For many of us, the world has come to a screeching halt with the arrival of the pandemic. It’s been a difficult time for many, with the economy grinding to a halt, financial uncertainty, and the need for social distancing. Amidst all this crisis, one thing is for sure, we are still in need of entertainment from time to time. What better way to find refuge from the worries of the world than with some of the best pandemic movies?
Whether we’re looking for something to pass the time with, or an escape from the grimness of the pandemic, these movies can provide much-needed respite during this challenging time. In this list, we are going to look at the best pandemic movies that can help us survive the period. While the subject matter is close to the heart, this list of movies offers some disentanglement and hope amid the chaos of the pandemic.
From classic zombie films to dystopian thrillers, this comprehensive list of pandemic movies offers something for everyone. Read on to find out more and to uncover the select few that made our list.
What is a Pandemic Movie?
A pandemic movie is a movie that revolves around a pandemic. This pandemic can be real, like the current 2020 pandemic, or, it can be invented for the movie. Pandemic movies often have fictional diseases and viruses as their main plot device, and often explore the idea of a virus taking over the world and how people must deal with it. The movies can also deal with the way that viruses affect the people, the state, and humanity as a whole.
- Contagion (2011)
The movie “Contagion” is a 2011 science fiction thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh. The movie portrays the chaos created by a pandemic as it spreads throughout the world. It stars an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Marion Cotillard, Laurence Fishburne, and Jude Law.
The contagious virus, termed MEV-1, is spread through physical contact, just like the coronavirus pandemic. As the virus spreads, it begins to wreak havoc on the global community, and it is up to the scientists to try and find a cure while the civilian population takes refuge in makeshift hospitals to try and survive the pandemic.
The movie documents the difficulties faced by people from different backgrounds, who must work together in order to overcome the pandemic. “Contagion” serves as both a warning and a call to action for people to take pandemics seriously, and it highlights the need for international collaboration in times like these.
- World War Z (2013)
This movie is a zombie horror starring Brad Pitt that has gained immense popularity for its gripping storyline and its amazing cinematography. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the movie follows Gerry Lane as he struggles to save humanity from a powerful virus that turns humans into zombies.
The virus quickly spreads and threatens humanity’s survival. This movie looks at the way a sudden pandemic can quickly spread and affects the way we live and understand the world. It deals with the difficulties of fighting a pandemic like the virus and follows humanity’s journey to find a cure.
What makes “World War Z” stand out is its realistic approach. Unlike other zombie movies, this movie focuses on the use of clever technology and tactics to fight the virus. It also examines the way a pandemic can unify people, even in dire times.
- 28 Days Later (2002)
The movie “28 Days Later” is a British post-apocalyptic horror-thriller directed by Danny Boyle. It stars Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Christopher Eccleston. This movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a highly infectious virus has wiped out most of the population.
The virus turns people into mindless violent zombies, forcing humans to take refuge in isolated places in order to survive. It follows the story of Jim, a survivor who wakes up from a coma to an empty world. He then sets out to look for survivors and a cure for the virus.
The movie offers a realistic depiction of the dangers that a pandemic can present and how people must use wit and strategy to survive such a crisis. It groups different strategies together and offers a thought-provoking approach to the concept of a pandemic.
- Outbreak (1995)
The movie “Outbreak” is a medical disaster film directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, and Morgan Freeman. It follows the story of an epidemic of a deadly virus called Motaba that quickly spreads and threatens the population of an American town.
A team of scientists and military personnel are sent to investigate the situation, and they soon discover the virus is spread by a species of African monkeys. The team must work quickly to find the virus’ source and control the outbreak before it goes global.
This movie offers an entertaining and realistic look at how a pandemic can affect a society, and how people can respond to such a situation. It also examines how fear can result in people making irrational decisions.
- I Am Legend (2007)
This science-fiction horror movie stars Will Smith and it follows the story of a man struggling to survive a pandemic. Set in New York City after a virus has wiped out most of humanity and turned those who remain into mutated monsters, the movie follows Robert Neville as he struggles to find a cure for the virus.
It is a thought-provoking movie that looks at the effects of a pandemic and how a single person can have a profound impact. With an understated horror tone, it offers an engaging take on the pandemic crisis and how people can cope in trying times.
- The Crazies (1973)
The original “Crazies” movie is a horror classic directed by George A. Romero and starring Lane Carroll, W.G. McLaughlin, and Lane Bloomquist. It takes place in a rural American town where the citizens are suddenly struck by an outbreak of madness caused by a virus.
The virus turns the town’s citizens into violent maniacs, and it is up to a small group of individuals to find out the source of the virus and find a way to stop it. While the movie is old, its themes still remain relevant in our current pandemic crisis.
- Children of Men (2006)
This provocative sci-fi thriller stars Clive Owen and explores a world on the brink of collapse. Set in England in 2027, it follows the story of a pandemic that has caused infertility in all those it affects.
The movie paints a bleak portrait of a dystopian world and looks at the effects of the virus on humanity and its consequences for the future. With stunning special effects and a suspenseful plot, it is an engaging movie that will entertain and inspire thought.
- Andromeda Strain (1971)
This classic sci-fi thriller movie is based on the novel by Michael Crichton. It stars Arthur Hill and James Olson and looks at what happens when an extraterrestrial virus that causes gruesome death is brought back to Earth on a spacecraft.
A team of scientists must find a way to contain the virus while they investigate its possibly sinister origin. While the movie is now dated, the idea of a pandemic unfolding remains a chilling prospect.
Although the world has been brought to a standstill due to the pandemic, there is still hope that, one day, we will triumph over it. One way to escape and entertain ourselves while we wait for the virus to pass is by watching pandemic-themed movies. For this reason, this article has listed some of the best pandemic movies to help you survive this difficult time.
These movies are examples of how coping with a pandemic can be creative, innovative, and even entertaining. Movies like “Contagion,” “World War Z” and “Children of Men” offer an insightful look at a pandemic, as well as providing an entertaining escape from it. If you’re looking for a way to cope and a little escape from the pandemic, then these movies are worth a watch.
