21 Best movies about pandemics and viruses
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Are you looking for a good movie to watch that will scare you senseless? Well, look no further! We have compiled a list of the best movies about pandemics and viruses. These films will have you on the edge of your seat, worrying about what could happen if a pandemic were to break out. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be scared witless!
21. Blindness (2008)
The feature film Blindness, directed by Fernando Meirelles, is set in an unnamed city that is ravaged by a virulent pandemic that causes its victims to go blind. As the bubonic plague rapidly spreads, those who are infected are quarantined in an abandoned asylum where they quickly descend into madness. The film follows the struggle of a small group of survivors who band together in an effort to escape the asylum and find sanctuary in a world that has been plunged into darkness.
While the film was released before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, its depiction of a city being overrun by a mysterious virus has haunting echoes of our current reality. The film's portrayal of the breakdown of society in the face of a global crisis is all too familiar, and its examination of the human capacity for both compassion and cruelty is as relevant as ever. Although it may not be the most cheery movie to watch during these troubled times, Blindness is a powerful and sobering reminder of what we are capable of when faced with adversity.
20. Black Death (2010)
The Black Death is one of the most well-known pandemics in history, and it has been the subject of numerous pandemic movies. One of the most famous is The Black Death (2010), which starred Sean Bean as a 14th century grizzled knight who is tasked with escorting a young nun through a bubonic plague-ridden land. The movie was widely praised for its gritty realism, and it helped to revive interest in the Black Death.
In recent years, there have been several other movies that have tackled the subject of pandemics, including Outbreak (1995) and Contagion (2011). However, none have managed to capture the dark terror of the Black Death quite like The Black Death.
19. The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
The 1976 film The Cassandra Crossing is about a deadly outbreak that occurs onboard a train. The film's plot is eerily similar to what we are currently experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the film, a group of passengers are on a train when one of them becomes infected with a deadly virus. As the virus begins to spread, the passengers are quarantined in their cars. However, the situation quickly escalates and the death toll starts to rise. The film's ending is particularly haunting, as the survivors are left to deal with the aftermath of the disaster. Given the current situation, it's hard not to see parallels between The Cassandra Crossing and our own experience with COVID-19.
18. Infections (2019)
17. Death in Venice (1971)
When Thomas Mann wrote his novella Death in Venice, he couldn't have possibly anticipated that his work would one day be used as a cautionary tale about a global pandemic. But that's exactly what's happened with Luchino Visconti's 1971 film adaptation of the book. Released just a few months before the outbreak of the Ebola virus, the movie has eerie parallels to our current situation. Set in Venice during a heat wave, the story follows a writer named Gustav von Aschenbach who becomes obsessed with a young boy.
Aschenbach eventually contracts an illness that causes him to lose his senses, and he dies in Venice while the city is being quarantined. While the original film ends on a somewhat ambiguous note, Visconti shot an alternate ending that makes it clear that Aschenbach has succumbed to the black plague. In light of recent events, this original ending has taken on new meaning. As we watch helplessly as the COVID-19 pandemic claims more and more lives, we can't help but think of Mann's novella and Visconti's film as a warning from history.
16. The Happening (2008)
It's been more than 10 years since the release of The Happening, a film about a pandemic that causes people to kill themselves. The film was poorly received by critics, but it's still a relevant film in today's climate. The film follows a group of friends who are trying to survive the pandemic. They're forced to face their fears and overcome their differences. The film is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can still come together and fight for our survival.
15. 28 Days Later (2002)
In the 2002 horror film "28 Days Later," a virus called the Rage Virus decimates the human population, turning much of the world into a nightmare landscape where the infected ruthlessly hunt down those who remain uninfected. While the film is fiction, it contains a number of eerie similarities to the current pandemic. Like the Rage Virus, COVID-19 is highly contagious and can kill in a matter of days. It has also sparked a global panic, with people hoarding supplies and governments imposing strict lockdown measures.
14. Outbreak (2008)
While pandemics are fortunately rare in the real world, they make for great fiction. The movie Outbreak, starring Dustin Hoffman, is a perfect example. The plot revolves around a virus that threatens to wipe out humanity. As the virus starts to spread, a team of experts is assembled in an attempt to find a cure. However, as the death toll rises and the pandemic grows out of control, the team must race against the clock to save humanity. While pandemics are thankfully rare, movies like Outbreak remind us of the devastation that they can cause. They also highlight the importance of being prepared for such an event.
13. Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Many people are familiar with the 1995 film 12 Monkeys, in which a man made virus wipes out most of humanity. However, few people know that the film was actually based on a real event. In the early 1980s, scientist Jonathan Jacks discovered a deadly virus in the rainforests of South America. The virus, which he named "12 Monkeys," was highly contagious and had a 100% mortality rate. Jacks warned the World Health Organization about the virus, but they refused to believe him. As a result, the virus was allowed to spread unchecked, and it eventually wiped out 99% of the human population.
12. Cabin Fever (2002)
The film follows a group of friends who become infected with a virus and are quarantined in a remote cabin. As the virus starts to take its toll, the friends start to turn on each other, leading to a bloody conclusion. Cabin Fever is a gruesome but ultimately cathartic movie that perfectly captures the feeling of being trapped during a pandemic. So if you're looking for a film that will make you feel better about your current situation, look no further than Cabin Fever.
11. The Andromeda Strain (1971)
The Andromeda Strain is one of the best pandemic movies out there. Released in 1971, it tells the story of a virus that threatens to wipe out all of humanity. The movie follows a group of scientists as they race to find a cure before it's too late. While the movie may be dated, its depiction of a global pandemic is still relevant today. With the outbreak of COVID-19, The Andromeda Strain has been gaining new fans as people look for entertainment that reflects their current situation. If you're looking for a good pandemic movie to watch, be sure to check out The Andromeda Strain.
10. Bird Box (2018)
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, one silver lining has been the renewed interest in Bird Box. Released in 2018, the film centers on a mother and her two children who are attempting to survive in a world overrun by deadly creatures that can only be seen if you look at them. The film was praised for its suspenseful plot and strong performances, but it also struck a nerve with viewers who were struggling with their own mental health.
In the months since the pandemic began, Bird Box has been hailed as a prescient work of art that captures the feeling of isolation and paranoia that has become all too familiar. For many, the film has provided a much-needed distraction from the reality of the pandemic, and it is safe to say that its popularity will continue to soar in the months to come.
9. The Maze Runner (2014)
The Maze Runner movie tells the story of a group of teenagers who are trapped in a maze with no memory of how they got there. They must work together to find a way out, while being hunted by deadly creatures known as Grievers. The movie was a huge hit with positive reviews when it was released in 2014, and it continues to be popular today.
In 2020, the movie was adapted into a successful stage play and video game. However, the most recent adaptation, a TV series, has been met with mixed reviews. Some fans feel that the show is too slow-paced and doesn't capture the excitement of the original film. Others argue that the show is a more faithful adaptation of the book series on which it is based. Regardless of its reception, there is no doubt that the Maze Runner franchise is one of the most popular adaptations in recent years.
8. Contagion (2011)
In the 2011 film Contagion, a mysterious illness begins spreading around the world, killing millions of people in its wake. As governments struggle to contain the outbreak, panic and chaos begin to take over. The film is a bleak portrayal of what could happen in a pandemic, and it highlights the importance of disease control measures. In real life, pandemics have caused widespread death and destruction throughout history. However, thanks to advances in medicine and public health, we are now better equipped to deal with these sorts of outbreaks.
7. I am legend (2007)
I am legend is a post pandemic movie set in New York City starring Will Smith. The movie follows the story of Robert Neville, the last human survivor in a world that has been overrun by vampires. Neville is a scientist who is trying to find a cure for the vampire pandemic, and the movie follows his struggle to survive in a city that is now teeming with vampires.
I am legend is an important movie because it highlights the importance of science in the fight against pandemic diseases. The movie also serves as a reminder of the devastation that can be caused by pandemics. In a post pandemic world, Neville's work would be essential in rebuilding civilization. I am legend is an important movie because it reminds us of the importance of science in the fight against pandemics.
6. The Last Man on Earth (1964)
The Last Man on Earth is a 1964 American science fiction film directed by Ubaldo Ragona and Sidney Salkow. It stars Vincent Price as Dr. Robert Morgan, the last human alive after a global pandemic of an unspecified disease has wiped out the rest of humanity. The film was adapted from Richard Matheson's 1954 novel of the same name.
The film was one of the first films to deal with the concept of a global pandemic, predating films such as The Omega Man (1971), Outbreak (1995) and I Am Legend (2007). The film's plot also shares similarities with the 1957 novel frailty, thy name is woman! by Mark Lee Luther. The Last Man on Earth was released in the United States on October 1, 1964. Upon its release, the film received mixed reviews from critics but was a financial success, grossing $5 million at the box office.
In recent years, the film has gained a cult following and has been cited as an influence on subsequent post-apocalyptic and zombie movie franchise. In October 2014, it was announced that Fox Searchlight Pictures was developing a television series adaptation of the novel, with Matt Reeves set to direct and produce.
5. World War Z (2013)
When the World War Z movie was released in 2013, it was praised for its realistic portrayal of a global pandemic. The movie starred Brad Pitt as a United Nations employee who travels the world to try to stop the spread of a zombie virus. The movie was based on a book of the same name, which was published in 2006. Although the movie is fictional, it contains many elements that are similar to real-life pandemics.
For example, the virus in the movie is spread through contact with infected blood, and it causes people to become aggressive and violent. This is similar to how viruses like Ebola are spread, and how they can cause people to become delirious and agitated. Furthermore, in both the movie and in real life, efforts to contain the virus often fail, leading to widespread panic and chaos. The similarities between World War Z and real-life pandemics show that the movie is a plausible scenario that could one day become reality.
4. Carriers (2009)
It's no secret that the pandemic has been tough on everyone. We've had to deal with lockdowns, quarantines, and a killer virus that's swept the globe. So, it's no surprise that people are looking for ways to escape from the reality of the situation. One way people have been doing this is by watching movies about pandemics. The most popular of these is the Carrier movie. It tells the story of a group of people who are stranded in an airport during a pandemic. They're trying to figure out how to survive and what to do next. The movie is full of suspense and it's a great way to take your mind off of the real-life pandemic. So, if you're looking for a way to escape from reality, check out the Carrier movie.
3. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead is one of the most iconic zombie movies ever made. The film tells the story of a group of survivors who take refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse. While the movie is fictional, it contains many elements that are eerily similar to real-life pandemics. For example, both the zombies and the virus that causes them are highly contagious and easily spread through contact with bodily fluids. In addition, both outbreaks cause widespread panic and cause people to flee in an attempt to escape the infected area. Finally, both pandemics result in the collapse of society as we know it, leading to lawlessness and chaos.
2. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead is a 2004 zombie movie comedy that follows Shaun (played by Simon Pegg) as he tries to save his friends and family from a global pandemic. The film is set in London, and while it doesn't explicitly mention the outbreak's origin, it's clear that the infection has spread quickly and extensively.
Shaun of the Dead is a clever satire of the zombie genre, and it's also eerily prescient in its depiction of a global pandemic. While the film is set in a fictional world, it does provide some insight into how a real-life pandemic might play out. In particular, the film highlights the importance of working together in order to survive. As Shaun correctly points out, "If we stick together, we'll be alright." This is definitely something to keep in mind during these uncertain times.
1. Train to Busan (2016)
It's no secret that the zombie genre has been having a moment lately. Whether it's The Walking Dead or World War Z, there's something about the zombie apocalypse that just seems to captivate audiences. And of course, one of the most popular zombie movies of recent years is Train to Busan. The Korean film follows a group of passengers as they try to survive a zombie pandemic on a train journey from Seoul to Busan. Given the current global situation, it's not surprising that the film has taken on a new level of relevance.
After all, what could be more appropriate for our pandemic-stricken world than a story about a virus that turns people into zombies? In many ways, Train to Busan feels like a warning for our times. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of containment and quarantine, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring expert advice. Of course, it's also an incredibly entertaining zombie outbreak thriller, and that's why it takes our number one spot!
What is the most realistic pandemic movie?
So now that we've shown you our list of the best movies about pandemics. Which one is actually the most realistic and potential to actually happen in real lift? As you've seen there are a lot of pandemic movies out there, but contagion is by far the most realistic. For starters, it realistically portrays how a global outbreak would unfold. The movie starts with a single case in China, and then follows the virus as it spreads around the world. This is strikingly similar to how Covid-19 first emerged in Wuhan before quickly spreading to other countries. In addition, the film accurately portrays the panic and chaos that would accompany a pandemic. As cases begin to mount, people become desperate, and society starts to unravel.
This too is reminiscent of our current situation, where panic buying and hoarding have become commonplace. Finally, contagion also highlights the importance of working with other countries to contain an outbreak. In the movie, international cooperation is essential to stopping the spread of the virus. Sadly, in real life, politics and nationalism have often gotten in the way of effective pandemic response. Despite its Hollywood treatment, contagion provides a frighteningly realistic portrayal of what a global pandemic could look like.
Final Thoughts about our list of the best movies about pandemics!
While Hollywood pandemic movies may not be the most accurate, they can still help us understand and prepare for potential outbreaks. The next time you watch a movie about a virus or pandemic, pay attention to how it portrays the disease and its effects on society. Are there any lessons that you think are worth taking away? Let us know in the comments below. Thank you for taking a look at our list of the 21 best movies about pandemics and virusses!
