Contagion (2011) vs Outbreak (1995)

Contagion has a bit more realism. Outbreak.... the moment they got the carrier, they magically got the cure, which is not how science works. In fact, I'd argue most of the keyphrases used in the media now are identical to the ones used in Contagion.... which kind of tells me it's the template for what we are seeing in the media these days. The difference being, of course... that virus had a 25% fatality rate, while the current virus has 3 percent, or lower - much lower fatality rate.

Having said that... I can't get the exact timeline, but it seems like they had the vaccine ready within 30 days of the first infection in contagion. Also - the lady that injected herself with the experimental vaccine.. it seems like a day later she visited her sick father. Here is the problem - (from website below) On average, an ‘immune response’ will take around 7-21 days after the injection. So.... yeah, contagion had plenty of Hollywood magic stamped all over it.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vaccines

Contagion is miles ahead.


Outbreak is down right comical.

Outbreak is an absurd standard big budget action/melodrama.

Contagion is a thoughtful, serious take on the subject and tries to be somewhat authentic. I much prefer it, personally.

Contagion is more suspenseful, but Outbreak has more of an 'action thriller' vibe. The helicopter chase seals it.

Contagion is better since some of it is realistic (not the Gwyneth Paltrow part). Outbreak is little more than a cartoon version of one.

I NOTICE EVERYONE IS CALLING CONTAGION BETTER BASED ON IT BEING REALISTIC...EXCEPT WE ARE TALKING FLICKS...OUTBREAK IS THE BETTER FLICK.

It depends on what any one viewer is in the mood for.

If you want just an entertaining unrealistic wild ride while enthusiastically munching your popcorn and red licorice then it’s Outbreak for you.

If you want a scary oh-my-god-this-could-happen ride while slowly eating you popcorn because you forgot you had it, then Contagion is for you.

IMDB ratings-wise they are both in the 6.6 to 6.7 range, so my guess is that in general as to which is “better”, the viewers are split.

Me, I was impressed by Contagion and it gave me a lot to think about and left me with many memorable scenes to think about while Outbreak entertained me but there was little to nothing to think about.

One last thing though that gave Outbreak an edge. As for the starlets in the cast. In Outbreak both Rene Russo and Michelle Joyner were somewhat still yummy when they were sick whereas both Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet in Contagion were a length behind.