Disaster films have a unique way of capturing our attention with their high stakes and intense scenarios. When these disasters unfold within the confines of educational institutions, the tension is amplified by the vulnerability of students and faculty. This curated list of 10 disaster films set in schools offers a thrilling mix of natural calamities, man-made crises, and supernatural events, all set against the backdrop of academic life. These films not only entertain but also explore themes of survival, human resilience, and the unexpected challenges that can arise in places meant for learning and growth.

The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: A schoolteacher gains psychic abilities after a coma, predicting disasters, including one involving a student from his school.
Fact: The film is based on Stephen King's novel of the same name and was directed by David Cronenberg.


The Faculty (1998)
Description: In this sci-fi horror, alien parasites take over the faculty of a high school, turning teachers into monsters. Students must band together to save their school and themselves.
Fact: The film features an ensemble cast of young actors who would later become well-known, including Elijah Wood, Josh Hartnett, and Jordana Brewster.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: This blockbuster film features a sudden global weather shift causing a new ice age, with one of the central settings being a high school in New York City where students must survive the freezing conditions.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Coming Global Superstorm" by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber. It was one of the first major films to address climate change in a dramatic fashion.


The Quiet (2005)
Description: While not a traditional disaster film, "The Quiet" deals with the psychological and emotional disaster within a family, set in a high school environment where secrets and lies lead to a dramatic climax.
Fact: The film was directed by Jamie Babbit, known for her work on "But I'm a Cheerleader."


The Wave (2008)
Description: Although not a traditional disaster film, "The Wave" depicts a social experiment gone wrong in a German high school, leading to disastrous consequences as students form a fascist movement.
Fact: The film is based on the novel "The Wave" by Todd Strasser, which was inspired by a real-life classroom experiment in California in


The Final Storm (2010)
Description: A family takes shelter in an abandoned school during a severe storm, only to discover that the storm is not the only threat they face.
Fact: The film blends elements of disaster with supernatural horror, creating a unique atmosphere of suspense and fear.


Final Exam (1981)
Description: A slasher film set during a college's final exam week, where a killer targets students, turning their academic stress into a fight for survival.
Fact: This film was one of the many slasher movies that followed the success of "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th."


The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)
Description: A sequel to the original "Carrie," this film follows another teen with telekinetic powers, leading to a disastrous prom night at her high school.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a direct sequel to "Carrie," but due to rights issues, it became a standalone story.


The Final (2010)
Description: A group of bullied high school students plan a prom night massacre, turning their school into a battleground for revenge.
Fact: The film explores themes of bullying and revenge, offering a dark twist on the typical high school setting.


The Blackout (2009)
Description: A mysterious blackout leads to chaos in a small town, with one of the central locations being a high school where students and teachers must survive the ensuing darkness.
Fact: The film uses the concept of a power outage to explore themes of fear, survival, and human behavior in crisis.
