15 Movies based on natural disasters

Tsunamis, earthquakes, tidal waves, are part of an endless list of natural disasters that have been presented on screen. Most of these calamities strike in real life, but there is a curious fascination when it is depicted on screen. Many movie-goers enjoy disaster movies because they have impressive visuals and depict human unity. With the changing climatic conditions due to human interference, these movies have become even more important. Here is a list of 15 such movies on natural disasters.

1. Geostorm (2017)

Starring Gerard Butler, Abbie Cornish, Ed Harris, and others, Geostorm, is a sci-fi disaster movie directed by Dean Devlin. It focuses on a satellite designer that realizes that climate-controlling satellites have stopped working and must rush against time to save the Earth from devastating consequences. The movie received mixed reviews but is an entertaining movie that features an action-packed performance by Gerard Butler.

2. The Wave (2015)

A Norwegian disaster movie, The Wave, is directed by Roar Uthaug and stars Kristoffer Joner and Ane Dahl Torp. It follows a family that gets stuck in an underwater hotel after a mountain crevice collapses into fjord and causes an avalanche and a tsunami. The movie was praised for its score, cinematography, and visuals and is a claustrophobic yet thrilling movie that depicts the might of natural disasters.

3. The Wandering Earth (2019)

Starring Wu Jing, Qu Chuxiao, and others, The Wandering Earth, is a Chinese sci-fi movie directed by Frant Gwo. Based on a short story by Liu Cixin, it is set in a future where the Sun is rapidly expanding and is a threat to human life. An advanced team of astronauts and rescue workers come together to guide the Earth away from the ball of fire while also making sure that it does not collide with Jupiter.

4. 2012 (2009)

Directed by Roland Emmerich and starring John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, and others, 2012, is a sci-fi disaster movie that is set in a world that is destined to end in 2012 according to a Mayan calendar. Amidst this, a novelist tries to protect his estranged family from a series of natural disasters and vows to take them aboard the safety of a ship designed for the rich. The movie has thrilling visuals of tsunamis and earthquakes and is a must-watch.

5. Twisters (2024)

A sequel to the 1996 film, Twister, the movie Twisters is a disaster movie directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and others, the movie is about a group of storm chasers who comes across a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma and decide to investigate it. The movie has generally good reviews and balances thrilling storms and a romantic storyline well.

6. Deep Impact (1998)

Starring Morgan Freeman, Elijah Wood, and Tea Leoni, Deep Impact, is a sci-fi disaster movie directed by Mimi Leder. The movie is about the US military’s attempt to stop a deadly comet from colliding with the Earth that is hurtling towards the planet and may cause the destruction of human society. The movie was a success even though it was in competition with Armageddon and is a tense yet compelling watch.

7. Moonfall (2021)

Roland Emmerich is a master at directing disaster movies and Moonfall is one of them. Starring Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry, and others, the sci-fi movie follows two former astronauts and a conspiracy theorist who must save Earth from a freefalling Moon that is coming towards Earth. The three also try to find out the cause behind the incident while tidal waves and asteroids cause havoc on Earth. The movie received mixed reviews but is a an entertaining flick.

8. Poseidon (2006)

Based on the novel by Paul Gallico and a remake of the 1972 film, Poseidon, is an action disaster movie directed by Wolfgang Petersen. Starring Kurt Russell, the film takes place aboard a luxury cruise liner where a New Year’s Eve party is taking place. But all hell breaks loose when a giant wave hits the ship and causes it to flip. The passengers must now find a way of saving themselves. The movie is known for its impressive visuals.

9. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Directed by Roland Emmerich, The Day After Tomorrow, is a sci-fi disaster film that is based on a book by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber and features Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, and others. The movie portrays a world where the North Atlantic Ocean circulation has disrupted, which causes intense changes in climate and leads to an ice age. Amidst this, a father decides to reach Manhattan and save his son who is stranded. The movie has thrills and emotional depth.

10. Armageddon (1998)

Starring Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler, Ben Affleck, and others, Armageddon, is a disaster movie directed by Michael Bay. The movie broke box office records at the time and is still a popular disaster movie. It follows a group of deep-core drillers who are hired by NASA to go into space and drill an asteroid to pieces before it collides with the Earth and causes destruction. A pop culture classic, this one is a must-watch.

11. Independance Day (1996)

Starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and others, Independence Day, is a sci-fi movie directed by Roland Emmerich. The movie deals with the onslaught of an alien invasion and revolves around a genius engineer (Goldblum) and a Marine pilot (Smith), who must fly into the alien ship and infect it with a virus. The movie was a smash hit and is credited with bringing back disaster movies in the 90s.

12. San Andreas (2015)

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, and others, San Andreas, is a disaster thriller directed by Brad Peyton. When a devastating earthquake take place due to the San Andreas Fault and rocks the West Coast of the US, a rescue-chopper pilot must find his daughter and save her from the rubble and destruction before more harm comes their way. The movie is emotional and parts but also provides the thrills of a disaster flick.

13. Volcano (1997)

Directed by Mick Jackson, Volcano, is a disaster movie starring Tommy Lee Jones, Keith David, and others. Taking inspiration from the real-life incident of the formation of a volcano in Mexico in 1943, the movie revolves around Los Angeles, where a volcano has formed at the La Brea Tar Pits. The destructive lava flow emanating from it must be diverted out of Los Angeles. The movie has a nostalgic flavor.

14. The Impossible (2012)

Starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, The Impossible, is a Spanish biographical disaster movie that is based on the real-life experiences of Maria Belon and her family. Directed by J.A. Bayona, it depicts the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and follows Doctor Maria and her husband and kids, who are vacationing in Thailand. As the tsunami hits, the family must save themselves from the dire circumstances. Watts’ performance is a revelation and it is a well-made disaster movie.

15. The Perfect Storm (2000)

Starring Diane Lane, George Clooney, and others, The Perfect Storm, is a biographical disaster movie directed by Wolfgang Petersen. Based on a book by Sebastian Junger, the movie revolves around the crew of a fishing boat, Andrea Gail. The captain and his group go for a late-season fishing trip and encounter an intense thunderstorm. The movie has a tense and thrilling atmosphere.