The Best Post-Apocalyptic Films of the 20th Century

The imaginations of many have been captivated by the concept of an apocalypse throughout history, and the 20th century introduced some of the most thrilling stories about survival in a world devastated by catastrophe. Whether it’s desolate landscapes or crumbling urban areas, post-apocalyptic films depict humanity’s resilience as they struggle to endure following a disaster.

This collection of films, covering multiple decades, blends action, sorrow, and optimism, offering insights into resilience – or simply enduring. Featuring legendary narratives and indelible characters, this rundown delves into the 50 most impactful post-apocalyptic movies from the past century, arranged in ascending order.

50. ‘The Ultimate Warrior’ (1975)

In the aftermath of a devastating virus that nearly eradicates humanity, New York City lies in ruins. Amidst this chaos, Yul Brynner’s character, Max, safeguards a small band of survivors from a ruthless group of marauders.

In a more casual, straightforward manner: The tough urban landscape and brutal fights reflect the hopelessness of a shattered world. Yet, Brynner’s powerful persona gives weight to this underrated treasure.

49. ‘No Blade of Grass’ (1970)

In the aftermath of a plant-borne virus that triggered widespread food scarcity, a family was compelled to abandon their home in London. Guided by Nigel Davenport, they navigated through a deteriorating social order.

This gritty movie portrays the unforgiving aspects of surviving, with its emphasis on human decisions, it stands out as a bleak yet impactful early work.

48. ‘The Omega Man’ (1971)

Charlton Heston is a lone survivor fighting mutated creatures. He hunts them while seeking a cure.

In this version of ‘I Am Legend’, it’s Heston’s powerful performance that really carries the story. The desolate landscape of an abandoned Los Angeles contributes to a spooky, unsettling atmosphere.

Heston’s captivating acting makes this adaptation of ‘I Am Legend’ stand out. The deserted cityscape of L.A. gives off a chilling, eerie feeling.

47. ‘Damnation Alley’ (1977)

In the aftermath of a nuclear conflict, America is left in ruins. A band led by Jan-Michael Vincent navigates peril as they journey through this dangerous landscape. Colossal scorpions and tempests pose constant threats to their survival.

The wild effects and road-trip feel make it fun, if rough. It’s a rugged slice of 70s sci-fi.

46. ‘The Last Man on Earth’ (1964)

Vincent Price confronts bloodsucking entities resembling vampires following a pandemic outbreak. Initially, he’s on his own until he encounters individuals whose loyalties remain uncertain.

In the movie ‘I Am Legend’ at its onset, Price’s powerful portrayal serves as a strong foundation. The film’s unusual, budget-friendly depiction of ancient Rome creates an unsettling, distinctive atmosphere.

45. ‘Zardoz’ (1974)

In a strange, future setting, Sean Connery’s character discovers hidden truths. Society is divided into two factions: the primitive and the eternally alive.

This cult film mixes odd philosophy with wild visuals. It’s a bold, weird sci-fi adventure.

44. ‘Quintet’ (1979)

Paul Newman traverses a perilous, frostbitten landscape entangled in a lethal contest. The frigid environment echoes the grim narrative.

Robert Altman’s suspenseful film emphasizes atmosphere rather than action. It offers an extraordinary, chilling take on a post-apocalyptic scenario.

43. ‘The Bed Sitting Room’ (1969)

A nuclear war turns post-war England into a surreal landscape, where surviving characters such as Ralph Richardson behave strangely or out of character. This peculiar dark comedy offers an unusual and humorous take on the grim situation.

Its bizarre humor and strange visuals stand out. It’s more about human oddity than survival.

42. ‘A Boy and His Dog’ (1975)

In a desolate landscape, lone wanderer Don Johnson traverses alongside his psychically-gifted canine companion. Their journey leads them to an unsettling subterranean community.

This quirky film blends dark humor with grim survival. The loyal dog makes it a cult hit.

41. ‘The Quiet Earth’ (1985)

In a new, altered reality, Bruno Lawrence finds himself awakening to a world devoid of others, following an unsuccessful experiment. He grapples with solitude and the peculiarities that this new existence presents.

This New Zealand film is eerie and introspective. The empty world and twisty end stick with you.

40. ‘Night of the Comet’ (1984)

The sisters, Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney, manage to endure the turmoil caused by a comet. They engage in battles against both zombies and looters.

This 80s gem mixes teen comedy with horror. Its fun vibe and strong leads make it nostalgic.

39. ‘Hardware’ (1990)

In the gritty, perilous future, I, a cinephile, find myself witnessing an extraordinary scene: a mechanical head regenerates itself, posing a threat to Dylan McDermott and Stacey Travis. The cityscape around us is drenched in danger, a far cry from the silver screen fantasies I usually immerse myself in.

This low-budget thriller has raw cyberpunk energy. The killer robot drives its tense vibe.

38. ‘The Postman’ (1997)

Kevin Costner’s drifter delivers mail to unite survivors. He faces a warlord in a nuked America.

This epic has heart and ambition, often overlooked. Costner’s hopeful hero shines in a bleak world.

37. ‘Waterworld’ (1995)

Kevin Costner’s sailor seeks dry land in a flooded world. Pirates and isolation challenge him.

The film’s grand scale and action deliver, despite mixed reviews. It’s a wet, wild apocalypse tale.

36. ‘Tank Girl’ (1995)

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: In the heart of a barren wasteland, I find myself rooting for Lori Petty’s fearless punk character who takes on a monstrous corporation. Her gritty tank and unconventional allies stand tall against oppression, embodying defiance and resistance against tyranny.

This chaotic 90s cult classic bursts with anarchic energy. Its feminist edge makes it stand out.

35. ‘Delicatessen’ (1991)

In the comedic world of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, a butcher holds power within a food-sparse building. The quirky narrative unfolds with Dominique Pinon as the main character.

Its quirky visuals and dark humor shine. The film offers a strange look at survival.

34. ‘Six-String Samurai’ (1998)

Jeffrey Falcon’s rock ‘n’ roll samurai heads to Lost Vegas. Death and goons chase him.

This low-budget gem mixes music and surreal action. It’s a wild ride for offbeat fans.

33. ‘Cherry 2000’ (1987)

Melanie Griffith’s device assists a man in locating a robotic spouse substitute, navigating the perilous wasteland.

The 80s cheese and action blend oddly well. Griffith’s tough role lifts the quirky story.

32. ‘The Blood of Heroes’ (1989)

Rutger Hauer’s team plays a brutal sport in a dusty world. Survival depends on their grit.

This gritty film captures raw struggle. Hauer’s intensity makes it a compelling watch.

31. ‘DEFCON-4’ (1985)

Astronauts return to a nuked Earth, facing cannibals and a mad leader. The low-budget tale is grim.

It’s a tense story of desperation and betrayal. The raw edge fits its bleak setting.

30. ‘Escape from L.A.’ (1996)

Kurt Russell’s Snake Plissken enters a prison-like Los Angeles. He seeks a doomsday device.

This ‘Escape from New York’ sequel boosts action and satire. Russell’s cool swagger keeps it fun.

29. ‘Solarbabies’ (1986)

Jami Gertz’s teens skate across a desert to find freedom. They face a tyrannical regime.

This 80s oddity mixes camp with dystopian stakes. The roller-skating heroes add nostalgic charm.

28. ‘The Day of the Triffids’ (1962)

Killer plants attack after a meteor blinds most people. Howard Keel leads the fight.

This early sci-fi horror blends creepy plants with struggle. Its bold premise is a classic.

27. ‘On the Beach’ (1959)

In Australia, those who survived after a nuclear war find themselves exposed to radiation. A somber and contemplative atmosphere prevails.

This slow film captures the dread of doom. The strong cast grounds its themes.

26. ‘Testament’ (1983)

Jane Alexander’s mother keeps her family alive after nuclear war. Their small town crumbles.

The quiet, personal focus hits hard. It shows the human cost without flashy effects.

25. ‘Panic in Year Zero!’ (1962)

Ray Milland’s family flees to the mountains after bombs hit Los Angeles. Looters test them.

This tense early film shows sudden chaos. Milland’s desperate father drives the drama.

24. ‘The Time Machine’ (1960)

Rod Taylor travels to a future with two human groups. He fights to survive.

The classic sci-fi and vivid world-building shine. Its adventure spirit is timeless.

23. ‘Things to Come’ (1936)

Raymond Massey leads a new society after war and plague. It explores rebuilding versus the past.

This early sci-fi epic is thoughtful and grand. Its visuals and ideas still hold up.

22. ‘The World, the Flesh and the Devil’ (1959)

Harry Belafonte thinks he’s the last in New York. Others appear, sparking tension.

The film tackles race and loneliness quietly. Belafonte’s emotional role carries it.

21. ‘Five’ (1951)

Susan Douglas and four others gather post-nuclear war. They struggle to coexist.

This minimalist film focuses on human ties. Its raw simplicity feels real.

20. ‘Mad Max’ (1979)

Mel Gibson’s cop seeks revenge in a crumbling world. The outback is a battleground.

The raw energy and car chases launched a franchise. Gibson’s intensity makes it iconic.

19. ‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (1964)

Sterling Hayden’s mad general starts a nuclear crisis. Peter Sellers shines in multiple roles.

Kubrick’s dark comedy is sharp and chilling. It mocks the path to apocalypse.

18. ‘La Jetée’ (1962)

A man time-travels in a ruined future to save humanity. Still images tell a haunting story.

Its unique style and depth stand out. The time-travel twist lingers.

17. ‘The War Game’ (1965)

This mockumentary shows a nuclear attack’s aftermath. Survivors face firestorms and starvation.

The realistic style hits hard. It’s a stark warning of war’s cost.

16. ‘When Worlds Collide’ (1951)

Richard Derr’s scientists build an ark as a star nears Earth. Only a few can escape.

This sci-fi spectacle blends hope and sacrifice. Its bold visuals endure.

15. ‘Planet of the Apes’ (1968)

Charlton Heston lands on an ape-ruled world. A twist reveals a ruined Earth.

The social commentary and Heston’s raw role make it legendary. The world feels alive.

14. ‘The Terminator’ (1984)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cyborg hunts a woman’s son. The future is a war-torn ruin.

Cameron’s tight thriller blends sci-fi and action. The ruined future chills.

13. ‘Threads’ (1984)

A nuclear strike hits Sheffield, following Ruth Beckett and others. The aftermath is brutal.

This unflinching film is grimly real. Every moment carries heavy weight.

12. ‘The Day of the Beast’ (1995)

Álex Angulo’s priest fights the Antichrist’s birth. He teams with a metalhead.

This Spanish horror-comedy is wild and dark. Its humor and apocalypse mix boldly.

11. ‘Escape from New York’ (1981)

Kurt Russell’s Snake Plissken saves the president in a prison-Manhattan. The city is lawless.

Carpenter’s classic drips with 80s cool. Russell’s antihero is endlessly watchable.

10. ‘Logan’s Run’ (1976)

Michael York’s Logan flees a society killing at 30. The outside hides secrets.

The sleek visuals and chase plot are 70s sci-fi at its best. It questions freedom.

9. ‘Twelve Monkeys’ (1995)

Bruce Willis time-travels to stop a plague. The future is a grim underground.

Gilliam’s twisty thriller mixes mystery and despair. Willis and Pitt’s energy grips.

8. ‘Mad Max 2’ (1981)

Mel Gibson’s Max aids a community against raiders. The desert chases are chaotic.

This sequel’s relentless action set the genre’s standard. It’s gritty and high-octane.

7. ‘Stalker’ (1979)

Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy guides men to a wish-granting room. The bleak Zone is mysterious.

Tarkovsky’s slow, philosophical film is haunting. It’s about the soul, not action.

6. ‘Akira’ (1988)

Mitsuo Iwata’s biker faces a psychic threat in Neo-Tokyo. The city nears collapse.

This anime is visually stunning and chaotic. Its themes of power hit hard.

5. ‘Metropolis’ (1927)

Gustav Fröhlich bridges a class divide in a crumbling city. The visuals are groundbreaking.

This silent classic is a visual marvel. Its rebellion story feels timeless.

4. ‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

Harrison Ford hunts androids in a neon-ruined Los Angeles. Humanity’s line blurs.

Scott’s moody sci-fi noir is a visual feast. Its identity questions linger.

3. ‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Keanu Reeves’ Neo learns reality is a machine simulation. Humanity fights from a wasteland.

The Wachowskis’ game-changer blends action and philosophy. Its iconic style redefined sci-fi.

2. ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

Arnold Schwarzenegger protects John Connor from a killer cyborg. The future’s fate is at stake.

Cameron’s sequel mixes heart-pounding action and emotion. The effects and story stay fresh.

1. ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ (1985)

Mel Gibson’s Max joins Tina Turner’s rebel to topple a tyrant. The wasteland’s stunts are wild.

George Miller’s masterpiece seamlessly combines emotion and turmoil. The richly detailed setting and dynamic atmosphere establish it as one of the best films set in a post-apocalyptic world.

Hey fellow cinephiles! As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but wonder which 20th-century post-apocalyptic flick holds a special place in your heart. With so many iconic films to choose from, let’s hear your pick and reminisce about the classics together!

2025-07-25 03:16