Earthquakes are among the most terrifying natural disasters, shaking the very ground beneath our feet. These films capture the raw intensity of such events, showcasing stories of survival, human spirit, and the relentless fight against nature's wrath. This curated list of earthquake survival movies not only entertains but also offers a glimpse into the resilience of humanity when faced with catastrophic circumstances.

Earthquake (1974)
Description: A classic disaster film that showcases the aftermath of a massive earthquake in Los Angeles, focusing on the personal stories of survival and loss.
Fact: It was one of the first films to use Sensurround, a special sound system to simulate the experience of an earthquake.


Deep Impact (1998)
Description: This film includes a massive earthquake as part of the global catastrophe caused by a comet's impact, focusing on human survival and societal response.
Fact: The film was released the same year as "Armageddon," leading to comparisons between the two asteroid-themed movies.


Hard Rain (1998)
Description: While primarily a heist film, it features a significant earthquake-induced flood, showcasing survival in extreme weather conditions.
Fact: The film was shot in a massive water tank to simulate the flooding scenes.


The Core (2003)
Description: While not directly about an earthquake, the film features a series of global disasters, including seismic events, caused by the Earth's core stopping.
Fact: The film's premise involves a team drilling to the Earth's core, a scientifically implausible but visually spectacular concept.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively about an earthquake, this film includes a massive earthquake as part of a larger global catastrophe, highlighting the struggle for survival amidst natural disasters.
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 blockbusters to address climate change.


2012 (2009)
Description: Although it encompasses various natural disasters, the film includes significant earthquake sequences, focusing on the global catastrophe predicted by the Mayan calendar.
Fact: The film's budget was one of the largest ever for a disaster movie, with extensive use of CGI to depict the destruction.


Aftershock (2012)
Description: Set in Chile, this film depicts a group of tourists caught in a nightclub during a massive earthquake, leading to a harrowing fight for survival.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 2010 Chile earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: Although centered around a maritime rescue, the film includes a dramatic earthquake scene that sets off the chain of events.
Fact: The movie is based on a true story from 1952, where a Coast Guard team attempted one of the most daring rescues in history.


San Andreas (2015)
Description: This action-packed thriller follows a rescue helicopter pilot and his ex-wife as they navigate through a series of devastating earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault.
Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson performed many of his own stunts, including a scene where he had to jump from a helicopter to a building.


The Quake (2018)
Description: A sequel to "The Wave," this Norwegian film follows a geologist who predicts another devastating earthquake in Oslo, leading to a race against time to save lives.
Fact: The film was praised for its realistic depiction of seismic activity and its effects on urban environments.
