Beyond “Don’t Look Up”: 5 Movies About the End of the World

Cinema has always presented us with great stories and one of the most recurrent themes is undoubtedly the end of the world. These films mix science fiction, suspense, and action resulting in stories that keep us on the edge of our seats. The latest release with this theme is the movie that everyone is talking about: "Don´t look up" ("Don't look up"). In addition to bringing together a great cast made up of Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, among many others, the film has generated good reviews for the way it addresses this issue by making a social and political critique of global warming. Regarding its success, we want to present you with a list of the best films about the end of the world.

"Soylent Green" (1973)

Let's start this list with a movie that is a classic of the catastrophic film genre. We talk about "Soylent Green." It is the year 2022, pollution, global warming and overpopulation have caused the world to be divided between a small elite group that maintains economic and political control and the rest of the population that survives with the only edible source, the so-called Soylent. When detective Robert Thorn investigates the death of one of the members of this elite, he discovers that the new product launched on the market, the green Soylent, is made from humans. With one of the best plots about the end of the world, this film shows us a very discouraging and chilling dystopian world that will make even the most incredulous thing.

"Independence Day" (1996)

Starring Will Smith, who plays Captain Steven Hiller of the United States Marine Corps. After the Pentagon received a strange radio signal, researchers warn of the arrival of an alien invasion to planet Earth that is heading Washington DC and New York. The victory of humanity occurs on July 4, which coincides with the independence day of the United States.

It was the winner of an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and one of the highest-grossing films in history, grossing more than $ 817 million. "Independence Day" has become a benchmark for end-of-the-world-themed cinema.

"The day after tomorrow" (2004)

Jack Hall, played by Dennis Quaid, is a paleontologist who studies Earth's climate throughout history and discovers that global warming will bring catastrophic climate effects that usher in a new ice age, so he must act fast. as planet Earth begins to freeze.

The film is made up of several stories. On the one hand, the scientist who plans measures to save humanity, but who is also the father of a family. On the other hand, the son has to go through different tests to stay safe. The performances and dramatic moments trap us to hope that in the end, the characters can reunite with their families. Although it has a somewhat predictable plot, the way it takes the story is quite entertaining and full of emotion.

You might be interested: Spider-Man No Way Home Review: Reality Is Never What It Seems

"Children of Man" (2006)

It is the year 2027 and almost two decades have passed in which no baby has been born on planet earth. The United Kingdom is humanity's last hope, as its government is the only one standing, which has led to strict policies on refugees. The film revolves around Theo Faron, played by Clive Owen, a public servant who must help the first pregnant woman after 18 years to escape the chaos and find a safe place to take refuge.

Although it did not achieve the expected success at the box office, this film is one of those that you must see at least once in your life. Praised by critics and directed by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, this film has excellent aspects. In the first place the plot, since it puts the issue of migration on the table, a reality that does not seem very far from our times. In addition, it poses a very real and a bit scary doomsday shape. The second is the long shot-sequences that he uses in the film and that takes you into the plot. And finally, the photography that was in charge of Emmanuel Lubezki, who creates a perfect atmosphere and composition for the film.

"War of the Worlds" (2005)

Based on the novel by HG Wells, "The War of the Worlds," the story centers on Ray Ferrier, played by Tom Cruise, a divorced family man who is visited by his two children, Rachael (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) does not suspect that an alien invasion is about to happen, so the protagonist will do everything possible to keep his family safe.

The importance of this film lies in the adaptation of a literary classic such as "The War of the Worlds." On October 30, 1938, a radio station unleashed chaos in the United States for the radio adaptation of this novel. What this film achieves is a suitable setting that generates that paranoia typical of the book. With great performances and great success at the box office, this film is a reference to the catastrophic cinema of the end of the world.