14 Post-Apocalyptic Movies That Made Quarantine Seem Like Paradise
While our global situation may not be ideal, these movies remind us that it could always be worse. Much worse.
As we take a short trip to the edge of humanity's bleak future, let's remember that we are only visiting, our round-trip tickets safely tucked away. We are here to explore the stark realities and morose wonders of the post-apocalyptic genre in cinema. After all, quarantine may have been a challenge, but these 14 films remind us that things could always be a tad bit worse.
1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
There's nothing like a dystopian world with extreme water scarcity and a tyrant to make you appreciate your daily shower. George Miller's non-stop, action-packed fever dream is a dusty, gasoline-fueled odyssey that made staying at home during quarantine seem like a day at the spa.
2. The Road (2009)
Based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, this film gives us a grim look at the world after an unspecified cataclysm. Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee's struggle for survival, with no plants, animals, or hope, makes social distancing feel like a walk in the park, right?
3. 28 Days Later ( 2002)
We can bet that pretty much everyone re-watched 28 Days Later (or watched it for the very first time) at some point during the pandemic. When a virus turns most of the UK population into raging infected, waking up from a coma never looked so bleak. Our run-of-the-mill toilet paper shortage seemed like a minor inconvenience compared to this.
4. WALL-E (2008)
If you thought Zoom meetings were bad, try interacting with the world solely through screens while your bone density decreases due to lack of physical activity. This film shows us a future where humans have trashed Earth to the point of uninhabitability.
5. Snowpiercer ( 2013)
Who needs lockdown blues when you could be stuck on a never-ending train ride through a frozen wasteland? Bong Joon-ho's masterpiece reminds us to be thankful that our entire society isn't crammed into a giant locomotive with a disturbingly cannibalistic food supply. Small joys, right?
6. The Book of Eli (2010)
Post-apocalyptic life is tough. Now imagine it blind. Denzel Washington's character manages to trek across the wasteland, fight thugs, and preserve the last Bible on Earth without the ability to see. Suddenly, navigating the living room without tripping over the furniture doesn't seem so bad.
7. A Quiet Place (2018)
In a world where making a sound can get you killed by aliens, binging Netflix at full volume feels delightfully rebellious. And let's not forget Emily Blunt 's silent birthing scene – now that's some intense social distancing!
8. The Matrix ( 1999)
Do you ever feel like you're living in a simulation? Well, in the Matrix, they actually are. And trust me, that reality isn't a comfortable work-from-home scenario – it involves giant insectoid robots, sentient AI, and a distinct lack of daylight.
9. Children of Men (2006)
A world without the joyous laughter and hopeful potential of children sounds worse than the loneliest quarantine. Alfonso Cuaron's film where women have become infertile, society is collapsing, and hope is scarce, made homeschooling look like a heavenly assignment. This one can actually be recommended to all the parents, all the time.
10. 12 Monkeys (1995)
As if living through one pandemic wasn't enough, this Terry Gilliam-directed film takes you through a deadly virus wiping out most of humanity, time travel, and a grim future. Makes our current timeline seem, dare I say it, preferable.
11. I Am Legend (2007)
Can you imagine quarantine but you're the last person in New York City, and everyone else has turned into a nocturnal, vampire-like creature? Will Smith 's solitude makes lockdown seem like a bustling social gathering.
12. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Remember when stepping outside without a mask felt dangerous? In this movie, stepping outside means freezing instantaneously. It's probably best to appreciate your mildly cold winters from the comfort of your quarantine.
13. Waterworld (1995)
Yes, we missed going to the beach during the pandemic, but a world entirely covered by water with mutated humans? Kevin Costner's aquatic adventure really makes us appreciate the ground beneath our feet.
14. The Postman (1997)
In a world with no central government or infrastructure, delivering mail becomes an act of hope. Remember that the next time you grumble about spam or bills. It could be worse; Kevin Costner could be your only communication line.