Disaster movies have always captivated audiences with their high stakes and dramatic scenarios. Among these, films about dam failures and the subsequent floods offer a unique blend of suspense, human drama, and awe-inspiring special effects. This curated list of 10 films showcases some of the most memorable and thrilling entries in the genre, where the failure of a dam leads to catastrophic flooding. Whether you're a fan of edge-of-your-seat action or compelling human stories, these movies provide a gripping look at what happens when nature's fury meets human engineering.

The Hurricane (1937)
Description: An early example of a disaster film, this movie features a hurricane causing a dam to break, leading to widespread flooding and destruction.
Fact: This film was one of the first to use special effects to simulate natural disasters.


Deep Impact (1998)
Description: Although primarily about a comet strike, the film includes scenes of massive flooding due to the resulting tsunamis, which could be seen as analogous to dam failures.
Fact: The film was released in the same year as "Armageddon," leading to comparisons between the two comet/asteroid disaster movies.


Hard Rain (1998)
Description: Set during a massive flood caused by a dam failure, this film focuses on a group of people trying to survive the rising waters while dealing with a heist gone wrong. It's a thrilling mix of action, disaster, and crime.
Fact: The film was shot in a massive water tank, and the crew had to deal with real-life flooding issues during production.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: This film, based on a true story, depicts the disastrous effects of a storm at sea, which can be likened to the chaos following a dam breach.
Fact: The film's special effects were so realistic that some viewers experienced motion sickness while watching.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: This blockbuster disaster film features a series of catastrophic weather events, including a massive flood caused by a dam breaking in New York City. It's a prime example of how a dam failure can lead to widespread destruction.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Coming Global Superstorm" by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber. The special effects were so convincing that some viewers believed the events were real.


2012 (2009)
Description: While not exclusively about dam failures, this film includes scenes of massive floods and dam breaches as part of the apocalyptic events.
Fact: The film required extensive CGI work, with over 1,300 visual effects shots.


The Impossible (2012)
Description: This film, based on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, shows the aftermath of a massive water disaster, similar to the effects of a dam failure.
Fact: The film was shot in Thailand, where the real tsunami occurred, adding authenticity to the scenes.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: While not directly about a dam failure, this film features a massive storm leading to a shipwreck, where the Coast Guard must rescue survivors amidst flooding conditions. It's included for its depiction of water-related disasters.
Fact: The movie is based on a true story of the 1952 Pendleton rescue, one of the most daring Coast Guard rescues in history.


Into the Storm (2014)
Description: Although focused on tornadoes, the film includes scenes of flooding and water-related destruction, akin to what might happen after a dam breaks.
Fact: The film was shot using real storm chasers to capture authentic tornado footage.


The Wave (2015)
Description: This Norwegian film depicts a tsunami caused by a rockslide, but the aftermath is similar to what would occur after a dam failure, with flooding and destruction.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real geological event that could potentially occur in Norway.
