It's the end of the world as we know it

Dec. 21st, 2012 is supposed to be the end of the world. No one who believes this crazy theory really seems to know how or even why the world will be destroyed, but they're pretty sure today is the end of days. We're not too worried, but thankfully we have hundreds of apocalyptic films to give us some ideas about what to expect should the Maya predictions prove true. --Will Perkins

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‘Waterworld’
The planet’s polar ice caps have completely melted and covered the Earth under water. Dry land is a myth and the remnants of humanity cling to ramshackle settlements and rusted boats. Kevin Coster stars as “the Mariner,” a solitary sailor who has evolved gills and webbed appendages to cope with the planet’s now wetter state. With deadly pirates roaming the world-spanning ocean, the sea drifter soon becomes the protector of a ... more
‘Waterworld’
The planet’s polar ice caps have completely melted and covered the Earth under water. Dry land is a myth and the remnants of humanity cling to ramshackle settlements and rusted boats. Kevin Coster stars as “the Mariner,” a solitary sailor who has evolved gills and webbed appendages to cope with the planet’s now wetter state. With deadly pirates roaming the world-spanning ocean, the sea drifter soon becomes the protector of a mysterious child with a map tattooed on her back – a map that could lead the dregs of mankind back to one of the few remaining islands. The mega-budgeted box office flop also had an apocalyptic effect on Costner’s subsequent career, unofficially marking the end of his tenure as an A-list leading man.

How does the world end?
Rising sea levels caused by climate change-induced polar ice cap melt. less