The ultimate virus survivor movie and series ranking
From zombies to modified humans, the world has seen its fair share of viral outbreaks. In this ranking, we dive into the best movies and series about those who survive against all odds.



The post-apocalyptic landscape, once a niche genre, has exploded in popularity, offering us thrilling tales of resilience, horror, and the enduring human spirit. From the shuffling undead to genetically modified threats, the virus survivor narrative has evolved, captivating audiences with its exploration of societal breakdown and individual strength.
The zombie subgenre has been a cornerstone, with classics that redefined horror. But the concept has expanded beyond simple survival horror, giving us deeply moving tales of human connection amidst chaos, or exploring humanity's darker side when faced with extinction.
Notably, films like I Am Legend showcase the psychological toll of isolation, while series such as The Last of Us delve into profound themes of love and sacrifice. The success of The Walking Dead spawned a whole universe, proving the popularity of this subject. It's clear that the virus survivor genre offers more than just scares; it provides a mirror to our own fears and a celebration of our capacity to endure.
12. Fear the Walking Dead (2015)
'Fear the Walking Dead' serves as both a prequel and companion series to 'The Walking Dead,' exploring the onset of the zombie apocalypse from the perspective of a different group of survivors. Set in Los Angeles, the series follows the Clark and Manawa families as they navigate the early days of the outbreak, facing the challenges of adapting to a world rapidly descending into chaos. The series offers a unique perspective on the 'Walking Dead' universe, showcasing the social and political breakdown that led to the rise of the undead. While initially set in Los Angeles, the series has since expanded its scope, taking the characters to new locations and introducing new threats.

11. The Walking Dead (2010)
'The Walking Dead' follows a group of survivors, led by former sheriff Rick Grimes, as they navigate a world overrun by zombies, or 'walkers.' The series explores the challenges of rebuilding society, the constant threat of the undead, and the moral compromises people make to survive. The series became a cultural phenomenon, spawning spin-offs, video games, and a massive fan base. Throughout its run, the show introduced a diverse cast of characters, each with their own struggles and motivations, creating a rich and complex world. The series is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard.

10. Carriers (2009)
'Carriers' takes a different approach to the pandemic thriller, focusing on the moral decay of a group of friends as they try to outrun a deadly virus. The film follows Danny, Brian, Bobby, and Kate as they embark on a road trip to find a safe haven, encountering desperate survivors and facing difficult choices along the way. The film is less about the spectacle of the pandemic and more about the psychological toll it takes on its characters. Chris Pine delivers a strong performance as Brian, a man struggling to maintain his humanity in the face of unimaginable circumstances. The movie explores themes of fear, selfishness, and the lengths people will go to survive.

9. Zombieland (2009)
'Zombieland' injects humor into the zombie apocalypse, following a group of quirky survivors as they navigate a world overrun by the undead. Columbus, a socially awkward student, teams up with Tallahassee, a zombie-killing machine, and sisters Wichita and Little Rock, to find a safe haven. The film is a blend of gore, comedy, and heart, offering a lighthearted take on the end of the world. The movie gained a cult following for its memorable characters, quotable lines, and Bill Murray's hilarious cameo. Did you know that the writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick originally wrote Zombieland as a TV series?

8. Cargo (2017)
'Cargo,' starring Martin Freeman, tells the heartbreaking story of a father desperately trying to protect his infant daughter in a post-apocalyptic Australia overrun by zombies. After being infected himself, Andy has only 48 hours before he turns. He embarks on a perilous journey to find a safe haven for his child, encountering both helpful and hostile survivors along the way. The film offers a poignant exploration of parental love, sacrifice, and the bonds that connect us in the face of unimaginable horror. The film was originally a short film that gained viral attention. The feature-length adaptation expands on the original's themes, delivering a moving and suspenseful tale.

7. A Quiet Place (2018)
In 'A Quiet Place,' the Abbott family struggles to survive in a post-apocalyptic world terrorized by blind creatures with hypersensitive hearing. The film relies on suspense and atmosphere to create a sense of constant dread. The family must live in complete silence to avoid attracting the monsters, communicating through sign language. Directed by John Krasinski, who also stars alongside Emily Blunt, the film is a masterclass in tension and sound design. The movie is both terrifying and emotionally resonant, exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and the lengths parents will go to protect their children. The creatures were designed by artists from Spectral Motion, who previously worked on 'Hellboy' and 'Looper.'

6. I Am Legend (2007)
'I Am Legend' stars Will Smith as Robert Neville, the last man in New York City after a virus wipes out most of humanity, turning the infected into nocturnal predators known as Darkseekers. Neville, a virologist, dedicates his days to finding a cure while battling loneliness and fending off the creatures that hunt him at night. The film is a character study of isolation and resilience, showcasing the psychological toll of being the sole survivor in a desolate world. The visual effects are particularly striking, portraying a hauntingly empty New York reclaimed by nature. Based on Richard Matheson's novel, the film explores themes of hope, survival, and the search for connection in the face of utter despair. Fun fact: There are two alternate endings of the movie.

5. The Girl with All the Gifts (2016)
'The Girl with All the Gifts' presents a unique twist on the zombie genre, focusing on a group of children infected with a fungal pathogen that turns them into 'hungries,' yet retaining their cognitive abilities. The film centers on Melanie, a special young girl who possesses a level of intelligence and empathy that sets her apart. As society crumbles, Melanie and her teacher, Miss Justineau, embark on a dangerous journey to find a cure. The film raises profound questions about humanity, morality, and what it truly means to be human. Newcomer Sennia Nanua shines as Melanie, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance. Did you know that the film is based on a novel of the same name by M. R. Carey, who also wrote the screenplay?

4. World War Z (2013)
'World War Z,' starring Brad Pitt, offers a globe-trotting perspective on a zombie pandemic that threatens to overwhelm humanity. Based on Max Brooks' novel, the film follows Gerry Lane, a former United Nations investigator, as he races against time to find the source of the outbreak and develop a cure. The movie stands out for its large-scale action sequences, showcasing hordes of zombies in major cities around the world. While the film deviates from the source material, it delivers a fast-paced and thrilling ride, exploring themes of global cooperation and the resilience of the human spirit. Did you know that the production faced numerous challenges, including extensive rewrites and reshoots, ultimately resulting in a blockbuster that captivated audiences worldwide?

3. 28 Days Later (2002)
'28 Days Later' isn't your typical zombie flick; it's a raw, visceral, and utterly terrifying take on the apocalypse. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film introduces 'rage virus,' turning its victims into relentless, bloodthirsty predators within seconds. What sets this film apart is its gritty realism, brought to life through handheld cameras and a hauntingly desolate London. Alex Garland's screenplay doesn't just focus on the gore; it delves into the breakdown of society and the moral compromises people make to survive. Cillian Murphy delivers a standout performance as Jim, a man who awakens from a coma to find the world unrecognizable. It's a film that redefined the zombie genre and left a lasting impact on the horror landscape. The chilling score composed by John Murphy is also a highlight, perfectly complementing the film's harrowing atmosphere. Did you know that the movie was filmed in just four weeks?

2. Station Eleven (2021)
Based on Emily St. John Mandel's novel, 'Station Eleven' unfolds after a devastating flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The series follows a traveling troupe of actors and musicians, known as the Traveling Symphony, as they navigate the dangerous and altered world twenty years after the collapse. What sets this show apart is its focus on art, memory, and the importance of human connection in rebuilding society. The narrative jumps between pre- and post-pandemic timelines, revealing the intricate relationships and shared experiences that tie the characters together. The series, filmed in Canada, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It explores how art and community can provide solace and meaning in the darkest of times. It's more than just a survival story; it's a celebration of human creativity and the enduring power of hope.

1. The Last of Us (2023)
Adapted from the critically acclaimed video game, 'The Last of Us' delivers a gripping narrative set in a post-apocalyptic United States, twenty years after a fungal outbreak devastated the world. The series masterfully explores the bond between Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to humanity's salvation. With stunning visuals, complex characters, and a deeply emotional story, the show captures the essence of the game while expanding upon its lore. The series isn't just about survival; it delves into the moral ambiguities and the profound connections that define us in the face of unimaginable loss. Did you know that the showrunners worked closely with Neil Druckmann, the game's creative director, to ensure authenticity? This collaboration brought about a faithful and respectful adaptation.
