10 Best Apocalyptic Horror Movies You Need To See

9. No Blade Of Grass (1970)

The Crazies 2010
MGM

One apocalyptic horror that’s likely passed you by is 1970 exploitation flick No Blade of Grass. Based on 1956's The Death of Grass novel, this underseen film was directed, produced and co-written by Oscar-nominated actor Cornel Wilde.

After mass pollution caused a global famine, the world has been thrown into chaos. People fight for whatever little food remains while governments cull millions of their own population.

Amid the ongoing panic John (Nigel Davenport) flees London with his family before the roads are blocked. Their aim is to travel across England to a farm in the north where they’ll have access to food. But to get there they’ll need to fight against other groups of travellers and a Mad Max-esque motorcycle gang to ensure their own survival.

As you’d expect from an exploitation film from this era, subtlety isn’t the name of the game here. Frequent shots of dead wildlife and billowing black smoke are a constant reminder of Wilde’s unwavering political stance. This imagery is only matched by the level of violence which establishes an impenetrably oppressive tone - including an infamous rape scene that drew controversy for its gratuitous nature.

Though difficult to watch, Wilde’s apocalypse is nevertheless worth our attention.

Contributor
Contributor

Glasgow-based cinephile who earned a Masters degree in film studies to spend their time writing about cinema, video games, and horror.