Top 50 Doomsday & Apocalypse Movies to Watch

Nuclear War / Global Catastrophe
1. Threads (1984)

Threads is a 1984 British-Australian apocalyptic war drama television film directed by Mick Jackson and written by Barry Hines. Produced by the BBC in collaboration with Australia’s Nine Network and Western-World Television Inc., the film presents a harrowing depiction of the effects of nuclear war on the city of Sheffield, England. It follows the lives of two families, the Kemps and the Becketts, as they navigate the escalating tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, culminating in a catastrophic nuclear exchange. The narrative spans over a decade, illustrating the immediate devastation and the long-term societal collapse resulting from the conflict.

Upon its release, Threads was lauded for its unflinching realism and received critical acclaim, winning four BAFTA Awards, including Best Single Drama. Its stark portrayal of nuclear fallout and its aftermath left a lasting impact on audiences and has been cited as one of the most realistic and disturbing depictions of nuclear war ever produced.

2. The Day After (1983)

The Day After is a 1983 American made-for-television apocalyptic war drama directed by Nicholas Meyer and written by Edward Hume. The film depicts a fictional nuclear exchange between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, focusing on the residents of Lawrence, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, as they experience the escalating tensions and the devastating aftermath of nuclear war. The narrative follows several families and individuals as they navigate the horrors of nuclear fallout and societal collapse.

Upon its release on November 20, 1983, on the ABC television network, The Day After garnered an estimated audience of over 100 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television films in U.S. history. The film’s stark portrayal of nuclear war’s consequences sparked widespread public discourse and reportedly influenced U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s views on nuclear policy, contributing to subsequent arms control negotiations.


3. Testament (1983)

Testament is a 1983 American post-apocalyptic drama directed by Lynne Littman and written by John Sacret Young, adapted from Carol Amen’s short story “The Last Testament.” The film portrays the harrowing aftermath of a nuclear attack on a suburban family in the fictional town of Hamelin, California. Unlike other nuclear-themed films of its time, Testament focuses intimately on the personal and emotional toll of such a catastrophe, eschewing large-scale special effects for a more grounded narrative. ​

The Wetherly family—parents Carol and Tom, and their children Brad, Mary Liz, and Scottie—lead a typical suburban life until a sudden nuclear attack devastates the nation. With communication lines severed and Tom missing, Carol must navigate the challenges of survival, radiation sickness, and the gradual disintegration of their community. The film chronicles their struggle to maintain hope and humanity in the face of overwhelming despair.


4. On the Beach (1959)

On the Beach is a 1959 American post-apocalyptic science fiction drama directed by Stanley Kramer, based on the novel of the same name by Nevil Shute. Set in a grim near-future after a catastrophic nuclear war has destroyed most of the Northern Hemisphere, the story follows the last surviving citizens in Australia as they await the inevitable spread of ᴅᴇᴀᴅly radiation. With humanity’s end looming, the characters grapple with existential questions, lingering hopes, and the search for personal meaning amid despair.

The film features a powerful ensemble cast led by Gregory Peck as U.S. Navy Commander Dwight Towers, Ava Gardner as the spirited Moira Davidson, Fred Astaire in a rare dramatic role as scientist Julian Osborne, and Anthony Perkins as Australian naval officer Peter Holmes. Their intertwined stories unfold against a backdrop of loss, denial, and fleeting romance as they come to terms with the approaching end.

Filmed largely on location in Melbourne, On the Beach brought a stark and haunting vision of nuclear apocalypse to the silver screen, underscored by its restrained tone and somber atmosphere. Unlike many other depictions of global catastrophe, the movie focuses not on destruction but on the slow, inevitable fade of civilization, making it one of the most poignant anti-war statements of its era.

Upon its release, On the Beach was both critically acclaimed and controversial, sparking debates about nuclear weapons and human survival. Its sober treatment of the end of the world continues to resonate decades later as a stark warning about the cost of global conflict.


5. Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Dr. Strangelove is a landmark 1964 satirical black comedy directed, produced, and co-written by Stanley Kubrick, adapted from the novel Red Alert by Peter George. The film masterfully blends absurd humor with grim subject matter, delivering a biting critique of Cold War politics, nuclear arms races, and the precariousness of human error in military command structures.

Set during a time of escalating tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, the story kicks off when an insane U.S. Air Force general, Jack D. Ripper, unilaterally launches a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. As the U.S. President and his advisors—including the eccentric former Nazi scientist Dr. Strangelove—scramble to avert global catastrophe, the film exposes the madness underlying supposedly rational systems of war and deterrence.

Peter Sellers gives an iconic, triple-role performance as Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley, and Dr. Strangelove himself, demonstrating his incredible range and comic genius. George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, and Slim Pickens round out a stellar supporting cast, with Pickens famously riding a nuclear bomb to one of cinema’s most memorable endings.

Kubrick’s razor-sharp direction, combined with a meticulously constructed script and a stark black-and-white aesthetic, cements Dr. Strangelove as one of the greatest and most influential films in American cinema. It remains a timeless and chillingly relevant satire on humanity’s self-destructive instincts.


6. The Road (2009)

The Road is a haunting 2009 post-apocalyptic drama directed by John Hillcoat, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Cormac McCarthy. Set in a bleak and dying world after an unspecified cataclysm, the film follows a father and his young son as they journey across a desolate, ash-covered America, struggling to survive while clinging to their humanity.

Viggo Mortensen delivers a raw, heartbreaking performance as the unnamed father, portraying a man worn down by grief, hunger, and fear, but fiercely protective of his son (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee). As they move through devastated towns and dangerous landscapes, encountering both desperate survivors and ruthless marauders, the bond between father and son becomes their only anchor in an otherwise hopeless world.

With stark cinematography that captures the film’s cold, colorless setting, The Road emphasizes atmosphere over spectacle, focusing on the emotional and moral challenges of survival. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis composed the haunting score, perfectly complementing the film’s melancholic tone.

A meditation on love, endurance, and the loss of civilization, The Road received critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation of McCarthy’s grim vision and its powerful performances. It stands as one of the most emotionally resonant post-apocalyptic films ever made.

7. The Divide (2011)

The Divide is a 2011 psychological horror thriller directed by Xavier Gens, known for its intense portrayal of human nature when pushed to the edge. Set in the aftermath of a nuclear attack on New York City, the story follows a group of nine survivors who take refuge in the basement of their apartment building. What begins as a desperate bid for survival soon descends into a nightmarish collapse of morality and sanity.

As food supplies dwindle and tensions rise, fear and paranoia tear the group apart. Relationships fracture, violence erupts, and the survivors devolve into primal versions of themselves. The claustrophobic setting intensifies the characters’ psychological deterioration, making The Divide a chilling study of how quickly civilization can crumble in isolation.

The film stars Lauren German, Michael Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia, and Rosanna Arquette, each delivering raw, visceral performances that underline the brutal and unsettling atmosphere. With graphic violence, emotional trauma, and stark imagery, The Divide is an unflinching look at humanity’s darkest instincts.

Praised for its bleak realism and uncompromising storytelling, the film has gained a cult following among fans of post-apocalyptic and psychological horror, standing as a brutal meditation on survival, control, and the loss of humanity.


8. Right at Your Door (2006)

Right at Your Door is a 2006 independent apocalyptic thriller written and directed by Chris Gorak. Set in Los Angeles, the film captures the immediate aftermath of a series of dirty bomb attacks that release chemical contaminants into the air, throwing the city into chaos.

The story follows Brad (Rory Cochrane), an unemployed musician, who finds himself alone at home when the explosions occur. His wife, Lexi (Mary McCormack), was downtown at the time of the attacks. As Brad frantically tries to reach her, official broadcasts instruct residents to seal their homes and stay inside to avoid exposure to the toxic fallout. When Lexi finally returns home, Brad is faced with an impossible moral dilemma: let her inside and risk exposure—or keep the house sealed and protect himself.

Filmed with a gritty, intimate style, Right at Your Door emphasizes fear, isolation, and distrust in a disaster scenario. The film builds tension through claustrophobic settings and a deep sense of dread, focusing less on spectacle and more on emotional and psychological fallout. Its bleak and thought-provoking ending leaves audiences grappling with questions about love, survival, and government authority during a crisis.

Critically praised for its gripping atmosphere and powerful performances, Right at Your Door offers a stark and realistic portrayal of urban disaster survival, and remains a hidden gem in the apocalyptic thriller genre.


9. The Book of Eli (2010)

The Book of Eli is a 2010 post-apocalyptic action drama directed by the Hughes Brothers, featuring a commanding performance by Denzel Washington. Set in a desolate, ravaged America thirty years after a catastrophic war, the film follows Eli, a lone wanderer on a mission to deliver a mysterious, sacred book to a safe location in the West.

Armed with extraordinary survival skills and unwavering faith, Eli moves through a barren landscape filled with desperate survivors, violent scavengers, and crumbling towns. Along the way, he crosses paths with Carnegie (Gary Oldman), a ruthless warlord who seeks the book for its power to control the remaining population. Mila Kunis co-stars as Solara, a young woman drawn to Eli’s quest, who gradually finds the courage to seek a better life beyond oppression.

Visually striking with its bleak, washed-out color palette and gritty atmosphere, The Book of Eli is both a brutal action film and a profound exploration of faith, morality, and hope in a seemingly hopeless world. Denzel Washington, who performed many of his own stunts, brings stoic intensity and grace to his role, while the film’s narrative offers a unique twist that redefines the journey and its meaning.

Critically noted for its compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and philosophical undertones, The Book of Eli stands out as a memorable entry in the post-apocalyptic genre.


10. Into the Forest (2015)

Into the Forest is a 2015 post-apocalyptic drama directed by Patricia Rozema, adapted from Jean Hegland’s novel of the same name. Set in a near-future where society collapses due to a continent-wide power outage, the story focuses on two sisters, Nell (Elliot Page) and Eva (Evan Rachel Wood), who live in an isolated house deep within the forest.

As the outside world crumbles and supplies dwindle, the sisters must rely on their wits, survival skills, and each other to endure the harsh realities of a world without technology, communication, or government support. Their bond is tested as they face not only the daily struggle for food and safety but also personal loss, isolation, and the dangers that emerge from desperate human encounters.

Visually haunting and deeply emotional, Into the Forest is more than just a survival story—it’s an intimate exploration of resilience, family, and adaptation in the face of overwhelming adversity. The film strips away the traditional spectacle of apocalyptic cinema, offering instead a grounded, character-driven narrative that highlights human vulnerability and strength.

Praised for the powerful performances by Page and Wood and its beautiful cinematography, Into the Forest stands as a poignant and thought-provoking entry in the survival drama genre.

Natural Disasters / Climate Collapse
11. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
12. 2012 (2009)
13. Greenland (2020)
14. Deep Impact (1998)
15. Armageddon (1998)
16. Geostorm (2017)
17. Volcano (1997)
18. Dante’s Peak (1997)
19. San Andreas (2015)
20. Don’t Look Up (2021)
Zombie / Infection Apocalypse
21. 28 Days Later (2002)
22. 28 Weeks Later (2007)
23. World War Z (2013)
24. Train to Busan (2016)
25. I Am Legend (2007)
26. Dawn of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ (2004)
27. Resident Evil (2002)
28. REC (2007)
29. Carriers (2009)
30. Cargo (2017)
Alien Invasion / Sci-Fi Doomsday
31. War of the Worlds (2005)
32. Independence Day (1996)
33. Cloverfield (2008)
34. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
35. The Quiet Place (2018)
36. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
37. The Mist (2007)
38. Knowing (2009)
39. Oblivion (2013)
40. Love and Monsters (2020)
Philosophical / Psychological End-of-World Films
41. Children of Men (2006)
42. Melancholia (2011)
43. These Final Hours (2013)
44. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
45. It’s a Disaster (2012)
46. Last Night (1998)
47. Perfect Sense (2011)
48. The Road Warrior / Mad Max 2 (1981)
49. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
50. Coherence (2013)

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain


Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0
November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.
Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0
Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0
The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.
Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”
Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.
The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0
Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.
A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0
A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0
Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”
Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0
Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0
Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.
Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0
Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0
That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.
Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum
Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum
Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.
Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0
Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0
All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.

Related Posts

TOP 6 Upcoming Jason Statham Action Movies You Can’t Miss in 2025!

TOP 6 Upcoming Jason Statham Action Movies You Can’t Miss in 2025!

1. APACHE 2025 Starring: Jason Statham, Gal Gadot In the near future, Jason Statham plays a former special forces soldier living in hiding in the Arizona desert. When an arms trafficking organization threatens the indigenous people, he is forced to stand up and fight alongside a female indigenous warrior (Gal Gadot) to protect sacred land. […]

🎬 THE NUN 3 (2025)

🎬 THE NUN 3 (2025)

The Nun 3: The Eternal Curse continues the spine-chilling saga of Valak, the demonic nun, in a terrifying new chapter of The Conjuring Universe. Set in the 1970s, the story reconnects Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) with Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) as their paths cross once more in a desperate bid to stop Valak’s resurgence.The film […]

National Treasure 3 (2025) – A Thrilling Global Quest Packed with History and Mystery

National Treasure 3 (2025) – A Thrilling Global Quest Packed with History and Mystery

Related Movies: National Treasure 3 (2025) marks the long-awaited return of the beloved action-adventure franchise, bringing back Nicolas Cage as the charismatic treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates. Directed by Jon Turteltaub and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, this third installment promises to elevate the series to new heights with a globe-spanning quest, cryptic clues, and high-stakes […]

Lucy 2 (2025) Trailer Overview

Lucy 2 (2025) Trailer Overview

Related Movies:         The first trailer for Lucy (2014) sets the stage for a high-concept action thriller. Scarlett Johansson plays Lucy, a woman caught in a dangerous situation who inadvertently gains access to extraordinary mental and physical abilities after a synthetic drug unlocks the full potential of her brain. Directed by Luc […]

Boyka Undisputed 6 Final

Boyka Undisputed 6 Final

Boyka: Undisputed 6 Final brings back Yuri Boyka (Scott Adkins) for one last fight, delivering an emotional and action-packed conclusion to the franchise. The story follows Boyka as he is forced to confront his past and fight for redemption. After being drawn into an underground fighting tournament run by a ruthless crime lord, Boyka discovers […]

Blended 2 (2025) – A Hilarious and Heartwarming Sequel About Family and Chaos

Blended 2 (2025) – A Hilarious and Heartwarming Sequel About Family and Chaos

Related Movies: Blended 2 (2025) reunites Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in a delightful follow-up to their 2014 romantic comedy Blended. Directed by Frank Coraci, the duo reprises their roles as Jim and Lauren, now married and navigating the chaotic waters of their blended family. With a talented supporting cast, including Paul Rudd as Lauren’s […]