The apocalypse theme has always been attractive to moviemakers. Indeed, it’s interesting to speculate about how the world will end and how humanity will deal with it. Don’t you think? This topic has become even more popular among moviemakers nowadays. The question “How will this all end” has led to so many speculations and theories, starting from natural disasters and ending with the zombie apocalypse and aliens mercilessly killing human beings. So, whether you’re a fan of alien invasions, zombie virus outbreaks, and/or natural disasters, here are the 15 best movies about doomsday for every taste.
15. Armageddon (1998)
This is a classic end-of-the-world movie, which you’ve probably heard of. It’s got everything that appeals to movie fans: courage, teamwork, loyalty, love, a giant asteroid blasting toward Earth, and great special effects, so it’s a must-watch.
Besides, the movie is directed by Michael Bay, the creator of “Transformers” and “Pearl Harbor”. So, be ready for an action-packed space-bound thriller.
14. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Directed by Roland Emmerich, this movie reminds us of the harmful effects of global warming. The upcoming Ice Age catches humanity off balance, and people learn how to survive in a new severe environment.
The plotline in this movie has a lot of meanings. Although humanity has been warned about the effects of global warming a dozen times, we stay ignorant. But the most important message of this movie is that staying together and helping each other will save humanity.
13. Deep Impact (1998)
What if death comes from space, and it isn’t aliens? This movie is about the threat of a comet colliding with Earth. And while people are waiting for a team that has been sent to deal with this menace, they wonder about their future and fear that they won’t have enough time to spend with their loved ones.
The uncertainty of the future deeply impacts humans and makes them experience the deepest fears. Isn’t that a great message?
12. 2012 (2009)
This is another masterpiece directed by Roland Emmerich. Remember all that hype about the Mayan calendar ending in 2012?
This has become a bedrock for this movie, also uniting all scientific proof that doomsday is near. But are people ready for this day to come? Watch the movie to find out and witness the most epic destruction in cinematic history!
11. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
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Are you a fan of aliens? Do you think that aliens will invade the Earth and that’s how this will all end? Then this one is for you!
Starring Keanu Reeves, this movie is about an alien spacecraft arriving in New York City claiming that it will save the Earth. But can humans trust them? Find out the answer by watching this great disaster movie!
10. Independence Day (1996)
This is one is the most well-known movies on the list of films about doomsday. Independence Day and its (rather poor) sequel are about alien invasion and humans defending their planet.
This movie shows how we should protect our world no matter what and is a great lesson about how we always should stay patriots of our home planet.
9. World Trade Center (2006)
This movie is about the tragedy of 9/11 that the world will never forget. It doesn’t show the whole world collapsing or aliens killing off innocent humans but it reminds us of the threats humanity faces every day, such as terrorism that will eventually lead us to our doomsday.
8. 28 Days Later (2002)
What if a highly contagious virus killed the whole of humanity? Scientists are taking this idea very seriously. For example, the accidental release of a virus becomes a threat to the world, quickly killing all humans.
And only four survivors are left to watch how the world they once knew is rapidly swept away.
7. I Am Legend (2007)
This is a favorite movie of all “zombie apocalypse” fans. Robert Neville (Will Smith) is left alone in a world where most humans turned into monsters. He’s immune to the virus and is seeking a way to turn his blood into a vaccine that will save humanity.
This movie is well-written by excellent writers and well-shot in a post-apocalyptic New York City, so it will capture your attention and keep you interested till the end!
6. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
The movie is about a sudden zombie virus outbreak that takes everything from the main protagonists that they once held dear. And only a few people are left in a world of chaos to witness what appears to be the end of humanity.
It’s one of the best zombie films to date with excellent direction and screenplay.
5. World War Z (2013)
The writer Max Brooks created a masterpiece with a zombie apocalypse plotline which was soon turned into a screen adaptation. This one is a must-watch and will absorb you from the very first seconds of watching.
Brad Pitt gave an amazing performance and with a great storyline along with excellent CGI, it’s a treat to watch.
4. Perfect Sense (2011)
Starring Eva Green and Ewan McGregor, this movie will capture your attention! It offers you everything from a love story to the slow death of humanity. Beware: it will make you cry like a baby!
3. WALL-E (2008)
This is an animated motion picture about a robot who cleans trash, which is everything that is left in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a heartwarming story that makes everyone think deeper about how we harm our planet and never think about the consequences.
2. Resident Evil (2002)
This is yet another very famous video game-based movie about the zombie apocalypse and life after doomsday. Watch Milla Jovovich turn into a soldier, who fights vicious zombies to save the world from the evil Umbrella corporation!
It is the first installment that truly captured the Resident Evil universe and set the stage for the next five sequels.
1. The Road (2009)
With Viggo Mortensen as the main hero of this story that makes many people cry, The Road shows how the father and his son make their way to the sea, walking through the wasteland which is what is left of the world.
This movie is about tough choices, sorrows, and hardship – all that humanity will experience when doomsday comes.
Honorable Mentions
- Knock at the Cabin (2023)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- A Quiet Place (2018)
Hope you like reading our list of the best movies about doomsday. Feel free to share your views in the comments below!
