If you liked Leave the World Behind, here’s a list of similar movies to watch that provide a mix of suspenseful plots, human connections, and thought-provoking stories.
Survival, unexpected events, and deep character-driven plots movies keep the viewer engaged and raise several questions about humanity and society.
We’ve carefully selected movies that provide strong storytelling, skilled performances, and meaningful themes, ensuring you’ll find something worth watching.
As Leave the World Behind focuses on relationships and tensions during an uncertain crisis, the recommendations here follow a similar pattern.
Each film highlights elements like trust, fear, and how people respond under pressure. Explore this list and find some movies that can match up to the intensity and depth of emotion it brings for anyone who liked the experience of Leave the World Behind.
What is the point behind the movie Leave the World Behind?
Leave the World Behind stands out for its mix of psychological tension, family dynamics, and apocalyptic undertones. Fans of the movie often appreciate stories that:
- Explore human behavior under stress.
- Offer suspense with minimal action but rich storytelling.
- Blend societal critique with personal struggles.
These movies give you similar kinds of vibes, making them a must-watch for fans of thrilling-type movies and thought-provoking horror.
Leave the World Behind Review-
- Imdb rating-6.4/10
- Runtime- 2h 20m
Leave the World Behind is a thriller movie that is basically a mystery drama. There is a family on holiday who is interrupted by an unexpected blackout.
A couple shows up claiming to be the owners of the house the family is staying in. Tension builds as no one knows what is really going on in the outside world.
The movie keeps you on edge with its suspense, and the characters struggle with each other to be trustworthy. It is not simply a survival story; rather, it is also a love story and human behavior once things go wrong.
If you enjoy movies like Leave the World Behind, you will find tales that combine personal conflicts with gigantic mysterious events.
The story will move steadily and focus on people’s handling of fear and uncertainty. It’s worth watching if you’re into movies that make you think about human choices in difficult situations.
Top 15 Movies Similar to Leave the World Behind-
15. How I Live Now-
- Imdb rating-6.4/10
- Runtime- 1h 41m
How I Live Now is a coming-of-age film that introduces the main character, a girl called Daisy, traveling to stay with her cousins in the English countryside.
Initially, she appears cold, and the viewer cannot get across the fact that she does not want to be there. As she spends time with her cousins, she begins to open up as she discovers her cousin Edmond.
Things take a dark turn when a war breaks out. The countryside is no longer peaceful, and the family gets torn apart. Daisy and her younger cousin Piper must find their way back to their family in the midst of danger and challenge.
The story is emotional, showing how people change when they have to survive. It’s quiet and intense at the same time, keeping its focus on the relationship between characters and holding on to hope in trying times.
It’s love, survival, and strength at a point when it’s impossible to be alive. You leave with thoughts about what’s most important in life.
14. Us-
- Imdb rating-6.8/10
- Runtime- 2h 1m
Us, 2019, a horror movie written and directed by Jordan Peele, revolves around the life of a family who comes face-to-face with their doppelganger double of a living person.
The movie begins with Adelaide Wilson, who had a bizarre experience, when she was a child in a funhouse.
Years later, she begins on vacation with her family, only to be confronted by the past one night when she and her family are attacked by people who look just like them.
The movie explores aspects of identity, class, and even silent struggles. I used a lot of symbols and layered them in several ways that will keep you on your toes.
The overall performances are pretty strong—especially Lupita Nyong’o’s for playing both Adelaide as well as her double—although the story is kind of disturbing. Some moments are very distressing, though, but that’s needed for the plot.
The ending leaves you questioning what is real and what it means to be human. Us is not just a scary movie; it also makes you think about the world around you. It’s a movie that stays with you after it ends.
13. The Purge-
- Imdb rating-5.7/10
- Runtime- 1h 25m
The Purge is a movie all about a future where one night in a year, all crimes, even murder, are allowed. It shows how people act when laws don’t apply for 12 hours.
The story focuses on a family trying to survive the chaos when their home is attacked. It’s tense and keeps you wondering what will happen next.
The movie has moments that feel raw and real, but some parts seem a bit over the top. If you enjoyed movies like Leave the World Behind, which explores human behavior in extreme situations, The Purge has a similar vibe.
It makes you think about how far people might go when survival is at stake. While it may not have deep characters or a strong emotional pull, it’s a solid choice if you are into stories that question morality and society under pressure.
How many parts does the purge have?
- The Purge
- The Purge: Anarchy
- The Purge: Election Year
- The First Purge
- The Forever Purge
12. The Invitation (2015)-
- Imdb rating-6.6/10
- Runtime- 1h 40m
The Invitation is a slow-burn thriller movie that keeps the audience guessing until the end. Will attends an evening dinner hosted by his ex-wife and her husband.
Apparently, it seemed like an event for reconnecting with past friends, but something felt wrong. The hosts and other guests were odd; the feeling of tension was building.
The movie takes its time building tension. You’re not sure if Will is imagining things or if something bad is really happening. The conversations feel normal but have an edge, like something’s not being said.
The house itself adds to the atmosphere—it feels isolated and closed-in. When the truth comes out, it hits hard and fast. The ending is chilling and makes you think about what’s really going on beyond the characters’ lives.
It’s not for everyone, but if you like psychological thrillers, it’s a must-watch movie.
11. Silent Night-
- Imdb rating-5.3/10
- Runtime- 1h 44m
Silent Night is about a family and friends meeting for a Christmas dinner. However, it has some dark twists at the end of the world because of some poisonous gas that everyone already knows will soon destroy their world.
The movie focuses on how every character reacts to the thought of their last night on Earth. A few of the characters were trying to be cheerful about it, others were struggling with deep fear, and others could hardly accept it.
The movie balances humor with sadness, but the more it gets to the real truth about the gas and the characters’ choices, the heavier the tone becomes.
It is not a normal holiday movie; it feels unsettling but makes you think through life, death, and what matters most. There is a natural feel about the performances, and it sounds like something people could say.
Although it is not an easy watch, due to its grim subject, it lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
Also Read-
Top 10 Horror Movies Like The Conjuring You Must Watch
10. Take Shelter-
- Imdb rating-7.3/10
- Runtime- 1h 52m
Take Shelter is a movie about a man named Curtis who starts to have weird dreams and visions about a huge storm. He lives with his wife, Samantha, and their little deaf daughter.
As Curtis becomes more focused on building a storm shelter, people around him start to worry. His friends, boss, and even his wife question if he’s losing his grip on reality. It’s slow and careful: you feel the tension, the uncertainty Curtis feels.
You’re not sure if he’s seeing something real or if it’s all in his head. With unbelievable performances, especially from Michael Shannon as Curtis and Jessica Chastain as Samantha, you are left thinking to the very end. Which makes it memorable.
Quiet and thoughtful, Take Shelter lingers. It is not exactly full of action, but it is so powerful in exploring fear, family, and trust.
9. Right at Your Door-
- Imdb rating-6/10
- Runtime- 1h 36m
Right at Your Door is a very tense movie about a couple who have to deal with the aftereffects of a dirty bomb attack in Los Angeles.
It focuses on Brad, who seals himself inside his home to avoid contamination, leaving his wife, Lexi, stuck outside. This is one-way tension is created in the movie: the fear and uncertainty that lead to the decisions and even the relationships.
This is one of those movies like Leave the World Behind, which leans into the idea of isolation and how people react to sudden, life-changing events.
It doesn’t rely on big action scenes; it focuses on the emotional and moral struggles of its characters. The ending is unsettling, leaving you to think about trust, survival, and how much control anyone has in a crisis.
If you enjoy movies that explore human behavior during disasters, this one offers a gripping and realistic take. It’s not flashy, but it leaves a strong impression.
8. Bird Box-
- Imdb rating-6.6/10
- Runtime- 2h 4m
Bird Box is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys movies like Leave the World Behind. The story revolves around Malorie, played by Sandra Bullock.
She tries to protect her kids in a world where people face deadly creatures that make them kill themselves if they see them. The plot is intense and keeps you on edge as they navigate this dangerous world blindfolded.
What stands out is the way it shows survival and trust in people around you, even when things fall apart. The mix of flashbacks and present-day scenes makes it easy to connect with the characters.
While the creatures themselves stay mostly mysterious, the fear they cause feels real throughout. If you liked the tense atmosphere and the focus on relationships in Leave the World Behind, Bird Box offers a similar vibe.
It’s not perfect, but it’s worth watching for its unique take on survival under extreme pressure.
Also Read-
10 Best Movies with Plot Twists Unexpected Endings
7. Goodbye World-
- Imdb rating-5.4/10
- Runtime- 1h 39m
Goodbye World is a soothing, reflective film on how individuals react when the world around them is collapsing. It tells a story of several friends brought together in a secluded house when the rest of the world is collapsing.
It brings out relationship issues, trust, and how individuals can handle the unknown. You feel as if you’re dealing with real characters; their struggles are enough to force you to reflect on what is essential when everything goes wrong.
This movie would appeal to those who like the movie Leave the World Behind; it maintains a personal touch during an overall crisis.
It’s not heavy on action or big drama but more about how people adapt and deal with each other when the future feels unsure.
The setting is peaceful, but the tension between the characters keeps it interesting. It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s worth a watch if you like stories about survival with a human touch.
6. Knock at the Cabin-
- Imdb rating-6.1/10
- Runtime- 1h 40m
Knock at the Cabin is a tense movie about a family held hostage in a remote cabin. The story begins when a couple and their daughter are confronted by four strangers who force their way in.
The strangers say the family must make an impossible choice to stop the end of the world. Most of the movie takes place in the cabin, which makes it feel claustrophobic and intense.
The performances are solid, especially with Dave Bautista as the group leader. He’s calm but unsettling, which makes you unsure whether to trust him.
The movie keeps you guessing about whether the strangers are telling the truth or if they’re just dangerous fanatics. The ending ties everything together, but some might find it predictable or unsatisfying.
If you like stories about moral dilemmas and human survival, this one is worth watching. It’s not perfect, but it keeps you hooked and makes you think.
5. The Road-
- Imdb rating-7.2/10
- Runtime- 1h 51m
The Road is a sci-fi movie that shows a dark, empty world after an apocalypse. It focuses on a father and his son trying to survive in the world.
They face hunger, danger, and sadness as they travel through this destroyed land. The relationship between the father and son is the heart of the story. You feel their fear and hope as they try to stay alive and keep their bond strong.
The acting is good, especially from Viggo Mortensen, who plays the father. The movie feels heavy and serious, with very little relief. The world they live in is bleak and unforgiving. Some moments make you think about what really matters in life.
This is not an easy movie to watch, but it leaves a strong impression. It’s a story about love, survival, and what it means to keep going when everything seems lost.
4. It’s a Disaster-
- Imdb rating- 6.4/10
- Runtime- 1h 28m
It’s a Disaster is a dark comedy about a group of friends stuck together during a brunch while a major catastrophe unfolds outside. The story focuses on their awkward conversations, hidden secrets, and how their relationships unravel as the crisis worsens.
The movie features a simple design, mainly set in a single house, which creates a close and tense atmosphere. The humor arises from the characters’ reactions to the situation—sometimes amusing, other times strange.
Although some scenes are slow-paced, the quirky dialogue and unexpected twists maintain the audience’s interest.
The cast works well together, and the acting feels natural, like they’re real people you might know. It’s not a big, explosive movie, but it explores human behavior under pressure in a smart way.
If you enjoy dry humor and small-scale stories, it’s worth checking out. It’s a strange mix of laughs and tension that sticks with you.
3. These Final Hours-
- Imdb rating- 6.6/10
- Runtime- 1h 27m
- Roadshow Entertainment
These Final Hours is a movie about the end of the world. It follows James, a man who’s trying to survive his last hours before a global disaster destroys everything.
On his way, he meets a young girl, Rose, who’s looking for her dad. Their journey together changes James and makes him think about what really matters.
The movie feels raw and emotional. It shows people acting in different ways when they know the end is near—some lose control, and others try to find peace.
James starts off selfish, but helping Rose gives him a purpose. The film is intense, and it makes you think about how you’d spend your last moments.
It’s not a happy ending story, but it’s strong. The acting is good, and the message stays with you. It’s about choice, love, and finding meaning, even when time has run out.
2. Don’t Look Up-
- Imdb rating- 7.2/10
- Runtime- 2h 25m
Don’t Look Up is a sharp, unique movie about a world that just refuses to take danger seriously. The plot of this movie follows two scientists who find a comet rushing toward Earth; however, their warnings to the top leaders, the media, and society in general are completely ignored.
This kind of movie exposes how much people value politics, being famous, or profiteering over genuine problems in society. This movie depicts both humor and frustration because man can be his biggest enemy sometimes.
The cast, led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, does a fair job of portraying how ridiculous things can get when no one listens to facts.
The movie feels relevant at a time when we see actual crises treated the same way. If you like Leave the World Behind, then this movie has a similar vibe.
It focuses on how people react when faced with a looming disaster and questions whether humanity can unite before it’s too late.
Related: 10 Awesome Movies Like My Fault You Shouldn’t Miss
1. 10 Cloverfield Lane-
- Imdb rating-7.2/10
- Runtime- 1h 43m
One of those movies that keeps you excited is 10 Cloverfield Lane. In this movie, we follow Michelle, who wakes up from a car crash in an underground bunker with two men, Howard and Emmett.
Howard explains how a chemical attack occurred, and the world above is unsafe, but something does not feel right. The movie grows in suspense as Michelle finds clues, and her tension grows with a few thrilling and unpredictable moments.
And before you think you get to the bottom of things, the movie turns it all around on you again and again, keeping it tension-filled and the stakes much higher.
In the role of Howard, John Goodman absolutely nails it with a mixture of care and risk in the performance. If you’re a fan of mind-bending films that never leave your brain untangled, even in the final scene, 10 Cloverfield Lane is well worth every one of its minutes.
Final Thoughts
Leave the World Behind is a movie that sticks with you because it’s about real fears. It explores what happens when technology fails, the world becomes uncertain, and people have to rely on their instincts to survive.
Similar movies like The Road, A Quiet Place, or Bird Box also focus on survival, relationships, and trust when things go wrong.
These stories make us think about how fragile life is and how people behave under pressure. What makes these movies powerful is the way they focus on human emotions—fear, love, and anger—rather than just action or special effects.
They remind us that when the world changes, it’s how we connect with each other that matters most. If you like stories that make you think about “what if” while keeping the tension high, these kinds of movies might be worth watching. They’ll make you feel, not just watch.
Where can I watch these movies?
Many of these movies are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
FAQs About Movies Like Leave the World Behind–
What did the ending mean in Leave the world behind?
The ending of Leave the World Behind leaves the viewer with the question of whether or not humanity will survive. The movie suggests the breaking of normalcy when catastrophe befalls the world with no explanation. The struggles that the family and the couple face show how people behave under pressure, while their unclear fates give uncertainty about the future. Survival, according to the movie, depends not only on resources but also on connections, though trust remains fragile.
Why did teeth fall out in Leaving the World Behind?
In Leave the World Behind, the falling teeth serve as a metaphor for mysterious, inexplicable effects from a global crisis. It indicates some unknown, perhaps environmental or biological factor affecting people. No clear cause is specified to let the audience infer one. This disturbing element only contributes to the movie’s tension and how the characters gradually lose control over their surroundings as well as their bodies within this unfolding catastrophe.
Why did Archie get sick in Leave the World Behind?
In Leave the World Behind, Archie falls sick due to the mysterious events going on in the story. It appears that her illness has a connection with the mysterious blackout and its unknown impact on nature. Confusion and stress are symptoms that point toward a greater, invisible threat affecting individuals. The movie does not explain why she falls sick, which further adds suspense and uncertainty about the fate of the characters.
What is the message of leave the world behind?
The message of Leave the World Behind is about trust, human behavior, and survival in uncertain times. It questions how people react to fear, how communication breaks down, and the unknown. This story portrays the fragility of modern life and how quickly relationships and societal norms break down when faced with a crisis. It makes one question what really matters in a world that has fallen apart.