The idea of the end of the world has always been a fascinating topic for filmmakers. Netflix has some of the best end-of-the-world movies that will make you ponder on what happens when everything comes to an end. From zombie outbreaks to natural disasters, these movies take us on a thrilling journey. You can explore the human experience in the face of impending doom.
We have compiled some of the best end of the world movies on Netflix to watch for a cinematic experience. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to explore the world’s end with these must-watch films.
I am Mother (2019)
IMDb rating: 6.7/10 | Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Mystery| Lead Cast: Luke Hawker, Rose Byrne, Maddie Lenton | Director: Grant Sputore
In the film I am Mother (2019), creators have designed a robot named Mother to repopulate the Earth with human embryos stored in an underground facility, following an extinction-level event that has wiped out humanity in a post-apocalyptic world.
Mother raises a girl named Daughter, and their bond is put to the test when a stranger arrives at their door. He claims to be the last surviving human outside. Daughter starts to question her upbringing and the true intentions of Mother. She sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover the secrets of her world and the real identity of her mysterious guest.
Bird Box (2018)
IMDb rating: 6.6/10 | Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Mystery| Lead Cast: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich| Director: Susanne Bier
Bird Box is a 2018 post-apocalyptic thriller film directed by Susanne Bier. The film follows a woman named Malorie, played by Sandra Bullock, who is struggling to survive in a world where an unknown force has caused a mass suicide epidemic. The survivors must navigate the world while blindfolded to avoid the creature that causes people to take their own lives.
Malorie, along with two children, embarks on a dangerous journey down a river to find a sanctuary. Thuy all are blindfolded to avoid the deadly entity. Along the way, they encounter other survivors. Some of whom are willing to risk everything to survive, while others have given up all hope.
Malorie faces the challenge of protecting the children from unknown danger, while coming to terms with her own personal demons.
Extinction (2018)
IMDb rating: 5.8/10 | Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Mystery| Lead Cast: Michael Peña, Lizzy Caplan, Amelia Crouch| Director: Ben Young
Ben Young directed the 2018 science-fiction film Extinction, which portrays a man named Peter, played by Michael Peña, having nightmares of an alien invasion in the near future. However, his wife and colleagues do not believe him and dismiss it as a recurring dream. One day, while at work, his nightmare becomes a reality when an alien invasion occurs, and Peter and his family must fight to survive.
As the alien invasion progresses, Peter starts to uncover the truth about his dreams. He must use his knowledge to try and save his family and the world from destruction. Along the way, he also learns the true nature of the aliens and the reason behind their invasion. This leads to a shocking revelation that changes everything he thought he knew.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
IMDb rating: 5.7/10 | Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Drama| Lead Cast: George Clooney, Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo | Director: Ben Young
George Clooney directed and starred in the 2020 science-fiction film “The Midnight Sky,” which takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a global catastrophe has rendered Earth uninhabitable. Augustine, played by Clooney, is a scientist who stays behind at an Arctic research station, the only remaining outpost on Earth. He discovers a young girl, Iris, who was left behind during an evacuation.
They set out on a dangerous journey to reach a stronger antenna. They want to warn a spacecraft that Earth is no longer safe. As Augustine and Iris journey through the harsh Arctic landscape, they confront their own personal demons .
Meanwhile, the astronauts on the spacecraft are dealing with their own challenges as they make their way back home. The film interweaves Augustine’s and the astronauts’ stories, building up to a poignant and emotional finale. They face the ultimate question of what it means to be human in a world that has been destroyed.
Cargo (2017)
IMDb rating: 6.3/10 | Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Drama| Lead Cast: Simone Landers, Martin Freeman, Marlee Jane, McPherson-Dobbins| Director: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke
Cargois a 2017 post-apocalyptic thriller film directed by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke. The film takes place in Australia, where a deadly outbreak has transformed most of the population into zombie-like creatures. Martin Freeman portrays the character of Andy, a father who becomes infected and has only 48 hours to find a safe place for his infant daughter before he turns into a zombie. Along with his wife Kay, played by Susie Porter, Andy sets out on a perilous journey through the Australian outback.
However, when Kay is bitten by a zombie, Andy must continue alone. All must be done while fighting off the zombie hordes and trying to keep his daughter safe. As he travels, he encounters a young Indigenous girl named Thoomi, played by Simone Landers, trying to protect her own family.
As the two journey together, they both learn valuable lessons from one another. This helps them survive in this new and dangerous world. The film is an exploration of the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.
How it Ends (2018)
IMDb rating: 5.0/10 | Genre: Horror, Action, Drama| Lead Cast: Theo James, Kat Graham, Nancy Sorel| Director: David M. Rosenthal
How It Ends is a 2018 apocalyptic thriller film directed by David M. Rosenthal. The film follows Will, played by Theo James, a young lawyer who travels to Chicago to meet his girlfriend’s father, Tom, played by Forest Whitaker, to ask for her hand in marriage. However, during his stay, an unknown catastrophic event occurs, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
As the situation worsens, communication and travel become impossible. Will and Tom must embark on a dangerous journey across the country to find Will’s pregnant girlfriend. Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges, including violent riots, natural disasters, and armed groups of looters.
As the journey continues, Will and Tom’s relationship is tested. They learn to rely on each other as they confront the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world. As they inch closer to their destination, they begin to uncover the truth behind the disaster. This leads to a surprising revelation that changes everything they thought they knew.
The Silence (2019)
IMDb rating: 5.3/10 | Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Drama| Lead Cast: Stanley Tucci, Kiernan Shipka, Miranda Otto| Director: John R. Leonetti
John R. Leonetti directed the 2019 horror film The Silence. The setting of the film is Australia, where a deadly outbreak has transformed most of the population into zombie-like creatures. Martin Freeman plays the role of Andy, a father who becomes infected and has only 48 hours to find a safe place for his infant daughter before he turns into a zombie.
The family includes Kiernan Shipka, who portrays Ally, a deaf teenager. These creatures use their heightened sense of hearing to hunt their prey and are attracted to sound. The family must remain silent to avoid the creatures and survive as they journey through the countryside. However, as they encounter other survivors, they soon realize that other humans can be just as dangerous as the creatures.
As the family continues their perilous journey, they face a number of obstacles. They must make difficult decisions to protect themselves and each other. Meanwhile, Ally must confront her own personal demons to survive in this dangerous new world. The film is an exploration of the fear of sound and the lengths humans will go to survive.
Cadaver (2020)
IMDb rating: 5.2/10 | Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama| Lead Cast: Thorbjørn Harr, Maria Grazia Di Meo, Kingsford Siayor| Director: Jarand Herdal
Cadaver is a 2020 Norwegian horror film directed by Jarand Herdal. The film is set in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster that has devastated the country. In order to provide for her family, a young woman named Leonora, played by Gitte Witt, attends a hotel’s mysterious and immersive dinner theater with her husband Jacob, played by Thomas Gullestad, and their daughter Alice.
However, as the night progresses, the guests begin to realize that the show is not what it seems, and they are forced to participate in a twisted game of life and death.
The performers guide the guests through the dark hotel while they wear masks, forcing them to make choices that will determine their fate. Leonora becomes suspicious of the hotel staff and their intentions. she must fight to keep herself and her family alive. The film is a exploration of the human psyche and a critique of the commodification of tragedy and human suffering.
ARQ (2016)
IMDb rating: 6.3/10 | Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Action| Lead Cast: Robbie Amell, Rachael Taylor, Shaun Benson | Director: Tony Elliott
ARQ is a 2016 science fiction thriller film directed by Tony Elliott. The film follows Renton, played by Robbie Amell, and his girlfriend Hannah, played by Rachael Taylor, who are trapped in a time loop in a dystopian future. Renton is a scientist who has developed a device called the ARQ, a revolutionary energy source that could change the course of humanity.
However, he is being pursued by a group of intruders who want the ARQ for their own nefarious purposes. The intruders break into Renton’s lab and attempt to steal the ARQ, but during the scuffle, Renton and Hannah activate the device, causing them to become stuck in a time loop. Every time the loop resets, the intruders attack again, and Renton and Hannah must figure out how to break the cycle and escape. As the loop repeats, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the stakes become higher with each passing cycle. The film is a mind-bending exploration of the nature of time and the consequences of technological advancement, as well as a thrilling action-packed ride full of twists and turns.
What Happened to Monday (2017)
IMDb rating: 6.8/10 | Genre: Crime, Fantasy, Action| Lead Cast: Noomi Rapace, Glenn Close, Willem Dafoe | Director: Tommy Wirkola
What Happened to Monday is a 2017 science fiction thriller directed by Tommy Wirkola. The film is about how overpopulation and famine have led to a strict one-child policy enforced by the government. Seven identical sisters are raised by their grandfather who teaches them to share one identity and venture outside once a week.
The sisters have managed to keep their existence a secret for years, but when one of them, Monday, goes missing. They must work together to uncover the truth of what happened to her while avoiding detection by the government.
As they investigate, they discover a conspiracy at work that threatens not only their own lives but the foundations of their society. The film is a thrilling exploration of the dangers of a state and lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
That’s A Wrap!
Netflix offers a wide selection of end-of-the-world movies that cater to different genres and tastes. From thrilling action-packed adventures to thought-provoking dramas, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the best end-of-the-world movies on Netflix include Bird Box “Cargo,” Extinction, and “The Midnight Sky.” These movies not only entertain but also leave viewers reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of human connection. So, if you’re looking for a thrilling and captivating cinematic experience, check out these must-watch end-of-the-world movies on Netflix.
