Top 10 Sci-Fi Films About Diseases

Description: A team of scientists race against time to contain a deadly extraterrestrial microbe that threatens to wipe out humanity. Its relevance to this list comes from its pioneering depiction of a biological threat from space.

Fact: The film was based on Michael Crichton's novel, and its plot influenced the creation of the CDC's Emergency Operations Center.

Description: A military virologist battles to stop the spread of a lethal virus brought back from Africa. It's included for its dramatic portrayal of a viral outbreak and the ethical dilemmas faced by those trying to control it.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events, including the Ebola outbreak in the late 1980s.

Description: A fast-spreading virus turns people into rage-fueled monsters, leading to the collapse of society. Its inclusion is justified by its portrayal of a viral outbreak and its aftermath.

Fact: The film was shot on digital video, giving it a raw, documentary-like feel.

Description: A small town is infected by a mysterious toxin in the water supply, turning residents into violent psychopaths. This film fits the theme with its unique take on a biological weapon gone awry.

Fact: The film is a remake of George A. Romero's 1973 film of the same name.

Description: A lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic New York City fights for survival against mutants created by a failed cure for cancer. The film's virus theme and its exploration of isolation and survival make it a fitting addition.

Fact: The film is based on Richard Matheson's novel, and Will Smith's character was originally named Robert Neville, but changed to Dr. Robert Neville for the film.

Description: Four friends navigate a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus, showcasing the moral and survival challenges faced by humanity. Its inclusion is due to its focus on the human condition during a crisis.

Fact: The film was shot in a mere 23 days, adding to its gritty, on-the-run feel.

Description: An inexplicable event causes people to commit suicide, leading to a race for survival. While not a traditional disease, the film explores a biological phenomenon with similar devastating effects.

Fact: M. Night Shyamalan wrote, directed, and produced this film, which received mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following.

Description: This film presents a chillingly realistic portrayal of a global viral outbreak, exploring the medical, political, and social responses to a deadly disease. Its inclusion in this list is due to its scientific accuracy and the terrifying plausibility of its scenario.

Fact: The film was used by the CDC as a training video for public health officials. It also eerily predicted several aspects of the real-world pandemics that followed.

Description: A city is struck by a sudden epidemic of blindness, leading to chaos and the breakdown of society. This film is included for its unique portrayal of a non-lethal but devastating disease.

Fact: The film was adapted from José Saramago's novel and features a cast that was kept in the dark about the plot to enhance the realism of their reactions.

Description: While not explicitly about a disease, the film depicts a world after an unspecified cataclysm, possibly a disease, where survivors struggle to survive. Its inclusion reflects the theme of a world altered by a catastrophic event.

Fact: The film was shot in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to represent a post-apocalyptic landscape.