There's something inherently thrilling about exploring abandoned places, where time seems to stand still and nature reclaims what was once bustling with human activity. This collection of films captures that sense of adventure, mystery, and sometimes, the eerie silence of forgotten realms. Whether it's the haunting beauty of deserted cities, the thrill of uncovering hidden secrets, or the sheer survival in desolate landscapes, these movies will take you on a journey through some of cinema's most intriguing abandoned settings.
The Road Warrior (1981)
Description: In this post-apocalyptic world, Max Rockatansky navigates through desolate wastelands, encountering abandoned towns and vehicles, symbolizing the end of civilization as we know it.
Fact: The film was shot in the Australian outback, where the crew found many abandoned vehicles and locations that fit the film's setting. The iconic chase scenes were done with practical effects and real stunts.
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The Postman (1997)
Description: In a post-apocalyptic America, a drifter takes on the role of a postman, bringing hope to isolated communities. The film features vast, abandoned landscapes and towns, symbolizing the collapse of civilization.
Fact: Kevin Costner, who stars and directs, was so committed to the film that he even mortgaged his house to finance it. The film's setting was inspired by the real-life abandoned town of St. Elmo, Colorado.
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The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not entirely abandoned, the film showcases cities like New York and Los Angeles turned into icy wastelands, offering a unique take on urban abandonment due to a sudden climate shift.
Fact: The film used real snow in some scenes, but for others, they used a mixture of paper, foam, and plastic to simulate snow. The iconic scene of the Statue of Liberty half-buried in ice was created with CGI.
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The Descent (2005)
Description: While not entirely abandoned, the film's setting in an uncharted cave system evokes the feeling of being lost in a forgotten world, with the added terror of subterranean creatures.
Fact: The cave scenes were shot in a disused mine in Scotland, which was modified to look like a natural cave system. The film uses practical effects for the creatures, enhancing the claustrophobic atmosphere.
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The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
Description: A family's road trip turns into a nightmare when they encounter mutants in the abandoned desert of New Mexico, highlighting the eerie isolation and danger of such places.
Fact: The film was shot in the Moroccan desert, which provided a vast, desolate landscape. The original 1977 film was inspired by the legend of Sawney Bean, a Scottish cannibal.
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The Road (2009)
Description: This post-apocalyptic tale follows a father and son as they navigate a barren, abandoned America, seeking safety and warmth. The desolate landscapes and empty towns they pass through are a stark reminder of what once was.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Pennsylvania, which were chosen for their abandoned and post-apocalyptic feel. Viggo Mortensen, who plays the father, lost 30 pounds for the role to portray the harsh conditions of the journey.
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The Book of Eli (2010)
Description: In a world after a nuclear holocaust, Eli (Denzel Washington) travels across a desolate landscape, protecting a sacred book. The abandoned towns and overgrown highways he traverses are hauntingly beautiful in their emptiness.
Fact: The film was shot in New Mexico, where the crew found many abandoned locations that perfectly captured the post-apocalyptic setting. Denzel Washington performed many of his own stunts, including a scene where he jumps from a moving vehicle.
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The Revenant (2015)
Description: Set in the 1820s, this film follows Hugh Glass as he treks through the unforgiving wilderness of the American frontier, showcasing the raw beauty and isolation of abandoned landscapes.
Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the physical and emotional journey of the characters. Leonardo DiCaprio endured extreme conditions, including eating raw bison liver for a scene.
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The Maze Runner (2014)
Description: A group of teenagers find themselves in a mysterious, abandoned glade surrounded by a deadly maze. Their quest for escape and survival in this forgotten place is both thrilling and terrifying.
Fact: The maze was built in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was one of the largest sets ever constructed for a film. The maze was so complex that the actors often got lost during filming.
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The Last of Us (2023)
Description: While not a film, this series adaptation of the video game features characters navigating through abandoned cities and towns overrun by nature and infected beings, capturing the essence of adventure in forgotten places.
Fact: The series was filmed in Alberta, Canada, where they found numerous locations that looked like they had been abandoned for years. The show's creators aimed to stay true to the game's atmosphere.
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