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The Best Movies About Disease Outbreaks

Ranker Film

Updated March 15, 2024 1.2M views

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83.5K votes

13.6K voters

6 reranks

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Vote up the best films that depict epidemics of airborne illnesses or other infectious diseases that threaten humanity.

The world of cinema has long been fascinated by the devastating consequences and tense drama that unfold in the wake of infectious diseases, leading to some of the best pandemic movies ever created. Masterful storytelling, coupled with thought-provoking themes and complex characters, has given moviegoers a glimpse into the harrowing reality of disease outbreaks. As a result, filmmakers have produced an impressive array of movies in this genre, capturing the chaos and emotion that society faces during a pandemic.

Within the realm of the best virus movies, stories often delve into the human condition, exposing the resilience and fragility present within society during times of crisis. These movies often explore a vast range of ideologies and narratives, reflecting societal fears and uncertainties surrounding disease outbreaks. Expertly crafted, these films represent the pinnacle of cinematic creativity, with captivating portrayals of humanity's battle against deadly viruses.

Among the many exceptional disease movies, notable examples include Contagion, which offers a chillingly realistic portrayal of a novel virus wreaking havoc across the globe, highlighting the challenges public health officials face in combating its spread. Another standout is 28 Days Later, which delves into the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a rage-inducing virus, painting a grim picture of human civilization pushed to the brink. Outbreak, a classic 90s thriller, keeps viewers on the edge as a deadly Ebola-like virus threatens to decimate a small American town. However, these gripping stories represent just a fraction of the vast array of captivating pandemic movies available to discerning film enthusiasts.

The enduring appeal of pandemic movies lies in their uncanny ability to showcase society's strength, determination, and vulnerability in the face of dire circumstances. From heart-wrenching tales of tragedy to adrenaline-fueled action, these films capture the essence of upheaval and chaos that ensues from lethal viruses and their impact on society. Moviegoers seeking an engrossing cinematic experience are sure to be thrilled by the best pandemic movies in this fascinating genre.

Most divisive: Splinter

Over 13.6K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies About Disease Outbreaks

1
Dawn of the Dead
Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber
1,832 votes
As a compelling and horrifying portrayal of a zombie apocalypse, this classic film shows society in chaos as the dead return to life and terrorize the living. Survivors barricade themselves in a shopping mall to evade the flesh-eating hordes, grappling with both the external threat and the psychological pressures of their situation. The film's combination of thrilling action and biting social commentary has made it a staple in the genre of outbreak cinema.
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2
I Am Legend
Will Smith, Alice Braga, Dash Mihok
4,591 votes
In this post-apocalyptic thriller, humanity is all but wiped out by a devastating pandemic that turns the infected into feral, nocturnal creatures. The story follows a lone survivor, a dedicated scientist working tirelessly to find a cure, while navigating a desolate and dangerous world. As the protagonist struggles to maintain hope and sanity amidst his isolation and the relentless threat of infection, viewers are treated to a gripping exploration of the human spirit.
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3
28 Days Later
Cillian Murphy, Noah Huntley, Naomie Harris
4,638 votes
This groundbreaking film turns the traditional zombie narrative on its head, portraying the infected as terrifyingly fast and aggressive. The story follows a small group of survivors navigating the desolate streets of London after a highly contagious virus has ravaged the population. With its visceral depiction of societal collapse and chilling atmosphere, the movie redefined the outbreak genre and spawned a successful sequel.
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4
Outbreak
Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman
4,569 votes
This tense medical thriller centers around the desperate race to control a deadly, Ebola-like virus that threatens a small California town. A stellar ensemble cast portrays the military and medical personnel who clash over the appropriate response to the crisis, exposing the political and ethical complications that can arise during an epidemic. The film's suspenseful pacing and thought-provoking themes make it a standout among outbreak movies.
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5
Contagion
Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne
5,202 votes
As a chillingly realistic portrayal of a pandemic, this film explores the ripple effects of a virus as it rapidly spreads around the globe. A star-studded cast brings to life the various perspectives of medical professionals, government officials, and ordinary citizens struggling to cope with the escalating crisis. The movie's attention to detail and authentic representation of the challenges posed by a pandemic make it essential viewing for fans of the genre.
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6
World War Z
Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale
4,822 votes
This blockbuster adaptation of the popular novel presents a global zombie pandemic on an epic scale, as hordes of the infected threaten to overrun civilization. The protagonist, a former UN investigator, embarks on a perilous journey across continents, racing against time to find a solution to the outbreak. With its action-packed plot and jaw-dropping visuals, the film offers a thrilling take on the apocalypse narrative.
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7
28 Weeks Later
Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner
3,386 votes
Set in the aftermath of the events depicted in 28 Days Later, this sequel follows the attempted rebuilding of society in a London under strict military control. Tensions rise as new threats emerge, including the possibility of another outbreak, and the survivors must once again confront the horror of the infected. The movie expands on the chilling world established in its predecessor while delivering intense action sequences and thought-provoking themes.
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8
12 Monkeys
Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt
2,755 votes
In this mind-bending sci-fi thriller, a prisoner from a post-apocalyptic future is sent back in time to prevent a devastating virus that decimated the world's population. As he navigates the complexities of the past, the protagonist uncovers a web of conspiracy and intrigue surrounding the outbreak. The movie's intriguing narrative, bolstered by strong performances from its cast, has earned it a place among the top films about disease outbreaks.
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9
Children of Men
Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine
2,121 votes
In a bleak, dystopian future where humanity has become infertile, society crumbles as factions vie for power and control over the remaining population. The story follows an unlikely hero who becomes tasked with escorting a pregnant woman, the first in years, to a sanctuary of hope. This critically acclaimed film is notable for its haunting depiction of a devastated world and the powerful themes it explores, making it essential viewing for fans of outbreak cinema.
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10
The Crazies
Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Joe Anderson
2,477 votes
This nail-biting remake of George A. Romero's 1973 classic sees a small Iowa town thrown into chaos when the inhabitants are infected by a mysterious toxin that turns them into bloodthirsty killers. As the military swoops in to contain the situation, a group of uninfected locals must navigate the deadly outbreak while questioning who they can trust. The film's intense pace, unsettling atmosphere, and visceral action make it a thrilling modern take on the original.
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11
Resident Evil
Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius
2,935 votes
Adapted from the popular video game series, this action-packed film follows a team of commandos as they infiltrate an underground research facility where a deadly virus has been unleashed, turning the inhabitants into ravenous zombies. As they battle the hordes of undead and uncover the sinister corporation behind the outbreak, the film delivers a mixture of pulse-pounding action and horror elements that fans of the genre will appreciate.
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12
Train to Busan
Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
229 votes
In this riveting South Korean zombie film, a group of passengers trapped on a high-speed train must work together to fend off hordes of infected passengers as the virus rapidly spreads through the country. Combining intense action sequences with emotional depth, the movie offers a fresh take on the outbreak narrative that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Its claustrophobic setting and relentless pacing make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
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13
The Andromeda Strain
Arthur Hill, David Wayne, James Olson
1,793 votes
Adapted from Michael Crichton's bestselling novel, this tense sci-fi thriller follows a team of scientists as they race against time to contain a rapidly mutating extraterrestrial organism that threatens to wipe out life on Earth. As they unravel the mysteries of the alien pathogen, the film explores the ethical dilemmas and scientific challenges that arise during a crisis. Its cerebral, suspenseful narrative continues to captivate audiences and establish it as a classic in outbreak cinema.
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14
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow
1,727 votes
In this gripping origin story of the classic sci-fi franchise, a brilliant scientist's attempt to find a cure for Alzheimer's leads to the creation of a super-intelligent race of apes. As the apes break free and spread a deadly virus to humans, the stage is set for an epic battle between the species. The film adeptly balances thrilling action with thought-provoking themes, making it a standout entry in the long-running series.
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15
Shaun of the Dead
Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
180 votes
In this beloved horror-comedy, a hapless electronics store employee and his slacker best friend must confront the sudden appearance of zombies in their London neighborhood. Blending laugh-out-loud humor with the tropes of traditional zombie films, the movie delivers both wit and gore in equal measure. Its mix of comedy and horror make it a standout entry among outbreak movies, appealing to a wide range of viewers.
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16
10 Cloverfield Lane
John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher
1,004 votes
This surprise sequel to the found-footage monster movie Cloverfield takes a more psychological approach, trapping a woman in a bunker with a survivalist claiming the world above has been devastated by a chemical attack. The film expertly builds tension through its claustrophobic setting and engrossing character dynamics, leading to a shocking finale that elevates it above standard outbreak fare. Its blend of suspense and horror elements make it a thrilling addition to the genre.
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17
Quarantine
Jennifer Carpenter, Steve Harris, Jay Hernandez
1,901 votes
In this nerve-wracking found-footage horror film, a television reporter and her cameraman become trapped in an apartment building when a mysterious virus turns the tenants into bloodthirsty killers. As they struggle to make sense of their predicament and search for a way out, the film captures a deeply unsettling atmosphere through its realistic, first-person perspective. The movie's innovative approach to the genre and frighteningly claustrophobic setting make it a chilling viewing experience.
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18
Resident Evil: Extinction
Milla Jovovich, Oded Fehr, Ali Larter
853 votes
The third installment in the popular action-horror franchise sees the heroine Alice (played by Milla Jovovich) continuing her battle against the sinister Umbrella Corporation and its bioweapons as she traverses a post-apocalyptic wasteland. As the stakes are raised and new revelations come to light, the film delivers the thrilling action and horror elements that have become synonymous with the series. With its engaging narrative and intense fight sequences, the movie remains a fan favorite among viewers of outbreak cinema.
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19
Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Oded Fehr
919 votes
The second entry in the Resident Evil series picks up where the first film left off, as Alice and a group of survivors battle their way through a city overrun with zombies in an attempt to escape before it is destroyed. Packed with intense action sequences and the further exploration of the sinister Umbrella Corporation's machinations, the film expands on the established lore while remaining true to its outbreak roots. With its compelling story and adrenaline-fueled set pieces, the movie continues to thrill fans of the genre.
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20
Resident Evil: Afterlife
Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Kim Coates
704 votes
In the fourth installment of the action-packed franchise, Alice continues to battle the sinister Umbrella Corporation, searching for survivors and allies in an increasingly post-apocalyptic world. New revelations about the virus and its potential cure add layers of intrigue and suspense to the series' established outbreak narrative. With its relentless action and expanding world-building, the film keeps fans engaged and eager for more.
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21
Resident Evil: Retribution
Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Kevin Durand
532 votes
As the fifth entry of the popular series, the film deepens the mythology surrounding the T-virus and its devastating effects on humanity. Alice's journey sees her facing new challenges as she uncovers more secrets of the Umbrella Corporation and their nefarious plans. Its high-octane action sequences and intricate storylines make it a solid addition to the franchise and a captivating watch for fans of the outbreak genre.
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22
Cabin Fever
Jordan Ladd, James DeBello, Rider Strong
1,557 votes
Depicting a horrifying scenario in which a group of friends are exposed to a flesh-eating virus while vacationing at a secluded cabin in the woods, this gory and darkly humorous film injects an element of body horror into the outbreak formula. The characters' descent into madness as they battle the infection and each other adds a psychological component to the visceral horror on display. Its unique blend of terror and humor gives it a distinctive place among outbreak films.
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23
Land of the Dead
Simon Baker, John Leguizamo, Asia Argento
626 votes
George A. Romero's fourth entry in his Dead series explores the remnants of society as they attempt to rebuild in the aftermath of a global zombie plague. The film focuses on the class divides and power struggles that emerge as survivors navigate a world teeming with danger and uncertainty. With its insightful social commentary and thrilling zombie action, the movie continues the tradition of thought-provoking and engaging storytelling that has come to define the series.
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24
REC
Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza, Jorge-Yamam Serrano
1,510 votes
This Spanish found-footage horror film follows a television reporter and her cameraman as they become trapped in an apartment building during the outbreak of a mysterious and deadly virus. The film's claustrophobic setting and gripping first-person perspective create a sense of dread that becomes increasingly palpable as the situation escalates. Its innovative storytelling approach and chilling execution make it a standout among disease outbreak movies.
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25
The Omega Man
Charlton Heston, Anthony Zerbe, Rosalind Cash
1,035 votes
Adapted from Richard Matheson's novel I Am Legend, this classic film follows the last surviving man on Earth as he navigates a world populated by nocturnal mutants that have been ravaged by a devastating virus. As the protagonist struggles with isolation and searches for a cure, the story delves into themes of resilience and the limits of human ingenuity. Its compelling narrative and evocative atmosphere make it a captivating entry in the genre.
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26
#Alive
Yoo Ah-in, Park Shin-hye, Lee Hyun-wook
127 votes
This South Korean thriller centers on a young man who becomes trapped in his apartment during a widespread zombie outbreak and must find a way to survive without human contact. As he forges an unlikely partnership with another survivor, the film delves into themes of loneliness, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection. Its fresh perspective on the zombie narrative and captivating character development make it a must-watch for fans of outbreak cinema.
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27
The Happening
Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo
1,764 votes
This environmental thriller from director M. Night Shyamalan centers on the sudden outbreak of mass suicides, seemingly prompted by a mysterious and invisible force. As the protagonists attempt to understand and escape the inexplicable phenomenon, the film raises unsettling questions about the consequences of human actions on the environment. Its intriguing premise and eerie atmosphere provide a unique twist on the outbreak narrative.
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28
Pandorum
Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet
927 votes
Set aboard a massive spaceship carrying Earth's last survivors, this sci-fi horror film delves into the psychological turmoil faced by two astronauts as they awaken to discover that they are not alone. Amidst the ensuing chaos, a horrifying truth emerges about the ship's cargo — a genetically altered virus with the potential to wipe out humanity. The film's atmospheric blend of sci-fi and horror elements makes it an engaging entry in the genre.
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29
Carriers
Lou Taylor Pucci, Chris Pine, Piper Perabo
1,127 votes
In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus, four friends find themselves struggling to survive amidst a landscape of rapidly escalating violence and despair. As they confront the moral dilemmas and ethical challenges posed by their situation, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature in times of crisis. Its character-driven narrative and atmospheric setting give it a unique place among outbreak movies.
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30
The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials
Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito
624 votes
In the sequel to the hit dystopian thriller The Maze Runner, the Gladers continue their struggle for survival, venturing into a desolate landscape known as the Scorch in search of answers and safety. Encountering new threats, including the powerful organization WCKD and its sinister virus experiments, the group faces an increasingly treacherous journey. This action-packed film expands upon the series' engaging narrative while staying true to its outbreak-inspired roots.