10 Best Apocalyptic Horror Movies You Need To See

8. It Comes At Night (2017)

The Crazies 2010
A24

One of the stranger offerings on the list, Trey Edward Shults’ It Comes tt Night is a claustrophobic, nuanced, and horrifically grim study of paranoia and the breakdown of trust within a post-apocalyptic scenario where caution is integral to survival.

The film opens sometime after an unknown sickness has torn through humanity. Paul (Joel Edgerton), his wife Sarah (Cameron Ejogo) and teenage son Travis (Kelvin Harrison Jr) have made a life for themselves in a fortified home in the woods. Edgerton's family patriarch has strict rules for how to prevent them from becoming infected, with the only way in and out of the home being an ominous red door that's always kept locked.

When Will (Christopher Abbott) suddenly intrudes on their property, Paul reluctantly agrees to let him and his family stay with them. The partnership is beneficial for both families at first, but tensions and mistrust soon prevail. Meanwhile, Travis is deeply affected by the agonising death of his grandfather and is plagued with nightmares.

Though this film’s title eludes to it being a monster movie, the “It” here refers to the inescapable fear that looms over the household when the sun sets, and it makes for some downright chilling viewing.

Contributor
Contributor

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