Best Post-Apocalyptic 80s Movies

Summary

• Post-apocalyptic movies reflect 80s fears of nuclear war and societal collapse.
• Hell Comes To Frogtown is a cult gem with a fun, action-packed ’80s vibe.
• Mad Max 2 defined the post-apocalyptic genre, inspiring countless films and video games.

Post-apocalyptic movies often reflect the era’s existential fears. These films offer windows into worst-case scenarios where humanity has been brought to the brink of destruction. From devastating nuclear wars to world-ending viruses to ravaging zombie outbreaks, they can often blur the line between fantasy, horror, and social commentary.

While the 1980s were defined as a decade of positive change, with mass economic growth and new technologies changing society, it was also a time of paranoia and fear. Tensions between the Western world and the Soviet Union were at a dangerous high, and nuclear war was an ever-present threat. The emergence of HIV would affect millions around the world and fundamentally change attitudes around sexual health. These threats were often reflected in the post-apocalyptic movies of the era. From fun over-the-top action to disturbing realism, these movies helped define 1980s cinema, with many remaining genre favorites today.

1

Hell Comes To Frogtown

Roddy Piper Takes On Mutant Frogs

While this bizarre comedy-action movie may feel dated by today’s standards, Hell Comes to Frogtown is a sleazy cult gem. The film is set in a world recovering from a nuclear war, where fertile men have become near-extinct and mutant frog men run criminal enterprises. In the movie, the virile Sam Hell, played by wrestling legend Roddy Piper, is forced to rescue a group of fertile women from the mutant frogs.

Hell Comes to Frogtown is a fun, action-packed 80s B-movie that should never be taken too seriously. Roddy Piper’s tough-guy charisma shines throughout, while fans of 80s fantasy will recognize actress Sandahl Bergman from classics Conan the Barbarian and Red Sonja. While this will never appeal to a broader audience, fans of cult cinema will enjoy this lesser-known post-apocalyptic gem.

2

O-Bi, O-Ba: The End Of Civilization

A Forgotten Gem That Hits Above Its Weight

• Directed: Piotr Szulkin
• Released: 1985
• Runtime: 1h 28m

While O-Bi, O-Ba: The End of Civilization may not be as widely known as many of the films on this list, this engaging independent post-apocalyptic movie from Poland is well worth the time for die-hard genre fans.

The film follows a group of survivors living in an underground bunker facility after a nuclear war has made the outside an unlivable wasteland. Their only hope of rescue is The Ark, a fictional vessel that the main character made up to maintain morale. O-Bi, O-Ba: The End of Civilization is a gritty and captivating movie that deals with themes of isolation, death, and truth.

3

The Quiet Earth

A Unique Portrayal Of Isolation

Based on the science fiction novel by Craig Harrison, The Quiet Earth follows the story of a scientist who wakes up to find he is the last person left on Earth. Eventually, discovering two other survivors, the film is a story of survival in an empty world.

The Quiet Earth has become a cult favorite for many, with its themes of isolation, nihilism, and scientific ethics. Its lack of action in favor of a more introspective style may not appeal to a wider audience. However, The Quiet Earth stands as one of the most interesting and unique post-apocalyptic movies of the 80s.

4

The Salute Of The Jugger

An Underrated Cult Classic

Also known as The Blood of Heroes, and starring Rutger Hauer, Joan Chen, and Vincent D’Onofrio, this gritty cult classic is a must-watch for fans of post-apocalyptic movies. The film is set in a world ravaged by war, where the remaining population lives difficult lives of survival, and whose only entertainment is a violent sport called The Game, played by famous traveling teams of juggers.

The film follows Kidda, a peasant girl who joins a team led by the mysterious Sallow, who set out to challenge the elite League of Nine Cities. The Salute of the Jugger has a great cast that tells its simple story superbly. Blending the grit of Mad Max with the plot of a sports movie, this is an underrated gem that deserves more notoriety.

5

Day Of The Dead

The Iconic Living Dead Series Returns

The third installment of Romero’s Living Dead franchise continues the series’s social and political themes, as a group of survivors struggles to survive in a secret facility.

In the film, a group of scientists experimenting on zombies live a tenuous existence with the military protecting them. The film delves into themes of human flaws, social order, and extreme stress. While Day of the Dead may be the weakest of the original trilogy of movies, it remains a classic 80s zombie flick, packed with great gore effects and social commentary.

6

Dead Man’s Letters

A Bleak Depiction Of Nuclear War

• Directed: Konstantin Lopushanskiy
• Released: 1986
• Runtime: 1h 27m

This soviet post-apocalyptic drama may not be widely known among genre fans, but its bleak visual design and gritty realism place it as one of the most interesting movies of the era.

The film revolves around a group of intellectuals who survive underground in bunkers and basements around their local community. The film follows Professor Larsen, a physicist who often writes letters to his missing son, with no means of sending them. Dead Man’s Letters depicts the devastation nuclear war would have on everyday people and the slow, inevitable death the aftermath would bring.

7

When The Wind Blows

A Landmark Animation

When the Wind Blows is another standout film confronting the harsh realities of nuclear war. The film follows an elderly couple who, after surviving the initial attack, struggle to admit the dire reality of their situation, as they fall into a nuclear winter.

The film is an emotional and tragic tale that delves into themes of war, trust in authority, and overcoming adversity. When the Wind Blows is one of the most memorable and emotional adult animations of all time and stands as one of the best post-apocalyptic movies of the era.

8

Threads

A Chilling Docu-Drama That Terrified The Nation

Originally released as a television movie on BBC 2, Threads is an unflinching portrayal of nuclear war and its effects on everyday people. The film follows several characters in the Northern city of Sheffield, before and after the bombs drop, and their struggles to survive their brutal new existence.

Threads has grown to become a true cult classic and a stark warning of the dangers of nuclear weapons. Its horrific depiction of a nuclear winter remains a powerful reminder of the fragility of our society. Threads was nominated for seven BAFTA Awards, winning four, including Best Single Drama.

9

Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind

A Benchmark In Anime

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind would be a major moment in anime history and helped to define the genre moving forward. The film is set 1,000 years after war destroyed civilization, and follows Nausicaä in her attempts to save a colony of giant insects from an ancient, destructive weapon.

In the film, Director Hayao Miyazaki explores themes around war, conservation, and the struggle between technology and the natural world. After the film, Miyazaki founded Studio Ghibli and continued to explore many of the themes present in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The film is widely considered one of the best anime movies of all time.

10

Mad Max 2

A Genre-Defining Movie

In this classic action sequel, Mel Gibson returns to the role that made him a star. Set in post-apocalyptic Australia, where gasoline is a valuable resource, the story follows Max as he agrees to help a small community from the bandits threatening them.

Mad Max 2, also known as The Road Warrior, helped to define the post-apocalyptic genre and would inspire countless other artists in film and video games. From its central lone hero to the junkyard-style costume design to the over-the-top villain, the film oozes personality and offers a non-stop action-packed experience that remains a favorite among fans. Numerous films would attempt to copy its success, but few would succeed. Mad Max 2 stands as one of the best post-apocalyptic movies ever and an all-time action classic.