While earthquakes might not have a genre all to themselves, they’ve certainly shaken up the film scene with a hefty filmography over the years. If you’re looking for something seismic to check out, here’s a starter pack – our top 10 picks for the best earthquake movies.
From focusing on the disaster itself to its applications, this list covers all the rumblings and grumblings you need for a thrilling movie night.
San Andreas (2015)
In San Andreas, directed by Brad Peyton, Dwayne Johnson takes on the role of Ray Gaines, a rescue pilot who faces a series of powerful earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault. Instead of getting to safety, Ray enters the city, looking for his wife and daughter.
If you want to see how seismic events cause chaos and devastation without the dangers involved, “San Andreas” is a must-watch. It also explores the struggle of everyday people as they try to survive when all hell breaks loose.
Crack in the World (1965)
In the sci-fi classic Crack in the World, Dr. Steven Sorenson, played by Dana Andrews, leads a project to harness Earth’s geothermal energy for the betterment of society. However, things go awry, triggering catastrophic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Now, Sorenson and his team use brains to stop a global catastrophe as the Earth’s crust teeters on the brink of splitting open. If you love disaster films that you can watch multiple times without getting bored, this is the one.
Dante’s Peak (1997)
In “Dante’s Peak,” directed by Roger Donaldson, Pierce Brosnan is Dr. Harry Dalton, the volcano scientist checking out strange shakes in Dante’s Peak. Sparks fly when he clashes with Mayor Rachel Wando (Linda Hamilton) over an imminent eruption. The heat’s on as Harry races to save the town, battling both molten lava and wary locals.
Dante’s Peak is a classic disaster movie, but with romance, emotional, and high-stakes drama all rolled into one. Take our word for it: it’s one of the best films that shows the furious side of mother nature!
3.11: Surviving Japan (2013)
Even though it’s a documentary, Christopher Noland’s 3.11: Surviving Japan certainly deserves to make this list. The documentary zooms into the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and shows the challenges Japan faced, including the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. But it’s not all doom and gloom – the documentary also shines a light on Japan’s never-broken strength and confidence.
Watch as they bounce back, rebuild, and show the world what fortitude truly means. 3.11: Surviving Japan is a heart-touching journey that’ll make you believe in the power of the human spirit.
Pompeii (2014)
Even though Pompeii focuses mainly on the disasters caused by volcanic eruptions, the real trouble in this story is the good old earthquakes. The year is AD 79, and Mount Vesuvius is gearing up for chaos. In the midst of it all is Milo (Kit Harington), a slave-turned-gladiator, caught up in a forbidden love affair with Cassia, an aristocrat way out of his league.
With the threat of Vesuvius in the background, the film balances romance, gladiator fights, and politics. The climax, where the people of Pompeii run frantically to save themselves and their kin, is a real- tearjerker.
2012 (2009)
This blockbuster isn’t just about earthquakes—it throws the whole nature arsenal at you: comets, floods, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions—you name it. “2012” is the ultimate disaster film, showing Mother Nature’s full fury.
While the Earth is throwing a tantrum, Curtis is on a wild race to save his family, take them to mega arks, and ride out the storm. However, the film isn’t just about survival – it shows the real nature of people and politics, which becomes obvious when shit hits the fan.
Na Hannyate (2012)
Na Hannyate throws its protagonist into a nightmare nobody wants to live. While it’s not solely about earthquakes, this Bengali film is one of the most harrowing and emotional stories ever told. At the center of the story is Jui, a middle-aged woman who sees her world crumble when an earthquake buries her home, trapping her kids.
Now, she’s stuck with an unthinkable choice – save one child and lose the other. It’s a gut-wrenching story that’ll haunt you long after the credits roll.
Earthquake (1974)
In Mark Robson’s “Earthquake,” disaster hits Los Angeles, with seismologist Dr. Stewart Graff (Charlton Heston) warning of a massive quake along the San Andreas Fault. The film is told via the perspectives of everyday people like police officers, engineers, and store clerks, all struggling to survive the disaster.
It’s one of those few films that cashed in on the genre’s heyday. Fun fact: it shook things up by using Sensurround technology to make moviegoers feel the quake right in the theater. We’ll also let you in on a secret: this one is a personal favorite!
Tidal Wave (2009)
Yoon Je-kyoon’s Tidal Wave (aka Haeundae) is a K-drama disaster spectacle. We follow a geologist, his family of three, and a lifeguard caught in the crossfire as Busan is hit by a monstrous Tsunami. Tidal Wave sports a classic disaster plot, but make no mistake, this one hits differently.
Thanks to its emotional punches and mind-blowing CGI effects, the film won over critics and cemented its position as one of the best disaster films ever released. Also, the portrayal is so convincing that you’d feel you’re right there with them in the midst of all the chaos.
The Quake (2018)
John Andreas Andersen’s The Quake (Skjelvet) is the continuation of the 2015 film “The Wave.” In this film, Norway becomes the ground zero for a severe earthquake. Geologist Kristian Eikjord (Kristoffer Joner), a survivor of another earthquake, warns Oslo of the coming disaster, but his warnings fall on deaf ears.
Oslo dismisses his warnings, calling him a madman, only to be proven wrong in a horrific way. As the ground starts to shake, Kristian races against the quakes to save his family.
So, this was our top picks for movies that deal with earthquakes. Did your favorite make the cut? Leave a comment below and let us know!