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One of the most popular genres in the world of movies and television is post-apocalyptic themed. From zombies to nuclear bombs and natural disasters to man-made machines of havoc, these shows and movies allow fans to see what life could be like in the future. Many of the best post-apocalyptic movies and television shows are known by the common entertainment fan, while some are classics and not as widely known.

What are the best post-apocalyptic television shows and movies?

28 Days Later

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After a virus is released, this film follows 4 survivors as they looked to live their lives in the world they never thought they would be a part of.

Mad Max

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Mel Gibson starred in this 1979 Australian movie that looked ahead to a future Australia where energy shortages cause mayhem and destruction. A Remake with Tom Hardy is in the works.

Falling Skies

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Currently getting ready to begin its 4th season on TNT, this series starring Noah Wyle of ER fame is near the top of most post-apocalyptic television show lists and anyone that has seen even a single episode knows why.

The Road

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This 2009 drama wasn't a big box office success and didn't sell millions of DVD's, but it's a dark movie that is one of the best in its class.

The Book Of Eli

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Denzel Washington starred in this 2010 movie that takes place 30 years after a nuclear apocalypse. It was a box office success that earned more than $150 million.

12 Monkeys

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Starring Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis and Madeleine Stowe, 12 Monkeys was directed by Terry Gilliam and inspired by the 1962 short film, La Jetée.

The Stand

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What else needs to be said of this 1994 mini-series aside from the fact that it was written by Stephen King. If you need to know more, a weaponized version of influenza is released and the rest is history.

The Omega Man

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This movie is one of the best in the genre despite being released so much earlier than many other on this list. Charlton Heston starred in this 1971 classic.

Jericho

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This CBS show starring Skeet Ulrich was cancelled after its first season, but was brought back for an abbreviated second season after overwhelming fan support.

I Am Legend

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With the slogan of "The last man on earth is not alone," this should make it known what kind of movie this is. Spoiler Alert: Cover your eyes late in the movie if you are a fan of dogs.

Jeremiah

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While he may be known for his role in Beverly Hills, 90210, Luke Perry also starred in this popular Showtime series that took place after a deadly virus cleared out most of the human race.

The Walking Dead

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The Walking Dead has changed the way people look at television shows. It has also spawned the latest zombie movie and television series craze and is considered by many to be best show on television.

Zombieland

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Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, this comedy made more than $100 million in box offices around the world and was a pre-cursor to the emotions felt years later when Hostess temporarily stopped producing Twinkies.

Survivors

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This British series was on the air for just one season on BBC, but anyone that has caught it on Netflix has walked away enjoying everything it had to offer.

Revolution

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The recently cancelled NBC series made sword fighting cool and featured a talented and sexy cast that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Waterworld

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This Kevin Costner and Dennis Hopper 1995 movie is considered to be a classic for the genre and gave fans a look at what it could be with global warming.