Here Are the Must-Watch Disaster Movies Streaming on Netflix

Movies about disasters captivate us with their intense storylines and awe-inspiring special effects. They range from earthquakes to extraterrestrial attacks, portraying mankind confronting the impossible. These films combine pulse-racing action with tales of bravery and resilience, offering an exhilarating blend of fear and hope.

Netflix presents an array of exhilarating stories that are ideal for a comfortable evening lounging on your couch. We’ve handpicked top-notch disaster movies currently available for streaming, providing diverse perspectives on chaos and resilience in every storyline.

35. ‘Tides’ (2021)

A team of space explorers comes back to an Earth that’s been severely damaged, checking if it can be inhabited once more. Harsh weather conditions and fertility issues jeopardize mankind’s survival, while distrust increases the overall stress.

In this science fiction suspense, the unexpected turns keep you on your toes. Its portrayal of catastrophes caused by climate change gives an unsettling sense of realism, making it hard to look away.

34. ‘Earthstorm’ (2022)

In this documentary, we delve deep into actual instances of natural calamities such as hurricanes and earthquakes. People who lived through these events recount their heartfelt, intense experiences with nature’s power.

It offers a chilling perspective on the Earth’s might, engaging us with its portrayal of humanity and the unflinching depiction of these occurrences.

33. ‘The Wandering Earth’ (2019)

As our sun nears its end, Earth must navigate toward a different solar system. In a desperate bid to preserve humanity, a swift-moving rescue crew frantically works to repair a malfunctioning engine.

This popular Chinese movie skillfully combines grandiose imagery and heartfelt familial tales. It’s a daring, ambitious portrayal of survival in an apocalyptic world.

32. ‘7:19’ (2016)

Individuals who have survived find themselves enclosed within a crumbled structure following a devastating earthquake in Mexico City. This constricted environment intensifies the sense of unease and urgency.

The movie’s emphasis on personal hardships gives it an emotional intensity, as we experience each gut-wrenching moment of their desperate battle for survival.

31. ‘ARQ’ (2016)

In a perpetual cycle, a researcher finds himself trapped within the confines of a temporal loop, guarding a device capable of resolving our energy dilemma. Persistent adversaries jeopardize his endeavor.

The compact, anxiously confined storyline maintains our fascination. It’s an ingenious blend of science fiction and calamity, offering significant challenges.

30. ‘The Midnight Sky’ (2020)

A solitary researcher makes an effort to alert a cosmic expedition about a catastrophe rendering Earth inhabitable. The urgency of his endeavor is chilling.

George Clooney’s solemn acting serves as the core of this subtly suspenseful film, while its grim backdrop and profound human topics leave a lasting impact.

29. ‘War of the Worlds’ (2005)

Extra-terrestrial beings descend upon Earth, bringing colossal, three-legged machines that compel a father into defending his children. The devastation unfolds unremittingly.

In a gripping, heartfelt manner, Tom Cruise gives an outstanding acting performance. The movie’s striking visuals and palpable atmosphere of fear create a lasting impression.

28. ‘Greenland’ (2020)

A family struggles to get to a shelter as a comet endangers Earth. The turmoil puts their relationships and survival skills to the test.

In my perspective, Gerard Butler steers an intense, heartfelt expedition in this film. I found myself utterly captivated by their harrowing battle against all odds.

27. ‘The Impossible’ (2012)

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami left a family shattered, and their struggle to come back together is deeply moving and emotional.

In this true tale, Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor deliver captivating performances. The lifelike imagery ensures an authentic surfing experience.

26. ‘Deepwater Horizon’ (2016)

This movie portrays workers dealing with a devastating inferno, triggered by the 2010 oil rig accident. The tension is palpable and the risks involved are extremely severe.

Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russell anchor the high-octane action, making it a compelling homage to genuine heroism.

25. ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ (2004)

A climate scientist predicts the onset of a new Ice Age due to the increasing frequency of severe weather events. Meanwhile, his son struggles to endure the frigid conditions in modern-day New York City.

In this gripping thriller, Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal take the helm, while the intense weather phenomena maintain a nerve-wracking tension throughout.

24. ‘San Andreas’ (2015)

As a film critic, I found myself utterly captivated by the story of a daring aviator who braved colossal earthquakes to save his loved ones residing in the Golden State. The devastation was so immense, it left me speechless and awestruck.

Dwayne Johnson anchors this action-packed ride. The emotional family story adds heart to the chaos.

23. ‘Poseidon’ (2006)

In simpler terms, an unexpected giant wave overturns a passenger ship, leaving the passengers confined within. Escaping to safety becomes a harrowing, damp ordeal filled with tension.

In this remake, it’s Josh Lucas and Kurt Russell who crank up the drama and tension. The enclosed atmosphere significantly heightens the sense of unease and anticipation.

22. ‘Pandora’ (2016)

After an earthquake, there’s a risk of a nuclear disaster at a South Korean power plant. People working there and local residents are making every effort to prevent such a catastrophic event from occurring.

Kim Nam-gil leads this emotional rollercoaster. The mix of action and societal critique hits hard.

21. ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ (2018)

Space explorers, while experimenting with a particle accelerator, accidentally set off a catastrophic event in space. Consequently, their spacecraft morphs into a tumultuous danger zone.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw shines in this sci-fi mess. The wild twists keep us guessing, even if it’s uneven.

20. ‘Geostorm’ (2017)

An unforeseen malfunction occurs with a satellite designed for climate management, resulting in catastrophic events worldwide. In an urgent effort to rectify the problem, a scientist is on a mission.

In a more subdued phrasing, Gerard Butler infuses a raw edge into the excessively dramatic action-thriller, while its spectacular special effects make it an irresistible indulgence.

19. ‘Rim of the World’ (2019)

Kids at a summer camp face an alien invasion. They must team up to save the planet.

This Netflix original has ‘Stranger Things’ vibes. The young cast’s charm makes it a fun ride.

18. ‘Cargo’ (2017)

A father, infected by a zombie virus, fights to save his baby daughter. Time is running out fast.

Martin Freeman’s touching portrayal powers this heartwarming story, while the undead setting lends an intense sense of immediacy.

17. ‘Io’ (2019)

A scientist stays on a dying Earth, hoping to save it. A visitor challenges her mission to stay.

In a more casual, conversational tone: Margaret Qualley’s subtle yet powerful performance propels the science fiction storyline. The barren landscape portrayed seems eerily authentic.

16. ‘Awake’ (2021)

A global event stops people from sleeping, sparking chaos. A mother fights to save her family.

In a gripping and unusual storyline, Gina Rodriguez serves as the anchor, with the emotional impact of insomnia being vividly portrayed.

15. ‘Extinction’ (2018)

An engineer’s deepest fears about extraterrestrial invasion materialize. Surprising revelations uncover hidden truths about the world they inhabit.

Michael Peña leads this surprising sci-fi thriller. The slow build pays off with a wild reveal.

14. ‘How It Ends’ (2018)

A man, along with his father-in-law, travel through a turbulent nation on a mission to safeguard their heavily pregnant relative. The origin of the calamity remains unexplained.

Theo James and Forest Whitaker fuel this gritty road trip. The open-ended plot leaves us thinking.

13. ‘#Alive’ (2020)

A video game enthusiast finds himself confined within his apartment due to a city-wide zombie infestation. He struggles to stay alive as his supplies grow scarce.

Yoo Ah-in’s desperate performance hooks us. The isolated setting makes every moment intense.

12. ‘The Wave’ (2015)

A Norwegian geologist spots signs of a massive tsunami. His family’s survival hangs in the balance.

Kristoffer Joner heads up this gripping, authentic thriller. The town’s intimate backdrop lends a touch of familiarity.

11. ‘World War Z’ (2013)

A previous United Nations inspector is on a mission to find a remedy for a rampaging zombie outbreak, and since it’s happening globally, the risks are significantly higher.

Brad Pitt drives this fast-paced horror-thriller. The zombie swarms are terrifyingly relentless.

10. ‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)

Two celestial researchers strive to alert mankind of an incoming comet threatening our planet. Unfortunate irony ensues as society dismisses their warnings, adding a grim touch of humor.

In this satirical film, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence deliver standout performances. The biting social critique resonates deeply.

9. ‘2012’ (2009)

In an attempt to protect their loved ones, a geologist and an author grapple with catastrophic natural calamities that threaten the Earth. The tumultuous events unfold on an unprecedented scale.

In this Roland Emmerich extravaganza, Chiwetel Ejiofor and John Cusack take the main roles. The breathtaking special effects leave us in awe.

8. ‘Contagion’ (2011)

A highly infectious and lethal disease sweeps across the globe, prompting researchers to work tirelessly to contain it. The unsettling sense of familiarity is palpable.

Matt Damon and Marion Cotillard headline an exceptional ensemble. Its realistic approach gives it an unsettling authenticity.

Matt Damon and Marion Cotillard lead a top-notch cast. The way it’s filmed makes it feel strikingly genuine.

7. ‘Bird Box’ (2018)

In simpler terms, a mother finds herself in a world where observing certain beings triggers self-destructive tendencies among humans. Her challenge is to safeguard her children while keeping her eyes covered.

Sandra Bullock’s intense performance carries this thriller. The unseen threat keeps us on edge.

6. ‘The Silence’ (2019)

A family seeks refuge, avoiding noisy beings that were released from a cave, as they are now the hunters. Quietness is their sole protection.

Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka lead this tense tale. The eerie atmosphere rivals ‘A Quiet Place.’

5. ‘Train to Busan’ (2016)

In the midst of a zombie pandemic, a father and his daughter find themselves on a cramped train. Every second is tense and harsh.

Gong Yoo’s emotional performance hits hard. The fast zombies and human drama keep us gripped.

4. ‘The Tower’ (2012)

A skyscraper fire traps residents on Christmas Eve. A firefighter risks everything to save them.

Sol Kyung-gu leads this Korean thriller with heart. The claustrophobic chaos feels relentless.

3. ‘The Quake’ (2018)

As a film enthusiast who’s recently lived through “The Wave” event in Oslo, I can’t help but feel the tremors beneath my feet and foresee another seismic shock coming our way. Alas, my urgent predictions seem to fall on deaf ears, leaving me with an unsettling sense of impending doom.

In the thrilling follow-up, you’ll find Kristoffer Joner once again taking center stage. The tension is palpable due to the authentic risks portrayed, making for an edge-of-your-seat viewing experience.

2. ‘Leave the World Behind’ (2023)

While on holiday, a family encounters an enigmatic power outage and peculiar occurrences at their residence. Upon their return, the homeowners bring an air of unease.

Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali drive this unsettling drama. The ambiguity keeps us guessing.

1. ‘Titanic’ (1997)

On a tragic voyage, a love story unravels as the ship encounters an iceberg. The magnitude of the disaster is deeply moving.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet create an indelible, awe-inspiring experience. The visuals from James Cameron’s direction continue to leave us in awe.

2025-07-25 00:15