10 Movies & Shows Like Waterworld (1995)

Description: A darkly comedic post-apocalyptic film following a young man and his telepathic dog as they scavenge for survival in a ruined world. The film's gritty, survivalist tone and bleak humor reflect the struggles of life after societal collapse.

Fact: The film's underground society scenes were inspired by the artist Hieronymus Bosch's depictions of hell.

Description: A post-apocalyptic tale of a drifter who inspires hope in a broken world by delivering mail. The film's exploration of rebuilding society and the importance of communication in a devastated world aligns with themes of survival and renewal.

Fact: The film's production faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions during filming in the Pacific Northwest.

Description: A gripping dystopian thriller set in a world facing infertility and societal collapse. The film's immersive, chaotic world and themes of hope amidst despair reflect the struggle for survival in a crumbling society.

Fact: Several long-take shots in the film, including a famous car ambush scene, were achieved in a single take, adding to the film's intense realism.

Description: A disaster film depicting a sudden global climate catastrophe that plunges the world into a new ice age. The film's focus on environmental collapse and humanity's struggle to adapt mirrors themes of survival in the face of natural disaster.

Fact: The film's iconic tidal wave scene over New York City was created using a combination of miniatures and CGI.

Description: A bleak and harrowing portrayal of a father and son's journey through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where resources are scarce and humanity is on the brink of extinction. The film's focus on survival in a ruined world aligns closely with themes of environmental disaster and human resilience.

Fact: The film's ash-covered landscapes were created using real volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens, adding to the authenticity of the desolate setting.

Description: A dystopian action film following a lone wanderer in a desolate, lawless world where water and other resources are scarce. The film's gritty aesthetic and focus on survival in a harsh environment resonate with themes of post-apocalyptic struggle.

Fact: The film's washed-out color palette was achieved through extensive post-production work to give it a distinctive, bleak look.

Description: A sci-fi epic set on a desert planet where water is the most precious resource. The film's focus on environmental scarcity, political intrigue, and survival in a harsh landscape mirrors themes of resource wars and ecological disaster.

Fact: The sandworm scenes were created using a combination of practical effects and CGI, with the design inspired by real-life marine creatures.

Description: A blockbuster disaster film centered around a global cataclysm predicted by the Mayan calendar. The film's large-scale destruction and focus on humanity's fight for survival in the face of overwhelming natural forces align with themes of apocalyptic scenarios.

Fact: The film's visual effects team used over 1,000 CGI shots to create the massive destruction sequences, including the sinking of Los Angeles.

Description: A high-octane post-apocalyptic action film featuring a desolate, water-scarce world where survival is a constant struggle. The film's relentless chase sequences and emphasis on resource scarcity mirror the themes of survival and environmental collapse.

Fact: The film was shot using mostly practical effects, with minimal CGI, and the actors underwent intense physical training to perform their own stunts.

Description: Set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity survive aboard a perpetually moving train. The film explores class struggle and survival in a confined, resource-limited environment, echoing themes of societal collapse and environmental catastrophe.

Fact: The train sets were built on a soundstage in Prague, and the production team meticulously designed each car to reflect the social hierarchy of the passengers.