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Science is a profoundly humbling field in society. It captivates the interest of people worldwide, even though it often delves into the unsettling realm of our mortality. Science fiction movies, while rooted in imagination, often incorporate elements of reality into their narratives. One of the strengths of this genre, apart from the occasional appearance of colossal creatures, is its ability to prompt us to contemplate our existence and the inevitable conclusion to everything we know.
Certainly, there are certain science fiction films that occasionally explore darker themes, including the demise of the main cast, or at least those we’re emotionally invested in. Let’s take a look at 10 such movies.
10 Sci-Fi Movies Where Everyone Dies at the End
Seeking A Friend For the End of the World (2012)
“Seeking a Friend for the End of the World” is a rom-com featuring Keira Knightley and Steve Carell as neighbors who assist each other in fulfilling their final desires as an asteroid approaches Earth for its destruction. The film effectively draws viewers into the compelling performances of the lead actors, blending humor and heartfelt moments. However, as you become emotionally invested in their journey, the harsh reality resurfaces: the impending doom of the world. Unlike a typical Michael Bay action movie, there are no heroic government interventions to avert the asteroid’s impact, and the world does, indeed, meet its end. Watch now
High Life (2018)
The beginning of Robert Pattinson’s post-Twilight career saw him in an indie film called High Life, which was released by A24. This science fiction movie revolves around a man named Monte and his baby daughter, who are the only survivors of a failed mission in the farthest reaches of the solar system. Throughout the mission, the rest of the crew meets unfortunate fates one by one, leading to a tense and uncertain climax where Monte and his baby enter a black hole. High Life also features the rising star Mia Goth and is directed by Claire Danes, who skillfully infuses the film with a palpable sense of dread. Watch now
Pod (2015)
The beginning of Robert Pattinson’s post-Twilight career saw him in an indie film called High Life, which was released by A24. This science fiction movie revolves around a man named Monte and his baby daughter, who are the only survivors of a failed mission in the farthest reaches of the solar system. Throughout the mission, the rest of the crew meets unfortunate fates one by one, leading to a tense and uncertain climax where Monte and his baby enter a black hole. High Life also features the rising star Mia Goth and is directed by Claire Danes, who skillfully infuses the film with a palpable sense of dread.
Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970)
“Beneath the Planet of the Apes” serves as a follow-up to the iconic movie “Planet of the Apes.” The story revolves around an astronaut portrayed by James Franciscus who embarks on a mission to locate Taylor, the character played by Charlton Heston in the preceding film. During this quest, he stumbles upon an underground civilization of humans leading a grim existence on a planet ruled by apes. This group of telepathic humans reveres a nuclear weapon, and as the apes gradually encroach upon their habitat, the situation escalates predictably.
Sunshine (2007)
Certainly, here’s a paraphrased version:
“In 2007, a remarkable and thought-provoking film titled ‘Sunshine’ boasted an exceptional ensemble cast including Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, Michelle Yeoh, and Rose Byrne. Despite its relative obscurity, the movie explores the perilous journey of a team of eight individuals sent into space to revive Earth’s dying sun. The film’s conclusion is a mix of despair for those who don’t survive and optimism for those who do. While the crew successfully accomplishes their mission, saving Earth from the impending demise of its star, they pay the ultimate price with their lives. ‘Sunshine’ stands out as an underappreciated gem in the sci-fi genre over the past two decades.”
Knowing (2009)
“Knowing” serves as a prime example of a movie with a grim theme, such as the impending apocalypse, but it falters in its execution. This film reflects the trend of the late 2000s, where many movies aimed to be blockbusters while also striving to incorporate artistic elements into their final moments. In “Knowing,” an MIT professor played by Nicolas Cage discovers a series of events throughout history that are destined to bring about the end of the world. The film’s marketing as a blockbuster in early 2009 made its ending all the more shocking for audiences, who were disappointed by the fact that the movie indeed concludes with the world’s demise.
Radius (2017)
“Radius” is a science fiction thriller-mystery that revolves around an amnesiac man named Liam (played by Diego Klattenhoff). He wakes up to a shocking revelation that anyone who comes within a certain distance of him mysteriously dies. This Canadian-produced indie film primarily follows Liam and his unique ability, which is fatal to those around him within a fifty-foot radius. However, there is an exception to this deadly rule: a woman named Jane Doe (played by Charlotte Sullivan), who awakens from the same car crash that left Liam with amnesia. Remarkably, she is immune to Liam’s lethal aura.
As the story unfolds, we delve deeper into Jane and Liam’s relationship. Jane’s true identity is eventually revealed to be Rose, and the unsettling truth emerges that Liam is a serial killer who had abducted Rose’s twin sister. In the film’s dramatic climax, Jane sustains a gunshot wound, and her fate hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Liam and the other characters meet their demise in a high-stakes confrontation.
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
When the trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was released, fans were ecstatic in anticipation of the film’s theatrical debut. However, when the movie finally hit the big screen, a harsh reality set in: all the beloved characters viewers had been rooting for ultimately gave up their lives to aid the Rebel Alliance in gaining a critical advantage. Rogue One serves as a prequel to the original 1977 Star Wars film, focusing on the discovery of the Death Star’s plans. The Rebel Alliance obtains the Death Star blueprints, gaining crucial insight into the Empire’s next moves. Guided by Jyn Erso (played by Felicity Jones), a courageous group of rebels embarks on a daring mission to infiltrate a data bank on the planet Scarif and transmit this vital information to the Rebel fleet. Despite their success in completing the mission, they pay the ultimate price as the Death Star obliterates the planet they’re on.
Cloverfield (2008)
The found footage movie “Cloverfield,” produced by JJ Abrams, revolves around an unidentified massive extraterrestrial creature wreaking havoc in New York City. The film’s promotional strategy was reminiscent of “The Blair Witch Project,” but with a more substantial budget. The marketing aimed to make audiences believe the events were genuinely happening. As the story unfolds, all the characters caught up in this chaotic alien encounter meet their demise by the film’s conclusion.
Even in the closing scenes of the movie, the two romantic leads find themselves in Central Park, surrounded by the destructive alien presence. They express their love for each other, and then the camera appears to malfunction, abruptly ending the film.
Melancholia (2011)
Lars von Trier is undeniably a filmmaker known for his controversial and divisive works, but there seems to be a consensus that “Melancholia” stands out as one of his most visually stunning creations, despite its grim premise. The film revolves around the impending collision of Earth with a rogue planet, and Kirsten Dunst’s performance is often hailed as one of her finest, portraying a woman who recently had an extravagant wedding and now grapples with the impending global catastrophe.
What distinguishes “Melancholia” from many other films is its abstract approach to themes like depression and coming to terms with one’s mortality as the world hurtles towards its demise. Von Trier challenges his audience by fully embracing the destruction of Earth by the oncoming planet. It’s a heart-wrenching yet visually captivating film that leaves a lasting impact, pushing boundaries and leaving viewers with an indelible experience.
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