- The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)
- Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
- Fail Safe (1964)
- The China Syndrome (1979)
- The Atomic Cafe (1982)
- The Manhattan Project (1986)
- The Hunt for Red October (1990)
- The Peacemaker (1997)
- The Sum of All Fears (2002)
- The Day After (1983)
If you're a fan of heart-pounding action and the sheer spectacle of controlled chaos, this collection of films is for you. Each movie in this list features scenes of explosive tests, showcasing the power of special effects and the art of filmmaking. From nuclear tests to experimental weaponry, these films not only entertain but also provide a glimpse into the science and danger behind such tests. Whether you're a cinephile or just love a good explosion, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)
Description: This British sci-fi film deals with the aftermath of simultaneous nuclear tests by the US and USSR, leading to catastrophic climate change.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the concept of human-induced climate change through nuclear testing.


Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Description: A satirical take on Cold War tensions, this film includes scenes of nuclear testing and the absurd lengths to which governments might go to avoid or initiate nuclear war.
Fact: Stanley Kubrick used real military footage to enhance the authenticity of the nuclear test scenes.


Fail Safe (1964)
Description: This film explores a scenario where a technical glitch leads to an accidental nuclear attack, showcasing the potential for nuclear testing to go awry.
Fact: The film was released in the same year as "Dr. Strangelove," offering a more serious take on nuclear war.


The China Syndrome (1979)
Description: While not directly about nuclear testing, this film features a nuclear power plant meltdown, highlighting the dangers of nuclear technology.
Fact: The film's release was eerily timed with the Three Mile Island nuclear accident.


The Atomic Cafe (1982)
Description: This documentary compiles archival footage from the 1940s to the 1960s, showcasing the American government's nuclear testing propaganda and the public's reaction to it.
Fact: The film uses no narration, relying entirely on the juxtaposition of historical footage to convey its message.


The Manhattan Project (1986)
Description: A teenage genius builds a nuclear bomb to protest against the government's nuclear testing, leading to an explosive climax.
Fact: The film was criticized for potentially giving viewers ideas on how to build a nuclear device.


The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Description: While primarily about a submarine, the film includes scenes of testing new, experimental weapons, including a nuclear missile test.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI for underwater scenes, enhancing the realism of the submarine sequences.


The Peacemaker (1997)
Description: This action thriller involves the theft of nuclear weapons and the race to prevent their detonation, featuring scenes of nuclear testing.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the theme of nuclear terrorism post-Cold War.


The Sum of All Fears (2002)
Description: In this adaptation of Tom Clancy's novel, a nuclear bomb is detonated during a football game, showcasing the terrifying potential of nuclear testing gone wrong.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by real-life fears of nuclear terrorism during the early 2000s.


The Day After (1983)
Description: This made-for-TV movie depicts the aftermath of a nuclear war, including scenes of nuclear tests and their devastating effects. It's a stark reminder of the potential consequences of nuclear testing.
Fact: The film was so impactful that it influenced public opinion on nuclear disarmament. It was also one of the highest-rated TV movies of all time.
