Movies About The End Of The World

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a science fiction action film released in 1999, directed by the Wachowski sisters, Lana and Lilly Wachowski. It stars Keanu Reeves as Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer who discovers that the world around him is a simulated reality, the Matrix, created by sentient machines to keep humans under control. With help from Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) and a group of rebels, Anderson comes to understand his role as the chosen one and sets out to free humanity from the Matrix and its controllers. The Matrix features groundbreaking special effects, and its high-octane action scenes and philosophical themes are considered revolutionary for the sci-fi genre.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong and Robert Patrick. The film is a direct sequel to the 1984 film The Terminator, and follows Sarah Connor and her son, John, as they are pursued by a new, more advanced Terminator, the liquid metal T-1000. With the help of a reprogrammed, older model Terminator, they must also protect John from the threats of the future. As they battle against the T-1000, the Connors and the Terminator come to understand the true meaning of sacrifice and courage in the face of a seemingly unstoppable enemy. In the end, a new future for mankind is secured.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn
Rated PG

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a 1964 Cold War black comedy directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the story of United States Air Force Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper, who sends his bombers to launch a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union due to his paranoia and belief in a communist conspiracy to sap and impurify "all of our precious bodily fluids". Meanwhile, the President of the United States, his advisors, the Joint Chiefs, and the Soviet ambassador all work together to stop the attack and prevent a nuclear war. The film is a satirical look at the absurdity of nuclear weapons and the potential for their destructive power. With a star-studded cast, Dr. Strangelove achieved critical acclaim and has since become a cult classic.

From Andrew Stanton, starring Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard
Rated G

WALL·E is a Pixar animated science fiction romantic comedy-drama film directed and co-written by Andrew Stanton. The film follows a trash compactor robot named WALL·E, who is designed to clean up a waste-covered Earth far in the future. After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was made for, WALL·E has developed a personality and falls in love with a robotic probe, EVE. WALL·E follows EVE across the galaxy and sets out on an adventure that will change the fate of mankind. Along the way, they meet a cast of characters and discover a new world of possibilities. As WALL·E and EVE explore the wonders of outer space, they also come to understand the importance of their relationship and the power of love.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans
Rated G

Planet of the Apes (1968) is a classic sci-fi film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. The story follows three astronauts on a space mission who crash land on a distant planet inhabited by intelligent apes. Captured and enslaved by the apes, the astronauts discover that the apes are on the brink of a nuclear war and are the dominant species on the planet. In order to survive, the astronauts must battle for their freedom against the advanced ape civilization. As their struggles unfold, the astronauts uncover a startling truth about the planet’s history and their own destiny. A thrilling and thought-provoking adventure, Planet of the Apes is one of the most beloved sci-fi films of all time.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Joseph Melito
Rated R

12 Monkeys is a 1995 science fiction psychological thriller directed by Terry Gilliam. It stars Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt and Christopher Plummer. The story follows James Cole (Willis), a convict from the year 2035 sent back in time to 1996 in order to discover the source of a deadly virus which wiped out most of the population. With the help of mental patient Jeffrey Goines (Pitt) and virologist Dr. Kathryn Railly (Stowe), Cole must battle a sinister government organization which is willing to do whatever it takes to stop him from uncovering the truth. As he gets closer to the truth, his memories of the future become more and more confused and he discovers a world far different than he expected. The film is a dark, surrealistic exploration of time travel, madness and paranoia.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine
Rated R

Children of Men is a 2006 science fiction film directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Set in 2027, the world is on the brink of collapse due to the sudden and complete infertility of humans. The film follows the story of Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a former political activist who is enlisted by his ex-wife (Julianne Moore) to help transport a young refugee named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) to the Human Project, a group of scientists who are working to find a way to reverse the infertility. Theo reluctantly agrees to help and together, they must evade the chaos and terror of the futuristic world and outrun the forces of an oppressive British government. Along the way, they meet an eclectic group of allies who help them in their quest. Ultimately, their journey leads them to discover the true meaning of hope in a desperate and seemingly hopeless world.

From George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman
Rated Not Rated

Night of the Living Dead is a 1968 American independent horror film directed by George A. Romero. The story follows a group of seven people who are trapped in a rural farmhouse in Pennsylvania, which is besieged by hordes of flesh-eating zombies. The group, consisting of Barbara (Judith O'Dea), her brother Johnny (Russell Streiner), married couple Ben (Duane Jones) and Judy Cooper (Judith Ridley), and three other survivors, Harry (Karl Hardman), Helen (Marilyn Eastman), and Tom (Keith Wayne), attempt to survive the night while fending off the zombies. As they struggle to survive the onslaught, tensions mount and paranoia grows as they face dwindling resources and come to grips with their own mortality. The film ends with Ben killed by the police and Barbara slowly walking away in shock. The film has since become a classic of the horror genre, and its legacy has continued to grow over the decades.

From Rupert Wyatt, starring James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Karin Konoval
Rated PG-13

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a science-fiction prequel to the original 1968 Planet of the Apes film directed by Rupert Wyatt. The movie follows the story of a scientist, Will Rodman, who is trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease and ends up creating a super-intelligent ape, Caesar. Caesar's intelligence quickly surpasses that of humans, which causes alarm among the humans, leading to a conflict between the two species. Ultimately, Caesar leads the ape revolution, and they take control of the planet. The movie stars James Franco, Freida Pinto, and Andy Serkis as Caesar.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette
Rated PG-13

The Birds is a 1963 horror-thriller film written and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It follows a wealthy socialite, Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), who travels to a small Northern California town to meet a recently divorced lawyer, Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor). Soon after she arrives, birds begin attacking the townspeople in increasing numbers and with increasing viciousness. Melanie, Mitch and his young sister Cathy (Veronica Cartwright) find themselves caught in the middle of a dangerous and mysterious avian onslaught. As the attacks become more frequent and more deadly, the townspeople must band together to survive. With its iconic score and remarkable special effects, The Birds has become a landmark in the history of horror films.

From Ruben Fleischer, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin
Rated R

Zombieland is a 2009 American post-apocalyptic zombie comedy film directed by Ruben Fleischer and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, the film follows a group of survivors who travel across a zombie-infested United States in an attempt to find a sanctuary free from the undead. Along the way, they encounter a variety of bizarre situations and have to rely on each other for protection. The film is notable for its dark humor and strong performances from its principal cast. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide and earning numerous awards and nominations.

From Luc Besson, starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm
Rated PG-13

The Fifth Element is a 1997 science-fiction action film directed by Luc Besson. The film stars Bruce Willis as Korben Dallas, a former special forces major turned cab driver in the 23rd century. He discovers a mysterious woman, Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), who holds the key to the survival of humanity. The evil forces of an ancient, malevolent deity called Mangalores are trying to unleash a great evil upon the universe using four elemental stones, the fifth element being Leeloo. Together with the help of a priest, a scientist, and a weapons expert, Korben and Leeloo must find the stones, protect them from the Mangalores, and use them to defeat the evil. Along the way, they must also save the world from an alien force bent on destroying all life.

From Danny Boyle, starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Alex Palmer
Rated R

28 Days Later... is a 2002 post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Danny Boyle. Set in the UK, the film follows four survivors of a powerful virus that has killed most of the population. The virus is spread through a group of violent, zombie-like animals called “The Infected”, who are relentless in their pursuit of human victims. The survivors, Jim (Cillian Murphy), Selena (Naomie Harris), Mark (Noah Huntley) and Frank (Brendan Gleeson) must travel across the UK in search of a safe haven, while fighting off The Infected and the military forces that are attempting to contain the virus. Along the way, they must confront the harsh realities of their new world, as well as their own fears and personal demons. The film has a powerful message about the fragility of human life and how quickly our lives can be turned upside down.

From Philip Kaufman, starring Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright
Rated PG

From Kevin Smith, starring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Bud Cort
Rated R

From Zack Snyder, starring Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Mekhi Phifer, Jake Weber
Rated R

From John Hillcoat, starring Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall
Rated R

From Danny Boyle, starring Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Chris Evans, Cliff Curtis
Rated R

From Frank Darabont, starring Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden, Andre Braugher
Rated R

From John Carpenter, starring Sam Neill, Jürgen Prochnow, Julie Carmen, David Warner
Rated R

From Lars von Trier, starring Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Alexander Skarsgård
Rated R

From Stanley Kramer, starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire, Anthony Perkins
Rated Approved

From Joe Johnston, starring Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Hyde
Rated PG

From Drew Goddard, starring Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz
Rated R

From Peter Weir, starring Richard Chamberlain, Olivia Hamnett, David Gulpilil, Frederick Parslow
Rated PG