Movies allow the viewers to experience something new, and to see things they never would have come across in real life. With some genres, it's for the best, and disaster movies are one of those genres. Disaster movies make for an exciting watch, but probably nobody would like to experience the same things the characters are going through.
That's also the case when the disaster genre gets combined with science fiction. Not everything that comes to space or is closely linked to science bodes well for the human race. Even though sci-fi disaster movies aren't as common as other genres, those who enjoy them still have their fair share of great movies to watch!
Updated December 6, 2022, by Kath Leroy: Science-fiction disaster movies continue to captivate audiences because they allow them to let their imagination run wild. Unlike disaster movies about Earth events, threats coming from space or science labs are much more unusual, and as such, often surprising. From aliens to deadly viruses and celestial objects, sci-fi disaster movies remain a popular genre. It's easy to get lost in them and overlook the best sci-fi disaster movies ever made. The good news is that those old movies belonging to this genre are just as intriguing as modern ones, as plenty of older films still offer a compelling story.
9 Don't Look Up (2021)
As one of the latest sci-fi disaster movies, Don't Look Up drew a lot of attention to itself. It offers a tension-filled story about a comet approaching Earth that threatens to exterminate all life. Sadly, except for the two main heroes (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence), most people don't believe something bad is happening and by the time they realize the truth, it might be too late. The movie works as a clever satire about human behavior, and it shows how it often doesn't make sense.
It has a strong sense of humor and a star-studded cast, such as Meryl Streep as the President of the United States. Don't Look Up got mixed reviews from the critics, but it's still a must-watch for all fans of this genre since it's both intelligent and funny. Director Adam McKay manages to balance out several genres, which is no easy task.
8 Geostorm (2017)
Some of the best sci-fi disaster movies aren't just about the upcoming doom, but also put a lot of emphasis on the difficult relationships between various characters to make a compelling narrative. In Geostorm, two estranged brothers have to learn how to work together if they're to have any chance at stopping the catastrophe that's coming. The director, Dean Devlin, is experienced in this genre, having produced movies such as Independence Day (1996) and Godzilla (1998).
Geostorm shows what happens when a system that was originally designed to protect the planet starts attacking it. The movie contains the right amount of danger and destruction, as well as solid performances from Gerard Butler and Jim Sturgess in the leading roles.
7 World War Z (2013)
Technically, a larger number of movies about the zombie apocalypse could fit the category of a sci-fi disaster. Yet World War Z has a more scientific approach and feeling to it than other zombie movies. And as for the disaster part, well, a disaster is what happens when a zombie epidemic threatens to overrun the planet and kill everyone. Based on a book by Max Brooks, the movie centers on Brad Pitt's Gerry Conway, an expert who's trying to find the source of the epidemic, which is no easy task since the source can hide in any part of the world.
World War Z had the highest box office gross of all zombie movies when it premiered, despite the fact that it's not a typical zombie movie. The scientific part in which Conway is searching for the source is just as important as the part where zombies threaten people and kill them. This makes for a refreshing and unique mixture that brings together the best of both worlds.
6 Sunshine (2007)
Danny Boyle is no stranger to sci-fi disaster movies, having directed 28 Days Later in 2002. However, unlike the zombie movie, this 2007 sci-fi disaster piece mostly flew under the radar and didn't get as much appreciation as it deserved at the box office. It presents a future that's hard to live in. The Sun is dying and humanity is dying with it. That's why a group of astronauts travels to the Sun to revive it. The movie isn't as action-filled as other disaster sci-fi stories, but that doesn't mean it's boring. It offers surprising twists and gives a lot of space to the complex characters of the heroes.
It helps that known and talented actors, such as Michelle Yeoh, Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, and Rose Byrne play the ship's crew. Despite being set in space, Sunshine is more down-to-earth than other sci-fi movies since it focuses on a few characters. It also proves that no matter how hard people try, some things are out of their hands. Sunshine isn't the most optimistic story, but it leaves a strong impression despite it...or maybe because of it.
5 The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Fire can be deadly, but ice can be just as bad, as this sci-fi disaster movie proves. New York has never looked as brilliant frozen as it does in The Day After Tomorrow. The movie follows multiple characters, but at its core, it focuses on the story of a father, climatologist Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid) who's trying to find his son Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal) in the frozen wasteland that New York has turned into.
The movie is visually beautiful and the cold and ice breathe on the audience from the screen. The actors all give solid performances, and it's easy to wish them success and survival on their difficult journey.
4 Deep Impact (1998)
Where Don't Look Up was humorous and witty, Deep Impact is more emotional, even a bit melodramatic. Despite that and the movie's mixed reception, its formula works. Once again, a comet is threatening Earth, and it's up to humans to stop it from coming or at least try and minimize the damage. The threat feels real, and the actors give solid performances, making it easy to sympathize with them and become invested in their destinies.
Deep Impact is yet more proof that bad things can come from space and leave a deep impact, pun intended, on both the characters and the viewers alike. An interesting fact is that Deep Impact became the most profitable movie of 1998 directed by a woman. Its ending remains impressive even today, and it's just one of multiple reasons why the movie became a sci-fi disaster classic.
3 Independence Day (1996)
No other filmmaker likes to destroy Earth as often as Roland Emmerich. The director did just that in multiple sci-fi disaster movies, such as Moonfall (2022). However, Independence Day is Emmerich's most famous movie, and also the ultimate story about aliens attacking Earth and brave humans fighting against them.
The movie offers a lot of action, a fair amount of destruction, and memorable performances from actors such as Will Smith, Bill Pullman, and Jeff Goldblum. The movie became iconic and got a sequel in 2016, but the second part didn't get the same positive reviews as its predecessor.
2 The Day The Earth Caught Fire (1961)
The Day the Earth Caught Fire is an underrated British sci-fi movie that well reflects society's mood. In the 1950s and 1960s, people were worried that the world would burn because of atomic bombs. The movie shows what would happen if the United States and Russia released the bombs. It doesn't spare the characters, the audience, or the planet Earth either.
The movie is disturbing and realistic in its portrayal of the damage that atomic bombs can do to the world. As such, it sticks with the audience long after they finish watching it. Considering the movie's overall quality, it doesn't come as a surprise it won the prestigious BAFTA award for the best script.
1 The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)
The Day the Earth Stood Still became one of the greatest science fiction classics. What makes the movie unusual is that it portrayed an alien as one of the good guys, in times when people were paranoid about intruders from outer space. The main hero of the movie, the alien Klaatu, goes to Earth with a peace mission, asking humanity to stop destroying their planet.
It's only after they refuse that Klaatu chooses more destructive means how to achieve his goal. The movie is captivating and thoughtful, and its effects have aged well. It earned a remake in 2008 starring Keanu Reeves, but the original movie remains the more popular one.