The 80+ Best Apocalyptic Movies

Ranker Film
Updated April 25, 2024 100.9K views 90 items
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Vote for your personal favorite Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction films, regardless of how popular or successful they were at the box office.
Latest additions: Arcadian, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Bird Box Barcelona
Most divisive: The Time Machine
Over 2.6K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 80+ Best Apocalyptic Movies

Over 2,500 movie fans have voted to shape these rankings of the best apocalyptic fiction movies. Post-apocalyptic films explore life after a global cataclysm or disaster event, where humanity must learn to survive in a changed world while also dealing with its own inner turmoil. From Mad Max: Fury Road to The Matrix, and beyond, audiences have been captivated by tales of survival set against an otherworldly backdrop.

Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later and Mel Gibson's Mad Max - both featuring thrilling action sequences depicting characters' struggle for survival in dystopian futures. Additionally, The Book of Eli offers viewers a thought-provoking exploration into what would be most valuable when the world ends while James Cameron’s classic Terminator franchise remains one of cinema’s most iconic post-apocalyptic stories over 30 years later. Help us determine the definitive ranking of these thrilling post-apocalyptic films by voting up your favorites.

  • 28 Days Later
    1

    28 Days Later

    Cillian Murphy, Noah Huntley, Naomie Harris
    1,002 votes
    In the suspenseful thriller 28 Days Later, London bike courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakens from a coma in an abandoned hospital. He finds the city eerily deserted, save for infected humans ravaged by a mysterious virus. Meeting a small group of survivors, including the stalwart Selena (Naomie Harris), they navigate the post-apocalyptic landscape, clinging to hope. Directed by Danny Boyle, this film masterfully combines elements of horror and drama, presenting a chilling scenario of societal collapse due to a relentless pandemic. Its raw depiction of survival amidst chaos earned critical acclaim and notable box-office success.
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  • Blade Runner
    2

    Blade Runner

    Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young
    792 votes
    In Blade Runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a seasoned blade runner, undertakes an assignment that plunges him into the dystopian underbelly of future Los Angeles. His mission? To hunt down and retire rogue replicants - bioengineered beings virtually indistinguishable from humans. Amidst this grim task, he encounters Rachael (Sean Young), a special replicant who triggers a spiral of existential questions. Directed by Ridley Scott, this neo-noir science fiction film is acclaimed for its thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human, set against a backdrop of striking visual effects and haunting music. A must-watch classic in the genre.
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  • The Book of Eli
    3

    The Book of Eli

    Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis
    988 votes
    In the post-apocalyptic thriller The Book of Eli, Denzel Washington stars as Eli, a solitary wanderer in a desolate, scorched landscape. His life revolves around a mysterious book he carries - the last of its kind. Gary Oldman plays Carnegie, an obsessive despot who covets Eli's book for his own nefarious purposes. The film is an intriguing blend of action and drama, punctuated by clashes between Eli's faith-driven mission and Carnegie's ruthless ambition. A unique exploration of morality amid chaos, The Book of Eli offers an engrossing narrative set against the stark backdrop of humanity's aftermath. It's survivalism meets spirituality, underpinned by standout performances from Washington and Oldman.
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  • Zombieland
    4

    Zombieland

    Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
    929 votes
    In a world overrun by zombies, Zombieland offers a thrilling comedic ride. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a nerdy college student, pairs up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), an unapologetic cowboy. They're joined by Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), sisters with their own survival tactics. Together, they navigate their way across the zombie-infested United States in search of a safe haven. This 2009 horror-comedy is known for its unique blend of apocalyptic dread and humor, earning it critical acclaim as well as commercial success.
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  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day
    5

    Terminator 2: Judgment Day

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong
    924 votes
    In this sequel set eleven years after "The Terminator," young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the key to civilization's victory over a future robot uprising, is the target of the shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick), a Terminator sent from the future to kill him. Another Terminator, the revamped T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger), has been sent back to protect the boy. As John and his mother (Linda Hamilton) go on the run with the T-800, the boy forms an unexpected bond with the robot.
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  • Mad Max 2
    6

    Mad Max 2

    Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Emil Minty
    942 votes
    In Mad Max 2, the world has been ravaged by a catastrophic energy crisis, leaving society in shambles. Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson), a former highway patrol officer turned survivalist, roams the desolate Australian wasteland. He reluctantly agrees to help a small, gasoline-rich community escape from a horde of bandits led by the merciless Lord Humungus (Kjell Nilsson). The film, brimming with high-octane action and post-apocalyptic imagery, won the Saturn Award for Best International Film in 1982. It's an adrenaline-fueled ride that explores themes of survival and sacrifice amidst chaos.
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  • Mad Max: Fury Road
    7

    Mad Max: Fury Road

    Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult
    853 votes
    In the dystopian spectacle Mad Max: Fury Road, Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) finds himself embroiled in a frantic chase across the apocalyptic wasteland. Caught up with him is Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a resilient woman on a mission to free the Five Wives from their captor, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). The film, directed by George Miller, is a high-octane action thriller that pushes boundaries of cinematic storytelling. A whirlwind of explosive stunts, it won six Academy Awards including Best Production Design and Best Film Editing.
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  • Mad Max
    8

    Mad Max

    Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne
    854 votes
    In the dystopian, action-packed Mad Max, Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) grapples with a lawless, post-apocalyptic world. A former highway patrol officer turned reluctant hero, Max navigates a barren wasteland where fuel and water are scarce commodities. He contends with marauding gangs of ruthless, motorized vandals led by the vicious Toecutter (Hugh Keays-Byrne). Directed by George Miller, this Australian cult classic set new standards for on-screen car chases and stunts, winning six Australian Film Institute Awards. As Max battles to survive, he becomes an iconic symbol of grit and resilience in the face of chaos and despair.
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  • Escape from New York
    9

    Escape from New York

    Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, Adrienne Barbeau
    574 votes
    In the dystopian flick Escape from New York, we're thrust into a future where Manhattan is a maximum-security prison. The protagonist, Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), a renowned ex-soldier turned convict, is given 24 hours to rescue the President of the United States (Donald Pleasence) after Air Force One crashes in this urban wasteland. A thrilling blend of science fiction and action, this film boasts director John Carpenter's signature style - gritty, suspenseful, and unflinchingly raw. It's a high-stakes mission against time and danger, with Snake navigating through treacherous gangs and deadly traps in his quest for survival and redemption.
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  • The Road
    10

    The Road

    Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron
    810 votes
    In the bleak, post-apocalyptic movie The Road, a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) traverse an ashen landscape. Their world, ravaged by an unspecified cataclysm, is devoid of civilization. The pair press on in their journey towards the coast, clinging to hope. They encounter scarce resources and dangerous nomadic gangs, their survival hinging on their wits and the strength of their bond. Directed by John Hillcoat, this adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer-winning novel presents a stark exploration of humanity's struggle for existence in a devastated world.
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  • The Matrix
    11

    The Matrix

    Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
    944 votes
    Neo (Keanu Reeves) believes that Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), an elusive figure considered to be the most dangerous man alive, can answer his question -- What is the Matrix? Neo is contacted by Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), a beautiful stranger who leads him into an underworld where he meets Morpheus. They fight a brutal battle for their lives against a cadre of viciously intelligent secret agents. It is a truth that could cost Neo something more precious than his life.
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  • Planet of the Apes
    12

    Planet of the Apes

    Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter
    731 votes
    Planet of the Apes is a riveting science fiction classic directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. Astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston) finds himself in a world run by evolved apes after a catastrophic spaceship crash. In this upside-down society, humans are mute creatures hunted for sport and used for scientific experiments. The intelligent Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and empathetic Zira (Kim Hunter), two chimpanzee scientists, ally with Taylor in his quest to uncover the planet's earth-shattering secret. A gripping tale that won an honorary Academy Award for its groundbreaking makeup design, Planet of the Apes is a thought-provoking exploration of societal roles and humanity's future.
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  • The Fifth Element
    13

    The Fifth Element

    Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm
    931 votes
    In The Fifth Element, a science fiction spectacle directed by Luc Besson, former special forces soldier Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) finds himself in the middle of a cosmic struggle. He's entrusted with protecting Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), the fifth element and humanity's last hope against a looming evil. The pair, aided by flamboyant radio host Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker), embark on a thrilling race against time. Their quest? To gather four elemental stones and prevent the annihilation of life as we know it. Set in a strikingly imagined 23rd century, this film is an action-packed rollercoaster ride with a touch of comedy.
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  • World War Z
    14

    World War Z

    Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale
    825 votes
    In the gripping film World War Z, Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) finds himself in a desperate race against time. As a former United Nations investigator, his particular set of skills become humanity's last hope in the face of a global zombie pandemic. Unveiling a mosaic of fear and chaos, Lane embarks on a perilous mission, traversing continents to find the source of the outbreak. His journey reveals both the fragility and resilience of human spirit. Directed by Marc Forster, this apocalyptic thriller intertwines suspense with survival horror, crafting an enthralling narrative that keeps viewers on edge till the end.
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  • I Am Legend
    15

    I Am Legend

    Will Smith, Alice Braga, Dash Mihok
    1,015 votes
    In I Am Legend, Robert Neville (Will Smith) finds himself the lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a man-made virus. As a military virologist, Neville's immunity becomes both his curse and potential salvation. He navigates through desolate New York City, his only companions being his loyal dog, Sam, and haunting memories of his family. Striving to reverse the effects of the virus with his own blood, he battles with isolation and relentless nocturnal mutants. His hope persists though as he relentlessly broadcasts radio messages, seeking other survivors. Despite its bleak landscape, this sci-fi thriller encapsulates a gripping tale of survival, resilience, and unyielding hope.
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  • Dawn of the Dead
    16

    Dawn of the Dead

    David Emge, Ken Foree, Gaylen Ross
    717 votes
    A mysterious plague turns the recently deceased into flesh-eating zombies. A small group, including two Philadelphia SWAT team members (Ken Foree and Scott Reiniger), seek refuge in a suburban shopping mall. As the undead horde grows, tensions rise within the group and the external threat becomes more dire.
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  • 12 Monkeys
    17

    12 Monkeys

    Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt
    678 votes
    In the dystopian sci-fi thriller 12 Monkeys, James Cole (Bruce Willis), a convict from a post-apocalyptic future, is sent back in time on a mission to prevent a deadly virus outbreak. Guided by cryptic messages from a group known as the 'Army of the 12 Monkeys', he navigates through the past accompanied by psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe). As they delve deeper into the mystery, their paths cross with Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), an unhinged animal rights activist. Directed by Terry Gilliam, this film received two Oscar nominations and was praised for its intricate plot and compelling performances.
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  • Children of Men
    18

    Children of Men

    Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine
    789 votes
    In the dystopian genre film Children of Men, humanity grapples with infertility, a crisis threatening extinction. The protagonist, Theo Faron (Clive Owen), is a disillusioned bureaucrat who gets entangled in a mission to protect the world's only pregnant woman. Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore), an activist and Theo's ex-lover, leads this desperate quest for survival. The movie, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, won acclaim for its immersive storytelling and technical excellence, particularly its long-take action sequences. It offers a bleak yet poignant exploration of hope amid despair, challenging viewers to reflect on society's resilience in the face of impending doom.
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  • Independence Day
    19

    Independence Day

    Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum
    769 votes
    In the groundbreaking sci-fi action film Independence Day, mankind faces the threat of global destruction at the hands of malevolent extraterrestrials. As cities crumble under colossal alien ships, a disparate group of survivors emerges. Among them is President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), hotshot pilot Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith), and eccentric scientist David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum). Together, they devise a risky plan to repel the invaders and save humanity. Directed by Roland Emmerich, this 1996 blockbuster was applauded for its impressive special effects and won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
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  • WALL-E
    20

    WALL-E

    Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
    665 votes
    In the post-apocalyptic, deserted Earth of this film, WALL-E (Ben Burtt) is a robot with a singular task: clean up. His solitude is disrupted by EVE (Elissa Knight), a sleek reconnaissance robot. The plot unfolds as WALL-E's fascination with EVE leads him on an interstellar journey that will determine the fate of mankind. A Pixar creation directed by Andrew Stanton, this animated science fiction film has bagged an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, among other accolades. It's a captivating blend of romance and adventure, underpinned by profound environmental themes.
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  • 28 Weeks Later
    21

    28 Weeks Later

    Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner
    592 votes
    In the genre-defining horror sequel, 28 Weeks Later, we find ourselves back in the desolate landscape of infection-ravaged Britain. The tale unfolds around Don (Robert Carlyle), a survivor who's managed to escape the deadly virus that decimated his homeland. Now, 28 weeks later, as NATO forces believe they've regained control, Don is reunited with his children, Tammy (Imogen Poots) and Andy (Mackintosh Muggleton). However, their reunion is short-lived as a carrier of the virus enters London, triggering another outbreak. In this gripping narrative, survival becomes a race against time amidst chaos and carnage.
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  • Soylent Green
    22

    Soylent Green

    Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Leigh Taylor-Young
    335 votes
    Soylent Green is a dystopian thriller, set in an overpopulated 2022 New York City. The story follows police detective Frank Thorn (Charlton Heston) and his elderly roommate Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson), as they navigate the scarcity-ridden world where Soylent Green, a high-protein food product, is humanity's main sustenance. As Thorn investigates the murder of a wealthy businessman, he uncovers a shocking secret about Soylent Green. Directed by Richard Fleischer, this movie is well-known for its commentary on environmentalism and overpopulation. Despite its bleak depiction, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation in 1974.
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  • V for Vendetta
    23

    V for Vendetta

    Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea
    404 votes
    V for Vendetta is a provocative dystopian political thriller. In this film, Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked vigilante known only as V (Hugo Weaving). Set in an alternative future where a totalitarian government has seized control of the United Kingdom, V ignites a revolution when he detonates two London landmarks and takes over the state-run television network, urging his fellow citizens to rise up against oppression and tyranny. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious past, she also discovers her own path to personal freedom. The film won Saturn Award for Best Actress and Best Horror Film.
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  • Night of the Living Dead
    24

    Night of the Living Dead

    Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman
    605 votes
    In the chilling film, Night of the Living Dead, an unexpected menace threatens the safety of rural Pennsylvania. Directed by George A. Romero, this horror classic brings together a motley crew of strangers in a farmhouse. Among them, Ben (Duane Jones) emerges as a leader, attempting to strategize their survival against an onslaught of reanimated corpses, known as zombies. As the night wears on, tensions within the group escalate almost as horrifyingly as the relentless external threat. This black-and-white masterpiece is not only a pioneering film in the zombie genre but also a stark commentary on societal norms and prejudices of its time.
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  • The Day After Tomorrow
    25

    The Day After Tomorrow

    Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ian Holm
    665 votes
    In the thrilling disaster film, The Day After Tomorrow, Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid), a paleoclimatologist, sets out on a daring mission to rescue his son Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal) amidst a sudden and extreme shift in global climate. The world plunges into a new Ice Age almost overnight, leaving cities frozen and societies in chaos. Meanwhile, Sam and his friends hunker down in the New York Public Library, battling against time and the biting cold. Directed by Roland Emmerich, this movie is a chilling tale of survival against nature's most brutal forces.
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  • Reign of Fire
    26

    Reign of Fire

    Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Izabella Scorupco
    540 votes
    In the post-apocalyptic film Reign of Fire, Quinn Abercromby (Christian Bale) leads a band of survivors in London, striving to exist amidst the devastation wrought by dragons. These fire-breathing beasts, awakened from centuries-long slumber, have scorched the earth, leaving humanity on the brink of extinction. Enter Denton Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey), an audacious American with a daring plan to eradicate the dragon menace. This gripping tale marries fantasy and action genres, offering viewers a thrilling ride through a dystopian world where survival hinges not just on courage, but also cunning strategy against an ancient adversary.
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  • The Mist
    27

    The Mist

    Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden
    471 votes
    The Mist, a gripping horror film, presents the tale of David Drayton (Thomas Jane), an everyday man living in Maine. When a violent storm yields an eerie mist enveloping the town, he and his young son, Billy (Nathan Gamble), along with their neighbors, find refuge in a local supermarket. As unseen creatures lurk within the shrouded fog outside, terror rises inside among the trapped townsfolk. Directed by Frank Darabont, this Stephen King adaptation explores societal breakdown under supernatural circumstances, while showcasing Marcia Gay Harden's award-winning performance as Mrs. Carmody, a fervent believer in divine punishment.
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  • The Omega Man
    28

    The Omega Man

    Charlton Heston, Anthony Zerbe, Rosalind Cash
    511 votes
    In the post-apocalyptic movie The Omega Man, Robert Neville (Charlton Heston) is seemingly the last human in a virus-ravaged Los Angeles. With his immune blood, he grapples with survival against nocturnal mutants known as The Family. Directed by Boris Sagal, this 1971 sci-fi thriller explores themes of isolation and perseverance. While Neville navigates through desolate landscapes, he encounters Lisa (Rosalind Cash), another survivor, adding an unexpected dynamic to his solitary existence. A gripping narrative unfolds as they fight for survival while seeking a cure for humanity's plight.
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  • Logan's Run
    29

    Logan's Run

    Michael York, Jenny Agutter, Richard Jordan
    446 votes
    In the dystopian future of Logan's Run, life ends at 30. Logan 5 (Michael York) is a Sandman, tasked with enforcing this rule. Jessica 6 (Jenny Agutter), a citizen desperate for survival, leads Logan to question his beliefs and the system's morality. As they journey through a world past its expiration date, they encounter Box (Roscoe Lee Browne), an android with sinister intentions. This sci-fi classic, directed by Michael Anderson, won an Academy Award for its innovative visual effects, offering audiences a chilling glimpse into a possible future defined by ageism and artificial control.
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  • snowpiercer
    30

    snowpiercer

    Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton
    535 votes
    In Snowpiercer, a dystopian thriller, the remnants of humanity (post-apocalyptic ice age) reside aboard a perpetually moving train. Curtis Everett (Chris Evans), a passenger from the impoverished tail section, leads a rebellion against the oppressive front car passengers. Namgoong Minsoo (Song Kang-ho), a security specialist, aids in their tumultuous journey. Tilda Swinton shines as Minister Mason, the train's cruel authority figure. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film won multiple awards for its vivid storytelling and stark social commentary. Its unique premise and memorable characters make it an engaging watch.
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