With the November 13 release of 2012 (starring John Cusack and Amanda Peet and directed by sci-fi veteran Roland Emmerich) fast approaching, we'll help you get into the apocalyptic mood by putting together the top ten Best Apocalypse Movies in film history... Not one of which is "Apocalypse Now", which, as it turns out, isn't even technically an apocalpyse movie! Who knew? We've never made it through that one without falling asleep!
The Quiet Earth
A man, Zac Hobson, kills himself over the guilt of his involvement in helping destroy the planet, but wakes up to discover that he hasn't died, and may actually be the last person left in the world. He eventually finds two others who were in the process of dying when the apocalyptic accident occurred. With impressive graphics and an ending that ranks among the best in all of film history, The Quiet Earth is not to be missed for disaster film enthusiasts.
Knowing
A little boy finds a paper with a number sequence written by another kid from 50 years earlier, which his father (Nicolas Cage) deciphers to reveal the date and body count of every major global disaster in the past 50 years, as well as several that have yet to happen - including the end of the world. Add some incredible scenes of devastation - including an incredibly realistic plane crash - and an alien sub-plot, and you've got yourself a strangely awesome end-of-the-world film. Bonus points for Nicolas Cage not destroying the film just by being in it.
Akira
This groundbreaking 1988 anime film takes place in a new city rebuilt over the remains of Tokyo, and involves a mysterious group of individuals with psionic powers. Caught in the middle of a war between the government and the rebellion, a young gang soon discovers that one of their friends is far more than he appears. This film is intensely psychedelic and complex, and demands several viewings to fully grasp the full concepts behind it. All the same, it's a milestone for animated films, and one of the more original in terms of armageddon scenarios.
