The world has ended. Now what?

Movies that posit the question “what happens after the end of the world” have always intrigued me. Blockbusters like ‘World War Z’ and ‘The Book of Eli’ entertained millions. Here are 10 great post-apocalyptic films that '“you may have missed”.

Le Dernier Combat

1983 French film that stars Jean Reno in his first lead. Directed by Luc Besson in his first feature film ‘Le Dernier Combat’ features a world destroyed by unknown forces. The film features only 2 words of dialogue as something has rendered humanity unable to speak. Bleak, brutal and unique. The choice to use black & white makes the breakdown of society even more oppressive.

The Day After

This two-night, 4 hour mini-series absolutely freaked out US audiences upon its premiere. Over 100 million Americans watched the effects of nuclear war on the citizens of Lawrence, Kansas. So unnerving ABC had to run an 800 number for people to call for emotional support. Later shown to massive audiences throughout the world. Still petrifying to this day.

A Boy and his Dog

America has become a wasteland through which a teenage boy (played by a very young Don Johnson) and his telepathic dog Blood must somehow survive. Dark sci-fi comedy based on the story by Harlan Ellison.

The World, The Flesh and The Devil

At the height of his career, Harry Belafonte chose to star in this post-doomsday movie. After digging himself out of a collapsed mine shaft, Belafonte emerges to find all the other people are dead. He finds that an “enemy” has released a deadly gas that evaporates after 5 days. His search for any other living person takes him to an empty and desolate New York City. Not only a post-apocalyptic film, but also a study on American race relations in the 1950s.

Soylent Green

‘Soylent Green’ is so powerful that today, 50 years after its release, it is still the focus of memes, jokes and marketing. Oreo’s, Lay’s chips, meal replacements, shirts and a bevy of other products are still selling like soylent cakes! With greenhouse gases run amok Charlton Heston, in the midst of his sci-fi run, stars in this apocalyptic police procedural. Last on-screen appearance for the great Edward G. Robinson. Plus one of the great tag-lines of all time!