10 Best Movies Set During a Pandemic

Pandemics in movies turn the world upside down, thrusting characters into chaos, fear, or survival mode as disease reshapes society. These films hit differently now, offering gripping stories that mirror real-world struggles or spin wild fictional outbreaks.

I’ve selected 10 standout movies set during pandemics, from tense thrillers to emotional dramas, each using the crisis to drive the narrative. Let’s explore these stories of humanity under pressure.

‘Quarantine’ (2008)

A reporter, played by Jennifer Carpenter, gets trapped in an apartment building under lockdown due to a rabies-like virus. The found-footage style hooked me.

Panic and infected residents create raw terror, though the shaky cam can feel dizzying. I was gripped by the claustrophobic dread and fast-paced chaos.

‘The Cassandra Crossing’ (1976)

A train carrying a plague-infected passenger, with stars like Sophia Loren, races across Europe. The disaster-movie vibe drew me in.

Tense containment efforts and betrayals unfold, but the dated effects weaken the stakes. I enjoyed the old-school suspense and star-packed cast.

‘Carriers’ (2009)

Four friends, including Chris Pine, navigate a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus. The low-key survival tale intrigued me.

Moral dilemmas and sparse encounters keep it grounded, though the story lacks big twists. I liked the quiet tension and focus on human choices.

‘Outbreak’ (1995)

Dustin Hoffman’s virologist races to stop a deadly Ebola-like virus in a small town. The high-stakes premise pulled me in.

Military cover-ups and frantic chases drive the action, but some drama feels overblown. I was hooked by the urgency and Hoffman’s determined lead.

‘The Flu’ (2013)

This South Korean thriller tracks a city’s collapse under a bird-flu outbreak. The intense foreign perspective caught my eye.

Quarantine zones and desperate families ramp up the emotion, though some clichés sneak in. I was moved by the raw panic and human cost.

‘It Comes at Night’ (2017)

Two families hide in a remote house during a mysterious plague. The psychological horror angle hooked me.

Paranoia and mistrust tear them apart, though the slow burn might frustrate some. I was chilled by the eerie atmosphere and unspoken fears.

‘World War Z’ (2013)

Brad Pitt’s UN worker searches for a zombie-virus cure amid global chaos. The blockbuster scale grabbed my attention.

Fast zombies and epic escapes thrill, but the plot skips deeper character moments. I enjoyed the relentless pace and Pitt’s grounded hero.

‘12 Monkeys’ (1995)

Bruce Willis’ time-traveler seeks the source of a world-ending virus. The sci-fi twist pulled me in.

Mind-bending jumps and gritty survival keep it wild, though the complexity can confuse. I loved the dark tone and Terry Gilliam’s bold vision.

‘Perfect Sense’ (2011)

Ewan McGregor and Eva Green fall in love as a virus steals human senses. The unique premise intrigued me.

Their romance amid a crumbling world is haunting, though the pacing dips at times. I was touched by the poetic take on loss and connection.

‘Contagion’ (2011)

A star-studded cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow, faces a global virus outbreak in Soderbergh’s thriller. Its chilling realism hooked me instantly.

Scientific hunts and societal breakdown feel scarily plausible, though the cold tone might distance some. I was riveted by the tense, all-too-real stakes.

Which pandemic movie hit closest to home for you, or did I miss one that captures the chaos? Share your pick in the comments!