When it comes to engaging sci-fi odysseys, post-apocalyptic settings can really color the scene with a distinctly rich and usually dismal aura. These foreign, decimated landscapes can help engross the viewer in a new, unfamiliar world, enhance the narrative, and provide some creative world-building. Despite the glum nature of the disease, death, warfare, and/or mass destruction that post-apocalyptic films usually contain, there's typically a glimmer of hope; of rising from the ashes and starting fresh.
While these movies are vastly different in terms of plotting and style, good sci-fi films tend to stress this element of rebirth following death and decay, while alluding to interesting backstories of the carnage that preceded it.
Let's take a look at the 10 best sci-fi films that utilize these epic, post-apocalyptic themes.
Children Of Men (2006) - 7.9
Unlike many sci-fi films that leap several decades or even centuries into the future, 2006's Children of Men takes a somewhat more grounded, realistic approach. It's set in the UK circa 2027. Still, the human dynamic has shifted, and society's circumstances have changed despite this film taking place only years in the future.
The kicker? Humanity has become infertile on a global scale, and society descends into chaos as few governments remain intact, and radiation and plague run rampant.
The premise alone is an interesting one to play with, as humanity must find a way to cope with the prospect of extinction and rising unrest. Yet, the narrative is also a gripping one, thanks in no small part to some thrilling action, memorable setpieces, and great performances by Clive Owen and Julianne Moore.
12 Monkeys (1995) - 8
A film unique in its premise and its neo-noir style, 12 Monkeys stars an antihero named James Cole (Bruce Willis), who is sent back in time to gather intel about a devastating man-made virus which has taken out much of humanity. The virus is said to be unleashed by a criminal organization called the Army of the Twelve Monkeys.
Despite being relatively unknown, this dramatic sci-fi romp from '95 has proven engaging and interesting enough to beget a Syfy TV series which ran from 2012-2015. While the show managed to be entertaining in its own right, it's tough to beat this inventive, well-crafted classic.
Planet Of The Apes (1968) - 8
This film is iconic and has birthed a plethora of similarly popular sequel. It's also home to some of the most repeated, classic lines in the genre. And who can forget that iconic imagery, like the broken top of the Statue of Liberty resting on the beach?
While the follow-ups emphasize more straight-up action and grandiosity, this Planet of the Apes originator from '68 leans on atmosphere and engaging drama for much of its intrigue. It also has the benefit of riding of the solid performance of Charlton Heston, who plays the protagonist George Taylor. Despite the absurd premise of intelligent apes taking over the world, the authenticity in both the acting and scenery provides an emotional, engrossing narrative.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984) - 8.1
You could say Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki is the Spielberg of anime and manga. He's cranked out a number of masterpieces including Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and the 2001 phenom Spirited Away. A somewhat lesser-known, but no less delightful animation by Miyazaki is known as Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. It's a majestic fantasy adventure whose anti-war message is as emphatic as its narrative and settings.
We follow a princess as she tries to get by in a largely destroyed and still warring world in which two major factions threaten to decimate what remains. This is both a heartfelt and epic virtual journey that any fan of anime and/or post-apocalyptic premises should experience.
Blade Runner (1982) - 8.1
The post-apocalyptic elements are more subtle in this classic science fiction noir, as there's a seemingly functional futuristic society buzzing during the ex-cop Rick Deckard's time. Ridley Scott certainly dials back the "death and destruction" element that Philip K. Dick emphasized a bit more in the book that inspired the film. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? paints a grim scene of post-nuclear war and widespread animal extinction.
Yet, there is much uncertainty and danger beneath this seemingly slick surface in Blade Runner, as society is rife with undercover androids known as Replicants. The film is dark in both tone and the often grim series of spiraling events that play out as Deckard tries to track down these human-like droids. The cinematography and level of detail throughout are particularly impressive, engrossing the viewer in a rich tale about love and the essence of humanity.
Akira (1988) - 8.1
Similar to the Miyazaki anime film mentioned earlier, this classic similarly draws from a popular manga for much of its enriching backstory and world-building. Yet, the '88 film iteration of Akira feels distinct as well, featuring some impressive visuals and heart-pounding action throughout.
Funny enough, the film is set in a dystopian 2019 and focuses on the leader of a biker gang who gains telekinetic abilities. As the film does a terrific job of showing, this useful power vastly changes the dynamic of this chaotic society, which is facing a struggle between a military complex and a rising rebellion. Akira really shines as a pioneer in engaging, creative adult-themed animation, and is still a favorite of many fans of both anime and cyberpunk.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - 8.1
The vast, vacant deserts of Mad Max and its use of crude vehicles and machinery tends to feel a touch stock when it comes to post-apocalyptic films. Yet, Fury Road manages to feel both epic and groundbreaking; and that's not just because of the sleeker visuals and more impressive special effects compared to the '79 original.
This film does a terrific job in its portrayal of the small pockets of surviving humanity at the brink, and the insane, chaotic events that play out in this gritty post-apocalyptic culture. The thrilling action scenes are, of course, top-notch, but Fury Road also features an emotional, escalating story and great performances by Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, who play Max and Furiosa.
La Jetée (1962) - 8.3
Ironically enough, another entry on our list, 12 Monkeys, was largely inspired by this much older '62 short. It's tough to beat the original, especially one that stands out as much as this, thanks to its avant-garde artistic approach and powerful imagery. This film is hugely innovative in that it relies entirely on still images for its storytelling, giving it almost a darkly-tinged comic book feel. In a sense, this emboldens the power of the images, while offering room for interpretation with its viewers.
At least at its core, this movie contains overlap with its spiritual successor 12 Monkeys, as it involves subjects being sent back in time to undo the awful circumstances of the present. Yet, in this case, we're dealing with a more violent version of post-apocalyptic events; a destructive World War III.
WALL-E (2008) - 8.4
WALL-E proves endearing and impactful for a number of reasons. Not only is it one of the prettiest, most imaginative 3D animated films even over a decade after release, but it also embeds a heart-warming visually-oriented tale of love and friendship between two robots.
Even more significant though, is the implications and traits of this post-apocalyptic version of Earth - which feels both foreign and close-to-home. We see a garbage-riddled planet and a society of humans that are swept up by consumerism, attached to mobile transports, and constantly fiddling with gadgets. The potentially prophetic nature of WALL-E makes this film particularly powerful.
The Matrix (1999) - 8.7
You could say a scorched, constantly stormy earth dominated by machines which have wiped out most of humanity is about as post-apocalyptic as it gets. Enter The Matrix - a film that's fun to watch both on a visual level and in terms of its compelling narrative.
You've got some of the most ground-breaking and thrilling action scenes in cinema, but you also have the creepy implications of humanity literally being used as batteries as they're plugged into a fictional virtual world. The Matrix runs full-throttle with dystopian settings, post-apocalyptic scenes, and even philosophical concepts to round out this memorable sci-fi epic. Here's hoping that the long-awaited 4th installment will come close to measuring up.