12 Best ‘End Of The World’ Movies Ranked

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It seems that people are captivated by the concept of the end of the world – after all, why else would we produce so many films centered around it? Ranging from “Dawn of the Dead” to “The Day After Tomorrow”, our fascination with witnessing the world’s demise on screen is undeniable. Movies have provided us with numerous interpretations of what a global catastrophe could resemble, encompassing everything from a modest shipwreck to an apocalyptic event as immense as nuclear warfare.

If you’re seeking a marathon of movies depicting an apocalyptic scenario, here are some films worth watching. We won’t delve into the best post-apocalyptic movies overall, but instead, focus on those where the world is shown ending. Any film in which the world has already ceased to exist doesn’t apply. These movies span various genres from Korean horror to comedies with a stoner theme, yet they share one commonality: characters grappling with the impending end of Earth as we currently understand it.

12. Don’t Look Up

In the 2021 Netflix movie “Don’t Look Up”, astronomers Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) find a comet hurtling towards Earth, with certain destruction as its inevitable outcome. Despite having six months to prepare for this catastrophe, the world is woefully unprepared. As they attempt to warn the populace of the impending disaster, politicians dismiss their warnings, media outlets prefer to focus on trivial matters like Celebrity Dance-Offs, and the general public shows little concern about the end of the world.

The movie “Don’t Look Up,” with its unexpected Oscar nominations, skillfully employs its impressive cast. Notably, Mark Rylance delivers an outstanding performance as a tech tycoon who is so repellent that it’s hard to tell if he’s cunningly feigning ignorance to further his plans or if he truly lacks intelligence. The film is hilarious because of its eerie resemblance to real-life situations. Although the comet doesn’t hit until the end, “Don’t Look Up” creates tension by showing the world falling apart well before the comet even appears on the horizon.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep

Director: Adam McKay

Runtime: 2h 18m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 56%

11. Melancholia

The 2011 film “Melancholia” initially appears as a simple drama about a bride grappling with depression at her wedding. However, the narrative takes an unsettling turn. Following her wedding, the protagonist Justine (played by Kirsten Dunst) gazes upward, where a planet named Melancholia is approaching Earth perilously close. Despite reassurances from scientists that Melancholia won’t hit Earth, it continues to appear larger and more ominous in the sky. While others around her are consumed by fears of impending doom or denial, Justine seems surprisingly at peace with this development; in fact, she embraces it.

Kirsten Dunst shines in this role by effortlessly transitioning between a joyful bride, a woman overcome with despair unable to rise from her bed, and a character who accepts death unreservedly. The wedding segments, along with the subsequent family turmoil, are captivating, while the scenes featuring the approaching planet are mesmerizingly hypnotic. Despite occasional slow pacing, “Melancholia” masterfully conveys the intense apprehension and apathy that depression (or the end of the world) can instill.

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgard

Director: Lars Von Trier

Runtime: 2h 10m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%

10. This Is The End

Have you ever pondered how some of your favorite Hollywood stars would fare during an end-of-the-world scenario? Not so great, at least that’s what the movie “This Is The End” suggests. When Seth Rogen (me) and Jay Baruchel (my buddy) get invited to a house party by James Franco (you know, him), things take a turn for the supernatural when a sinkhole opens up leading straight to hell. With this end-of-days event unfolding, we decide to hunker down in Franco’s mansion and wait for help. Whether it’s goofing around with a fake gun or squabbling over the last Milky Way bar, these big-name actors are clearly not cut out for survival in an apocalyptic world.

This Is the End” blends stoner humor with end-of-the-world film elements in a captivating manner. The actors convincingly portray over-the-top caricatures of themselves, with Danny McBride and Michael Cera providing uproarious laughter. Throughout the chaotic apocalyptic scenes, Jay Baruchel serves as an emotional anchor for the audience. If you’ve ever dreamt of witnessing Rihanna being swallowed by a sinkhole or Emma Watson chopping away at Seth Rogen, then this 2013 film is not to be missed.

Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco

Director: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

Runtime: 1h 47m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

9. Leave the World Behind

2023 finds me immersed in a chilling tale, far from the usual alien invasions or apocalyptic comets. Instead, the world’s demise unfolds subtly, almost peacefully. An oil tanker, stranded on a beach under the noon sun, sets the stage for the drama. Mysterious pamphlets shower from the heavens. Autonomous vehicles form a colossal traffic jam on an eerily vacant highway. Amidst these eerie portents of doom, two families seek refuge in a summer cottage, gearing up for what seems to be the unraveling of society as we know it.

As a gamer, I found myself utterly captivated by the Netflix movie “Leave the World Behind,” despite it causing quite a stir among Rotten Tomatoes critics and viewers alike. The movie is chock-full of nail-biting suspense, from the intricate web of tension between the characters huddled within, to the creeping discomfort about what lies beyond the confines of their shelter. This film showcases some truly outstanding performances, with Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of an R&B-loving father standing out, as well as Kevin Bacon’s masterful portrayal of a crafty doomsday survivalist.

The movie might not appear action-packed to some viewers, but the unsettling quietness and suspense of potential events make it incredibly impactful. In “Leave the World Behind,” the apocalypse is portrayed in a more everyday, relatable manner compared to typical end-of-the-world films. This realism actually amplifies the fear factor by 10 times.

Starring: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke

Director: Sam Esmail

Runtime: 2h 20m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%

8. A Quiet Place: Day One

As a gamer immersed in the thrilling world of cinema, I can confidently say that “A Quiet Place” – the post-apocalyptic movie that kickstarted a chilling horror franchise – stands as a masterpiece and one of the finest PG-13 horror flicks ever crafted. But let me tell you, the 2024 prequel, “A Quiet Place: Day One,” manages to hold its own in the shadow of such greatness. It takes us on a harrowing journey through the first days of the catastrophic alien invasion, and it’s nothing short of impressive.

terminal cancer patient Sam (played by Lupita Nyong’o) has accepted her impending death when New York City is attacked by lethal extraterrestrial beings who are triggered by even the slightest sound. As crowds of frightened people attempt to escape Manhattan, Sam navigates uptown, seeking one final slice from her beloved pizza shop before the world ends.

A Quiet Place: Day One” is a highly sensitive horror movie you shouldn’t miss. From the eerie puppet show that catches Sam’s attention before her world turns upside down, to the fine layer of dust covering every surface in New York City after the invasion, this film is meticulously crafted. The movie boasts the largest budget in the series so far, but even with larger-scale destruction, it never forfeits the intimate, personal feel that made the original stand out. And let’s not forget about Sam’s charming feline companion, Frodo – a reason alone to watch this movie!

Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou

Director: Michael Sarnoski

Runtime: 1h 40m

Rating: PG-13

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

7. Last Night (1998)

Unlike typical end-of-the-world films where characters fight to prevent or endure the apocalypse, the 1998 Canadian film “Last Night” presents a unique perspective. Rather than delving into why the world is ending at midnight, it leaves that mystery for viewers to ponder. The movie instead accepts the impending doom as inevitable and focuses on several characters deciding how they want to spend their final day on Earth.

In one scenario, an employee at a gas company (David Cronenberg) contacts each customer to promise uninterrupted service until the very end of the world. On another note, a man named Craig (Callum Keith Rennie) pursues his desires from his erotic wish list. Meanwhile, a fellow named Patrick (Don McKellar) swears to depart this world all alone due to his deep sorrow for his deceased spouse. However, when he stumbles upon a woman (Sandra Oh) attempting to traverse the city to bid farewell to her husband one last time, he learns that perhaps solitude isn’t necessary for his final moments.

Last Night masterfully juggles elements of unexpected humor and uplifting optimism amidst the backdrop of human extinction, all while maintaining a heavy, somber tone. This film stands alone among apocalyptic movies for its softness and grace.

Starring: Don McKellar, Sandra Oh, Callum Keith Rennie

Director: Don McKellar

Runtime: 1h 36m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

6. Train To Busan

During the peak of “The Walking Dead’s” success in America, a Korean filmmaker boarded the zombie bandwagon, resulting in the remarkable movie “Train to Busan,” released in 2016. In this film, a man (Gong Yoo) is accompanying his distant daughter (Kim Su-an) on a fast train, when a zombie outbreak occurs. With hordes of zombies besieging cities and attempting to invade the train, the characters aim to reach Busan’s quarantine zone, hoping that it hasn’t succumbed to the undead horde.

Train to Busan”

Overview: This movie, “Train to Busan,” is packed with intense situations and an escalating number of casualties. As our characters navigate the chaos, they’re faced with difficult decisions as hordes of zombies overtake each train car in a seemingly orchestrated dance. The unsettling beauty of these undead masses is hard to ignore, but it leaves you feeling uneasy. One scene that will leave you speechless is when countless zombies synchronize to form a human chain – it’s breathtaking yet terrifying.

This film may appear straightforward, but it offers more than meets the eye. It serves as a transformative journey for a father with past mistakes and turns into a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller that might make you think twice about hopping on a train again.

Starring: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-Mi, Ma Dong-Seok

Director: Yeon Sang-Ho

Runtime: 1h 58m

Rating: Not Rated

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

5. Miracle Mile

Miracle Mile” is an unusual combination of two distinct film genres – a lighthearted romantic comedy and a grim disaster movie. In this 1989 production, Harry (Anthony Edwards) is more concerned about making his date with Julie (Mare Winningham) perfect. However, when Harry inadvertently picks up a call predicting a nuclear missile attack on Los Angeles, which would wipe out the city within an hour, his focus swiftly shifts. For the remainder of the film, Harry frantically searches for the woman he adores and attempts to evacuate her from L.A. before the impending explosion occurs.

overflowing with authenticity and undercurrents of deep-seated anxiety, the film “Miracle Mile” skillfully conveys both optimism and tension. Viewers remain in suspense until the very last moment, questioning whether Harry’s predictions might be unfounded, leaving them uncertain about the fate of the world. The romantic leads share an undeniable connection, while the supporting characters they encounter are equally charming. From its vibrant neon lighting to Tangerine Dream’s haunting score, “Miracle Mile” presents a unique portrayal of an apocalyptic scenario.

Starring: Anthony Edwards, Mare Winningham, John Agar

Director: Steve De Jarnatt

Runtime: 1h 27m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

4. Take Shelter

If you wanted to safeguard your loved ones from a potentially harmful storm yet others around you were unconvinced of the impending danger, you might find yourself in a situation similar to Curtis in the 2011 film “Take Shelter.” As a construction worker, Curtis experiences eerie visions of birds falling and apocalyptic storm clouds pouring motor oil. Persuaded that a devastating storm is approaching and his family is at risk, he becomes fixated on constructing a storm shelter in his backyard. This relentless pursuit eventually raises concerns for his wife.

Michael Shannon delivers an outstanding portrayal in this film, skillfully depicting a character struggling with the loss of control yet too terrified to seek assistance. The movie masterfully transports us into the protagonist’s perspective, raising questions about the authenticity of his experiences – eerie visions of impending disaster that will send chills through you. Throughout the film, it remains unclear whether Curtis is merely cautious or on the verge of mental instability, keeping viewers in suspense until the very last moment. Regardless of whether the predicted storm is real or not, “Take Shelter” stands out as one of the most nerve-wracking movies about preparing for the apocalypse, even if it never materializes.

Starring: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea Whigham

Director: Jeff Nichols

Runtime: 2h 4m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

3. 28 Days Later

2002’s pulse-pounding thriller finds me, or rather my character, waking up in a hospital bed to a London eerily devoid of regular human existence. Yet, I’m not alone – there are plenty of semi-human presences around. A single bite from someone infected with the Rage Virus and I’d transform into a raging, homicidal beast myself. With the companionship of three fellow survivors (Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson, and Megan Burns), I must navigate this treacherous world to stay alive.

Director Danny Boyle transforms a typical zombie film into a horror masterpiece with “28 Days Later.” Although the “Infected” may not technically be zombies, this movie still manages to secure a place among the greatest zombie movies ever made. The movie offers a chilling depiction of what Earth might look like a month after an apocalypse, taking us from deserted London streets to a church overrun by the Infected, creating a haunting vision of the end times.

The movie skillfully balances tension and excitement, moving smoothly from ominous tranquility to chaotic terror. It intertwines frighteningly gruesome scenes with unexpectedly captivating moments of aesthetic pleasure. Rest assured, this is a unique zombie film featuring horses galloping freely across the verdant English landscape.

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson

Director: Danny Boyle

Runtime: 1h 53m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

2. Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Who would have thought that the end of the world could be so amusingly absurd? In Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 Cold War satire, a eccentric U.S. general named Jack D. Ripper (portrayed by Sterling Hayden) initiates a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, firmly believing that the Russians have devised a sinister plot to contaminate Americans with harmful substances. Meanwhile, the President of the United States (played by Peter Sellers) and General Buck Turgidson (George C. Scott) race against time to prevent global nuclear annihilation. Simultaneously, a bomber loaded with its destructive payload relentlessly advances, oblivious to the impending doom it carries for the world.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” is a film filled with comedic mishaps leading to disastrous outcomes. Starring Peter Sellers, he delivers exceptional performances in not just one but three distinct roles, making it hard to recognize him in each. While not always side-splittingly funny, it also serves as an intense thriller. As a portrayal of what World War 3 might resemble, “Dr. Strangelove” humorously illustrates our proximity to nuclear catastrophe. Given its release so soon after the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kubrick’s audacity in creating a film that feels uncomfortably close to reality takes considerable courage.

Starring: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Keenan Wynn

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Runtime: 1h 33m

Rating: PG

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

1. Children of Men

In this remarkable post-apocalyptic movie, humanity doesn’t perish with an explosion, but with a quiet sigh. The film “Children of Men,” released in 2006, portrays a world that has been severely affected by infertility; the last child was born over a decade earlier. The character Theo (played by Clive Owen) had resigned himself to his dying world, but when he encounters a pregnant woman named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) — the first pregnant woman in 18 years — he is willing to go to great lengths to escort her and her unborn child to safety.

In “Children of Men,” you won’t find the typical apocalyptic movie tropes. Instead, it presents a world where humanity believes there is no tomorrow. Despite the bleakness, this world isn’t bereft of hope. This science fiction film offers an unhurried exploration of life, focusing on subtle moments like Kee seeking refuge in a cattle enclosure or Theo casually putting on discarded flip-flops.

The movie showcases outstanding performances throughout, with Michael Caine delivering an exceptional scene-stolen turn. Additionally, we can’t help but praise its stunning cinematography. A single, unforgettable shot lasting six suspenseful minutes captures Theo navigating a war zone, which could easily compete with the most iconic long takes ever filmed.

Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Runtime: 1h 49m

Rating: R

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

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2025-05-28 17:33