Post-apocalyptic movies and TV shows are a subgenre of science fiction that depict a world in which civilization has been destroyed or severely damaged, usually as a result of a disaster or war. These works of fiction often explore themes of survival, human nature, and the rebuilding of society in a world that has been reduced to ruins.
One of the earliest examples of post-apocalyptic media is the novel “The Day of the Triffids” by John Wyndham, which was published in 1951 and depicts a world in which a majority of the population has been blinded by a mysterious phenomenon, allowing a species of venomous plants known as triffids to take over the world.
Since then, the genre has evolved to include a wide range of depictions of post-apocalyptic worlds, from the desolate and barren wasteland of “Mad Max” to the lush and overgrown jungle of “The Road.” In recent years, the genre has gained even more popularity with the rise of post-apocalyptic TV shows like “The Walking Dead” and “The 100,” which have become cultural touchstones and have been watched by millions of people around the world.
One of the key elements of post-apocalyptic media is the exploration of what it means to be human in a world that has been reduced to ruins. Many of these works explore the theme of survival and how people cope with the loss of the familiar and the struggle to rebuild in a new and hostile environment. They often depict characters who must learn to adapt and overcome the challenges of a world that has been forever changed.
Another common theme in post-apocalyptic media is the examination of human nature. Many of these works depict the darker side of humanity, showing how people can become ruthless and cruel when faced with a world that has been stripped of its comforts and security. They often explore the way that people are pushed to their limits and how they must struggle to maintain their humanity in a world that is no longer hospitable to life.
Finally, post-apocalyptic media often explores the theme of hope and the possibility of rebuilding. Despite the devastation and destruction that has befallen the world, many of these works depict characters who are determined to rebuild and create a new world that is better than the one that came before. They show the resilience of the human spirit and the determination to survive and rebuild, no matter the odds.
Today, one of the TV series that is frequently watched online by a lot of TV fanatics out there is the series, The Last of Us from HBO. It stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey which follows the story of Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler tasked with escorting the teenage Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across a post-apocalyptic United States. Guest stars include Nico Parker as Joel’s daughter Sarah, Gabriel Luna as Joel’s younger brother Tommy, Merle Dandridge as resistance leader Marlene, and Anna Torv as Joel’s smuggler partner Tess. The series is based on a 2013 video game with the same title. Its increase in followers prove how popular the this kind of theme in TV series and movies today. Maybe this is due to the pandemic that people have gone through the past years.
In conclusion, post-apocalyptic movies and TV shows have become an important part of our popular culture, exploring a wide range of themes and ideas about what it means to be human in a world that has been forever changed. Whether they depict a desolate wasteland or a lush jungle, these works of fiction challenge us to think about our own place in the world and what we would do if faced with a similar crisis.