Netflix has no shortage of amazing content, but disaster movies in the list of must-watch Netflix titles bring an oomph factor to your streaming experience.
Disaster films can evoke strong feelings of sadness in their audience. When people think of catastrophe in movies, they usually think of war movies. On the other hand, disaster movies on Netflix go deeper than combat films. The devastation in these films is frequently higher than in war films.
Catastrophe movies are that the events that set them off are almost always natural occurrences. It’s also difficult not to get melancholy while viewing any of these films.
When watching catastrophe movies, it’s advisable to keep your handkerchiefs and tissues close by. Check out these disaster movies on Netflix if you ever feel like activating your tear ducts:
1. Black Sea (2014)
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Writer: Dennis Kelly
Cast: Jude Law, Jodie Whittaker, Daniel Ryan
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
It tells the story of a man in charge of a squad searching for treasure in the Black Sea. Is he a wise man? Bold? Courageous? Or are you just plain stupid? These are some of the different concepts that will come to mind when you watch this movie.
You’ll feel like throwing something at your TV to stop this man from deciding at some point. Why is he looking for treasure in the Black Sea?
This individual, however, has lost his job and is attempting to regain favor with his previous bosses. As a result, he’s on the lookout for a gold-filled yacht that crept into the Black Sea.
2. The Wandering Earth (2019)
Director: Frant Gwo
Writer: Gong Geer, Junce Ye, Yan Dongxu
Cast: Jinmai Jaho, Guangjie Li, Yichi Zhang
IMDB Rating: 6.0/10
Some people believe that humans’ curiosity will bring them into problems, and you can’t blame them after seeing this film.
People preparing to move Earth to a different star system may be seen from the film’s opening. Of course, that seems absurd, but they are adamant about carrying it through.
The narrative is filled with perils, and the event might endure up to 2500 years. The planet is now roaming, and it is in the hands of some youngsters to save it.
3. Chernobyl 1986 (2021)
Director: Danila Kozlovskiy
Writer: Elena Ivanova, Aleksey Kazakov
Cast: Ravshana Kurkova, Danila Kozlovskiy, Anton Shwartz
IMDB Rating: 5.0/10
“Chernobyl” is a renowned name in the list of disaster movies on Netflix. They say that love is a beautiful thing, and reconnecting with your lost love is blissful. But, it cannot be enjoyable when it happens during the Chernobyl disaster of 1986.
This film attempts to depict the 1986 Chernobyl accident through the lives of a fireman and his long-lost sweetheart. The firefighter recently reconciled with his ex-girlfriend, unaware that she was pregnant when they parted ways. As a result, they attempt to form a family unit with their child.
However, there are many terrifying events in this film, and you will watch the firefighter do everything he can to defend his family.
4. 3022 (2019)
Director: John Suits
Writer: Ryan Binaco
Cast: Omar Epps, Jorja Fox, Miranda Cosgrove
IMDB Rating: 4.5/10
It’s one thing to have a good premise for a movie; it’s another to have a great ensemble to carry it out. While viewing this film, you can’t help but admire the cast’s outstanding performance. The film uniquely depicts the apocalypse by focusing on the lives of a group of astronauts who are trapped in one.
Everything was fine one day, and the next day they awoke to discover that the world was on the point of destruction. Naturally, everyone wants to know what went wrong.
5. Bird Box (2018)
Director: Susanne Bier
Writer: Eric Heisserer
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tom Hollander, Sarah Paulson
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Earth has been struck by an epidemic that makes people commit suicide. The idea is that you die once you see it. The first wave of sadness hits you from the film’s beginning when you see two sisters driving out of the hospital.
One the drive, one of the sisters, sees the strange presence and kills herself. The world is now chaotic, and it is a case of survival of the fittest.
Everyone is trying to save themselves and wondering when the madness will end as it has lasted more than five years.
6. Beyond Skyline (2017)
Director: Liam O’Donnell
Writer: Liam O’Donnell
Cast: Frank Grillo, Iko Uwais, Pamelyn Chee
IMDB Rating: 5.3/10
It is one of those films that tries to explain the situation of an extraterrestrial invasion. This is done from the perspective of a ruthless detective.
However, under the mask of a detective, he is also a parent, and his kid is entangled in the situation. As a result, the film depicts how the investigator seeks to save his son with the assistance of other survivors. I
t’s going to be a risky task ahead, but the detective isn’t going to let up until he gets his son. As we attempt to focus on the good aspects of this film, we may claim that a father’s love is eternal and unbreakable.
7. ARQ (2016)
Director: Tony Elliott
Writer: Tony Elliott
Cast: Robbie Amell, Jacob Neayem, Tantoo Cardinal
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
It is hard to imagine a world without oil. So, it is relatable to see how the world gets chaotic when this natural resource runs out in this movie. The big companies are in a war with the government for the last oil supplies.
However, a plot twist shows that the solution to all these is in the hands of an engineer. This engineer owns a machine that is a source of unlimited energy. Of course, you can tell that this man becomes sought after once word gets out.
8. Don’t Look Up (2021)
Director: Adam McKay
Writer: Adam McKay
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Shimali De Silva
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
The movie centers on the lives of two astronomers who discover a comet coming to destroy the Earth. So, they set out to warn people about it, but no one wants to believe them.
So, the movie takes you on a journey, following their lives and how they embarked on a media tour, hoping that someone listens and believes them.
These astronomers are running against time as the impending doom lurks around, and the Earth might soon be destroyed.
9. IO (2019)
Director: Jonathan Helpert
Writer: Clay Jeter, Charles Spano, Will Basanta
Cast: Margaret Qualley, Tom Payne, Anthony Mackie
IMDB Rating: 4.7/10
Most of Earth’s population has abandoned Earth and colonized Jupiter’s moons called IO. But a young scientist is determined to ensure that Earth becomes habitable again.
So, the movie showcases her journey in accomplishing this mission. Many people had given up on Earth. And, even those remaining had planned on leaving soon.
It doesn’t seem like anyone shares this young scientist’s positivity towards the Earth. If you have wondered what the Earth would look like after an apocalypse, it plays out in this movie.
10. The Ice Road (2021)
Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Writer: Jonathan Hensleigh
Cast: Marcus Thomas, Matt McCoy, Bradley Sawatzky
IMDB Rating: 5.6/10
A group of people is stuck in a diamond mine, running out of air by the minute. A rescue team is on its way, but the road is iced up, and driving through it becomes difficult.
The driver has to go extra carefully, slowing down the driving time. Every minute that goes by reduces their chances of survival, and the rescue team is running against time to meet up.
Viewers usually have their hearts in their mouths while watching this movie, anticipating the safety of the trapped persons.
11. Pandora (2016)
Director: Jeong-woo Park, Jong-woo Park
Writer: Jeong-woo Park, Jong-woo Park
Cast: Daekyum Ahn, Kim Han-Jong, Hong Ji-Young
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
A young man in a rural community has been worried about a power plant built in the community, but no one listens to him. Suddenly, an earthquake destroyed the power plant, leaving the people exposed to radiation.
Things have gotten worse for the people in the community, and they have to work together to stop further problems.
The community’s existence depends on whether they can stop the power plant issue. This is one of those disaster movies on Netflix which will entertain everyone in the family.
12. Snakes On A Plane (2006)
Director: David R. Ellis
Writer: John Heffernan, Sebastian Gutierrez
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Casey Dubois, Lin Shaye
IMDB Rating: 5.4/10
Imagine being on a plane with deadly snakes. Of course, that would be like a death sentence, as battling these snakes would be chaotic.
But, that was the case of the people in this movie. An FBI agent and a witness are on a plane and testify against a mob boss.
However, deadly snakes have been released on the plan to attack the witness in a bid to stop him from testifying. So, the FBI agent has to take on these snakes to ensure the witness’ safety.
13. How It Ends (2018)
Director: David Rosenthal
Writer: Brooks McLaren
Cast: Theo James, Nicole Ari Parker, Kat Graham
IMDB Rating: 5.0/10
Will intends to marry Samantha, and she is now pregnant. However, he desires to get her father’s permission first before they proceed with any other thing. So, he goes to visit her father.
When it is time to return, there is an announcement of flight cancellation as mysterious things have been spotted in the sky.
However, Will is determined to get back to Samantha, and her father also plans to follow him. So, both men have to embark on a journey to get to Samantha in time despite any hurdle they might face.
14. #Alive (2020)
Director: Il Cho
Writer: Il Cho
Cast: Hye-Won Oh, Park Shin-Hye, Danbi Kim
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
There is an outbreak of an unknown infection, and it has left everywhere in chaos. Scores of people are dead, and it seems everyone will die. However, one person survives, and this movie tells his story.
The film is the story of a video gamer who survived by isolating themself in his apartment. It is a great movie to watch, especially as it gives relatable insights.
Everyone who watches this movie can relate to many scenes since the world has recently experienced a pandemic.
15. 7:19 (2016)
Director: Jorge Michel Grau
Writer: Alberto Chimal, Jorge Michel Grau
Cast: Carmen Beato, Azalia Ortiz, Gala Bichir
IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
Not many people are familiar with the 1985 Mexico City earthquake story. So, this movie serves as that eye-opener, giving you all the details you need.
You get to see everything from how the earthquake scattered regular living to how the citizens had to escape and survive.
You get to see this movie through the eyes of some colleagues stuck in their office building as the disaster happens. These people are trying to stay positive, but how long will it last? You will feel all types of emotions when watching this movie.
16. Poseidon (2006)
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Writer: Mark Protosevich
Cast: Josh Lucas, Josh Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss
IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
It was a joyous New Year’s Eve, and things were going great. People indulged in different activities, and some were on a boat cruise. Suddenly, a wave came crashing into the boat, and the boat started sinking.
Now, the boat occupants have to find a way to save themselves and survive. Else, they will sink and drown with the boat. You get to see people hustling to stay alive in this movie, and it will grip the sides of your heart as you watch the struggle.
17. Spectral (2016)
Director: Nic Mathieu
Writer: George Nolfi
Cast: James Badge Dale, Ursula Parker, Royce Pierreson
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
The movie presents an ongoing war between soldiers and supernatural forces. These soldiers use special goggles that let them see things invisible to the human eye.
But will that be enough to let them emerge victorious in the war? These soldiers have to find a way to overcome the supernatural side, and the war isn’t easy.
No side seams to be giving up, leaving viewers gripping the edge of their chairs as they anticipate what will happen next. The movie makes an excellent watch, but the producers could have done better.
18. Extinction (2018)
Director: Ben Young
Writer: Spenser Cohen, Brad Kane
Cast: Michael Peña, Michael Absalom, Amelia Crouch
IMDB Rating: 5.8/10
A man has recurring nightmares, and he couldn’t make sense of it. Soon, he discovers the meaning when some forces attack the Earth, and he has to protect his family.
At first, it seems impossible to keep his family safe as he is a mere mortal. However, he soon realizes that he has an unknown strength, and he utilizes it to ensure that his wife and daughters are safe.
They all have to fight for their lives as the world is heading into extinction due to the attack. It is one of the best films on the list of disaster movies on Netflix.
19. The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
Director: Julius Onah
Writer: Oren Uziel
Cast: David Oyelowo, Elizabeth Debicki, Suzanne Cryer
IMDB Rating: 5.5/10
People always like to try different things when stuck in tough situations. So, we do not blame the scientists in this movie who decide to experiment to provide unlimited power energy.
The world is experiencing a power energy crisis, and these scientists are trying to find a solution. However, their experiment results find them in a dark alternate reality. Therefore, they have added more issues to their problems.
20. 22 July (2018)
Director: Paul Greengrass
Writer: Paul Greengrass
Cast: Anders Danielsen Lie, Seda Witt, Marit Andreassen
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
Have you heard of the Oslo national terrorist attack that took the lives of many teenagers? This movie represents the story as you get more in-depth information about what happened that day.
Investigations have occurred, and detectives have dug up the roots of this attack. So, the film producer has turned it into a movie for future reference.
You might not be able to stand the sight of some of the activities. However, this film ensures that you are not left in the dark about the events of that day.
21. Adrift (2018)
Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Writer: Aaron Kandell, Jordan Kandell, David Branson Smith
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Elizabeth Hawthorne, Tami Ashcraft
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
A young couple is about to have an adventure of a lifetime in this movie. However, it is not the way you expect as the events are not about to be fun.
First, we get to experience the love that they share. However, we also get to see the trials, tribulations, and challenges they have to encounter, including one of the most dangerous hurricanes ever. One of those movies has you eagerly anticipating what happens next.
22. Rim Of The World (2019)
Director: McG
Writer: Zack Stentz
Cast: Jack Gore, Miya Cech, Dean Jagger
IMDB Rating: 5.2/10
This movie also comes from the angle of an alien invasion. Here, we see that the forces are battling against aliens, but the movie tells the story through the lives of four teenagers.
Suddenly, a woman gives one of them a key that can destroy the alien forces. Imagine a young boy having the key that can take down the alien force. Can these boys stop the aliens?
23. Army Of The Dead (2021)
Director: Zack Snyder
Writer: Zack Snyder
Cast: Dave Bautista, Ana de la Reguera, Ella Purnell
IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
Las Vegas has just experienced a zombie attack, and a group of mercenaries desires to pull off one of the biggest heists. They are about to venture into an isolation center to carry out their mission.
This film from the category of disaster movies on Netflix is the one that depicts the zombie existence in the world due to a disastrous government fault.
24. Last Flight To Abuja (2012)
Director: Obi Emelonye
Writer: Obi Emelonye, Tunde Babalola
Cast: Jim Ikye, Omotola Jalade, Ali Nuhu
IMDB Rating: 4.6/10
A Nigerian commercial plane experiences mid-air difficulties, and we get to see flashbacks on the backstory of the passengers. These flashbacks show how each of the passengers got on the flash, giving more insights into the plot and storyline of the movie.
25. The Silence (2019)
Director: John R. Leonetti
Writer: Carey Dyke, Shayne Dyke
Cast: Stanley Tucci, John Corbett, Chris Whitby
IMDB Rating: 5.3/10
The world is under attack, and these deadly monsters hunt humans through sound. These monsters emerged suddenly from the darkness of the cave system.
Many people are trying to find refuge, but the movie pays more attention to Ally and her family. One of the must-watch films from the list of disaster movies on Netflix.
Conclusion
Though you can watch anything and everything on Netflix, including comedy, thriller, horror shows, Halloween movies, suspense, horror movies, classic, cartoon, action, romance, cooking shows, sci-fi, reality, kid movies, emotional drama, Marvel shows, and documentaries – it is time to enjoy the best disaster movies on Netflix.
We love that most disaster movies on Netflix are usually enlightening, even if they make you sad. Therefore, you know that you will learn new things from the movies. In addition, these movies are also relatable, which keeps the viewers more hooked.