If you enjoyed the gripping found-footage horror film 'Viral' (2016), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same chilling suspense, viral outbreak themes, and intense storytelling. Whether you're a fan of psychological horror or pandemic thrillers, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Stand (1994)
Description: An epic miniseries about a pandemic that wipes out most of humanity, followed by a battle between good and evil among the survivors.
Fact: Based on Stephen King's novel, the miniseries features a sprawling cast and a mix of horror, drama, and supernatural elements.


Outbreak (1995)
Description: A dramatic portrayal of a deadly virus outbreak, highlighting the race against time to contain it and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in charge.
Fact: The movie was inspired by real events, including the Ebola virus outbreak, and features intense scenes of military and medical responses.


28 Days Later (2002)
Description: A post-apocalyptic horror film depicting the collapse of society due to a highly contagious rage virus, blending intense action with psychological depth.
Fact: The film was shot on digital video to give it a gritty, realistic feel, and its depiction of deserted London became iconic.


The Andromeda Strain (2008)
Description: A sci-fi thriller about a team of scientists investigating a mysterious and deadly extraterrestrial microorganism, emphasizing scientific methodology and suspense.
Fact: Based on Michael Crichton's novel, this miniseries updates the original 1971 film with modern visual effects and a faster-paced narrative.


The Crazies (2010)
Description: A horror-thriller about a small town infected by a toxin that turns people into violent killers, blending suspense with social commentary.
Fact: This film is a remake of the 1973 George A. Romero classic, updated with modern effects and a faster pace.


Carriers (2009)
Description: A survival drama following a group of friends navigating a world ravaged by a deadly virus, focusing on moral choices and human relationships.
Fact: The film was shot on a modest budget and emphasizes character-driven storytelling over action, offering a more intimate look at a pandemic.


Quarantine (2008)
Description: A found-footage horror film about a news crew trapped in a building under quarantine due to a mysterious and deadly infection.
Fact: The movie is a remake of the Spanish film [REC] and uses a first-person perspective to heighten the tension and realism.


Contagion (2011)
Description: A gripping thriller that explores the rapid spread of a deadly virus and the societal chaos that ensues, focusing on both scientific efforts and human reactions.
Fact: The film's scientific accuracy was praised by real-life epidemiologists, and it features a star-studded cast portraying various roles in the crisis.


The Bay (2012)
Description: A found-footage horror film about a small town's Fourth of July celebration turning into a nightmare due to a waterborne parasite.
Fact: Directed by Barry Levinson, the film blends horror with environmental themes, using faux-documentary style to create realism.


The Hot Zone (2019)
Description: A tense drama based on true events, focusing on the emergence of the Ebola virus and the efforts to prevent a catastrophic outbreak in the U.S.
Fact: The series dramatizes the 1989 Reston Ebola outbreak, blending real-life science with high-stakes storytelling.
