As a genre, disaster movies don’t always have the best reputation for quality, but they are great fun and some have incredible plots and visceral moments of danger. Films like Sharknado and Moonfall have given the disaster movie genre a bad reputation, leaving many to think that most of the genre is nothing but silly B-movies. This is not always the case, however, as some disaster movies are excellent examples of big-budget action and perfect popcorn movies.
The disasters vary, with some of these disaster films being about saving the world, showing humanity coming together to stop a much larger threat, either being a one-off or starting a franchise. Other beloved disaster movies still need sequels, like Twister launching Twisters last year. The best examples of the genre still hold up today, proving there are 10/10 movies in the genre.
6
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Dennis Quaid And Jake Gyllenhaal Give Impressive Performances
When climate change is brought to its natural extreme in the film The Day After Tomorrow, the world begins to go into a deep freeze. As the temperature drops around the world, it is up to a team of scientists to find the path forward for humanity, saving them from the unforgiving cold. It’s up to humans to find a way to continue living, or be doomed to perish as a result of the oncoming climate disaster.
After recently being a Netflix hit, The Day After Tomorrow has shot back into the public consciousness, allowing more viewers to experience the film for the very first time. The race against the clock is palpable in this film, as is the constant fight against the very government for paleoclimatologist Jack Hall, played by Dennis Quaid. This futile battle is only punctuated by the movie’s effects, which paint the frozen world in broad and beautiful strokes.
5
Dante’s Peak (1997)
This Volcano Disaster Film Stars Pierce Brosnan
Dante’s Peak
- Release Date
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February 7, 1997
- Runtime
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108 Minutes
- Director
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Roger Donaldson
- Writers
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Leslie Bohem
Starring the iconic Pierce Brosnan as volcanologist Harry Dalton, Dante’s Peak follows Harry’s trip to investigate the odd activity of the titular volcano, which is supposed to be dormant. However, while trying to get to the bottom of the odd readings and occurrences in the town surrounding Dante’s Peak, the volcano erupts. This leads Harry to have to save the people of the town while trying his best to escape alive.
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Dante’s Peak is an incredible example of a good volcano disaster movie, having a little bit of everything one could wish for in a movie like this. Not only is the acting compelling, but the danger is palpable, because death truly is on the line. In fact, Dante’s Peak arguably has one of the most heartbreaking death scenes out of any disaster movie, one that still lingers. What is perhaps most impressive is the film’s dedication to scientific accuracy, something that makes it a great disaster movie to watch.
4
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
The Original Cruise Ship Disaster Film
The Poseidon Adventure
- Release Date
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December 13, 1972
- Runtime
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117 minutes
- Director
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Ronald Neame
- Writers
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Paul Gallico, Stirling Silliphant, Wendell Mayes
Before the release of Titanic in 1997, The Poseidon Adventure was the original cruise ship disaster movie. The film takes place during what is supposed to be the last voyage of the SS Poseidon ship before its retirement. Instead of finding celebration and good times, the ship is set upon by a dangerous tsunami, leaving all on board to fend for their lives on the open ocean.
The film was incredibly well-received, as it was nominated for eight different Academy Awards, of which it won for music and special effects. Aside from this, the actors in the film also won two Oscars and a Golden Globe Award for their performances. The awards speak for themselves, showing how much care was put into the making of this film.
3
Towering Inferno (1974)
This Disaster Film Is Another Award-Winner
The Towering Inferno
- Release Date
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December 14, 1974
- Runtime
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165 minutes
- Director
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John Guillermin, Irwin Allen
- Writers
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Richard Martin Stern, Thomas N. Scortia, Frank M. Robinson, Stirling Silliphant
Originally adapted from a series of novels, The Towering Inferno begins with the dedication of a massive skyscraper. Things quickly begin to go wrong when an electrical fire is discovered on the 81st floor of the building, but despite the danger, the party continues. It is only when the fire begins to rage out of control and kill guests that it is taken seriously, bringing death and tragedy in its wake.
The Towering Inferno was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Though it did not win Best Picture, it did win for Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Song.
Despite its long runtime, The Towering Inferno manages to remain engaging as a tale of human greed, leading to inevitable, though potentially avoidable, deaths. There is also plenty of personal drama between the characters, with more going on in the film than the danger of the fire itself. This, coupled with the incredible effects for the time, makes The Towering Inferno an important entry in the disaster film genre.
2
Twister (1996)
It Is The Quintessential Tornado Movie
When many people think about natural disaster movies, Twister is often the first film that comes to mind. The film depicts a group of storm chasers who routinely risk their lives to gather data on local tornadoes. These researchers make it their duty to find out why there have been so many tornadoes in the area, hoping that their discoveries will help the people living in the area.
Twister has frightened viewers for decades, offering a brutal look into the natural disasters that often storm across the country. The film does not shy away from the brutality, sometimes even playing up the danger for cinematic effect in various life-or-death situations. It is a classic for so many for a reason, popular enough to receive a recent sequel in the form of Twisters.
1
Armageddon (1998)
This Space-Faring Disaster Movie Is Full Of Emotion
Armageddon takes the idea of an asteroid possibly hitting Earth and wonders what humanity could do to save itself. A group of ordinary drillers launches into space with the aim of splitting the asteroid in two, hoping that they will be able to blow up the asteroid from within and send the pieces scattering away from the planet. Of course, the plan does not go off perfectly, leaving the main characters and really the entire world in danger.
The entirety of Armageddon was filmed in a short time period, roughly filmed over 16 weeks.
The emotion in the film is one of its highlights, allowing viewers to get attached to the characters before they quite possibly make their final sacrifice. Despite the absurdity of their space mission, Armageddon remains surprisingly grounded. The film manages to surpass all expectations while also having a good bit of comedy, making it an incredible disaster movie.
