10 Best Apocalypse Movies
8. I Am Legend (2007)
Whilst fans of the original novel by Richard Matheson criticised I Am Legend for the film's divergent ending, it remains an excellent solo performance from Will Smith, showcasing how much he can achieve when given the role that fits him. As the sole surviving man in Manhattan (and potentially the world), US Army virologist Lt Colonel Robert Neville ekes out his existence picking through a beautifully ruined New York City for supplies by day, and hiding from the Darkseekers, the mutants left over from the viral plague.
The CGI mutants might not have aged as well as expected, but I Am Legend is a primarily an exercise in well-realised tension. At points it might drag, but that's to be expected from a movie which almost entirely focuses on exploring near-complete solitude and what a toll it can take on the average person.
If you can forgive the pacing issues, I Am Legend remains a great thriller, with some real emotional weight behind it. If Will Smith emoting his heart out isn't enough, there's also his faithful German Shepherd Sam alongside him who will definitely tug on your heartstrings.