The Omega Man (1971)

Charlton Heston stars as a pandemic survivor in 1975 Los Angeles, where biological warfare has decimated most of the planet, turning some into nocturnal mutants.

Shortly before he fully succumbs to the plague, we learn Robert (Heston) injected himself with an experimental vaccine, rendering him immune from the disease. As a result, he's seemingly the last human left in Los Angeles.

Based on Richard Matheson's novel I Am Legend (also adapted into a film of the same name in 2007) the opening sequences of a barren Los Angeles are striking, reminding you of Danny Boyle's effective zombie chiller 28 Days Later (2002) and provides the audience with an ingratiating beginning.

The concept has been done to death of course, but Boris Sagal's film is enjoyable enough, although there is a lack of tension or indeed jeopardy. It's held together by the characters though, Heston is eminently watchable and he's supported by Rosalind Cash as his love interest as well as a thoroughly entertaining display from Anthony Zerbe, who provides the films' big bad. 6.8/10