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Ben Smallbone's Homestead was released recently on December 20, 2024. Its dramatic post-apocalyptic premise and eclectic cast have garnered much attention from cinephiles. Starring Neal McDonough, Dawn Olivieri, Bailey Chase, Olivia Sanabia, and more, Homestead is based on a book written by Jeff Kirkham and Jason Ross. It is an intense watch with plenty of thought-provoking moments.
In Homestead, America comes under attack. Bailey Chase's character Jeff Eriksson, an Ex-Green Beret, and other survivors take refuge inside an elaborate compound and things soon start to spiral. Doomsday situations are never easy on unprepared victims and this movie showcases how quickly order can collapse when survival comes into question.
Fans of the genre who enjoyed the thrill of Homestead should check out the gripping movies on this list that share messages of persistence and endurance.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Greenland, Testament and five other survival movies like Homestead that will leave viewers with food for thought
1) On the Beach (1959)
At its core, Homestead carries a lot of deep messages about survival and human connection. The same is the case with On the Beach directed by Stanley Kramer who is known for his "message films". Based on Nevil Shute's 1957 novel, this classic movie captures what it is like for survivors of a nuclear war who come to the realization that the fallout will destroy all life in a matter of months.
Like Homestead, the narrative of On the Beach has a sense of probability that makes it more interesting to watch. Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner have great chemistry and their love story showcases that it is possible for romance to bloom even in extreme conditions. The score is particularly worth mentioning as it captures the highs and lows of the story with great accuracy.
Where to watch: On the Beach is available for streaming on Prime Video.
2) Testament (1983)
Homestead captures the helplessness and disorder that arises after an unprecedented disaster. Testament by Lynne Littman also explores similar themes. Based on a short story by Carol Amen, it follows a close-knit family in a suburban town and how their lives fall into disarray after a nuclear war. It stars Jane Alexander, William Devane, Leon Ames, and Ross Harris, among others.
The movie will speak to the audience because it beautifully highlights the importance of family and how sticking together can help overcome even the most difficult situations. It is endearing to see Alexander's character, Carol, navigate all the hardships with positivity in order to boost the morale of her children.
This movie, like Homestead, cleverly captures how the breakdown of societal structure can lead to chaos and turmoil.
Where to watch: Testament can be streamed on Prime Video.
3) Children of Men (2006)
Like Homestead, Children of Men also tries to envision what life would be like when economies collapse and people have to fend for themselves. Starring Clive Owen in the lead, the movie is set in 2027 AD wherein decades of human infertility has led to war and global depression. Kee, played by Clare-Hope Ashitey, is the only known pregnant woman in the world.
Owen's character, Theo Faron, has to safely transport her to the base of a secret scientific research group as she holds the key that may yet save the world they live in. This dystopian thriller by Alfonso Cuarón is intriguing because it explores several current world problems such as rising infertility, deadly virus outbreaks, pollution and more.
Children of Men, like Homestead, demonstrates the fragility of the civil structure that isn't strong enough to withstand extreme global catastrophes.
Where to watch: Children of Men can be viewed on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
4) Z for Zachariah (2015)
It is not uncommon for post-apocalyptic narratives to take the zombie route but Z for Zachariah, similar to Homestead, focuses on the human angle. Directed by Craig Zobel, it stars Margot Robbie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Chris Pine. Robbie plays Ann, who survived a recent nuclear apocalypse. She believes she is the only one left. She then meets Ejiofor's character, John, and they build a life together.
They grow closer as the days go by but their relationship hits a snag when they come across a third survivor, Caleb (Pine). Like Homestead, the narrative of Z for Zachariah is very believable. Instead of action scenes, this movie relies on the dialogue and chemistry between the three well-developed characters.
The main highlight of Z for Zachariah is the way it showcases how doomsday situations can impact the mindset of survivors and the pessimism that comes with it.
Where to watch: Z for Zachariah is available on Prime Video.
5) Greenland (2020)
Viewers found Homestead engaging because it explored the lengths humans can go to when survival is on the line. Similar aspects are explored in Greenland by Ric Roman Waugh. Gerard Butler plays structural engineer John Garrity who receives information that Earth will soon witness an extinction-level event. He then embarks on a high-stakes quest with his family to get to a safe location.
Like Homestead, Greenland tries to portray the way good and sensible people can react uncharacteristically and unreasonably when faced with an unprecedented threat. The fast-paced movie boasts plenty of twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The well-written screenplay allows viewers to feel the emotions of the main characters and become invested in their fight for survival.
Where to watch: Greenland is available for streaming on Netflix, Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
6) Night Raiders (2021)
Homestead encourages viewers to envision a world that is very different from the present and the same is the case with Night Raiders by Danis Goulet. Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers plays Niska, a Cree woman who lives in a future wherein a military government separates children from their parents. When she is separated from her daughter Waseese, Niska joins a resistance movement to bring her back.
The emotional narrative is complemented by striking locations that add another layer to the overall storytelling. Goulet particularly deserves credit for being able to include aspects of First Nation cultures in the movie in a respectful manner. The cast does a terrific job overall but viewers should especially look out for Brooklyn Letexier-Hart who plays the resilient Waseese.
Where to watch: Night Raiders can be streamed on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
7) Badland Hunters (2024)
Similar to Homestead, Badland Hunters also captures the chaos and desperation that arises when law and order disintegrates. Heo Myung-haeng's directorial debut, this post-apocalyptic action film is set in Seoul, South Korea, which has transformed into an apocalyptic wasteland after a major earthquake. A standalone sequel to Concrete Utopia (2023), it stars Ma Dong-seok in the lead.
Badland Hunters includes a lot of familiar concepts prevalent in the genre and yet is still able to put together an engaging tale with several surprising revelations. The impressive action choreography is complemented by precise camerawork that helps raise audience anticipation. Ma Dong-seok shines as the head-strong, charismatic male lead who is always ready to go up against powerful enemies.
Where to watch: Badland Hunters can be viewed on Netflix and Plex.
Cinephiles who enjoyed watching Homestead will surely be able to relate to the emotional survival storylines of these engaging titles with an apocalyptic twist.
