Just like the games, HBO’s The Last of Us series is a true showpiece, and it appears that the franchise’s fans are utterly charmed with it. With an average of 21.3 million viewers per episode, it’s no wonder why movie fans across the world are clapping their hands and cheering.

And let’s not forget, it’s not just the first time HBO has multiple original series with over 15 million viewers, it’s also only second in line to the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, which was a real winner with an average of 29 million viewers.

But what makes The Last of Us so special? Well, let’s just say it’s a real breath of fresh air in the zombie genre! The show offers a dynamic mix of character development and post-apocalyptic action that will leave you feeling both moved and exhilarated. And really, who doesn’t love a good guide to follow when searching for the best options in the zombie world? Let’s be real, once you’ve fallen in love with “The Last of Us”, you’ll be on the hunt for more post-apocalyptic adventures that’ll give you the same rush of excitement and emotion.

Don’t worry, I’ve got your back because I’ve scoured the vast world of zombie movies to find the top 5 hidden gems that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

So, grab your popcorn, sit back, relax and get ready for some ultimate post-apocalyptic movie marathon!

The Road (2009)

The Road is an unforgettable adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that is a must-see if you love “The Last of Us”. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of beauty intertwined with unrelenting horror and darkness. With breathtaking cinematography and powerhouse performances, this film will have you holding your breath from start to finish.

The movie, featuring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee, depicts a father and son as they make their way through a world where the environment has been devastated and where roving bands of cannibals prowl the barren landscape.

If you’re a fan of The Last of Us and its heart-wrenching drama, you won’t want to miss The Road. It’s a film that will leave a lasting impact, as the brief moments of peace in its post-apocalyptic world are always followed by harsh and complex life lessons that will stay with you for a long time.

A Quiet Place (2018)

John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place,” a rather terrifying and heartbreaking post-apocalyptic movie, follows the journey of a family as they struggle to survive in a world overtaken by blind aliens possessing super-sensitive hearing. The lead characters, played by John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, are just like The Last of Us characters as they bravely fight to protect their loved ones in the face of this new, dangerous reality.

Well, the film’s opening scene sets the tone, as the family’s young daughter is tragically killed by one of the aliens. And throughout the film, the audience is transported to a world of ruins, where remnants of civilization lay in tatters and danger lurks around every corner.

The sequel to the film only amplifies this sense of peril and sorrow, showing the first day of the alien invasion similarly to how “The Last of Us” portrays the start of the zombie outbreak.

The Walking Dead (2010)

The Walking Dead; released in 2010 has shuffled off this mortal coil after 11 seasons of gripping cable TV, and it looks like The Last of Us is about to take its place as the next big zombie franchise.

These two shows are all about the characters, a bunch of regular folks who are determined to survive in a world that’s crawling with the undead and other not-so-friendly humans. But it’s on a whole new level. 

Just like The Last of Us, The Walking Dead is about families of choice and how people’s morals change in a post-apocalyptic world. If you’re itching for a good zombie saga, now’s the perfect time to dive into the world of The Walking Dead.

Bird box (2018)

Oh yeah, let’s not forget Bird Box! Veteran actress Sandra Bullock stars as a mother of two who is trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world that’s controlled by an evil spirit in this popular Netflix thriller.

Although it doesn’t really have traditional zombies like The Last of Us, the focus on the challenges of parenthood during hard times makes it a pretty close comparison. Well, sometimes. 

Like HBO’s The Last of Us, the protagonist’s physical journey mirrors their mental journey as they come to accept love for the children in their care. That sort of adds an extra layer of drama to the already high stakes of life and death. Lol. And let’s not forget the human threats that are always lurking in the shadows, making danger a very real and tangible thing. Bring on the creepiness. 

The Battery (2012)

While it might sound like a big-budget blockbuster, The Battery is more in line with George A. Romero’s independent roots and focuses on character and dialogue. It’s a film that follows a former baseball player duo as they navigate the ups and downs of a good old-fashioned zombie apocalypse.

Quite the perfect movie for fans of HBO’s The last of us, The Walking Dead is just the movie for horror lovers who are looking for a movie that explores the monotony of post-apocalyptic living.

But don’t let that fool you, the naturalistic conversations in The Battery make it one of the best movies for fans of The Last of Us, too.

So there you have it guys and ladies, a list of 5 hidden gems that are sure to light up your screen if you liked “The Last of Us.” These films are intense, thought-provoking, and will keep you guessing until the very end.

So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be transported to a post-apocalyptic world where survival is the only thing that matters. And remember, don’t trust anyone, not even your best friend, they might be a zombie, or worse, a Gary Oldman. So, I wanna know what you think of these.