7 Hidden Disaster Movies You Must Watch Now

For many years, films about disasters have kept people enthralled, yet some lesser-known ones in this category haven’t received the recognition they deserve. Among the action subgenre of disaster movies, the 1970s were a golden age, as evidenced by hits such as The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno. As technology has evolved and the appetite for grandiose blockbusters has increased, disaster movies have continued to fascinate viewers.

It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking to watch a sequence of massive disasters that could potentially destroy cities and endanger their citizens. Many disaster films follow a well-known pattern, but the less recognized ones are no different. However, movies such as Deep Impact, The Wave, and Crack in the World strive to create a memorable disaster movie experience through compelling character stories and impressive special effects. These films are definitely worth watching and deserve recognition for their efforts.

7. City On Fire (1979)

Directed by Alvin Rakoff

Despite receiving mixed reviews and average quality over the years, “City on Fire” remains a must-see for movie enthusiasts seeking a cinematic experience that encapsulates the golden age of disaster films. This film portrays the diverse reactions of city residents as they grapple with a city ablaze, offering an insightful look into human behavior during such catastrophic events.

As a cinephile, I found myself captivated by the cinematic unfolding of events in “City on Fire.” The story takes off following an enraged former employee of an oil refinery who ignites a blaze at the plant. Despite not conclusively ending the golden era of disaster movies with a tidy resolution, this film’s imperfections only serve to enhance its endearing appeal.

In “City on Fire,” while the special effects may not be particularly convincing, the movie manages to maintain its suspense and a palpable sense of urgency through its skillful direction and acting. The performances effectively portray the chaos and devastation that sweep over the city. Much like other disaster films, the cast of “City on Fire” boasts well-known actors such as Leslie Nielsen, Barry Newman, Ava Gardner, and Henry Fonda.

6. Volcano (1997)

Directed by Mick Jackson

Absolutely, the movie titled “_Volcano_” offers a great deal of entertainment value due to its spectacular special effects. The plot is somewhat implausible, as it revolves around a volcano miraculously appearing in Los Angeles and the residents’ desperate attempts to redirect its course.

In this movie titled “Volcano,” the extraordinary special effects and intense acting by actors such as Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Heche create a nerve-wracking and terrifying ambiance that persists until the very end. However, it should be noted that compared to other disaster films like “Deep Impact” and “The Wave,” this film’s storyline and characters may not have the same level of depth or complexity.

This has led to the movie titled “Volcano” receiving a blend of positive and negative feedback from critics, and being generally ignored by viewers since its premiere. Nevertheless, it was successful at the box office when first screened and features several commendable aspects that warrant watching this film as a must-see.

5. Knowing (2009)

Directed by Alex Proyas

One of Nicolas Cage’s less-known films, titled “Knowing“, is a gripping thriller where multiple calamities that jeopardize Earth’s survival take center stage. In this movie, Nicolas Cage portrays MIT professor John Koestler, who discovers that a document from a time capsule sealed fifty years ago foretells the dates, death tolls, and locations of catastrophic disasters that have been occurring over the years.

Understanding isn’t as simple as a typical natural disaster movie compared to the others mentioned, yet it still packs enough instances of Mother Nature’s wrath to earn its place. With a few more catastrophes on the horizon, such as a colossal solar flare heading towards Earth, John finds himself in a high-pressure situation against time to prevent calamity.

Over time, the movie “Knowing” has received a variety of reviews from critics, both positive and negative. On one hand, it’s been commended for its unsettling ambiance and the exceptional acting, particularly that of Nicolas Cage. However, some criticisms have been directed at its bleak conclusion and certain implausible aspects. Despite these flaws, viewers should still appreciate “Knowing” for its exhilarating action scenes and original concept.

4. Crack In The World (1965)

Directed by Andrew Marton

In the world of natural disaster movies, the plotlines can sometimes lack realism. However, among these films, the 1965 release “Crack in the World” stands out as one that maintains a sense of logic, even while incorporating enough plot conveniences to keep viewers engaged and entertained. The movie revolves around a team of scientists who are on a mission to drill into the Earth’s core in search of magma.

As a movie buff describing a gripping plotline, let me tell you this: When the situation calls for it, scientists trigger an atomic explosion that sends shockwaves through our planet, causing a colossal fissure to emerge along a fault line. The looming threat of Earth splitting in two instills an intense urgency, leaving audiences biting their nails in anticipation, eagerly following every development unfold.

As a movie-goer penning my thoughts on ‘Crack in the World’, I must say that the intricate love triangle between the leading characters didn’t completely captivate me, but it did manage to enhance the film’s overall suspenseful ambiance. The science fiction aspects of this production stand out as being particularly well-grounded within the genre, and for its time, the special effects displayed are nothing short of remarkable. While they weren’t flawless, they left an undeniable impression on me.

3. The Quake (2018)

Directed by John Andreas Andersen

Three years after the occurrences in “The Wave”, “The Quake” brings us back with Kristian, who finds himself once more caught up in another catastrophic natural event. This time, Kristian foresees an enormous earthquake about to hit the city and takes action to alert others and safeguard his family again. Like its predecessor, “The Quake” primarily weaves a gripping suspense plot within a touching domestic storyline.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself deeply immersed in “The Quake”, particularly during its initial scenes, where the protagonist, Kristian, is portrayed wrestling with survivor’s guilt from the tsunami depicted in “The Wave”. His emotional turmoil is vividly painted, making me feel as if I were standing beside him, grappling with the weight of lives lost and the overwhelming sense of responsibility for those he couldn’t save.

The storyline progresses much like typical disaster movies, yet it distinguishes itself through exceptional visual effects and camera work. This enhances the level of suspense significantly, ensuring viewers remain captivated as they root for the characters battling to stay alive.

2. Deep Impact (1998)

Directed by Mimi Leder

Both movies, “Deep Impact” and “Armageddon”, were released close together in time and share similar themes. It’s a debatable point which one surpasses the other in quality. While “Armageddon” captivates viewers with its fast-paced action and grandeur, “Deep Impact” focuses on compelling human drama instead.

In simpler terms, “Deep Impact” is a movie that portrays a team of astronauts attempting to annihilate a comet threatening our planet. The storyline delves into the catastrophic consequences if the comet were to collide with Earth, as well as how individuals react when faced with an imminent disaster.

Over time, it’s become clear that “Armageddon” has eclipsed the merit of “Deep Impact” in commercial terms. However, “Deep Impact” has received more accolades for its scientific authenticity and profound emotional resonance. It’s not common for disaster movies to delve into the characters’ emotions during catastrophes, which is what sets “Deep Impact” apart as a worthwhile cinematic experience.

1. The Wave (2015)

Directed by Roar Uthaug

Hailing from Norway, “The Wave” is a compelling, character-focused disaster movie that garnered praise from critics but remains largely underappreciated within the genre as a whole. In this film, an avalanche triggers an enormous tsunami that wreaks havoc on a tiny Norwegian coastal community. The main protagonist, geologist Kristian (Kristoffer Joner), is resolute in his mission to alert others and safeguard his family from the impending disaster.

Much like a typical disaster flick, “The Wave” delivers plenty of excitement and well-worn genre tropes. Yet, what truly makes it stand out from its peers is its emphasis on human drama. The heart-wrenching and intense quest by Kristian to locate his family members during the turmoil captivates viewers and maintains their interest right up until the film’s bleak conclusion.

At the heart of the movie lies a gripping family conflict that not only gives depth to the narrative of The Wave, but also lays the foundation for an intriguing storyline in a potential sequel. The film’s remarkable box office performance – it was the top-earning Norwegian film upon its release – paved the way for a sequel titled The Quake, which premiered three years later.

2025-05-04 19:29