Amidst the streaming landscape, Disney Plus stands out not only for its extensive catalog of family-friendly content but also for its hidden gems in the post-apocalyptic genre. From dystopian landscapes to tales of resilience, the channel offers a curated selection of films that transport viewers to worlds transformed by catastrophe. Join us as we delve into the ruins, and unearth some of the best post-apocalyptic movies on Disney Plus to this day. This list includes apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian movies.
Best Post-Apocalyptic Movies on Disney Plus
28 Weeks Later
The cinematic debut of 28 Weeks Later took place in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2007, courtesy of 20th Century Fox, while Fox Atomic handled its release in the United States. Garnering favorable feedback from critics, the film amassed a global box office revenue exceeding $65 million.
Half a year following the outbreak of the rage virus in Great Britain, the US Army intervenes to establish a safe zone in London, aiming to facilitate the survivors’ resettlement and resurgence. However, the meticulously laid plans encounter unexpected challenges, revealing that the path to rebuilding society is far from straightforward.
The Happening
The Happening, a 2008 science fiction thriller, marks the creative vision of writer, director, and producer M. Night Shyamalan. Featuring a cast led by Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, and Betty Buckley, the film unfolds against the backdrop of a mysterious natural calamity triggering widespread suicides. Premiering in New York City on June 10, 2008, the movie hit theaters across the United States on June 13, distributed by 20th Century Fox. Despite its star-studded ensemble, the film received predominantly negative criticism from reviewers. Nonetheless, it managed to secure a worldwide box office revenue of $163 million.
The Day After Tomorrow
The Day After Tomorrow, a 2004 American science fiction disaster film, emerged from the creative minds of Roland Emmerich, who conceived, co-wrote, directed, and co-produced the project. Inspired by the 1999 book The Coming Global Superstorm by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sela Ward, Emmy Rossum, and Ian Holm.
Set against the backdrop of a disrupted North Atlantic Ocean circulation, the film portrays the catastrophic consequences of extreme weather events, triggering a chain reaction of climatic upheaval and ultimately plunging the world into a new ice age.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1981 Uncanny X-Men storyline Days of Future Past by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, the narrative unfolds across two distinct time periods. In a desperate attempt to avert a catastrophic event that spells doom for both humans and mutants alike, Logan travels back to the year 1973. Armed with the knowledge of future devastation, he endeavors to intervene in pivotal events of the past, striving to rewrite the timeline and secure a brighter future for all.
X-Men Apocalypse
Grounded in the rich tapestry of Marvel Comics, the film draws upon the fictional X-Men characters as its foundation. Positioned as the sixth mainline installment within the esteemed X-Men film series and the ninth installment overall, it continues to explore the enduring legacy and complexities of these beloved superheroes and antiheroes.
In the ancient era of 3600 BC, En Sabah Nur, an ancient and formidable mutant, reigns supreme over the land of Egypt. Possessing immense power and wisdom, En Sabah Nur seeks to prolong his existence by transferring his consciousness into a new vessel, one capable of granting him unparalleled regenerative abilities. This ritual, however, is marred by treachery as his four loyal disciples, known as the Horsemen of Apocalypse, fall victim to betrayal.
Strange World
Strange World tracks the Clades, a renowned family of explorers— played by Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, and Gabrielle Union—united by blood but divided by differences. Tasked with a perilous journey into a surreal subterranean realm, they seek to protect Pando, a miraculous plant vital for their society’s energy. As they navigate treacherous landscapes and encounter bizarre lifeforms, their unity becomes paramount to safeguarding their homeland’s future.
Avengers: End Game
In the aftermath of Thanos’ devastating act that wiped out half of all life in the universe, Carol Danvers comes to the rescue of Tony Stark and Nebula stranded in deep space. Together with the remaining Avengers—Bruce Banner, Steve Rogers, Thor, Natasha Romanoff, and James Rhodes—alongside Rocket, they regroup on Earth. Their aim: to confront Thanos and reverse his cataclysmic deed using the Infinity Stones. However, their hopes are dashed when they discover that Thanos has obliterated the Stones, leaving their mission in jeopardy.
The Maze Runner
Thomas, portrayed by Dylan O’Brien, finds himself deposited in a mysterious glade at the heart of an immense labyrinth, devoid of memories of his former life, much like the other youths who preceded him. Embraced by the group, Thomas swiftly proves his worth, earning the esteemed role of Runner—a position tasked with exploring the ever-shifting maze in search of an exit. Alongside Teresa, the sole female inhabitant, Thomas endeavors to persuade his fellow captives that he possesses knowledge of a viable escape route. As tensions rise and hope flickers, Thomas and Teresa embark on a daring quest to unravel the secrets of the labyrinth and secure their freedom.
Ad Astra
Three decades earlier, Clifford McBride spearheaded an ambitious expedition into the depths of space, yet neither the vessel nor its crew ever returned. Now, his son, a bold astronaut, must undertake a perilous journey to Neptune, driven by a relentless pursuit of truth surrounding his father’s disappearance and a perplexing surge of power jeopardizing cosmic equilibrium. As he ventures into the unknown abyss, he confronts not only the enigma of his father’s fate but also the profound mysteries lurking within the far reaches of the universe.
Armageddon
As Earth faces an imminent threat from an asteroid hurtling towards it, NASA chief Dan Truman, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, devises a daring plan to avert disaster: drilling into the asteroid’s surface and detonating a nuclear bomb. To execute this perilous mission, he enlists the expertise of renowned driller Harry Stamper, played by Bruce Willis, who insists on bringing his own skilled crew into the fray. Among them is the brash A.J., portrayed by Ben Affleck, whom Harry initially deems unworthy of his daughter’s affections until the mission reveals his true mettle. As the clock ticks down, tensions rise, and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Klaatu, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, descends upon Earth as an otherworldly messenger, heralding unprecedented upheaval on a global scale. In the wake of his arrival, governments and scientists scramble to decipher the enigma he presents and devise strategies to confront the looming crisis. Amidst the chaos, Dr. Helen Benson, portrayed by Jennifer Connelly, and her stepson find themselves drawn into the heart of the unfolding mystery. As they grapple with the chilling implications of Klaatu’s proclamation that he is a “friend to the Earth,” they confront profound questions about humanity’s future and its place in the cosmos.
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