Discover the Top 10 Must-Watch Movies and Documentaries About COVID-19!

The COVID-19 outbreak had a profound impact on virtually every facet of our lives, including health, work, and personal interactions. Consequently, many filmmakers felt compelled to share their perspectives on this global crisis, by creating films that depicted both real and fictional scenarios. In light of this, we have selected the top ten COVID-19 movies and documentaries for your viewing pleasure, offering an opportunity to learn more about the pandemic while also gaining alternative viewpoints.

1. Songbird (2022)

Main Topic: In the year 2024, COVID-19 has evolved into COVID-23, causing the US government to transform into a totalitarian regime. People who are infected are compulsorily relocated to quarantine facilities, while the healthy are required to monitor their temperatures via their mobile devices. Nico, an immunity-possessing courier, is involved in a virtual relationship with Sara, who resides with her elderly grandmother Lita. As symptoms of COVID-23 start appearing in Lita, Sara becomes vulnerable to being seized. To safeguard Sara from this fate, Nico vows to shield her as their building witnesses an increase in infections.

Reason for watching: Songbird offers a captivating exploration of how the COVID-19 pandemic might have unfolded. The film centers around the ethical dilemma of enforced quarantines, the strained connections between those most affected, and the tendency of the affluent to circumvent regulations.

2. The Last Cruise (2021)

One significant pandemic-related incident was the outbreak on board the ship named “The Diamond Princess.” This event received extensive media coverage, prompting Hanna Olson to create a documentary. The film recounts the events leading up to the infection, the entire ordeal, and the genesis of the term “essential workers,” offering an in-depth look at the situation.

The Last Cruise is a fascinating exploration of how contagious diseases, like COVID-19, can rapidly spread in confined spaces, such as cruise ships. While these vessels offer luxury experiences, they may unexpectedly pose more problems than benefits due to the challenges in maintaining proper sanitation with so many individuals in close proximity. This documentary provides valuable insights into the consequences of being trapped without an escape when a virus is on the loose.

3. The Narrow Road (2022)

The 2022 Hong Kong film, titled “The Narrow Road,” follows Chak, a sanitation worker who also owns his company in the same sector. As the days leading to a pandemic outbreak approach, he is mainly concerned with safeguarding his business. He decides to hire a new cleaner and a romantic connection ensues between them amidst the challenging times of the pandemic.

Reason to Watch: The Narrow Road offers a haunting and ominous ambiance that may cause you to momentarily forget it’s a COVID-19 film portraying real-life events of that era. With an apocalyptic vibe, this movie is compelling viewing if you seek a deeper understanding of how underprivileged workers navigated the pandemic.

4. Fauci (2021)

Fauci” is a documentary film that delves into the life and career of Dr. Anthony Fauci, renowned as a master in handling pandemics. The movie doesn’t solely focus on COVID-19 but rather explores Fauci’s professional journey and showcases his most significant achievements throughout his career.

As a cinephile with a soft spot for enlightening documentaries, I highly recommend you give “Fauci’s Other Contributions” a watch, regardless of your personal feelings towards Dr. Fauci or his role during the recent global events. This film offers an intriguing exploration of his accomplishments in the realm of science, allowing us to delve into his impact beyond the pandemic narrative.

5. Alone Together (2022)

Title Synopsis: “Alone Together” is a film penned by Katie Holmes at the onset of the pandemic. The narrative centers around the couple, June and John, who find themselves in the midst of the pandemic’s initial wave. June moved to an Airbnb in upstate New York, while John had to reconnect with his parents due to the circumstances. Upon her arrival at the Airbnb, she discovers a mix-up: the property was double-booked, leaving her sharing the space with an unfamiliar person, Charlie.

As a captivated movie-goer, I wholeheartedly recommend Alone Together. This heartfelt tale unfolds the unique bond between two individuals thrust together amidst a pandemic’s isolating chaos. It delves into the vulnerable act of opening up to an uncharted soul, all while yearning for connection with cherished ones beyond reach.

6. The Year Earth Changed (2022)

Title Explanation: The Year Earth Changed – This documentary, produced by Tom Beard, delves into the effects of the global pandemic on nature, as it shows how lockdowns and travel limitations transformed our planet.

Here’s a reason to check it out: In the initial phases of the pandemic, numerous tales circulated about wild animals reclaiming their original habitats as tourists stayed away. While some of these stories were fabricated, others held truth. The Year Earth Changed documents the authentic influence that the pandemic had on nature and wildlife.

7. The Bubble (2022)

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, let me share my take on the plot of Cliff Beasts 6: Battle for Everest – Memories of a Requiem. This epic production was one of the pioneers to resume shooting amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The cast spent two weeks in quarantine at an English hotel before celebrating their grand return. During this time, I, along with my fellow actors, reconnected with old friends and welcomed some exciting newcomers, including a TikTok star who took the world by storm.

However, tensions rose between our director Darren Eigan and the charismatic Dustin over script disagreements. Meanwhile, the charming Dieter found himself smitten with the captivating front desk clerk. The tranquility was shattered when Howie abruptly left the film in a state of panic during a group meditation session. Krystal and Carla’s wild partying landed Krystal in hot water, eventually leading to her being dropped from the project.

To add fuel to the fire, we all contracted influenza from a delivery girl, but were forced to continue filming despite our illnesses. Needless to say, it was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and challenges that we faced together on this journey to Everest!

Reason to check it out: Despite its shortcomings and struggles to communicate most of its intended messages, The Bubble managed to highlight one key aspect – the challenges and complexities of creating entertainment during a pandemic.

8. Corona (2020)

Overview: “Corona” is an engaging Canadian production centered around an intriguing concept. It follows the story of six residents living in the same building, who find themselves stuck in the elevator during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As they become concerned, they start to suspect that a seventh resident, a newly arrived Chinese character portrayed by Traei Tsai, may be infected with the coronavirus and could potentially spread it among them because he coughed.

Reason for watching: The series “Corona” provides an insightful portrayal of how people often exaggerated situations during the pandemic, fueled by fear and xenophobia. It seeks to instill a sense of reason into its characters who are grappling with irrational thinking amidst the chaos.

9. Alone (2023)

Topic Overview: Kalidasan, a motivational speaker, has recently relocated to Kochi and finds himself in a new living situation just as the pandemic breaks out, restricting his movement. However, his concerns about the virus could be overshadowed by an unsettling discovery: there appears to be some strange, possibly supernatural occurrences happening at his residence.

Why you should check it out: Similar to other films in this collection, Alone doesn’t delve deep into the intellectual aspect of isolation due to a pandemic. Instead, it offers a unique perspective: what if you were isolated and encountered supernatural phenomena during a pandemic?

10. Sick (2022)

The plot revolves around the movie, which centers on college student Tyler Murphy, who tragically meets his end at a grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic, stalked by an unknown assailant. Parker invites her friend Miri to her family’s lake house for quarantine, but they encounter some peculiar occurrences upon arrival. DJ, Parker’s former flame, unexpectedly shows up, attempting to reconcile; however, a masked intruder invades the house, snatches their phones, and instigates attacks on them.

Why it’s worth watching: Sick is a traditional slasher movie, but with a fresh twist – it takes place during a pandemic. If you enjoy horror films that incorporate the COVID-19 theme, then this could be an intriguing choice for you.

2025-06-01 08:44