Large-scale devastation, whether natural or man-made, is portrayed in disaster films. Filmmakers have usually used alien invasion stories, zombie attacks, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, or space disasters in recent years. However, considering the widespread destruction of both living and nonliving materials that occurs during production, it may be argued that even war films fall under the aforementioned category.
Mother Nature can be incredibly frightening, but she can also be amazing and motivating. Avalanches and storms are just two examples of the many disasters that threaten the earth every day. With the massive destruction of the world being carried out, man-made disasters, such as wars and wildfires, are equally common these days. Furthermore, there is now a real chance that these occurrences will ultimately result in the extinction of the human species as we know it.
The Abyss (2023)
The inhabitants of Kiruna, Sweden, must leave the town immediately because seismic activity from the massive Kiirunavaara mine could cause the town to collapse in Richard Holm’s Swedish catastrophe thriller, “The Abyss” (also known as “Avgrunden”). As everyone gets ready to relocate, the mine’s security manager, Frigga (Tuva Novotny), must devise a plan to leave her town as quickly as possible while overseeing her chaotic family, whose lives are also in jeopardy. “The Abyss,” which was partially inspired by a real-life tragedy that rocked the town of Kiruna in 2020, is a fun film that keeps the excitement high even if it is a cliched disaster film. It is available to view here.
The Ice Road (2021)
Following an explosion in Manitoba, Canada, Liam Neeson’s character Mike McCann is part of a group of trucks on a rescue mission to save the miners trapped in a diamond mine. Jonathan Hensleigh’s catastrophe film, “The Ice Road,” also functions as an action thriller. The catch? They have a limited amount of time and have to drive their rigs over a frozen ocean, which could give away if they aren’t careful. However, they are unaware that one of them is a real menace who is just waiting to endanger their goal. As they say, your co-passenger may occasionally be there for you and not always for the voyage. Amber Midthunder, Laurence Fishburne, Benjamin Walker, Holt McCallany, and Matt McCoy are other co-stars in the movie. The movie is available to view here.
London Has Fallen (2016)
This follow-up to Olympus Has Fallen (2013) and the second entry in the Has Fallen action thriller film series is directed by Babak Najafi. It centers on US Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), who must act quickly to save US President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) after he is abducted by terrorist Aamir Barkrawi’s (Alon Moni Aboutboul) forces. Following a string of well-planned attacks on London during the British Prime Minister’s funeral, which drew world dignitaries, including the US President, this happened. When the event occurred, Banning was in charge of Asher’s security detail while he was in London. Action thriller “London Has Fallen” is a must-watch, particularly for fans of Gerard Butler. The film is available for viewing here.
Nowhere (2023)
The audience is engrossed in Mia’s terrifying trip in Albert Pintó’s gripping survival thriller “Nowhere,” which is helmed by Anna Castillo and Tamar Novas. Mia, who is pregnant and fleeing a war-torn country, takes sanctuary in a cargo ship’s seafaring container. However, Mia is compelled to give birth to her child in the middle of a stormy sea. Now alone and stranded, Mia must use her strength and resourcefulness to survive the harsh weather, providing a gripping story of survival and resiliency set against the backdrop of a perilous marine experience. It is available to view here.
Against the Ice (2022)
Against the Ice, a compelling historical survival film directed by Peter Flinth and written by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Derrick, is based on the events described in Ejnar Mikkelsen’s “Two Against the Ice.” It stars Coster-Waldau, Joe Cole, Charles Dance, and Heida Reed and tells the story of two explorers who fight for their lives and become stranded during a Denmark expedition in the icy Greenland wilderness in 1909. Against the brutal backdrop of the cold Arctic environment, the movie tells a story of tenacity and perseverance. The movie is available to view here.
Army of The Dead (2021)
“Army of the Dead,” directed by renowned Zack Snyder, begins horrifyingly as a genetically altered zombie breaks free from captivity and quickly takes over the city of Las Vegas with an army of zombies. The epidemic spreads like wildfire despite the military’s use of enormous packing containers to seal off the city, and eventually all of the living people in Las Vegas are transformed into the ruthless undead. In this situation, casino owner Bly Tanaka enlists ex-mercenary Scott Ward and gives him the mission of locating a vault in Las Vegas that contains $200 million before the army destroys the city. Scott then assembles a robbery crew and embarks on the seemingly unachievable task of entering the zombie city. From this point on, the film functions as a pure action movie, complete with enormous explosions, fierce conflicts, treachery, and bravery, all of which are combined into a very entertaining whole. The film is available for viewing here.
Cadaver (2020)
In the aftermath of a nuclear accident, “Cadaver” takes place in a Norwegian city where food, water, and energy are all but gone. Even though a hotel—one of the few structures that survived the disaster—offers a hot supper and a theatrical play, admission is expensive because the majority of the populace lacks money. The film first centers on Leonora, her husband Jacob, and their daughter Alice, who are fighting for their lives and are in danger of starvation death. Leonora gathers together what little money she has after hearing the hotel’s offer, then purchases tickets for her family. At first, the hotel is cozy and welcoming, offering a ton of food and an engaging show. The distinction between play and reality, however, becomes hazy when the manager discloses that the entire building serves as a stage for the show, placing Leonora in the middle of a diabolical scheme that ultimately leads to her demise. You may view it here.
Troll (2022)
In the Norwegian monster drama “Troll,” a team of scientists and soldiers must battle a massive troll that has resurfaced after hundreds of years. Nora Tidemann, a paleontologist, needs to determine why this is the case while making sure that the government doesn’t do anything that makes matters worse in the process of defending Oslo. The movie does a fantastic job of fusing modern monster movie elements with Nordic folklore. Effective visual effects that provide a sense of scale and the disasters are what enhance it. Ine Marie Wilmann plays Nora Tidemann in the Roar Uthaug-directed film, which also stars Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Kim Falck, Gard B. Eidsvold, and Anneke von der Lippe. “Troll” is available for viewing here.
Beyond Skyline (2017)
“Beyond Skyline” is the follow-up to “Skyline.” When LAPD Detective Mark Corley is fighting for his son’s release from prison, the movie begins with an alien invasion. One by one, people are drawn aboard different spaceships as the invasion begins. To keep people safe, Mark and a few other survivors are scuttling through the city’s underground tunnels. However, Mark learns that they are being transformed into bio-mechanical troops for a greater purpose after they finally land onboard the alien vessel. The plot of “Beyond Skyline” is far superior to that of its predecessor, despite the fact that it may not offer the suspenseful excitement that many other invasion films do. You may view it here.
#Alive (2020)
Korean filmmakers have been able to reach a new audience that appreciates their work ever since the now Oscar-winning picture “Parasite” made its debut on the world cinema circuit. “#Alive,” which is essentially the story of a video gamer’s survival in his Seoul apartment after a zombie apocalypse wreaks havoc on the city, was also brought about by this globalization. Cho Il-Hyung is the director, and Yoo Ah-in and Park Shin-Hye are the main actors. Given that the protagonist is similarly alone, this film may be a perfect choice if you’re looking for something that speaks to you and the ongoing pandemic. The film is available for viewing here.
Spectral (2016)
“Spectral” begins in the midst of a conflict in which soldiers are wearing hyperspectral goggles to view things that are undetectable to the human eye. The soldiers face a more recent difficulty when they come across a translucent humanoid figure that can be killed with a single touch. Then, using hyperspectral imaging equipment, CIA officer Fran Madison and DARPA scientist Clyne deployed their forces to find these “invisible” and unbeatable rebels. They later learn that the human troops have an additional advantage because the agitators are susceptible to iron nails and cannot see through ceramic. “Spectral” makes a bold attempt to compete with those high-profile thrillers, but its overall performance falls a little short. Nevertheless, it is among the top films on this list. It is available for viewing here.
Pandora (2016)
Nobody seemed to be paying attention to Pyung-Sub’s concerns on the state of the nearby nuclear power facility. But when an earthquake occurs, the factory is badly damaged, and panic starts to spread. Young Jae-Hyeok and his associates now have to stop another nuclear accident. Thanks to the storyline, “Pandora” is both an exciting and an emotional film. Director Jong-woo Park tells a heartwarming tale with a hint of realism, all while using good cinematography and sound effects. “Pandora” is available to view here.
Extinction (2018)
Netflix’s addition to the apocalypse genre is “Extinction.” The film begins in the near future, when Peter, an engineer, starts experiencing dreams about an alien invasion that would wipe out life. He discovers that other people are experiencing similar images after seeing a psychiatrist. Peter and his family seek refuge amid enemy alien soldiers on the prowl when spaceships come and seriously damage the city. Later on, it is discovered that Alice, Peter’s wife, is an AI humanoid, and that Peter himself is the only unforeseen source of power that can save her. He is also a synth, or artificial intelligence. It turns out that since the human rebellion against the AI, synths have been living on the earth as humans since their memories were erased. “Extinction” is available for viewing here.
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
The goal of “The Cloverfield Paradox” was to profit from its wildly popular “Cloverfield” franchise. Despite promising twists and a fairly compelling plot, it falls short of its predecessors. In 2028, when the world is experiencing a global energy crisis, it opens with a group of astronauts aboard a space station. A catastrophe occurs during last-ditch efforts to test the Shepherd particle accelerator at the Cloverfield station, creating a paradox. This suggests that the world as we know it might be in imminent danger due to the presence of a parallel reality. You may watch the film online.
Cargo (2017)
Following a pandemic that renders people zombies in less than 48 hours, Andy, played by Martin Freeman, must protect his infant daughter Rosie after losing his wife Kay (Susie Porter) to the virus. The catch? He has limited time and is also infected. Therefore, Andy must shield his child from both an upcoming and an already-occurring calamity. Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke’s film “Cargo,” which emphasizes the boundaries through a global event, highlights the extent a parent will go to for their child. Another such example is the film “Train to Busan,” which you may have watched. Although the audience is aware of the risks Andy may encounter, they are also made aware of the precarious fate of the baby. Will Andy manage to ensure Rosie survives? You may find out by viewing the film here.
Rim Of The World (2019)
“Rim Of The World,” a Netflix original film directed by McG, has a definite “Stranger Things” feel to it in both plot and production. It is based on the style of children’s adventure movies from the 1980s and takes its name from a Southern California summer camp that appears in the narrative.
The main characters of the film are three young boys named Zhenzhen, Alex, and Dariush, together with a juvenile offender named Gabriel. They discover, while deep in the bush, that army fighter planes are engaged in aerial combat with the invading extraterrestrial ships. A woman gives Alex a key while a pod from the International Space Station arrives close by. She informs him that the alien army may be eliminated using this key. It is said to activate the Excalibur defense project. The four children set off on a journey filled with many challenges because they have limited time and no adults to assist them. The movie is available here.
How It Ends (2018)
This Netflix original film, which stars Forest Whittaker, Kat Graham, and Theo James, was directed by David M. Rosenthal. James and Graham portray Will and Samantha, a couple who intend to tie the knot as soon as Sam becomes pregnant. After making the decision to visit Chicago, he initially seeks Sam’s father’s approval. As Will prepares to go for his visit, the news reports that all planes have been canceled due to unexplained activity in the sky. In order to avoid leaving Sam alone during this dangerous period, Will and Sam’s father, Tom, plan to go to Seattle together. The primary cause of the weather variations is the aftermath of a global cataclysmic event. The film’s main plot is around two men’s quest for the girl they both love during such a perilous period. “How It Ends” is available for viewing here.
IO (2019)
Although Margaret Qualley gained notoriety for her performance in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” did you know that she has also starred in a Netflix production? In the science fiction movie “Io,” Qualley portrays Sam Welden, a scientist who stays on Earth after it has been declared uninhabitable. The majority of humanity has left the Earth and relocated to Io, a moon of Jupiter. But Welden is adamant about devising a strategy to restore Earth’s habitability. A man named Micah (Anthony Mackie) soon pays her a visit when she sends out a radio signal. But since he believes there is no hope left, he intends to depart as soon as possible. “IO” is available to view here.
Awake (2021)
Can a catastrophe result from a lack of sleep? The Mark Raso-directed film “Awake” demonstrates how sleep deprivation can in fact endanger life in a number of ways. Will Jill (Gina Rodriguez), a former soldier and mother of two (Noah (Lucius Hoyos) and Matilda (Ariana Greenblatt)), be able to protect her young daughter Matilda “can sleep” in the midst of global hysteria that has caused people to wreak havoc due to disorientation and hallucinations? Will doctors determined to find a cure force her to give up Matilda in order to save the entire world? Another illustration of how far a parent can go for their children in the midst of chaos is “Awake.” You may view it here.
Bird Box (2018)
Because Bird Box is similar to World War Z (or any apocalyptic film, for that matter), it is perhaps one of the most popular Netflix releases. With reports of individuals killing themselves after an epidemic, the movie opens with a pregnant Malorie and her sister on their way to the hospital. Malorie’s sister kills herself after “seeing” something while driving home. The pandemic is spreading rapidly, and hundreds of people are killing themselves. After that, Malorie seeks refuge in a nearby house that also serves as a sanctuary for numerous others.
After a fallout five years later, Malorie, her son, the daughter of another woman, and Tom—a man she had met—are using a blindfold to learn how to live anew. To avoid killing themselves, they all complete their jobs in this way. Malorie and the children, however, set out on a voyage down the river to a safer location after rebels attack and Tom kills himself. When they arrive, they discover that everyone else in the vicinity is blind, making them survivors. Sandra Bullock gives a strong performance in “Bird Box,” and the film’s gripping plot keeps you watching. You may view the film here.
Society of the Snow (2023)
“Society of the Snow,” a survival thriller by J. A. Bayona, tells the terrifying story of the 1972 Andes aircraft tragedy in Uruguay. The film, which is based on Pablo Vierci’s book, uses Vierci’s personal relationships with many of the 16 survivors to graphically depict their compelling stories. With a cast primarily made up of up-and-coming actors from Uruguay and Argentina, “Society of the Snow” explores the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of hardship, providing an affecting and engrossing cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. The film is available for viewing here.
Society of the Snow (2023)
“22 July,” which is based on writer Åsne Seierstad’s book “One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway— and Its Aftermath,” examines the actual terrorist events that took place in Norway in 2011. At least 80 people were killed in the blasts that rocked Oslo, including teenagers who were at the Labor Party’s summer camp. The heartbreaking mass killings are attributed to a white nationalist. We recommend seeing “22 July” because it revisits the horrific events of that day, although in a theatrical manner, and because it has true criminal roots. Please take a look at it here.
The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari (2022)
A horrible catastrophe occurred in New Zealand in 2019 when a volcanic explosion stranded 47 people, including tourists and tour operators, close off the country’s coast. The impacted individuals had traveled to Whakaari, also known as White Island, an active andesite stratovolcano in the Bay of Plenty. According to the documentary, the volcano had been exhibiting eruption-related symptoms for the month before the catastrophe, and some people were unprepared for the unexpected eruption that killed 22 people and injured numerous more. In order to portray a terrifying image of one of the biggest tragedies that New Zealand has ever experienced, the film even includes one-on-one interviews with survivors and details how the local community banded together to support survivors. The documentary is available for viewing online.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
“The Midnight Sky” depicts a planet in which ionizing radiation contaminates the landscape and the majority of the people is wiped off by an unidentified calamity. “The Midnight Sky” centers on professor Augustine Lofthouse, the lone human still living on a huge Arctic station, during a period when scientific study is focused on discovering other planets to inhabit. Lofthouse quickly recalls how the crew of the starship Aether will be returning to Earth soon, despite the sense of impending doom brought on by his deteriorating health. The crew thinks that they lost contact because of broken technology and is unaware of the catastrophe on Earth. Lofthouse is therefore responsible for alerting the crew and thereby saving lives. One of the greatest catastrophe films of this time, it depicts a beautiful yet eerie apocalypse. You may watch the movie here.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Jennifer Lawrence, among others, “Don’t Look Up” is an exciting, suspenseful film helmed by Adam McKay. The movie centers on Dr. Randall Mindy and Kate Dibiasky, two amateur astronomers, and shows how they unexpectedly find a comet that is headed straight for Earth and would destroy it. Naturally, the world doesn’t want to listen to someone without status or rank, thus they are first greeted with incredulity and then apathy. In an attempt to locate someone who will take them seriously and save humanity, the movie then follows the two as they embark on a massive media tour. “Don’t Look Up” is available to view here.
Suzume (2022)
Suzume Iwato, 17, must assist Souta Munakata in finding and closing mystical gateways to stop the worm Namazu from entering Japan and causing earthquakes, since her actions could determine the fate of Japan. “Suzume,” directed by Makoto Shinkai, is the ninth highest-grossing anime film ever and masterfully combines coming-of-age, fantasy, adventure, and disaster. It is available to view here.
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
At the 96th Academy Awards, “Godzilla Minus One,” the most recent remake of the Godzilla Kaiju franchise, took home the Best Visual Effects Oscar. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, who also oversaw the visual effects, the movie presents a fresh take on the well-known reptile creature created by nuclear radiation. The story is told from the point of view of a PTSD-afflicted pilot named Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), who meets Godzilla in 1945 in postwar Japan. Two years later, his terror reappears with the monster, which has changed, grown stronger, and is determined to destroy anything that gets in its way. Is it possible to prevent it from causing Japan to go extinct? You can view “Godzilla Minus One” here to find out more.
