10 Fascinating Apocalypse Movies to Watch on Netflix This Weekend
From natural disasters to human-made horrors, this is prepared by SSP.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Based on Rumaan Alam's novel, this film features two families uniting during a cyberterror attack that disrupts society. Director Sam Esmail aims to tap into real-world fears through Leave the World Behind, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s company. The film highlights the chilling reality of life without technology.
Badland Hunters (2024)
The latest entry on this list is also among the bloodiest. Ma Dong-seok (known from Train to Busan) portrays a rugged hunter trying to save a teenager from a mad scientist. This rescue mission unfolds three years after a devastating earthquake left Seoul in chaos.
Director Heo Myeong-haeng, a former stuntman, fills Badland Hunters with stunning fight scenes typical of Korean action films. Details like super soldiers and zombies complement the action-packed storyline. Dong-seok delivers an engaging performance that keeps the action exciting.
Zombieland (2009)
Regarded as a classic in the zombie apocalypse genre, Zombieland offers comedy, action, and romance. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and Abigail Breslin, it portrays a dysfunctional family navigating a devastated America while confronting a hungry zombie population.
An EW critic noted the film's "snarky banter and pop culture references." Fans will enjoy the surprising celebrity cameo, adding joy to repeat viewings.
Godzilla: Monster Planet (2017)
In this anime masterpiece, titled Godzilla: Monster Planet, humanity grapples with the aftermath of Gojira's rampage. Set 20,000 years later, a group of refugees returns to a desolate Earth, only to confront long-forgotten terrors.
Directors Hiroyuki Seshita and Kôbun Shizuno deliver exceptionally crafted visuals in this reimagined monster tale. This entry kicks off a trilogy that includes Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle and Godzilla: The Planet Eater, both also available on Netflix.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
In Don’t Look Up, a mega-comet heralds a doom linked to fame and misinformation, threatening Earth. EW's critic described it as a "winking indictment of climate-change deniers." Director Adam McKay created this satire to expose society's neglect of climate issues.
The film showcases a star-studded cast, including Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. Their collective talent adds weight to this story of an impending disaster amidst superficial pursuits.
The Bad Batch (2016)
This film, directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, blends love and cannibalism in a chaotic post-apocalyptic narrative. After an uncertain apocalypse, protagonist Arlen (Suki Waterhouse) finds herself in a territory inhabited by cannibals and extremists.
In this bizarre setting, she encounters eccentric characters, exemplified by performances from Keanu Reeves and Giovanni Ribisi. The film balances unsettling themes with a compelling storyline.
The Worthy (2016)
In this Arabic thriller, a group of survivors fights for resources when a political faction poisons the water supply. Produced by the team behind Insidious and The Conjuring, the film showcases survival's brutal realities.
Emirati director Ali F Mostafa operated on a tight budget, creating a gripping tale centered on despair and human conflict. The story illustrates darker sides often revealed during apocalyptic times.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
Anthony Clooney helms, stars, and co-produces The Midnight Sky, portraying an Arctic scientist trying to protect astronauts from a global catastrophe.
The film was shot in Iceland, where unpredictable weather posed challenges. Clooney shared, "It was like 40 below, with tricky visibility," adding to the film’s tense atmosphere. His commitment to the role reflects the character's internal struggle.
Bird Box (2018)
Bird Box presents a haunting premise in which humanity navigates survival after a mysterious force drives many to suicide. Director Susanne Bier emphasizes themes of motherhood, highlighting a contemporary female hero—Bullock's character.
EW's critic described Bird Box as "taut and defiantly in the moment." This gripping thriller leaves viewers cautious about everyday luxuries, emphasizing tension in survival scenarios.
I Am Mother (2019)
In this sci-fi-inflected tale, a teenager raised in a bunker faces an existential threat to her sheltered life. After the extinction of humanity, a stranger (Hilary Swank) shatters the young woman's world, raising fundamental questions.
Grant Sputore’s debut combines rich character development with philosophical explorations, offering a thought-provoking narrative. Danish actress Clara Rugaard delivers a memorable performance, transforming the dynamic into a powerful dialogue about survival.
Bonus: The Wave (2015)
Although anticipated, no one is really ready when the mountain pass above the scenic, narrow Norwegian fjord Geiranger collapses and creates an 85-meter high violent tsunami. A geologist is one of those caught in the middle of it.