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Movies that make you want to see the world burn

Ready to watch the world burn? These films tap into that primal urge for chaos and rebellion, showcasing characters and scenarios where the established order is challenged or completely dismantled.

V for Vendetta
The Dark Knight
Snowpiercer

Sometimes you just want to see things fall apart. Whether it's a disillusioned group taking on corporate greed, a masked vigilante seeking to overthrow an oppressive regime, or a lone figure pushing the boundaries of what's possible, these movies explore the destructive and sometimes cathartic desire to break free from the norm.

Think about the sheer impact of Tyler Durden's philosophy in Fight Club or the calculated anarchy of V in V for Vendetta. These aren't just random acts of violence; they're often a response to perceived injustices or a yearning for something different, even if that 'different' means total collapse.

From the gritty realism of Joker to the mind-bending layers of Inception, this list delves into the motivations and consequences when individuals or groups decide the only path forward is through destruction. It's a fascinating look at the darker side of human nature and the societal pressures that can lead to explosive outcomes.

11. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)

"Birds of Prey" follows Harley Quinn after her breakup with the Joker, teaming up with other female anti-heroes to take down a Gotham crime lord. While it's more of a chaotic, action-packed romp than a film about societal collapse, Harley's character embodies a certain love for mayhem and destruction. Margot Robbie reprises her role, bringing her signature chaotic energy to the forefront. The film features stylized action sequences and a distinct visual flair, reflecting Harley's disordered world, which often involves blowing things up just for the fun of it.

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

10. The Hunt (2020)

"The Hunt" is a satirical thriller where a group of elites hunts ordinary people for sport. While not about global destruction, it taps into themes of societal division, class warfare, and the breakdown of empathy. The film faced controversy upon release due to its subject matter. It's a bloody and darkly comedic take on contemporary political polarization, where the characters are literally trying to tear each other down, reflecting a desire for a certain kind of chaotic reckoning between opposing groups.

The Hunt

9. The Hunger Games (2012)

"The Hunger Games" is set in a post-apocalyptic nation where children are forced to fight to the death in a televised annual event. The story follows Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers for the games, inadvertently sparking a rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. While the initial focus is on survival in the arena, the series quickly escalates into a large-scale conflict that leads to widespread destruction as the districts fight back against their tyrannical rulers. Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Katniss made her a global star, embodying the spirit of resistance.

The Hunger Games

8. Watchmen (2009)

Zack Snyder's "Watchmen" adapts the complex graphic novel, presenting a world where retired superheroes grapple with a looming nuclear war and a conspiracy that could lead to global catastrophe. The film features characters with apocalyptic ideologies and explores the moral ambiguity of preventing destruction through extreme means. The film includes a famous slow-motion sequence set to Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'". It's a dark, philosophical take on the superhero genre, questioning who watches the watchmen and whether the end justifies the means, even if those means involve a form of controlled global destruction.

Watchmen

7. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

George Miller's "Mad Max: Fury Road" is a non-stop, high-octane action spectacle set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. While the goal isn't necessarily to cause destruction, the world itself is already burned, and the struggle against the tyrannical Immortan Joe involves incredible vehicular chaos and explosions. The film's stunning practical effects and stunts are legendary, with minimal CGI used for the action sequences. Tom Hardy takes over the role of Max, joining forces with Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to escape and overthrow a cruel regime in a world where survival means constant, explosive conflict.

Mad Max: Fury Road

6. The Purge (2013)

"The Purge" introduces a terrifying premise: for one night each year, all crime, including murder, is legal. This concept allows for society's darkest impulses to be unleashed, leading to widespread chaos and violence. The first film focuses on a wealthy family trying to survive the night in their fortified home. While subsequent films expand the universe, the core idea is about a society where the rules are temporarily suspended, allowing destruction to reign. It's a chilling look at what happens when the leash is taken off human aggression.

The Purge

5. Snowpiercer (2013)

Bong Joon-ho's "Snowpiercer" is a thrilling sci-fi action film set entirely on a train carrying the last remnants of humanity after a failed climate change experiment. The train is a microcosm of society, with the elite at the front and the impoverished living in squalor at the tail. The film follows a revolt led by Curtis Everett (Chris Evans) to reach the front of the train. It's a brutal, allegorical tale about class warfare and revolution, where the fight for survival leads to destructive consequences for the entire confined world. The production design is intricate, creating distinct environments for each section of the train.

Snowpiercer

4. The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" is a cornerstone of the superhero genre, largely thanks to Heath Ledger's chilling portrayal of the Joker. While Batman tries to save Gotham, the Joker's explicit goal is to prove that society is just a thin veneer of order, ready to descend into madness with a little push. Ledger's dedication to the role was immense; he kept a diary in character to delve into the Joker's twisted mind. The film features incredible practical effects, including the destruction of a real building for one scene. It's a masterclass in tension and explores the fascinating idea of a villain who simply wants to watch the world burn.

The Dark Knight

3. V for Vendetta (2006)

"V for Vendetta" is a powerful political thriller set in a dystopian future UK under a totalitarian regime. Inspired by Alan Moore's graphic novel, it follows a mysterious masked anarchist known only as V, who uses terrorist tactics to fight oppression. Natalie Portman shaved her head for her role as Evey, and the scene itself was filmed in a single take. The film's iconic Guy Fawkes mask has become a symbol of protest globally. It's a story about ideas being bulletproof and the power of the people to overthrow tyranny, even if it means setting fire to the old world to build anew.

V for Vendetta

2. Fight Club (1999)

David Fincher's "Fight Club" is a cult classic that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of wanting to dismantle the established order. Based on Chuck Palahniuk's novel, it follows an insomniac office worker who forms an underground fight club with a devil-may-care soap salesman. The film's anti-establishment message resonated deeply, criticizing consumerism and corporate culture. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton deliver powerhouse performances, and the film's twist ending is legendary. Fincher famously included subtle 'X' symbols throughout the film, a visual motif hinting at themes of censorship and destruction. It's a film that makes you question everything and perhaps, just maybe, consider the appeal of chaos.

Fight Club

1. Joker (2019)

Todd Phillips' "Joker" plunges deep into the psyche of Arthur Fleck, a man pushed to the brink by a crumbling, uncaring society. This isn't your typical superhero movie; it's a character study that's unflinchingly dark and unsettling. Joaquin Phoenix's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He reportedly lost 52 pounds for the role, which significantly impacted his psychological state during filming. The film uses iconic locations in New York City, transforming them into the gritty, fictional Gotham. It's a powerful, albeit disturbing, look at how neglect and despair can lead to chaos and a desire to watch the world burn.

Joker

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