COVID- 19 Watchlist: 10 Movies with Pandemic Plots

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 or the novel Coronavirus, people are watching more movies than ever that have pandemic plots/some kind of outbreak/ apocalyptic subtexts. For some it’s scary. For others, it’s just a fun way to pass time when staying indoors. What are you going to watch first from the list below?

 

Carriers (2009)

Directed by David Pastor, ‘Carriers’ is a post-apocalyptic horror flick that deals with the aftermath of a virus outbreak that kills most of the human population. Four people plan to head to a resort which they believe is not contaminated but on the way they experience survivors and groups that are both dangerous and desperate. It deserves a definite spot in your watchlist!

 

The Crazies (1973)

‘The Crazies’ is a low-budget film directed by George A Romero. However, let that fact not fool you. Considering its plot of how an untested biological weapon contaminates a town’s water supply, it’s your worst fears coming to life. Trivia: George Romero is also known for his famed Night of the Living Dead.

 

Children of Men (2006)

If you’re wondering why this movie is on the list, we ask you to consider the plot. The world is on the edge of collapse following a ‘global flu pandemic’. Director Alfonso Cuaron explores a world where there haven’t been any child births for the previous 18 years except one girl who is pregnant and must be given safety. It’s one of the most compelling modern films ever made.

 

It Comes at Night (2017)

Does is sound like a zombie movie? Well, it’s not. Due to an infection looming around, a couple and their teenage son resort to quarantining in the woods when another family comes seeking protection. ‘It Comes at Night’ is definitely a scary movie you should add to your watchlist.

 

Outbreak (1995)

‘Outbreak’ is about a fictional disease called Motaba spreading in California from an infected monkey. Based on Richard Preston’s book ‘The Hot Zone’, the movie stars Dustin Hoffman and is a thorough Hollywood ‘outbreak’ entertainer. City under martial law, infected monkey, Hollywood heroes trying to battle it- seems like the perfect mix of entertainment ingredients that you require now.

 

Twelve Monkeys (1995)

This movie directed by Terry Gilliam is a dystopian science fiction. Why? Because it involves not only a virus that wipes out most of humanity, but also time travel and other stuff as well. Bruce Willis dons the hero’s role and has to travel back in time to set things right, but things don’t go as planned. Just add it to your watchlist!

 

Virus (2019)

Directed by Aashiq Abu, ‘Virus’ is a Malayalam film which deals with the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2018. The director explores the true events surrounding the virus outbreak and how the local community deals with it in a humane, engrossing way.

 

Train to Busan (2016)

‘Train to Busan’ is a movie about many things. It’s a movie about the relationship between a father and his daughter. It’s a movie about zombies. It’s also a movie about the epidemic that causes the zombie outbreak. Set in a moving train. It’s a thriller. Though we tried as much to avoid zombie movies in the list, this is one good movie that you shouldn’t miss out on. Oh and ‘World War Z’ too.

 

Quarantine (2008)

If you’re a fan of the series ‘Dexter’, you probably know who we’re talking about. Jennifer Carpenter stars in this ‘found footage’ stylized movie which is about a reporter and her cameraman trapped inside a quarantined building. Just after a dangerous virus outbreak that turns humans into killers. Yes, that scary.

 

Contagion (2011)

If you haven’t watched the movie yet, it’s the best time to do it. The accuracy with which the film has been researched and written will startle you considering the ongoing global situation. The plot is basically about the outbreak of a virus (which is much COVID like) and how the it affects the world. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this movie leaves an impact that is hard to dismiss or forget.  

Got any cool movie recommendations? Let us know!