We’ve always been intrigued by end-of-the-world movies. They captivate us with the human experiences they portray and the mix of action, terror, and emotions they evoke. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best apocalyptic movies.
The list is arranged chronologically, from the most recent to the oldest films. Get ready for an intense cinematic journey!
Best End of the World Movies
1. Don’t Look Up (2021)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Science Fiction
Available on: Netflix
A couple of astronomers make a terrifying discovery. A planet-destroying asteroid is headed for Earth, and they must tell the world. The problem? Neither the government nor the media seem to believe them. In this satire on the human condition, we follow two perfectly sane people who slowly lose all empathy for the rest of the world when they realize that no matter how much hard evidence they present if they don’t want to believe what they say, they will not.
2. Bird Box (2020)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction
Available on: Netflix
A mysterious force is decimating humanity, and the only thing known is that you will want to end your own life by seeing it.
When Malorie, the protagonist, receives news of a sanctuary, she decides to undertake a dangerous journey to safety. Still, she must journey with her two young children and her eyes completely covered.
3. The Wandering Earth (2019)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Available on: Netflix
The sun is dying. Because of this, the governments of all nations have built machines that can take the Earth out of orbit to find a new star system. But it’s a long journey, and once Earth begins to get closer to the planet Jupiter, danger begins to rear its head. This story takes place in the 37 hours in which a catastrophe can occur, and we will follow a family that will have to embark on a dangerous rescue mission.
4. A Quiet Place (2018)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Science Fiction
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime
The earth is being stalked by dangerous, invincible predators whose origin may be extraterrestrial. We will follow the Abbott family, who needs to survive in the abandoned concrete jungle of New York. This city is full of traps everywhere when the new order of humanity is to live in complete silence.
These predators alert you to your presence through sound, and after 12 months, it’s still hard to follow and learn all the necessary rules of survival on this version of Earth.
5. Train to Busan (2016)
Genre: Action, Horror, Suspense
Available at: Amazon Prime
An absent father is forced to accompany his daughter on a three-way trip to Busan, where her mother lives. Once on the train, chaos ensues in the small metal prison when a female passenger with a violent and cannibalistic attitude gets on the train.
One by one, the passengers fall, and the paternal instinct takes over our protagonist. His sole purpose is to get his daughter to a safe place safely. But there don’t seem to be any in sight.
6. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Available at: Amazon Prime
Trapped in a post-apocalyptic desert, a group of women tries to flee from a tyrant. This is Furiosa, responsible for finding gasoline for Immortan Joe, her “owner” and employer. But in reality, Furiosa has taken with her the women Immortan has marked as the mothers of his children.
On the way, they will meet Max, kidnapped by the Wild Boys, henchmen of the same tyrant. They will have to work together and trust each other’s abilities to survive the pursuit of the man they are both running from.
7. The World’s End (2013)
Genre: Comedy, Action, Science Fiction
Available at: Lionsgate Plus, Amazon Prime
A group of friends get together to fulfill a teenage whim. They plan to wander from bar to bar all night until they reach one called The End of the World, the last step on the ride. There are 12 bars in total, and at 40 years old, many doubt they can finish the tour.
As they walk, they talk about memories of the past and their youth, but little by little, as the trip progresses, they realize that the future is uncertain for them and all humanity. And getting to that last bar will become the least of your worries.
8. Snowpiercer (2013)
Genre: Comedy, Action, Science Fiction
Available in: Amazon Prime
The film is set in 2031, 17 years after the Earth was frozen to combat global warming. All but a few human life now lives in an “ark”, a revolutionary train built by a train buff. The train goes around the world on a continuous track once a year.
Curtis, a resident of the back of the train, wants to try another revolution. Along the way, they have to co-opt Namgoong Minsoo to his cause. Curtis and his team try to fight their way from one car to another, from the tail to the front.
9. World War Z (2013)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Horror
Available in: Not available on streaming services
Brad Pitt plays a retired United Nations investigator named Gerry Lane. He becomes caught up in the outbreak of a highly contagious virus that turns those who contract it into frenzied zombie-like creatures. His former colleagues recruit him to find a solution, but things get complicated.
After being stranded in Cardiff and Jerusalem, Gerry heads to a World Health Organization outpost where the few remaining scientists have reached a dead end. However, Gerry’s experiences in Jerusalem lead him to realize that it could be humanity’s last hope.
10. Seeking a Friend For the End of the World (2012)
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Available in: Movistar Plus
Humanity knows that the greatest efforts have already been made to save it from its inevitable fate, but this meteorite is not stopping. In three weeks, it will hit the earth. People are trying to deal with the end times, and Dodge Petersen is abandoned by his wife, without explanation, three weeks before the world’s end.
When Dodge meets his British neighbor, Penny Lockhart, he discovers she is a hyper-insomniac obsessed with vinyl. Thanks to this new friendship, she decides to journey to find her first love and confess what she felt before the world ends. And together, they will establish a connection that they both desperately need at such a crucial moment.
11. Contagion (2011)
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Available at: Amazon Prime
A woman returns home from a business trip to Hong Kong. After a couple of days, she begins to have symptoms of fever and malaise until she finally convulses and is taken to the hospital. There they fail to stabilize her, and sadly, she dies. Everyone who has had contact with her is quarantined, starting with her husband.
Eventually, their son dies after a fever with a headache. Meanwhile, health officials are beginning to study the possibility of a new, highly contagious flu-like illness. We will see various cases worldwide and how the planet plunges into uncontrollable chaos. And the authorities don’t know what kind of virus they’re dealing with, but they don’t want to cause mass hysteria.
12. Melancholia (2011)
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction
Available in: Not available on streaming platforms
Justine should be happy as it is her wedding day to the man of her dreams, Michael. But Ella Justine suffers from a clinical depression plaguing her, and even on her wedding day, he cannot control it. Her sister has paid for all the luxuries to celebrate the day, but it’s impossible for Justine to feel happy when her sanity is so failing.
After the ceremony, her sister’s husband tells them about Melancholy, a planet that will pass close to the Earth but will not make contact with it. Justine becomes obsessed with the planet, which even though scientists promise that there is no danger, she is convinced that it is possible to crash into Earth.
13. The Crazies (2010)
Genre: Adventure, Terror
Available at: Amazon Prime
A small town in Idaho is plunged into chaos when different inhabitants demonstrate violent and homicidal attitudes. After a series of homicides, murders, and arson, the local sheriff investigates the origin of this behavior and finds a plane hidden inside the woods.
It is said that the plane was carrying a biological weapon that could be causing this out of control, but those involved in the vehicle accident decided that no one else could know about the matter. Thus, the sheriff and his team see their lives threatened while madness takes over the inhabitants of Pierce County.
14. 2012 (2009)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Available at: Movistar Plus
The American geologist Adrian Helmsley warned governments about a possible catastrophe in 2012. This is due to unprecedented radiation and solar storms, which cause the earth’s center to heat up to unimaginable levels.
Governments have been commissioned to build arks to safeguard part of humanity in Tibet. After the cataclysm begins, we follow an author from Los Angeles, Jackson Curtis, who wants to reunite with the family he formed with his ex-wife before the end of the world.
15. The Road (2009)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Available at: Amazon Prime
A father and son walk together through a devastated landscape. A cataclysmic event wiped out much of the earth, and constant earthquakes are the serendipitous occurrence that reminds everyone that the danger is not over. The father wishes to find a safe place to live with his son, who was born after the apocalypse, but in this land, where nomads, thieves and even cannibals roam, they have learned not to trust anyone.
His idea is to reach the coast, but with so many people looking for shelter, food and fuel, the journey will be treacherous and dangerous. For this reason, the father has a gun with two bullets to his credit, to decide if dying together will be better than living in this abandoned whereabouts of humanity.
16. Cloverfield (2008)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Horror
Available on: Netflix, HBO Max
Rob and his friends are celebrating Rob’s impending departure for Japan when all hell breaks loose in New York City. A massive explosion and the arrival of a huge scaly creature will abruptly interrupt the festivities. Everything is recorded through the lens of a handheld camcorder amidst the chaos and destruction. In the end, where did this invader come from, and, above all, is there any chance of survival?
17. The Mist (2007)
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Suspense
Available on: Movistar Plus
Based on a Stephen King novel called Project Arrowhead . A military experiment gone awry opened an interdimensional rift, unleashing unthinkable creatures on the Maine town.
A group of customers are trapped in a supermarket for days as they fight for survival against the creatures lurking outside. Outside, a mysterious fog lurks to leave them without any proper shelter while infighting begins to complicate their stay. But will they really be safe if they leave the supermarket walls?
18. I Am Legend (2007)
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Suspense
Available on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime
The film is based on a novel of the same name by Richard Matheson. The main character, Robert Neville, is the last man on Earth struggling to survive while fending off the infected survivors of a devastating plague. He was a successful scientist, but after the catastrophe, he became immune to the virus that affects everyone else.
During the day, he scours the city for food and supplies while sending out desperate radio messages hoping that someone will respond. At night, she tries to reverse the effects of the virus by experimenting on her own blood.
19. 28 Weeks Later (2007)
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction,
Available at: Disney+
Six defiant months after the horrifying events of Extermination, when the unstoppable “rabies virus” decimated the entire city of London, the US military has restored order and is repopulating the city under quarantine.
However, after the first wave of returning refugees, an unsuspecting carrier of the highly transmissible pathogen enters the dead city and unknowingly reignites the spread of the deadly infection. In fact, the virus is not dead yet, and this time, it is more dangerous than ever. Will the nightmare start again?
20. Sunshine (2007)
Genre: Science Fiction, Suspense
Available in: Not available on streaming services
The sun is dying and when it does, that will mean the end of life on Earth. In 2050, Icarus I was the name given to a human space mission to get close to the sun, bombard it, and turn it back on. Icarus I disappeared without a trace, unable to complete the mission.
It’s 2057 and Icarus II, with a crew of eight, each crew member with a specific role, is making one last attempt to resurrect the sun. But during their journey, they discover a distress signal from Icarus I. This could mean life or death for them and those on Earth.
21. Children of Men (2006)
Genre: Action, Drama, Science Fiction
Available on: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
In London 2027, humans have been unable to reproduce for an unknown reason. This means the imminent extinction of the species. Britain is the only civilized society left on the planet, so it has become a police state to handle immigrants placed in refugee camps.
Theo Faron, a government bureaucrat, is approached by the Fishes, considered a terrorist group led by his ex-wife. They agree to transport an immigrant to the coast. Still, as they progress on their journey, Theo discovers the importance of his traveling companion and raises further doubts about whether his destiny exists.
22. War of the Worlds (2005)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Available on: HBO Max
Ray Ferrier, a New Jersey dockworker, has failed as a husband and father. He is distant with his troubled teenage son, Robbie, and his young daughter, Rachel. Ray strives to build bridges with his children while he shares custody with his ex-wife. But that same visiting weekend, mysterious electromagnetic pulses and violent lightning begin to strike the area where they are.
A full-scale invasion by a technologically advanced alien species wreaks havoc on a completely defenseless Earth. Ray wants to protect his family from him and reunite them with his mother before it’s too late.
23. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Available at: Disney+
A scientist in charge of studying the planet’s weather patterns is convinced that a second Ice Age is coming. This is due to global warming, and Jack Hall, the scientist, will try to convince the government that his suspicions should be taken seriously.
Sadly, this is not the case, as his claims could jeopardize the current administration. Because of this, he is completely ignored, but another scientist overhears his claims and feels that he may be right.
After receiving an alarming call from a weather monitor, he tries to warn the government again, and they decide to issue a transfer warning to the population. Meanwhile, Hall discovers that her son is alone in New York. Will she be able to reach him and flee in time?
24. 28 Days Later (2002)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Science Fiction
Available in: Not available on streaming platforms
This is a story of survival and about the heroic yet wild nature of humanity. Jim wakes up from a coma, alone, in an abandoned hospital. On his way out, he discovers that London is deserted, apparently without a soul.
Prior to this, we see a scene about monkeys that appear to be infected with a virus that causes uncontrollable rage. They are freed by animal rights activists, ignoring the warnings of scientists. Jim is rescued from a zombie-infested church by a couple who explain to him the current state of humanity.
25. Deep Impact (1998)
Genre: Action, Drama, Science Fiction
Available on: Youtube Premium
A team of scientists is sent into space to destroy a comet on a collision course with Earth. This is an Extinction Level Event. If the mission fails, special measures will be implemented to ensure the future of humanity. Many people deal with their fears and reflect on their future as the space mission progresses.
26. Armageddon (1998)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Available at: Disney+
After a space mission loses all contact with Earth, NASA concludes that the reason is a dangerous event that could wipe out Earth. It is about an asteroid that is about to collide with the planet, and the only way to stop it is with a drill that will perforate it to put a nuclear weapon inside.
The NASA team hires the best to do the job, but the people of Earth start to panic when they discover the news. The stability of society hangs by a thread, and the men hired for the job are not immune to their own problems, even though their mission is so important.
27. Last Night (1998)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Available in: Not available on streaming platforms
When the millennium ends, humanity will finish with it. At least, in Toronto, that’s the idea. It is known that by midnight it will be the end of time, and many people decide to spend their last hours of life accomplishing to-do lists. A woman named Sandra will be unable to achieve her mission when she becomes stranded, and she will have to ask for help.
In the process, she will meet Patrick, a widower who has decided to spend this last day alone. The woman asks him to help her cross the city to meet her husband and fulfill their pact for the world’s end, nipping Patrick’s plans in the bud.
28. Independence Day (1996)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Available in: Not available on streaming platforms
A fleet of alien ships has covered the moon and entered the earth’s atmosphere. Their violent invasion attempt has caused thousands of deaths, and the US government is looking for a way to exact revenge. Their technology is more advanced, they are highly hostile and appear to be protected by virtually indestructible materials.
Humanity will try to take one last step to defend itself in an unforgettable Fourth of July. He will have the support of the militia and a group of brave volunteers who want to give a last heroic blow for humanity.
29. 12 Monkeys (1996)
Genre: Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense
Available on: YouTube Premium
In 12 Monkeys, we follow James Cole, a psychiatric patient admitted to a mental instuon in 1990. The reason behind his confinement is what he proclaims. He claims to be a time traveler whose mission is to prevent a plague that will destroy humanity by the year 2035.
Despite not believing him, his psychologist realizes there is more to him than his apparent madness. When James meets another patient, a man named Jeffrey Goines, the events that will trigger their encounter will be breathtaking. With all the clues leading to a group of activists called the Army of the Twelve Monkeys, is what Cole says true?
30. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Available on: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
Matthew Bennell is an inspector, and Elizabeth Driscoll is a microbiologist. They both work in the public health department in the food division. One day, Elizabeth notices that her boyfriend begins to act in such strange ways that she thinks he has been replaced by someone else. In addition, she realizes that she has meetings with strangers who act similarly.
After believing it to be a conspiracy, he convinces Matthew to investigate, but what he finds out sounds so far-fetched that it’s impossible to believe. Yes, humans are being replaced by aliens, and the two are the only ones who have noticed.
