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The 25 Best Disaster Movies of All Time, Ranked

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The 25 Best Disaster Movies of All Time, Ranked

As a seasoned film critic with a soft spot for disaster movies, I’ve seen my fair share of cataclysmic events unfold on the silver screen. From earthquakes to tsunamis, volcanic eruptions to alien invasions, I’ve been there, witnessed it all. But among these cinematic calamities, a few stand out as truly exceptional.

Despite the 2024 box office being a major letdown so far, the upcoming release of “Twisters” is adding an enjoyable twist to this unfortunate situation. This lightly related sequel to the 1996 tornado film continues a long-standing tradition of cinematic devastation. The big screen has witnessed various catastrophes including volcanoes, tsunamis, meteors, earthquakes, nuclear meltdowns, ice ages, pandemics, and twisters. Some of these depictions are heart-wrenching, while others offer a delightful escape with their popcorn-worthy destruction. Occasionally, these movies border on being disasters themselves, but they give life to both so-bad-it’s-good flicks and cinematic masterpieces. Ultimately, witnessing a disaster unfold on the silver screen leaves us grateful for our own safety.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve pondered over the question of what truly defines a disaster movie in the grand scheme of blockbuster cinema. It may seem straightforward, but surprisingly, pinpointing its definition can be quite elusive. Take movies like “Twister” and “Independence Day,” or even “Die Hard.” Do they fall under the category of disaster films? Where does the line between an action movie, a sci-fi flick, and a disaster movie lie?

Having spent my formative years growing up in disaster-prone areas, I can attest to the significance of this distinction. Disasters are not mere plot devices for movies; they are real-life threats that demand our utmost attention and respect. So, when it comes to disaster films, it’s important to recognize that protagonists aren’t always trying to “defeat” the disaster. Instead, they strive to survive, mitigate damage, or at best, prevent further catastrophe.

Read more: Why We All Have a Stake in Twisters‘ Success

25. Airplane!

As someone who grew up in the 1980s and was captivated by the world of cinema, I have a deep appreciation for the films that shaped the genre during that era. And let me tell you, “Airplane!” (1980), with its zany humor and clever parody of disaster movies from the previous decade, holds a special place in my heart.

24. The Wave

Due to Netflix’s expanding international library, Americans now have the opportunity to witness the chaos that unfolds in cinemas outside of their borders. A prime example is the 2015 Norwegian film, “The Wave.” At times, it resembles a well-funded television production, but its unique premise cannot be found elsewhere. In Norway’s numerous fjords, an enormous avalanche unleashes a catastrophic wave of rocks and debris into the water below, generating a colossal splash over 260 feet wide. This natural disaster, reminiscent of a tsunami, threatens to annihilate the quaint tourist town nestled at its foot. As is customary in disaster films, there’s only one brave scientist (Kristoffer Joner) who understands the danger and races against time to warn people and save his loved ones before the impending devastation strikes.

23. Pompeii

Instead of “Not content with merely being a disaster movie, Pompeii (2014) is also a swords and sandals gladiator epic,” you could say “Pompeii (2014) isn’t just a disaster film; it’s also a gladiator story set in ancient Rome.”

22. Don’t Look Up

Adam McKay initially gained success with comedies such as “Anchorman” and “Step Brothers.” Later, he transitioned to dramas like “The Big Short” and “Vice.” In the 2021 film “Don’t Look Up,” which deals with climate change denial using a metaphor of an approaching planet-destroying meteor, McKay combines comedy and drama. The movie is both entertaining and thought-provoking but has received criticism for being smug and preachy. The sudden shift between the lighthearted portrayal of government, media, and industry figures dismissing the warnings of Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence’s astronomers and the grim reality of the consequences of inaction may be intentional. Disasters seem amusing until they become a tangible threat. Is it worth McKay dedicating his efforts to this message instead of creating another “Step Brothers”? That is open for debate.

21. Dante’s Peak

In 1997, there was an undercurrent of volcanic tension in the air – or perhaps more precisely, beneath the earth’s surface. Two distinct films about volcanoes made their way to cinemas that year, both contributing to the ’90s disaster movie revival. While these movies hold some value, they hardly reach the pinnacle of the genre.

20. Volcano

Among the two volcano films released in 1997, “Volcano” outshines “Dante’s Peak” by delivering what audiences are looking for: a diverse cast of characters, a catastrophic event that may not adhere to scientific facts but feels authentic, and the destruction of a major American metropolis. In the beginning, “Volcano” is captivating with Tommy Lee Jones leading a team of city officials and scientists as they become increasingly aware of ominous rumblings beneath Los Angeles. The initial explosion is filled with the fiery explosions audiences crave. However, “Volcano” falls short of its full potential. Once the lava starts flowing, most of the action consists of futile attempts to halt the slow-moving lava’s advance by one city block. An unusual side story in which the volcano seems to be healing L.A.’s racial divide following the O.J. Simpson trial further detracts from “Volcano’s” overall impact.

19. Sharknado

As a huge fan, I’d describe the unique allure of SYFY’s 2013 hit movie, “Sharknado,” this way: This film ingeniously combines the killer animal genre with a natural disaster. The sharks that menace Ian Ziering and Tara Reid aren’t your average creatures; they’re more like colossal hailstones with fins and razor-sharp teeth. Creating a deliberately cheesy movie isn’t as simple as it may seem, but “Sharknado,” among all the other cheesy movies out there, strikes the perfect balance: it serves up a healthy dose of self-aware amusement – a delightful mix of witty dialogue and terrifying tornados filled with sharks.

18. The Towering Inferno

The most financially successful film in 1974, igniting the box office with its release, was an apt representation of a colossal fire-stricken skyscraper. This towering inferno, which ensnared partygoers and workers at the pinnacle of the world’s tallest building during its inaugural night, was led by Paul Newman and Steve McQueen in an illustrious cast. However, despite Irwin Allen’s disaster movie masterpiece reputation, The Towering Inferno contained excessive elements, implying that like the inferno itself, it might have been improved with some reduction.

17. Poseidon

In the 2006 film “Poseidon,” which is a modern take on the ’70s disaster hit “The Poseidon Adventure,” the special effects have been enhanced to add more luster to the familiar storyline. Kurt Russell spearheads a group of passengers on a cruise liner that is capsized by a massive wave, compelling them to navigate their way to the upper part of the overturned vessel before it sinks completely. The screenplay falls short in comparison to its predecessor’s drama, but the thrilling special effects make up for it. While disaster movies require more than just eye-catching visuals to be exceptional, “Poseidon” manages to deliver an enjoyable experience.

16. The Burning Sea

Over the past few years, Norway has experienced an unsettling run of calamitous events portrayed in films. Starting with “The Wave” in 2015, followed by “The Quake” in 2018 and “The Tunnel” in 2019, and most recently, “The Burning Sea” in 2021. Among these, “The Burning Sea” stands out as the most impressive (at least up to now, let’s hope this trend continues). In this film, when oil rigs in the North Sea are struck by disaster, the workers find themselves battling for survival amidst sinking structures and raging seas that ignite into flames. The primary focus of “The Burning Sea” is on the heroic efforts to save lives, but these attempts are overshadowed by one of the most grandiose disasters ever captured on film in recent times.

15. Deep Impact

In the same summer of 1998 when “Armageddon” was released, another meteor movie titled “Deep Impact” emerged as a more scientifically accurate and solemn production. If “Armageddon” hadn’t been made, perhaps “Deep Impact” would have received more appreciation. With a talented cast headed by Robert Duvall, Elijah Wood, and Morgan Freeman, an intricate plot, and special effects that still impress, it’s a standout disaster movie. However, its dedication to portraying the potential cataclysmic consequences realistically makes it less enjoyable. Despite its merits, “Deep Impact” might be considered the superior meteor film, but sometimes our emotions lead us to prefer the catchy tunes of Aerosmott.

14. Deepwater Horizon

In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion is infamously known as one of the most catastrophic environmental disasters ever, but for those working on the rig at the time, it was a tragic and deadly event brought about by cost-cutting negligence. Peter Berg’s 2016 film based on this incident, featuring Mark Wahlberg, may initially seem less intelligent or harrowing with these two in the lead roles. However, the movie offers a compelling and true-to-life portrayal of the events without resorting to excessive sentimentality.

13. San Andreas

In 2015, it wasn’t far-fetched to assume that “San Andreas” would be a film featuring Dwayne Johnson battling an earthquake. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. Instead, Johnson portrays the role of a skilled helicopter pilot and loving father to his daughter, Alexandra Daddario. When disaster strikes in the form of the San Andreas fault line causing widespread destruction along the California coastline, Johnson embarks on a rescue mission. He encounters numerous perilous challenges rather than directly fighting the earthquake. Essentially, “San Andreas” offers a standard script for a Dwayne Johnson production, but its impressive seismic activity readings could be an added attraction if that doesn’t capture your interest.

12. Submersion of Japan

Japan, a nation with a rich history marked by earthquakes, tsunamis, and other calamities, is accustomed to on-screen devastation. However, in “Submersion of Japan,” a 1973 Japanese disaster film, the destruction isn’t caused by Godzilla or another colossal monster. Instead, this movie depicts a world where an extended series of earthquakes will cause the Japanese islands to sink into the sea. The government races against time to evacuate the entire population before Japan completely disappears beneath the waves. Most Japanese disaster movies and anime employ monsters as allegories for disasters. “Submersion of Japan,” however, offers a gripping, unadulterated portrayal of catastrophic events without resorting to fantastical elements.

11. The Day After Tomorrow

The less popular among Roland Emmerich’s films on this list nonetheless ranks high, demonstrating his exceptional skill. In “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004), catastrophic climate change wreaks havoc on the US with extreme flooding and freezing, a stark portrayal that surprisingly adds to the film’s impact rather than detracting from it.

10. Pandora

treating nuclear disasters as if they are horror stories. “Pandora,” which is based on Japan’s Fukushima accident, does not show radiation sickness as graphically as the TV series, but it effectively conveys the terror of an aging nuclear power plant exploding and the grim reality of death and sacrifices that follow.

9. A Night to Remember

The first movie about the sinking of the Titanic came out a mere 29 days after the ocean liner sank and starred an actual survivor of the disaster. Clearly, the desire to make movies out of the Titanic runs deep. Before James Cameron put his stamp on the tragedy, though, 1958’s A Night to Remember was the best of the bunch, and it’s still an exceptional film more than six decades later. While lots of disaster movies get their thrills from exaggeration and scientific liberties (and Cameron’s Titanic benefits enormously from Jack and Rose’s moving but fictional love story), A Night to Remember takes almost a documentarian approach to the disaster, resulting in a gripping film whose fidelity to the actual events only heightens its impact. A Night to Remember’s only major error is that the Titanic doesn’t split in half before sinking, and the only reason it makes that mistake is that nobody was sure the ship did break before the wreck was discovered almost 30 years later.

8. The Core

The 2003 film “The Core” is exceptionally unrealistic, to put it mildly. Its plot is questionable at best, even surpassing the implausibility of “Sharknado.” The Earth’s core reportedly stopping and requiring a rescue mission led by Aaron Eckhart in a drill-submarine to drop nuclear bombs for some reason, has been widely panned as terrible. However, if you’re looking for mindless entertainment that appeals to your emotions rather than intellect, “The Core” might be the perfect choice. Embrace its absurdity and let yourself be moved by its inexplicable charms. I personally adore “The Core.”

7. Greenland

Gerard Butler is known for being in many movies that can be kindly labeled “action-packed” and fondly referred to as “low-budget.” However, his 2020 film, “Greenland,” which also stars him and Morena Baccarin, takes a serious turn. This movie, released directly to video on demand because of the pandemic, follows Butler’s character and his family as they race against time to find refuge in Greenland before a comet destroys all life on Earth. Although “Greenland” includes scenes of devastation from the early impacts of the comet, its true power lies in the emotional turmoil of Butler and Baccarin as parents, and the terrifying chaos that ensues as people desperate for survival clash with each other.

6. Contagion

As a movie critic, I’ve seen my fair share of films that depict larger-than-life disasters like erupting volcanoes and sinking cruise ships. But let me tell you, the COVID-19 pandemic has made us all disaster survivors in our own right. And among this relatable list of movies, Steven Soderbergh’s 2011 masterpiece “Contagion” stands out as the most pertinent disaster film.

5. The Poseidon Adventure

“Winning the Best Original Song accolade at the Academy Awards with ‘The Morning After’ might just be the most regrettable decision in the history of this prestigious award. However, The Poseidon Adventure is an exceptional disaster movie from the 1970s, remaining one of the best even with advancements in special effects. Firstly, the visuals of the overturned SS Poseidon still hold up well after all these years. More importantly, it’s the film’s talented cast that makes The Poseidon Adventure truly remarkable. A disaster movie relies on characters that resonate with audiences to heighten the emotional impact of the mayhem. With five Oscar-winning actors aboard, including Shelley Winters as a surprising heroine and Gene Hackman as a charismatic preacher, this film delivers on that front.” (Leslie Nielsen’s performance as the ship’s captain, eight years before his comedic transformation in Airplane!, adds an unintentional layer of humor.)

4. Twister

The enduring appeal of “Twister” (1996) lies not in the destructive F5 tornadoes but in a seemingly casual scene where a cow soars through the air, with Helen Hunt nonchalantly commenting “Cow.” This film’s unique charm is enhanced by an unsophisticated yet endearing ensemble cast including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Alan Ruck, and future “Tár” director Todd Field. The thrilling storm-chasers of “Twister,” portrayed by Bill Paxton and Hunt, invite us to join them on their perilous adventures in Oklahoma’s treacherous weather. Despite the dated CGI effects, the tornadoes remain awe-inspiring due to their otherworldly yet relatable presence, brought to life through authentic wind, rain, and debris. The cow remains the unsung hero of “Twister,” providing a comforting connection to reality amidst the extraordinary events unfolding on screen.

3. 2012

Roland Emmerich’s “2012” falls just short of being the top disaster movie, but it sets the bar high as the most explosive and chaotic one. Leveraging the questionable prophecy of the Mayan calendar ending in 2012, this film unleashes a plethora of natural disasters: earthquakes, supervolcanoes, floods, and colossal tsunamis resembling Mount Everest. “2012” is an extravagant disaster movie that leaves no stone unturned in delivering destruction. The irony lies in the choice of protagonist, John Cusack’s character, a struggling author-turned-limo driver and divorced father. Amidst the world’s collapse, he ensures our emotional attachment as his family miraculously navigates through the deadliest scenarios. It’s a cunning ploy that makes “2012” an entertaining spectacle despite the on-screen mass casualties.

2. Titanic

As a dedicated fan, I’d say that the first half of “Titanic” (1997) draws you in with an unforgettable love story between Jack and Rose, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, which leaves you yearning for more. The second half, however, takes a breathtaking turn as the ship, an icon of elegance and grandeur, begins to sink into the icy depths of the North Atlantic. James Cameron masterfully combines thrilling disaster elements – racing floodwaters, towering smokestacks collapsing, and Jack’s harrowing encounter with the propeller – with heart-wrenching moments, such as the third-class passengers bidding farewell to their loved ones and the heroic band playing on until the end. This masterpiece of filmmaking seamlessly weaves together various emotional quadrants while maintaining a captivating natural flow. While “Titanic” undeniably stands as one of the greatest films, it’s important to consider if it truly reigns supreme as the best disaster movie. That’s a debate for another day.

1. Armageddon

In simpler terms, what makes disaster movies appealing to us is their portrayal of large-scale calamities resulting in significant damage, loss of life, and profound life alterations for survivors. Despite this grim premise, these films remain a beloved genre due to the entertainment value they provide. Some disaster movies approach the catastrophic events with seriousness and solemnity, like “Deep Impact.” However, others, such as “Armageddon,” offer a more lighthearted take on the impending apocalypse.

Michael Bay’s 1998 film, now a proud member of the Criterion Collection, showcases the epitome of disaster movies with its over-the-top, campy style. In this thrilling production, a meteor threatens to annihilate Earth. To save the day, NASA quickly prepares Bruce Willis and his gritty oil drillers for space travel and assigns them the task of detonating the planet-destroying asteroid before it makes impact. (Bay reportedly advised Ben Affleck, who portrayed one of the drillers, to “keep quiet” when he pondered why astronaut training couldn’t be simplified for oil drillers.) As they prepare, smaller meteors deliver devastating previews of potential city destruction should humanity’s final attempt fail. Armageddon, rich in special effects, is home to characters that evoke strong emotions, making you care about them unexpectedly – a perfect setup for an unforgettable disaster experience.

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2024-07-19 19:08

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