Some of the best end-of-the-world movies of all time are also some of the best films of all time. While people hold films such as Mad Max and Blade Runner in high regard, most of these films had mixed reception at first but gained acclaim over time. One example is the film Independence Day, which received lukewarm recognition when released but is now regarded as a classic alien invasion movie. Whatever the case, apocalyptic films have become iconic in their own ways.
Here are 50 of the best end-of-the-world movies for you to binge on. Some were classics from the time of their release, others only gained popularity later on. Nonetheless, variety is the spice of life, so even mediocre or bad films have their own charms. A little side note that this list also involves other subgenres, such as survival movies and movies set nearing or after an apocalyptic event.
Children of Men (2006)
The first film, while without grandiose catastrophes shown on screen, shows humanity on the verge of physical and moral decline. So for this list, it counts. Helmed by Alfonso Cuarón, Children of Men tackles themes of immigration and infertility.
Despite flopping at the box office at the time of release, the film was well-received. Many critics and film enthusiasts have even said that the film is of great relevance today. With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been praised for its technical artistry and unforgettable messages.
28 Days Later (2002)
Many have credited this Danny Boyle film from 2002 with helping revitalize the zombie film genre. This is despite the fact it is actually about a virus rather than about zombies.
The film stars Cillian Murphy as a man only known as Jim, who wakes up from a coma. A mere 28 days before he woke up, a virus spread across England and caused the collapse of humanity. Now, with the help of people he meets along the way, Jim aims to survive in the new world.
A low-budget film, costing only around $8 million to produce, 28 Days Later is a financial success, grossing over 10 times internationally. The film currently has an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes. A sequel titled 28 Weeks Later was released in 2007.
Mad Max (1979)
This is the first film in the series of the same name. Mel Gibson stars as “Mad” Max Rockatansky, a police officer out for revenge. The setting is in Australia whose on the verge of collapse due to dwindling oil supplies. Max becomes a vigilante following the murder of his family, using a modified Ford Falcon, dubbed the Pursuit Special, in pursuing the gang that crossed him.
Gibson was an unknown actor at the time of his casting. He had just graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art and got the lead role following an audition. The film’s limited budget resulted in many cost-cutting decisions. This included the casting of local actors, as well as biker gang extras riding to Melbourne in place of transport.
Although fans and critics highly regard the film today, it initially had a polarizing reception upon release in 1979. It however proved to be a box office success. At the time of its release, it held the record for the highest box-office gross-to-budget ratio for any film. It has since become one of the best end-of-the-world movies ever made. That is if you count apocalyptic movies as end-of-the-world movies. It currently has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.