The 8 Best Movies About Tsunamies (& Why You Should Watch Them)

Tsunamis are one of the most devastating natural disasters that can strike any coastal region. They are caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, or meteor impacts that generate massive waves that can reach up to hundreds of meters in height. But tsunamis are also a source of fascination and inspiration for many filmmakers, who have used them as a backdrop for thrilling and emotional stories. Movies about tsunamis can show us the power and beauty of nature and also entertain us. This is why we decided to put together this list of 8 best movies about tsunamis and tell you why you should watch them. Let’s go.

1. ‘The Impossible‘ (2012)

What it’s about: In December 2004, Dr. Maria Bennett, her husband Henry, and their three sons vacationed in Khao Lak, Thailand. On December 26, the Indian Ocean tsunami hits, separating the family. Maria and her son Lucas survive, helping a toddler named Daniel. They are taken to a hospital in Takua Pa. Maria, injured, encourages Lucas to help others reunite with family. Henry and the two younger boys survive, and after ensuring their safety, Henry searches for Maria and Lucas in the rubble

Why you should watch it: ‘The Impossible’ is a movie based on a true story that tells us about the legitimate experience of a family stuck at the worst possible place when one of the deadliest disasters in human history hits. If you’re interested in a somewhat realistic account of how the first few days looked like, this is a move for you.

2. ‘The Wave’ (2015)

What it’s about: Geologist Kristian Eikjord, on his final day in Geiranger, Norway, discovers that groundwater has disappeared at Åkerneset. Realizing the potential danger, he rushes back to the geology center with his former coworker Jacob. They find that sensor wires have snapped due to mountain movements. Kristian’s plea for evacuation is denied by his former boss Arvid, who is reluctant to disrupt the tourist season.

Why you should watch it: First, this is a Norwegian disaster movie, and there are so few of those that make it to international viewers, so consider it a rare gem. But also, like the previous movie, it is based on the real geological threat of a rockslide causing a tsunami in Norway’s Tafjord. The locations are also extremely stunning! Bonus: there was a sequel to the original movie made 3 years later called ‘The Quake’ that follows the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

3. ‘Tidal Wave’ (2009)

What it’s about: ‘Haeundae’ is a South Korean disaster movie that follows Kim Hwi, who predicts the disaster about to come but fails to convince the authorities to do something about it. Even though the authorities are highly skeptical about Hwi’s claims when sea animals start appearing on the beach en-masse, they attempt to consider all evidence that they have regarding Hwi’s claims, but it might be too late.

Why you should watch it: When it comes to the theme, ‘Tidal Wave’ is not that different from the sea of other disaster movies, but one thing that made the movie stand out was the fantastic special effects. It’s definitely worth to give it a try.

4. ‘Poseidon’ (2006)

What it’s about: ‘Poseidon’ (2006) is actually a remake of a movie released in 1972, which in turn is based on a book. The movie takes place on New Year’s Eve aboard the luxury cruise liner called SS Poseidon. Passengers are enjoying their time, and disaster is the further thing from their minds when the captain of the ship notices a rogue wave that hits the ship with such might that it causes it to capsize.

Why you should watch it: It’s always best to watch the 1972 movie since the remake was generally not received all that well, but if you are interested in a more modern interpretation of the book, give this one a try.

5. ‘Bait‘ (2012)

What it’s about: A coastal town in Queensland, Australia, has been hit by the tsunami, and there is a group of survivors stuck inside a local supermarket following the massive wave. The good news is you are among the survivors; the bad news is you are also hunted by a pack of hungry sharks through the supermarket.

Why you should watch it: ‘Bait’ is a special movie due to several reasons. First, it’s not directly tied to tsunamis, as it shows us the aftermath of a tsunami taking place. Second, I guess you could say that it’s a shark movie with elements of disaster movies. Third, it’s so bad it’s good.

6. ‘The 5th Wave’ (2016)

What’s it about: A colossal alien spaceship, controlled by extraterrestrial beings known as “The Others,” orbits Earth. Over a series of devastating waves, they unleash catastrophic events to annihilate humanity. The 1st Wave disables all electronics and transportation. The 2nd Wave triggers earthquakes and megatsunamis, obliterating coastal cities globally. In Ohio, siblings Cassie and Sam survive by seeking higher ground during the Lake Erie flooding.

Why you should watch it: The focus of ‘The Fifth Wave’ isn’t necessarily about the tsunamis, but they are an important element of the movie, or rather, the aftermath following the tsunamis. We often see aliens attacking with high-tech weapons, but we rarely see them attacking with natural disasters.

7. ‘Geostorm’ (2017)

What it’s about: In 2019, a series of catastrophic natural disasters prompted the creation of “Dutch Boy,” a system of climate-controlling satellites. After successfully neutralizing a typhoon in Shanghai, Jake Lawson, the chief architect, faces reprimand from a US Senate subcommittee for activating Dutch Boy without authorization. He is replaced by his brother Max, who now works under US Secretary of State Leonard Dekkom. Even though “Dutch Boy” seems like a solution to long-existing problems, at one point, the system goes rogue, unleashing devastating disasters upon Earth.

Why you should watch it: The key theme in ‘Geostorm’ is the dangers of what happens when humans attempt to manipulate a system as complicated as climate and some of the most dangerous consequences that can come after the act. The movie doesn’t stray from your classic disaster movie formula, but it is an interesting watch.

8. ‘San Andreas’ (2015)

What’s it about: Caltech seismologist Dr. Lawrence Hayes and his colleague Dr. Kim Park are testing a new earthquake prediction model at Hoover Dam when an unknown fault ruptures, causing a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that collapses the dam. Park sacrifices himself to save a young girl. Hayes realizes the entire San Andreas Fault is shifting, threatening massive earthquakes that could destroy cities along the fault line. With his students Alexi and Phoebe and reporter Serena Johnson, he races against time to warn the population of California about the impending disaster.

Why you should watch this: ‘San Andreas’ is technically an earthquake movie but has a Tsunami as a consequence. The movie has plenty of action, plenty of impressive shots, and Dwayne The Rock Johnson in the main role.

Have a movie to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!