Being stuck in self-isolation means that you need a lot of entertainment, right? And what film genre could be better than viral outbreak movies during a pandemic? If you’ve got a sick sense of humor like me, looking for films like these is a no-brainer. So, here are five viral outbreak films sure to keep you entertained (and up at night) during the COVID-19 quarantine!

Outbreak

An African monkey brings a seriously deadly virus to California, leaving people ravaged by the Ebola-esque virus while military personnel try to figure out how to contain the outbreak. With stars like Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman and Rene Russo, an entertaining and seriously scary evening is guaranteed!

(Available on Netflix.)

28 Days Later

I’m going to be honest here: I have not watched this film since it debuted in 2002. So, why would I recommend it to you? Because it scared me so badly that I had nightmares for months about just one scene! Granted, I was a kid, but if a film can mess you up even 18 years later, it’s worth recommending.

This one also deals with primates carrying the disease, but this time they originate in an animal testing lab. A group of animal rights activists set out to free the chimpanzees being tested on, but inadvertently end up releasing a deadly virus that spreads rapidly throughout the UK.

(Available on Hulu.)

Virus

An Indian film based on real events that explores various stages of the 2018 NIPAH Virus outbreak in Kerala. Paranoia fuels the epidemic, but the film focuses on the heroism of those who helped contain and control the spread of the virus. Does the disruption of a society and the heroic efforts of healthcare workers and citizens sound familiar? This one might hit close to home during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s sure to keep you entertained in isolation.

(Available on Amazon Prime Video.)

Flu

Set in South Korea, this film follows the worst virus outbreak in history. The airborne virus quickly sweeps through a city near Seoul, prompting the government to seal off the city to contain the outbreak. Of course, getting what’s needed for the vaccine isn’t easy! Especially during a complete shutdown ordered by the government.

(Available on Amazon Prime Video.)

Contagion

Beth Emhoff dies of a flu-like illness shortly after her trip to Hong Kong, kicking off a pandemic that the CDC struggles to not only contain but also find a cure for — identifying the virus and finding a cure could take months. As the outbreak continues to spread, people start panicking and disrupting societal order — sound familiar? Cuddle up with a package of toilet paper and a bottle hand sani, because this one is a wild ride.

(Available on Hulu.)

Have another outbreak fave that I missed? Hit me up on Twitter and let me know!