10 Apocalypse Horror Movies That Don't Involve Zombies

In what post-Covid-19 has become an alarmingly topical film, 2017’s It Comes At Night showcases the trials and tribulations of a family living isolated deep in the woods, in an effort to evade a deadly contagion that has taken out much of the population. However, while the film does use some elements of body horror concerning the infected, much of the horror of the film stems from the investigation of the lengths people will go to to survive, and the inherent mistrust and manipulation of our fellow man when forced to be selfish.

Kicked off by an intruder breaking into the family’s home, they later bring said intruder and his own family into the fold for protection, having seemingly determined they are not infectious. Key word: seemingly.

Besides remaining healthy, there is only one rule: don’t go out at night. Of course, as horror films are wont to do, this all quickly goes wrong, and the fear of infection increasingly puts the two families in conflict, as they begin to believe perceived lies will get them killed. This is a dark film both literally and figuratively, and while it does emulate some aspects of zombie flicks in its contagious focus and allusions that those who have died might not be all that gone, it undeniably updates and innovates to great success.