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10 Must-See Natural Disaster Movies to Stream on Netflix
Edited On: November 18, 2024.
Natural disaster movies have a special allure—they're thrilling, heart-pounding, and bring audiences face-to-face with the relentless power of nature. These films take viewers on an emotional roller coaster, where survival and resilience are tested to their limits. From earthquakes and wildfires to storms, natural disaster films depict humanity's fragility and fortitude. So, if you're ready to experience heightened stakes set by natural disasters, here are the ten movies that will have you on the edge of your seat.
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The Impossible (2012)
The Impossible recounts the true story of a family who survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Maria (Naomi Watts) and her family are vacationing in Thailand when a massive wave devastates the area, separating them. Henry Bennett (Ewan McGregor), Maria's loving and resilient husband, is driven by love and desperation as he searches for his family through the wreckage. This film features the breakout role of Tom Holland as he portrays Lucas Bennett, the son of Maria and Henry. Capturing the sheer terror of the tsunami with stunning visuals, The Impossible is an emotional rollercoaster, with harrowing scenes of survival and unforgettable moments of human connection amidst the wreckage.
Deep Impact (1998)
In Deep Impact, an existential threat to humanity is revealed as a massive comet hurtles toward Earth, promising to cause the extinction of humankind. The story follows both the political and personal stakes of this impending disaster. Reporter Jenny Lerner (Téa Leoni) uncovers the government's secret plans for survival while a team of astronauts, led by Captain Spurgeon Tanner (Robert Duvall), embarks on a perilous mission to intercept the comet and divert its path. As global panic rises, families prepare for the worst outcome while leaders struggle to maintain hope. Deep Impact balances emotional depth with high-stakes action, capturing humanity's bravery, fear, and resilience in the face of catastrophe.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, The Midnight Sky follows Augustine (George Clooney), a scientist stationed in the Arctic, as he races to contact a crew of astronauts returning from a mission to one of Jupiter's moons. Unbeknownst to the astronauts, Earth has suffered a mysterious global catastrophe, making their return deadly. Alone in the frozen tundra with only a young girl named Iris for company, Augustine braves the harsh Arctic conditions to warn the crew before it's too late. With stunning cinematography and an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere, The Midnight Sky explores themes of isolation, sacrifice, and humanity's quest for survival.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
In The Day After Tomorrow, climatologist Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid) races against time to save his son Sam Hall (Jake Gyllenhaal) as the world faces extreme weather events caused by rapid climate change. New York City becomes a frozen wasteland, tornados ravage Los Angeles, and massive hailstorms strike Tokyo. The film's jaw-dropping special effects make you feel like you're experiencing these deadly climate changes firsthand. Beyond the thrills, the movie's themes serve as a haunting reminder of our planet's fragility, making it a thought-provoking ride from start to finish.
The Ice Road (2021)
The Ice Road takes viewers on a chilling journey across the frozen landscape of northern Canada, where time is running out to rescue 26 miners trapped underground after an explosion at a mine in Manitoba. A convoy led by veteran ice road trucker Mike (Liam Neeson) races against melting ice and sabotage to deliver essential equipment. With mechanical sabotages and conflict within the convoy, The Ice Road builds tension with every mile, creating a thrilling and nerve-wracking adventure that shows just how treacherous the ice roads can be.
Poseidon (2006)
Poseidon plunges viewers into a nightmare at sea as a luxury cruise ship is hit by a rogue wave on New Year's Eve, turning the entire vessel upside down. A group of passengers, including former Navy submariner-turned-professional gambler Dylan Johns (Josh Lucas), architect Richard Nelson (Richard Dreyfuss), widowed Maggie James (Jacinda Barrett), and her son Conor (Jimmy Bennett), must band together to navigate the sinking ship's dark, flooded corridors and fiery obstacles to survive. With death lurking around every corner, Poseidon is packed with suspense and daring escapes, making it an unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride on the high seas.
Deepwater Horizon (2016)
Deepwater Horizon tells the true story of the 2010 oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the worst environmental disasters in history. The film follows Chief electronics technician Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg) as he and his crew struggle to survive against a massive fireball that kills several people. Relying on each other and using their wits, Mike and the crew work together to find a way out amid the overwhelming chaos. The intense action and gut-wrenching scenes of destruction bring this real-life catastrophe to life, honoring the courage of those who faced it while exposing the cost of corporate negligence. Deepwater Horizon is an intense and emotional tribute to bravery in the face of disaster.
Bird Box (2018)
Bird Box creates a terrifying world where a mysterious force drives people to madness if they look directly at it. Malorie (Sandra Bullock) embarks on a desperate journey with her two children, named "boy" and "girl," blindfolded to find safety. The film's post-apocalyptic landscape, combined with the constant threat of unseen dangers, keeps viewers on edge. With its themes of motherhood, survival, and sacrifice, Bird Box is both a heart-stopping thriller and an exploration of what lengths one would go to for family.
Don't Look Up (2021)
In Don't Look Up, two scientists, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, discover that a comet is headed toward Earth, threatening global extinction. Despite their dire warnings to President Janie Orlean (Meryl Streep), they struggle to get anyone to take them seriously, leading to absurd and darkly comedic encounters with government officials, celebrities, and dismissive media. Don't Look Up is a satirical take on disaster films, highlighting the ridiculousness of modern society's response to urgent crises and delivering a sobering message in a hilariously bleak package.
San Andreas (2015)
When California's infamous San Andreas Fault unleashes a catastrophic earthquake, the entire state is thrown into turmoil. Ray Gaines (Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson), a fearless search-and-rescue pilot, embarks on a mission to rescue his estranged wife and daughter amidst collapsing cities and tidal waves. From heart-stopping helicopter rescues to high-stakes boat chases, San Andreas keeps viewers in suspense as Ray faces unimaginable destruction. This disaster epic is a visual marvel, bringing seismic devastation to the big screen like never before.
Word of Caution
Some of the movies mentioned may not be available in your country due to the geo-restrictions Netflix has imposed. You can bypass this content limitation using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
VPN allows you to connect to servers in different regions, masking your IP address to appear as if you're accessing the internet from another location. By doing so, you can enjoy content that is inaccessible in your country. VPNs also add a layer of privacy by encrypting your data and keeping your online activity secure. If you're ready to explore more entertainment options, here are our top recommendations for VPNs to help you access global content seamlessly.
VPN Recommendations
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a key performer in the virtual private network industry. They are highly suitable for streaming service users, as they deliver online security with servers optimized for streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. CyberGhost serves a broad client base, offering over 11,000 servers in more than 100 countries, and it is available in 23+ languages. They support various operating systems, routers, smart devices, and gaming consoles. Their offer of a 45-day money-back guarantee allows users to test the service risk-free to be confident of their subscription choice. CyberGhost is an overall trustworthy VPN provider due to their extensive features and multilingual support.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most widely used VPN services worldwide. With 24 languages available, cutting-edge encryption technology, and 24/7 excellent customer support, it is unsurprising that they are the choice of 4 million users in more than 180 countries. ExpressVPN includes TrustedServer technology, which ensures all data on their servers is wiped with every reboot. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing curious customers to try the system risk-free. ExpressVPN is consistently regarded as a top VPN service by multiple reviewers, such as CNET, The Verge, and PCWorld.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a top-performing virtual private network with their military-grade encryption, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface. This VPN offers 6,300 servers in 111 countries, allowing users to change to any provided location while maintaining complete anonymity. One of their standout features is CyberSec, a security feature that enables users to enjoy surfing the web without ads or malware threats. With the ability to connect up to six devices simultaneously, users can ensure security across all devices. NordVPN is consistently featured in top lists by Forbes, TechRadar, and PCMag, highlighting their commitment to protecting user data.