End of the World Movies – The Ultimate Guide To Enjoying the Apocalyptic Genre
The end of the world movie genre has captivated audiences for decades. From post-apocalyptic dystopias to the onslaught of asteroids, there’s something about watching a big-budget calamity that’s strangely appealing. Whether you’re a diehard disaster fan or a casual moviegoer, these end of the world movies explore the human psyche in a way that only the apocalypse can.
What Exactly is an End of the World Movie?
An end of the world movie is a genre of feature film that explores the arrival or aftermath of a global calamity, often in the form of a catastrophic event that brings about the extinction of life as we know it. The film’s narrative will generally focus on how its characters cope with the situation and how they attempt to fight against or escape the oncoming doom.
The Most Famous End of the World Movies
The end of the world genre has produced some of the most iconic films of all time, from ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ to ‘Armageddon’. Here’s a list of some of the most famous end of the world movies you should definitely check out.
Armageddon (1998)
This classic blockbuster film about a NASA-led mission to destroy the incoming asteroid Armageddon has become a defining movie in the end of the world genre. With an all-star cast, including Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck, it’s no wonder why this movie was a massive hit.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
This action-packed sci-fi disaster film is led by Dennis Quaid as he attempts to save his son from the rising flood waters created by the sudden onset of a new ice age. It’s a thrilling journey that’s well worth the watch.
Independence Day (1996)
This iconic science-fiction classic follows Will Smith as he’s tasked with taking on an incoming alien threat that’s set to annihilate Earth. It’s a popcorn movie classic that’s guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
This intense post-apocalyptic action film follows Max Rockatansky as he embarks on a journey to save Imperator Furiosa from a tyrannical warlord. It’s a thrilling ride that’s full of high-octane stunts and will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Best End of the World Movies of the Past Decade
Although most classic end of the world movies are from the 90s and 80s, there have been some great additions to the genre in recent years. Here are the must-watch end of the world movies of the past decade.
A Quiet Place (2018)
This post-apocalyptic horror film follows a family as they attempt to survive in a world dominated by monsters with a heightened sense of hearing. It’s a gripping film with amazing performances by John Krasinski and Emily Blunt.
Bird Box (2018)
This post-apocalyptic psychological horror film follows Sandra Bullock as she embarks on a dangerous mission to find sanctuary in a world plagued by mysterious and dangerous supernatural creatures.
Interstellar (2014)
This science-fiction epic directed by Christopher Nolan explores a space-travel mission to find a planet suitable for humanity’s survival after the Earth has become uninhabitable. It’s a visually stunning film with a poignant and thought-provoking story.
The Mist (2007)
This post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Frank Darabont features a small town attempting to survive an unexplained mist that hides terrifying monsters. It’s a creepy, suspenseful film that’ll make you think twice about stepping outside.
Must-Watch End of the World Movies for Kids
Although end of the world movies are not typically appropriate for young viewers, there are some great movies in the genre that are suitable for kids. Here are some of our top picks.
9 (2009)
This visually stunning post-apocalyptic stop-motion animated film follows a group of sentient rag dolls as they attempt to escape the clutches of an evil ruler. It’s a thrilling adventure that’s sure to keep younger viewers entertained.
WALL-E (2008)
This sci fi Pixar classic follows WALL-E, a robot, as he embarks on an incredible journey across a post-apocalyptic, uninhabitable Earth. It’s an emotional rollercoaster filled with some truly stunning visuals.
Charlotte’s Web (2006)
An adaptation of the classic children’s book, this movie follows Wilbur the pig who, with the help of a spider named Charlotte, must save his life from the oncoming slaughter. It’s a timeless story that’s perfect for family viewing.
The Iron Giant (1999)
This classic animated post-apocalyptic film follows a giant robot as he befriends a young boy and defends his town from an evil government agent. It’s an exciting and poignant story about friendship that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.
Best End of the World Movies For Thrill Seekers
If you’re a thrill seeker in search of an adrenaline-pumping movie, the end of the world genre has you covered. Here are some of the best end of the world movies for fans of adrenaline-pumping entertainment.
Oblivion (2013)
This post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller follows a drone repairman who finds himself struggling to make sense of his past after a catastrophic event changes the world. It’s an action-packed sci-fi adventure with some sweet visual effects.
Snowpiercer (2013)
This sci-fi action-thriller follows the final survivors of a global freeze on a supernatural train ride. It’s a thrilling ride with some amazing fight scenes and an intense story that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I Am Legend (2006)
This post-apocalyptic action-horror film follows Will Smith as he attempts to survive in an infested world. It’s a thrilling movie that’s full of suspense and excitement.
The Road (2009)
This post-apocalyptic drama follows a father and son as they travel a dangerous road in search of safety. It’s an emotional journey that’s sure to keep you captivated until the very end.
The end of the world genre is full of captivating, exciting, and emotionally charged stories that explore how humanity faces apocalyptic destruction. From classic hits like ‘Armageddon’ to modern-day masterpieces like ‘A Quiet Place’, there are plenty of end of the world movies out there that are sure to captivate and entertain. So, no matter what your tastes are, you’re sure to find an end of the world movie that’ll keep you glued to the screen.
