Six classic doomsday movies not to be missed
By Lewis Beale
Newsday
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 11.12.2009
Interested in wallowing in End Time scenarios? Here are a few of the best.
"Planet of the Apes" (1968)
A war between humans and simians ends with the apes ruling the planet. One of the most famous, and best, sci-fi movies ever, with a muscular lead performance by Charlton Heston and a truly memorable last scene.
"The Omega Man" (1971)
Heston again, seemingly the only human in a post-apocalypse L.A., which has been devastated by germ warfare and is ravaged by night-stalking mutants. Remade in 2007 as "I Am Legend," with Will Smith.
"Silent Running" (1972)
Earth's last plant and animal life has been preserved on a spaceship. When the order comes to destroy the ship, a renegade scientist murders the rest of the crew and, with the help of several robots, plots to keep the natural world alive. Bruce Dern gives a totally compelling performance in the lead role.
"The Road Warrior" (1981)
Hands down the best film in the genre, featuring pedal-to-the-metal direction, groundbreaking costume design and an impossibly young Mel Gibson. Set in the Aussie Outback, it's all about a post-apocalyptic world in which various groups are fighting for the most precious resource of all, oil. And let's not forget that great villain, the Lord Humungus, the "Ayatollah of rock 'n' rolla."
"The Day After" (1983)
A made-for-TV movie about what happens in Lawrence, Kan., after a nuclear war between NATO forces and the Warsaw Pact. Concentrates more on the human element, which makes the film even more provocative and emotionally compelling. With Jason Robards, JoBeth Williams and John Lithgow.
"28 Days Later" (2002)
A mysterious virus originally spread by chimpanzees devastates the United Kingdom. When protagonist Cillian Murphy wakes up after 28 days in a coma, he discovers a world where humans have practically disappeared, and zombielike humans have taken over the streets.
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