10 Sci-Fi Films About the Last Person on Earth

Description: Vincent Price stars as Dr. Robert Morgan, the sole survivor of a plague that turns people into vampires. This film is the first adaptation of Matheson's novel, offering a bleak, black-and-white vision of the end of humanity.

Fact: The film was shot in Italy, and due to budget constraints, many scenes were filmed in a single location. It was originally released in Italy as "L'ultimo uomo della Terra."

Description: This film, based on Richard Matheson's novel "I Am Legend," follows scientist Robert Neville, the last man on Earth after a biological war, fighting against mutated humans known as "The Family."

Fact: Charlton Heston, who plays Neville, also starred in the original "Planet of the Apes." The film's ending was changed from the book to give a more hopeful conclusion.

Description: Will Smith stars as Dr. Robert Neville, the last man in New York City after a virus turns the population into nocturnal mutants. His quest for a cure and companionship forms the heart of this adaptation of Matheson's novel.

Fact: The film was originally set to be released in 2006 but was delayed due to Hurricane Katrina. The alternate ending, which is more faithful to the book, is available on the DVD.

Description: Denzel Washington plays Eli, a lone wanderer in a post-apocalyptic world, carrying a book that holds the key to humanity's survival. His journey is one of faith, survival, and the last remnants of civilization.

Fact: The film was shot in New Mexico, using its desert landscapes to enhance the post-apocalyptic setting. The book Eli carries is revealed to be the Bible, symbolizing hope and knowledge.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, Ann Burden (Margot Robbie) lives alone until she encounters two men, leading to a love triangle that explores themes of trust, survival, and the human condition.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, using its natural beauty to contrast with the desolation of the world. It's based on the novel by Robert C. O'Brien, published posthumously.

Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic world where food is scarce, a lone survivalist must decide whether to trust two women who seek shelter with him, exploring themes of trust, survival, and human nature.

Fact: The film was shot on a very low budget, using natural light and minimal dialogue to create an intense atmosphere. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of survival in a harsh environment.

Description: After surviving a mining accident, Ralph Burton emerges to find New York City deserted. His solitude is broken by the arrival of two other survivors, leading to a complex dynamic of race, love, and survival.

Fact: This film was one of the earliest to explore racial issues in a post-apocalyptic setting. It was also notable for its use of real New York locations, giving an eerie authenticity to the deserted city scenes.

Description: While not strictly about the last man, this film features journalists in London dealing with the aftermath of simultaneous nuclear tests that shift the Earth's axis, leading to a potential apocalypse.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use the concept of global warming as a plot device. It was also notable for its realistic depiction of newspaper offices and the tension of the Cold War era.

Description: Zac Hobson wakes up to find he's the only person left in New Zealand after a scientific experiment goes awry. His journey through an empty world explores themes of loneliness and existential crisis.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, making use of its stunning landscapes to emphasize the protagonist's isolation. It's often cited as an influence on later post-apocalyptic films.

Description: While not about the last man, it focuses on a father and son's journey through a post-apocalyptic world where they might be among the last survivors. The film captures the essence of isolation and the human will to survive.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations to depict the desolate, ash-covered landscape, including parts of Pennsylvania and Oregon. The book by Cormac McCarthy, on which it's based, won the Pulitzer Prize.