One of my favorite sub-genres of movies are the post apocalypse films. This extremely specialized part of the dystopian science fiction genre, and often crossing over into horror, has its own unique feel that attracts a strong cult following. There are many really bad post apocalypse B-movies, but there are also some great gems out there. Some are popular because they are really underrated movies that show a post-apocalyptic world in detail, and others are popular because of their "campy" feel.
So the rules for what is and is not a post apocalyptic movie. In general: if the apocalypse is taking place during most of the movie (Dawn of the Dead, Day After Tomorrow, The Stand) then it's disqualified because that is an apocalypse movie, not post apocalypse, and there is a difference! The main event should already have passed, and the setting should be a major consideration in the movie. That said, let's sift through the countless crap B movies and see some real great post apocalypse action!
#10 "Escape from New York" (1981). Manhattan is now the largest prison in the world, and Air Force One crashes into it. Snake Plisskin, played by Kurt Russell, is an ex-war hero who hates the govt. So they implant bombs in his body, set to a timer, and send him in. If Snake can find and rescue the President, he goes free. If he can't find and rescue the President in time, he'll blow up. Totalitarian police in the future don't mess around.
This movie is dated, as the special effects will seem campy by today's standard, but that's part of the fun of the film, and it's not nearly as bad as the cgi in the sequel "Escape from LA." Kurt Russell makes this film. His big, larger than life persona as a tough guy is what carries the films. Similar to some early Clint Eastwood characters in that regard, the movie revolves around his character and it is this aspect that keeps it finding fans in the future. A great introduction to post apocalyptic films, going more with the fun over the dark, and making the "world after" setting a major character.
So the rules for what is and is not a post apocalyptic movie. In general: if the apocalypse is taking place during most of the movie (Dawn of the Dead, Day After Tomorrow, The Stand) then it's disqualified because that is an apocalypse movie, not post apocalypse, and there is a difference! The main event should already have passed, and the setting should be a major consideration in the movie. That said, let's sift through the countless crap B movies and see some real great post apocalypse action!
#10 "Escape from New York" (1981). Manhattan is now the largest prison in the world, and Air Force One crashes into it. Snake Plisskin, played by Kurt Russell, is an ex-war hero who hates the govt. So they implant bombs in his body, set to a timer, and send him in. If Snake can find and rescue the President, he goes free. If he can't find and rescue the President in time, he'll blow up. Totalitarian police in the future don't mess around.
This movie is dated, as the special effects will seem campy by today's standard, but that's part of the fun of the film, and it's not nearly as bad as the cgi in the sequel "Escape from LA." Kurt Russell makes this film. His big, larger than life persona as a tough guy is what carries the films. Similar to some early Clint Eastwood characters in that regard, the movie revolves around his character and it is this aspect that keeps it finding fans in the future. A great introduction to post apocalyptic films, going more with the fun over the dark, and making the "world after" setting a major character.
RELATED CONTENT
Comments
BE
(Guest)
(Guest)
11/10/2009
Testament (1983) is unforgetable
Planet of the apes as #1 great choice
doesntmatter
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/28/2009
hands down. this is the worst list I%27ve ever seen. I never post comments%2C but this is friggin ridiculous bad..boo this man
pie8me
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/23/2009
Left off my favorite, "A Boy and His Dog". 1975, L.Q. Jones. May have been Don Johnson's first lead in a movie. A boy and his telepathic dog search for food and females in the nuclear wastelands of Kansas. I'm almost sure this movie was a direct inspiration to the Mad Max series.
juice
(Guest)
(Guest)
05/08/2009
Completely agree with you on The Postman. I thought it was an excellent movie and no one that I talk to about movies today remembers it or cared for it. Sad.
This is my article. The other site has usage rights, but they don't have my name up, which they should.
Plagiarism?
(Guest)
(Guest)
10/07/2008
Don't know if you're the same person, or who posted first, but...
http://www.rusticgirls.com/reviews/10-best-post-apocalypse-movies.html
Pretty striking similarity if you ask me...
Great choices! I love Escape From New York, and I have a lot of great things to say about Escape From LA. Granted, the special effects were not all great, but blame it on Paramount for rushing the movie thru production. Thanks!
Comments 1 - 8 (of 8)
NOW SHOWING
A-List Actresses
A-List Actors
|
|