10 Best Pandemic Movies

Town and Country Magazine said Possibly the most realistic of the pandemic movie sub-genre, Contagion has become THE film of the moment, spurring more than its share of musings and think-pieces. At first, the movie reflected a worst-case scenario: a dangerous widespread disease, Gwyneth Paltrow dying. But, watching it now, it's pretty striking how competent everyone is? I mean, the movie follows noble members of the government working tirelessly, taking every precaution, and coordinating with the WHO and CDC to eventually find (spoiler alert) a vaccine that saves mankind. Who would've though that Contagion would be the feel-good fantasy movie of 2020?

Town and Country Magazine said The only real similarities between The Cassandra Crossing and our current moment is the existence of a contagious virus and, perhaps, that the New York Times review declared the film "profoundly, offensively stupid," a few adjectives that could certainly be ascribed to certain, um, public figures today.

Town and Country Magazine said Not quite a pandemic movie and not quite a zombie movie, I Am Legend is most relatable for showcasing the first quarantine puppy.

Town and Country Magazine said 12 Monkeys also features the line "Science isn't an exact science," which definitely couldn't be re-appropriated in a dangerous way today or anything.

Town and Country Magazine said For some levity, we recommend this "zom-com" featuring an unlikely bromance between Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg. A "Mad Zombie Disease" spreads across the United States, turning Americans into zombies—but the most unrealistic part of the movie is actually that Purell is still readily available.

Town and Country Magazine said However, when the movie was released, the Infectious Diseases Society of America called it the "most significant, scientifically accurate, and prototypic of all films of this [killer virus] genre," so there's that.

Town and Country Magazine said While not exactly a pandemic movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail certainly showcases the bubonic plague. Its dark humor may seem even darker nowadays, but the famed "bring out your dead" scene still stirs up a chuckle. "I can't take him like that, it's against regulations," says a coroner, referencing a man yelping, "I'm not dead! I feel happy!"