10 Movies & Shows Similar to World War Z (2013)

Description: Like 'World War Z', this franchise features a corporate-created virus causing a global zombie outbreak. Both properties blend action with horror and feature strong female leads fighting against overwhelming odds.

Fact: The film series became the highest-grossing video game adaptation until

Description: Similar to 'World War Z' in its fast-paced zombie apocalypse scenario, '28 Days Later' also explores themes of survival and societal collapse. Both films feature intense action sequences and a focus on the rapid spread of infection.

Fact: Directed by Danny Boyle, the film revitalized the zombie genre with its 'rage virus' concept. The movie was shot on digital video to give it a gritty, realistic feel. The iconic scene of Jim waking up in an empty London was filmed at dawn to avoid traffic.

Description: This Zack Snyder remake shares 'World War Z's' focus on fast-moving zombies and the immediate chaos of an outbreak. Both films feature intense action sequences and a diverse group of survivors.

Fact: The film features cameos from original 1978 film cast members. The mall setting was a real shopping center scheduled for demolition. Snyder's directorial debut launched his successful career.

Description: Like 'World War Z', 'I Am Legend' deals with a global pandemic that turns humans into aggressive creatures. Both films focus on a lone protagonist trying to find a cure while navigating a desolate world.

Fact: Will Smith's performance is largely solo, with minimal dialogue in many scenes. The film has two alternate endings, one of which is more faithful to the original novel. Times Square was completely recreated digitally for the film's post-apocalyptic scenes.

Description: While more comedic, 'Zombieland' shares 'World War Z's' focus on survival rules in a zombie apocalypse. Both films feature creative zombie kills and a cross-country journey through a devastated America.

Fact: The film's rules for survival became iconic in pop culture. Bill Murray's cameo was improvised on set. It was one of the first major zombie comedies to achieve mainstream success.

Description: Similar to 'World War Z', this series explores long-term survival in a zombie apocalypse, with a focus on human dynamics and societal rebuilding. Both properties feature large-scale zombie hordes and desperate survival tactics.

Fact: The show's zombies are called 'walkers' to distinguish them from other zombie lore. Frank Darabont (director of 'The Shawshank Redemption') developed the series. The pilot episode had the highest ratings of any series premiere in cable history at the time.

Description: While not featuring zombies, 'Contagion' shares 'World War Z's' realistic approach to a global pandemic, showing the rapid spread of disease and societal breakdown. Both films emphasize the scientific and governmental response to crisis.

Fact: The film's scientific accuracy was praised by real epidemiologists. Gwyneth Paltrow's character was based on real 'index patients' from disease outbreaks. The film's virus, MEV-1, was modeled after the Nipah virus.

Description: Like 'World War Z', this series features a global fungal pandemic that creates aggressive infected. Both explore the bond between a hardened survivor and a young person who may hold the key to a cure.

Fact: The series broke viewership records for HBO. The fungal infection concept was based on real cordyceps fungi that control insects. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey's chemistry was praised as perfect for the roles.

Description: This British film shares 'World War Z's' exploration of a potential cure within an infected individual. Both films feature intelligent, evolved zombies and ethical dilemmas about survival.

Fact: Based on the novel by M.R. Carey, who also wrote the screenplay. The child lead, Sennia Nanua, had no prior acting experience. The fungal infection concept predates 'The Last of Us' by several years.

Description: This South Korean film shares 'World War Z's' emphasis on fast-moving zombies and the chaos of a sudden outbreak. Both films also explore human relationships under extreme stress.

Fact: It was the first Korean zombie film to receive widespread international acclaim. The entire movie takes place in real-time during the train journey. Director Yeon Sang-ho originally conceived the story as an animated film.