Six epidemic-related films and TV shows to binge while social distancing

In a world where we have nothing better to do with our lives than stay at home all day, we must ask ourselves a question: What am I going to watch on TV? If you’re like me, you are probably tired of watching Judge Judy and Dr. Phil every day, so I have compiled a list of my top six TV shows and movies to watch while you’re social distancing. And, as an added bonus to reflect on current events, they all relate to a virus.

The Walking Dead (2010-Now)

Streaming on: Netflix, A&E, Youtube TV

With Nine seasons available for streaming and one currently airing, The Walking Dead is perfect binge-watching material. Following the story of Rick Grimes, he awakens from a coma to find the world has been devastated by a virus that is raising the dead. He quickly learns that he must do whatever it takes to protect himself and his family in the world they are living in. If you do choose to watch The Walking Dead, here’s a piece of advice: Don’t get too attached to any of the characters.

World War Z (2013)

Streaming on: Hulu, Sling, and FX

Starring renowned actor Brad Pitt, World War Z is a thrilling zombie apocalypse movie. Gerry Lane, a former UN investigator, is tasked with finding a solution to the lethal virus that transforms people into zombies and is wreaking havoc across the world. He must use his intelligence and his background in foreign affairs to stop the spread before it annihilates the world.

The Crazies (2010)

Streaming on: Amazon Prime

This remake of the 1973 film follows the story of David, the Sheriff of Ogden Marsh, Iowa. When the townspeople begin displaying violent behaviors, he and his deputy trace it back to a mysterious virus. This action-packed thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The Last Ship (2014-2018)

Streaming on: Hulu

If you’re a fan of military-based tv shows and movies, The Last Ship, is the perfect show to binge. When the USS Nathan James is attacked while on a training mission, it is revealed that 80% of the world’s population has been wiped out by an airborne virus. With the help of two onboard virologists, they set out to find a vaccine before their hostile enemies try to cut their mission short.

Outbreak (1995)

Streaming on: Netflix

Though it was filmed in the ’90s, the movie Outbreak is a great film to watch, especially if you like action. The film follows Colonel Sam Daniels who is a virologist working with the United States Army. When a deadly virus similar to Ebola leaves Africa and makes its way into a small town in California, he and his team must defy government orders in an effort to save the country.

Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak (2020)

Streaming on: Netflix

This Docuseries touches on a range of topics centered around pandemics. It covers viruses like SARS, H1N1, and the Ebola virus. The series follows Healthcare professionals as they diagnose, treat, and battle the various diseases. The documentary also details prevention measures that are used to stop the spread of an outbreak.