If you loved 'The Last Boy on Earth (2024)' and are craving more post-apocalyptic adventures, heartwarming survival stories, or dystopian thrillers, you're in the right place. This article highlights 10 movies and shows that capture the same essence—whether it's the lone survivor trope, emotional depth, or gripping world-building. Dive in to discover your next binge-worthy favorite!

I Am Legend (2007)
Description: A story of the last man in New York City surviving a virus that turned the population into monsters, focusing on isolation and scientific pursuit.
Fact: The film is the third adaptation of Richard Matheson's 1954 novel. The empty New York City scenes were filmed on location at dawn to avoid crowds.


The Road (2009)
Description: A bleak and emotional journey of a father and son surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, focusing on their bond and the harsh realities of their environment.
Fact: The film is based on Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. It features minimal CGI, relying on practical effects to create its desolate world.


The Book of Eli (2010)
Description: A post-apocalyptic tale of a man on a mission to protect a sacred book, blending action with spiritual and survival themes.
Fact: The film's desaturated color palette was achieved through extensive post-production work. Denzel Washington trained extensively for his role as Eli.


The Hunger Games (2012)
Description: A dystopian story where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in a televised event, exploring themes of survival, rebellion, and societal control.
Fact: The film was shot in North Carolina, and the forest scenes were filmed in actual wilderness areas. It launched Jennifer Lawrence to international stardom.


The Walking Dead (2010)
Description: Explores the collapse of society and the survival of a group of people in a world overrun by zombies, emphasizing human relationships and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The series is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman. It became one of the most-watched television series of all time on cable.


The Maze Runner (2014)
Description: A dystopian thriller about a group of teenagers trapped in a deadly maze, struggling to survive and uncover the truth about their world.
Fact: The film is based on the first book in James Dashner's young adult trilogy. The maze scenes were filmed in a real-life abandoned shopping mall.


The Stand (2020)
Description: A miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's novel about a pandemic that wipes out most of humanity, leading to a battle between good and evil among the survivors.
Fact: The series was originally planned as a feature film but was adapted into a miniseries to better capture the novel's scope. It features an all-star cast.


The 100 (2014)
Description: Centers on a group of young survivors returning to a post-apocalyptic Earth, dealing with the challenges of rebuilding society and facing new threats.
Fact: The show was originally developed as a mid-season replacement but became a hit, leading to seven seasons. It's based on a book series by Kass Morgan.


The Leftovers (2014)
Description: A dramatic exploration of life after a sudden, unexplained global event causes the disappearance of 2% of the world's population, focusing on grief and existential questions.
Fact: The series was inspired by Tom Perrotta's novel of the same name. It received critical acclaim for its deep storytelling and emotional depth.


The Last Man on Earth (2015)
Description: A comedic take on the post-apocalyptic genre, focusing on the struggles and absurdities of being seemingly the last person alive, blending humor with survival themes.
Fact: The show was created by and stars Will Forte, who also wrote the pilot episode. It was inspired by a variety of post-apocalyptic stories but aimed for a more humorous approach.
