By Tamara

12 Best Movies About Earthquakes You Really Should Watch

By Tamara

Published on May 4, 2022Updated on March 2, 2024

Earthquakes, the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, have long fascinated and terrified people around the world. It's no wonder, then, that they have been the subject of numerous films over the years. Here are 12 of the best earthquake movies you really should watch:

1. San Andreas (2015)

This disaster epic stars Dwayne Johnson as a helicopter rescue pilot who must save his family after a massive earthquake hits California. The film features stunning special effects and heart-pounding action sequences.

2. The Big One (1990)

This made-for-TV movie tells the story of a family living in Los Angeles who must survive a devastating earthquake. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of the aftermath of a major earthquake.

3. Earthquake (1974)

This classic disaster film stars Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner as a couple who are separated during a massive earthquake in Los Angeles. The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

4. The China Syndrome (1979)

This political thriller stars Jane Fonda and Jack Lemmon as journalists who investigate a cover-up at a nuclear power plant. The film's climax features a terrifying earthquake.

5. 10.5 (2006)

This disaster film stars Kim Basinger and Chris Evans as a mother and son who must survive a series of earthquakes in Los Angeles. The film is notable for its high-quality special effects.

6. Volcano (1997)

This disaster film stars Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Heche as volcanologists who try to stop a volcanic eruption in Los Angeles. The film features stunning special effects and a heart-pounding climax.

7. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

This science fiction film stars Keanu Reeves as an alien who comes to Earth to warn of an impending earthquake. The film is a thoughtful and thought-provoking look at the dangers of climate change.

8. 2012 (2009)

This disaster film stars John Cusack and Amanda Peet as a family who must survive a series of global catastrophes, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The film is a visually stunning and action-packed blockbuster.

9. Deep Impact (1998)

This science fiction film stars Robert Duvall and Tea Leoni as astronomers who discover a comet that is on a collision course with Earth. The film follows the characters as they try to warn the world and save humanity from extinction.

10. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

This classic disaster film stars Gene Hackman and Ernest Borgnine as passengers on a cruise ship that is capsized by a tsunami. The film follows the characters as they try to survive and escape from the sinking ship.

11. Earthquake in New York (1998)

This made-for-TV movie tells the story of a family living in New York City who must survive a massive earthquake. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of the aftermath of a major earthquake.

12. Aftershock (2010)

This disaster film stars Eli Roth and Andrea Osvart as a group of tourists who are caught in an earthquake in Chile. The film follows the characters as they try to survive and escape from the devastated city.