10 Movies & Shows Similar to I Am Legend (2007)

Description: As the first adaptation of Richard Matheson's novel 'I Am Legend', it shares the core premise of a lone survivor in a vampire/zombie apocalypse. Both protagonists conduct scientific research on the infected while struggling with isolation. The melancholic tone and themes of loneliness mirror 'I Am Legend'.

Fact: Stars Vincent Price in one of his most nuanced performances. The low-budget production heavily influenced later zombie films. Was remade twice as 'The Omega Man' and 'I Am Legend'.

Description: Like 'I Am Legend', it features a viral outbreak creating zombie-like creatures and a protagonist with special combat/survival skills. Both involve scientific corporations as the source of the outbreak. The action-horror blend and underground lab settings are comparable.

Fact: Spawned the most successful video game adaptation franchise. Milla Jovovich performed most of her own stunts. The laser corridor scene became one of the most iconic moments in action-horror cinema.

Description: Similar to 'I Am Legend' in its post-apocalyptic setting and themes of survival amidst a virus-induced societal collapse. Both films explore the psychological toll on survivors and feature fast-moving, aggressive infected beings. The visual aesthetics of deserted urban landscapes are strikingly similar.

Fact: Directed by Danny Boyle, known for his dynamic visual style. The film's iconic opening scene of a deserted London was shot at dawn with police permission to block roads briefly. Used digital video cameras to achieve a gritty, documentary-like feel.

Description: Shares 'I Am Legend's' theme of a virus transforming people into dangerous beings and the military's heavy-handed response. Both explore societal breakdown and feature protagonists trying to protect others while seeking safety. The tension between infection and aggression is similarly portrayed.

Fact: A remake of George Romero's 1973 film. The farmhouse sequence took three weeks to film. Used real Iowa locations to enhance authenticity.

Description: Like 'I Am Legend', it explores a global pandemic with zombie-like symptoms, focusing on scientific investigation for a cure. Both feature intense urban survival sequences and themes of humanity's fragility. The fast-moving infected share similarities with the Darkseekers in 'I Am Legend'.

Fact: Brad Pitt's production company Plan B produced the film. The Jerusalem sequence required building the largest set ever constructed in Malta. Underwent extensive reshoots that changed the third act completely.

Description: Shares 'I Am Legend's' focus on survival in a bleak post-apocalyptic world and the emotional journey of protecting loved ones. Both films emphasize the father-child relationship dynamic amidst catastrophe. The desaturated color palette and ruined urban environments create similar visual tones.

Fact: Based on Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer-winning novel. Viggo Mortensen lost significant weight for his role. Features one of the most accurate depictions of a nuclear winter in cinema.

Description: Shares the post-apocalyptic setting and lone wanderer protagonist protecting something precious (a cure in 'I Am Legend', a book here). Both explore themes of hope and preservation of humanity's legacy. The desaturated color scheme and action sequences are stylistically similar.

Fact: Denzel Washington trained in kali stick fighting for his role. The entire film was color-graded to appear nearly monochromatic. Features one of the most realistic depictions of post-apocalyptic resource scarcity.

Description: Like 'I Am Legend', it explores long-term survival in a zombie apocalypse with focus on human psychology. Both feature protagonists with medical/scientific backgrounds trying to understand the infection. The abandoned urban settings and themes of isolation are similar.

Fact: Based on Robert Kirkman's comic series. The pilot episode's budget was $

Description: Both films feature a scientific approach to a fungal/zombie pandemic and explore what it means to be human. The child protagonist in 'Girl' parallels the importance of children in 'I Am Legend's narrative. The military vs. scientific conflict appears in both stories.

Fact: Based on M.R. Carey's novel of the same name. The fungal infection concept was inspired by real-world parasitic fungi that control insects. Features groundbreaking zombie makeup combining practical and digital effects.

Description: Shares 'I Am Legend's' focus on family survival in a monster-dominated apocalypse. Both feature protagonists using scientific knowledge to combat creatures. The tension-filled atmosphere and creative survival strategies create similar viewing experiences.

Fact: John Krasinski's directorial breakthrough. The entire script is only 67 pages long due to minimal dialogue. Sound design was crucial, using frequencies beyond human hearing for creature sounds.