As someone who’s spent countless hours huddled in bomb shelters and fortified safe houses, watching the world crumble to pieces, I can say with absolute certainty that these films are as close to the real deal as it gets without actually experiencing Armageddon itself.
Although it’s not a subject that brings joy, numerous directors have chosen to depict the grim reality of another potential global conflict in their works. From renowned filmmakers creating blockbusters to universally admired storytellers, they’ve all bravely stepped into this unsettling realm. The result has been projects that offer a thrilling watch, leave no doubt about the bleakness, or manage to combine both aspects effectively.
These films, it seems, frequently portray the world in conflict with itself, and they stand out as must-see movies for a reason. Upon closer examination, these cinematic works often serve as cautionary tales that resonate for years following their debut. While some may feature Arnold Schwarzenegger riding a Harley Davidson or Patrick Swayze rallying school children to resist invaders, they all have left an indelible impact on audiences.
If you have time, take a leisurely look at the playlist we carefully crafted from our past struggles, and afterward, consider watching a heartwarming Pixar movie or seeking a comforting hug from someone as a contrast.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Despite primarily focusing on averting World War III in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”, James Cameron occasionally delves into a grim future, leaving lasting images etched in our minds, such as Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor clinging to a chain-link fence. Amid Arnold Schwarzenegger’s gear-constructed protector completing his action-packed duty to safeguard humanity’s fate, the film strikes an appropriate balance between action and storytelling, clearly illustrating the stakes involved. It may employ the same narrative device as the initial Terminator movie, but instead of sharing Kyle Reese’s (Michael Biehn) terrifying dreams, we are equally frightened by Sarah Connor’s vivid nightmares.
Other than Robert Patrick transforming his hands into knives and stabbing weapons, it’s Connor’s visions of children turning to ash under intense white light or Hunter Killer aircrafts attacking the final line of human defense that always send shivers down one’s spine. This iconic scene becomes even more terrifying with the presence of an army of Terminators, devoid of skin, crushing human skulls into dust. However, it’s worth considering, Mr. Cameron, that while these advanced robots may appear formidable, their ability to traverse uneven terrain composed of human bones without appropriate footwear seems questionable. Just a thought.
When the Wind Blows
In 1986, director Jimmy T. Murakami created an animated story that Disney might find too grim to touch without protective gear. Titled “When the Wind Blows”, this is a sobering British narrative set at the end of the world. The story follows an elderly couple, Jim and Hilda Boggs (played by John Mills and Peggy Ashcroft), who find their peaceful cottage home transforms into their final refuge after a nuclear attack from the Soviet Union. As Britain faces attacks, the couple spends their remaining days in a chilling nuclear winter.
In simpler terms, they strive to remain composed as food supplies dwindle or spoil, and Hilda is heavily affected by radiation sickness. As they brace for their inevitable end, the story resembles other grim post-apocalyptic tales from Britain, such as “When the Wind Blows.” This moving yet distressing animated film paints a bleak picture of the aftermath of a nuclear war, gradually draining joy and hope, until the only remaining choice is to sleep peacefully in a bag. If you’re looking for something upbeat, this might not be the best choice.
Red Dawn
Prior to Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of wolverines as cool characters, Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson, and Jennifer Grey were engaged in a domestic battle in the 1984 film “Red Dawn.” Under the guidance of director John Milius, this movie depicts a group of Colorado teenagers standing firm when the Soviet Union invades America, compelling school children to transform into soldiers. Swayze takes on the role of Jed Eckert, the pack leader, along with his younger brother Matt (played by Charlie Sheen). In order to evade the pursuing Red Army, they venture into the mountains.
In 2012, the film was re-made, and Chris and Liam Hemsworth played the Eckert brothers; however, it didn’t capture the same cheesy, high-octane spirit as the original, which remains popular today. During the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, destroyed Russian tanks were found with “wolverines” graffiti on them, a clear nod to the movie.
Crimson Tide
This might be cheating by including Tony Scott’s claustrophobic sub-set thriller “Crimson Tide,” but given how close Gene Hackman sends us into World War III, it can’t be ignored, much as Denzel Washington might try to. Released in 1995, the film sees two great actors battling and sharing screen time; the gum-chewing Captain Franklin “Frank” Ramsey (Hackman) shouts down to his new executive officer, Ron Hunter (Washington), who is stopping his new boss from potentially sparking a new global conflict that puts the whole world at stake.
As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but feel fully immersed in this nail-biting drama, where every player is giving their all to escalate the tension to its peak. Iconic actor Gene Hackman and Washington are engaged in an intense standoff, each delivering powerful blows. But what really sets the stage ablaze is the electrifying score by the budding talent, Hans Zimmer. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski doesn’t shy away from taking us up close to the USS Alabama, bathed under the unsettling green glow of displays, highlighting how precariously close these men are to plunging us into danger. It remains a riveting spectacle that continues to captivate even after all these years.
World War Z
In addition to Skynet gaining consciousness and creating its own horde of red-eyed robots, “World War Z” could very well be another unexpected global conflict. However, despite this, Marc Forster’s movie manages to send shivers down our spines effectively. Brad Pitt finds himself in a desperate situation as he is the last hope for leading an international mission across the globe, which has been overrun by a rapid contagion transforming humans into terrifying creatures. As U.N. investigator Gerry Lane, this unfortunate fellow doesn’t get a moment to rest, as he battles the undead in locations ranging from South Korea and Jerusalem to Wales. Each stop offers a heart-pounding sequence, making it one of the greatest zombie movies ever made.
As a gamer, stepping into a game where there’s minimal blood but maximum dread and terror, it’s all about the overwhelming chaos and those silent moments when you ponder humanity’s fate. Characters like David Morse, James Badge Dale, and Peter Capaldi add to the tension as I search for the cure in a heart-pounding finale. Unfortunately, that climax is spoiled by a terrible scene – easily the worst in the entire movie. Setting aside the questionable product placement, this game offers a compelling experience, uniting players against a common, toothy, frantic enemy. It’s amazing to think about.
Threads
Among the stories here, “Threads” stands out as one of the oldest and least expensive productions, yet it packs a significant emotional punch. Originally broadcast on British television in 1984 with a budget of approximately $523,000, director Mick Jackson delivers a chilling portrayal of a post-apocalyptic United Kingdom following a fictional third World War. The narrative immerses viewers in Sheffield, England’s north, after the Soviet Union and NATO engage in conflict (nothing to fear there), causing the country to crumble.
In Jackson’s film penned by Barry Hines, there’s no glimmer of hope or cheer for old England, instead it presents a grim and unsettling reality that mirrors a nation sliding back into the dark ages. Similarly to “When the Wind Blows”, it’s the stoic British character that portrays our deepest fears coming true, with society collapsing due to theft, violence, and self-destruction. The chilling aspect is that “Threads” is like many great horrors in showing that the real monster is humanity when pushed to its limits. So, keep a lighthearted episode of your favorite sitcom handy as a palate cleanser – you’ve been warned.
Dr. Strangelove
If you’re going to watch the end of the world, it might as well be from one the greatest directors that ever lived. Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” is the beloved comedy that sees the late, great Peter Sellers putting in triple time as three characters in what many deem one of the greatest comedies ever made. Kicking off with a panic-stricken Air Force general with his finger on the starting button for nuclear war, the film is not only a classic, quote-tastic political satire but also delivers the haunting warning of what could be if we’re not too careful and dare to start fighting in the war room.
Similar to many of Stanley Kubrick’s works, “Dr. Strangelove” stands out from other classic masterpieces and is arguably a must-see on this list. While numerous films have attempted to emulate it, none have managed to replicate its unique charm. This cinematic depiction of the end of the world serves as a timeless piece that warrants repeated viewings. If the apocalypse were to occur, watching one of the greatest films ever made prior would undeniably be an item worth checking off your bucket list.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-14 04:00