I think you hit all the right notes here, but only briefly touched on the glorification of an apocalyptic scenario by the media we consume. We have been conditioned so much that some of us consider it is an eventuality, hence the prepper culture that predominates large parts of the US.
I believe these post apocalyptic narratives are merely being weaponised against us as fear porn to keep us locked in our shackles. The fact there are so many similar stories out there begs the question, why?
Is it a trend? Should we just accept it as such and brush it off? Given the tight control on mass media, mainly in the form of Hollywood and T.V, it is always a little suspicious when a new 'trend' sweeps through mass culture.
Look at the Vietnam war films of the 60's and 70's, who were they made by, and for whose benefit? To pay homage to a valiant crusade in a far off land, or to justify to an illegitimate push into territories they had no business in?
Propaganda. The same parallel can in some ways be drawn with the apocalyptic scenarios, as well.