From the heart-stopping suspense of a bridge on the verge of collapse to the awe-inspiring visuals of engineering gone awry, these films offer a thrilling look at what happens when the structures that connect us are pushed to their limits. This curated list of disaster movies focuses on bridges, showcasing the drama, the tension, and the human stories that unfold when these critical infrastructures fail. Whether you're an engineering enthusiast or just love a good disaster flick, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Description: This classic war film features a bridge built by POWs in Burma during WWII, which becomes a target for destruction. The tension builds as the bridge's completion symbolizes both human spirit and the futility of war.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was directed by David Lean.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively about bridges, this film includes a dramatic scene where a massive tidal wave destroys the Brooklyn Bridge, showcasing the power of nature against human-made structures.
Fact: The film was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies but praised for its special effects.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: This film recounts the true story of the Coast Guard's rescue mission during a massive storm, where a bridge plays a crucial role in the rescue operation, highlighting human bravery against the elements.
Fact: The movie is based on the book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman, detailing one of the most daring rescues in Coast Guard history.


The Towering Inferno (1974)
Description: Although primarily about a skyscraper, the film includes a dramatic scene where a bridge collapses due to the fire's heat, adding to the chaos of the disaster.
Fact: This film was one of the first major disaster movies to combine multiple stars and a large-scale production.


San Andreas (2015)
Description: The film features a scene where the Hoover Dam's bridge collapses due to a massive earthquake, emphasizing the destructive power of natural disasters.
Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars as a rescue pilot, bringing his action-hero persona to the disaster genre.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While focused on a fishing boat, the film includes scenes where bridges and coastal structures are battered by the storm, illustrating the fury of nature.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of the Andrea Gail, a swordfishing boat lost at sea.


The Impossible (2012)
Description: This film, based on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, features scenes where bridges and other structures are destroyed, showcasing the human struggle for survival.
Fact: Naomi Watts received an Academy Award nomination for her role in this film.


Deep Impact (1998)
Description: While not directly about bridges, the film includes scenes where the impact of a comet causes massive destruction, including bridges collapsing into the sea.
Fact: The film was released the same year as "Armageddon," leading to comparisons between the two comet/asteroid disaster movies.


2012 (2009)
Description: This apocalyptic film features numerous scenes of bridges collapsing as the Earth undergoes cataclysmic events, emphasizing the scale of the disaster.
Fact: The film was directed by Roland Emmerich, known for his disaster movies like "Independence Day" and "The Day After Tomorrow."


The Bridge at Remagen (1969)
Description: Set during WWII, this film focuses on the last bridge standing over the Rhine, which becomes a critical target for both sides, showcasing the strategic importance of bridges in warfare.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Czechoslovakia, using the actual bridge at Remagen as a model.
