Movies

4 Apocalypse Movies That Don't Feel Like One Big Cliche

4 Apocalypse Movies That Don't Feel Like One Big Cliche
Image credit: Zentropa Entertainments

These unique apocalypse films certainly won't give you that "I've seen it all before" feeling.

We all know those old-school apocalypse movies. The ones with zombies running wild or epic natural disasters wreaking havoc. Let’s be honest, they aren't as exciting as they used to be like 15 years ago.

Luckily, there are movies that dared to break away from those cliches and turned out to be awesome. Let's take a moment to appreciate those gems.

Melancholia

Melancholia is a deep, emotional journey that explores themes of depression, anxiety, and the impending end of the world. The story revolves around two sisters, Justine and Claire, who are grappling with the reality of a rogue planet, aptly named Melancholia, hurtling towards Earth.

The performances by Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg are raw and riveting. The film's director, Lars von Trier, uses a mix of slow-motion, natural lighting, and close-ups to create a sense of impending doom.

While it might not be everyone's cup of tea due to its slow pace and heavy themes, Melancholia is a cinematic masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression.

Night of the Comet

Who said the apocalypse has to be all doom and gloom? This movie is a fun blend of comedy, sci-fi, and '80s nostalgia.

When a comet wipes out most of humanity, two Valley Girls, Reggie and Sam, find themselves battling cannibal zombies and evil scientists. It's a cult classic with a light-hearted take on the end of the world.

The Road

The Road is another unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre. Based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, the film follows a father and son as they traverse the desolate wastelands of a decimated United States.

The world they navigate is a grim one, ravaged by an unknown disaster and filled with desperate survivors resorting to cannibalism. The performances by Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee capture the despair and danger of their journey, making The Road a gripping watch.

Blindness

This film explores the breakdown of society following a sudden outbreak of blindness in an unnamed city. The story, based on a novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Jose Saramago, is a thought-provoking commentary on human nature and society.

While the film adaptation doesn't quite reach the heights of the novel, it's still a compelling look at life during societal collapse.