There’s nothing quite like a good outbreak movie to make you feel uneasy about the state of the world.
Whether it’s a deadly virus spreading around the globe or an unstoppable force of zombies on the loose, these films have a way of getting under your skin and leaving you feeling a little paranoid. But what about the ones that we never saw coming? The ones that caught us off guard and left us reeling? Here are some of the most surprising outbreak films of all time.
Contagion
Released in 2011, Contagion took a realistic and unflinching look at what would happen if a deadly virus began to spread around the world.
It was eerily prophetic, with many of the film’s plot points seeming to predict the COVID-19 pandemic that would strike just a few years later. But what was even more surprising about Contagion was the star-studded cast, which included the likes of Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, and Jude Law.
The Crazies
George A. Romero is perhaps best known for his work on the zombie genre, but in 1973 he made a surprise foray into outbreak films with The Crazies.
The movie follows the story of a small town that is suddenly hit with a virus that turns its residents into insane and violent killers. It’s a haunting and unsettling film that has remained a cult classic to this day.
The Andromeda Strain
The Andromeda Strain, based on the novel by Michael Crichton, was released in 1971 and tells the story of a group of scientists who must race against time to stop a deadly virus from wiping out all life on Earth.
What’s surprising about the film is its attention to detail and scientific accuracy, which is often lacking in other outbreak films. It’s a tense and thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
28 Days Later
While zombies have been a staple of horror films for decades, there was something different and unsettling about the ones that appeared in 28 Days Later.
Released in 2002, the film tells the story of a virus that turns its victims into bloodthirsty killers who are faster, stronger, and more relentless than any zombie we had seen before. It was a fresh take on the genre and left audiences shaken and disturbed.
The Girl with All the Gifts
Released in 2016, The Girl with All the Gifts was a unique and surprising addition to the outbreak genre.
The film takes place in a world in which a fungal infection has turned most of the population into zombie-like creatures, but it also focuses on a group of children who seem to be immune to the virus. It’s a thought-provoking film that explores themes of humanity and survival in the face of adversity.
I Am Legend
Based on the novel by Richard Matheson, I Am Legend has been adapted for the screen several times, but perhaps the most surprising version was the 2007 film starring Will Smith.
The movie tells the story of a man who is seemingly the last survivor of a virus that turned most of the world’s population into vampiric creatures. What’s surprising about the film is how it manages to be both an action-packed thriller and a poignant character study.
Rabid
Before he became a household name with films like The Fly and A History of Violence, director David Cronenberg made a name for himself in the horror genre with films like Rabid.
Released in 1977, the movie tells the story of a young woman who is the victim of a bizarre medical experiment that leaves her with a thirst for blood. It’s a surreal and unsettling film that will leave you feeling both queasy and intrigued.
The Bay
The Bay, released in 2012, is a found-footage horror film that tells the story of a small town that is hit with a deadly virus that begins to spread through the local water supply.
What’s surprising about the film is how it manages to be both a tense and horrifying thriller and a pointed commentary on the dangers of pollution and environmental degradation. It’s a thought-provoking film that will leave you feeling a little uneasy about the state of the world.
The Last Man on Earth
The Last Man on Earth, released in 1964 and starring Vincent Price, tells the story of a man who is seemingly the only survivor of a virus that has wiped out most of humanity.
He spends his days hunting and killing the zombie-like creatures that used to be his neighbors, all while desperately trying to find a cure for the virus. What’s surprising about the film is how it manages to be both a chilling horror story and a bleak character study.
Outbreak
Rounding out our list is the 1995 film Outbreak, which tells the story of a deadly virus that is accidentally released in a small California town.
What’s surprising about the film is its star-studded cast, which includes Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey. It’s a tense and thrilling movie that will leave you feeling a little paranoid about the potential dangers of viruses and other diseases.
Conclusion
Outbreak films have been a staple of the horror genre for decades, but sometimes it’s the ones that catch us off guard that leave the biggest impact.
Whether it’s a realistic and prophetic film like Contagion or a surreal and unsettling movie like Rabid, these films are sure to leave you feeling a little uneasy about the state of the world.
