Mushrooms have long fascinated filmmakers with their mysterious and often otherworldly qualities. This curated list of 10 films explores the diverse roles mushrooms play in cinema, from horror and fantasy to documentaries and comedies. Whether they are the central theme or a subtle backdrop, these films offer a unique perspective on the fungal kingdom, providing both entertainment and insight into the natural world.

The Last of Us (2023)
Description: This HBO series, based on the video game, features a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection has turned humans into aggressive creatures. The narrative explores survival, human connection, and the impact of nature's revenge.
Fact: The series was praised for its realistic depiction of fungal growth and infection, consulting with mycologists for accuracy.


Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Description: A documentary that delves into the world of mushrooms, showcasing their ecological importance, medicinal properties, and the mycelial network's role in the ecosystem.
Fact: The film features time-lapse photography of mushrooms growing, highlighting their rapid growth and beauty.


The Fungus Among Us (2010)
Description: This documentary explores the world of fungi, focusing on their role in decomposition, their potential in medicine, and their cultural significance.
Fact: The film was screened at several environmental film festivals, promoting awareness about fungi's ecological role.


The Mushroom Hunters (2013)
Description: A documentary that follows the lives of foragers who hunt for wild mushrooms, exploring the subculture of mushroom hunting in the Pacific Northwest.
Fact: The film highlights the secretive nature of mushroom hunting, where foragers guard their spots fiercely.


The Secret Life of Fungi (2017)
Description: This documentary uncovers the hidden world of fungi, their role in ecosystems, and their potential in biotechnology.
Fact: The film uses advanced microscopy to show the intricate structures of fungi at a cellular level.


Fungi: The Web of Life (2018)
Description: A film that explores the interconnectedness of fungi with other life forms, emphasizing their role in the carbon cycle and soil health.
Fact: The documentary was part of a larger project to promote fungal conservation.


The Mushroom Club (2005)
Description: This film follows a group of amateur mycologists in their quest to find rare mushrooms, showcasing the passion and camaraderie among mushroom enthusiasts.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life mushroom clubs and their annual forays.


The Fungi Kingdom (2015)
Description: A documentary that explores the diversity of fungi, from the smallest yeast to the largest mushrooms, and their impact on human life.
Fact: The film includes interviews with leading mycologists from around the world.


Fungi: The Invisible Kingdom (2014)
Description: This documentary delves into the unseen world of fungi, their role in decomposition, and their potential in environmental remediation.
Fact: The film was used in educational settings to teach about the importance of fungi in ecosystems.


The Mushroom Man (2011)
Description: A quirky comedy about a man obsessed with mushrooms, leading to humorous and surreal situations as he tries to share his passion with the world.
Fact: The film was a cult hit, appreciated for its unique blend of humor and mycology.
