who works tirelessly on Earth cleaning up garbage. The planet's population is gone and now lives on massive ships in Earth's orbit. After the planet became littered with waste through rampant consumerism, it also became inhabitable. Robots like WALL-E now work to clean the Earth. Of course, this curious little robot manages to stowaway with another robot named EVE and a little plant that is being taken back to one of the human colonies in space. It's here where the hard reality of humanity sets in. People have become completely immobilized and catered to by machines and technology. It's a real travesty.

WALL-E is a story about bringing back hope to a world once destroyed by the carelessness of humans. While it may be inhabitable, it's not irretrievable in this iteration of end times. Pixar uses all of its talent to infuse a robot with character through simple animation and facial expressions. While WALL-E can speak to a degree, it's his mannerisms that manage to charm audiences. "WALL-E" is one post-apocalyptic film that is more light-hearted and shows there is power in the commitment of renewal.

The 2018 film "A Quiet Place" ironically landed in theaters with a bang. Despite film's theme of being deathly quiet, it made a lot of noise at the box office. The Abbott family's journey for survival begins on a very tragic note, but many days after an apocalyptic event ushers in the invasion of alien creatures that hunt human prey through sound, the Abbotts have managed to eke out a life of quiet living. However, the matriarch Evelyn (Emily Blunt) is on the verge of giving birth, which threatens to upend their way of life.

"A Quiet Place" offers a new, creative look at the apocalypse by withholding spoken dialogue for much of the film. The family communicates through American Sign Language due to their deaf daughter. There is one moment in the film where John Krasinski's Lee is able talk normally with his son and it's almost surreal after watching nearly half the movie in total silence. It's a unique film that is pulse-pounding and dripping with dread.

The most recent film in the "Mad Max" saga is George Miller's 2015 film "Mad Max: Fury Road." In this film, Mel Gibson is replaced with Tom Hardy in the legendary road warrior's role of Max Rockatansky. Max, once again, finds himself in trouble when he's captured by bandits loyal to Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). One of Joe's lieutenants, Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), escapes with Immortan Joe's wives in an effort to free them and starts an epic car chase that lasts the bulk of the film. Max is being used as a "blood bag" for the ailing bandits attempting to run her down but eventually is freed and joins forces with Furiosa to bring Immortan Joe's wives to safety.

The film achieved critical success for its expansive and visually striking action sequence, along with its compelling narrative and themes of survival and feminism. And despite its title, Theron's character Furiosa is the true anchor of the story, while Max is more of a supporting player. To date, "Mad Max: Fury Road" is one of the highest-rated post-apocalyptic films ever made, and for good reason.