Summary
- Twisters raises the bar for disaster movie sequels by intensifying the storm-chasing drama of the original Twister.
- Disaster movies like Twisters engage viewers with clear conflicts and spur heroic acts from everyday people.
- Moonfall introduces alien technology for an unrealistic yet entertaining take on disaster movies.
Twisters has set the bar high for sequels and reboots for disaster movies, as it increases the stakes and follows through on the themes from the 1996 original Twister. In general, disaster movies are made for audiences more than for critics, as they fail to garner the same acclaim and appreciation as prestige dramas or thrillers. However, viewers are interested in seeing disaster movies onscreen because they have a clear conflict, and they spur heroic acts from everyday people. In this way, any audience member can see themselves fighting a tornado and chasing down a storm when watching these films.
Based on the overwhelming success of the long-awaited sequel, there's a strong monetary incentive to keep the Twister franchise going and develop its characters further.
There's hope that sets up a sequel in its open-ended conclusion that sees Tyler and Kate rush off to keep chasing tornadoes. Based on the overwhelming success of the long-awaited sequel, there's a strong monetary incentive to keep the Twister franchise going and develop its characters further. In the meantime, there are plenty of other disaster movies that have been overlooked despite their compelling plots and thrilling visuals. The disasters and horrors that these movies present communicate the fears and anxieties of their eras, and updated reboots can translate that to the opinions of the modern day.
Twister vs. Twisters: Which Tornado Movie Is Better
The 2024 disaster movie sequel Twisters comes 28 years after the original released, and the two movies have naturally invited comparisons.
8 Moonfall (2022)
Directed by Roland Emmerich
Moonfall
- Release Date
- February 4, 2022
- Runtime
- 120 minutes
- Director
- Roland Emmerich
Cast
Kelly Yu
WHERE TO WATCH
In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler is convinced she has the key to saving us all - but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper and conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman believe her. So these unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to discover that our Moon is not what we think it is.
- Studio(s)
- Lionsgate
One of the more recent disaster movies, Moonfall, is one of the least realistic as it involves the intervention of alien technology that knocks the moon out of orbit and sends it on a collision course toward Earth. Even though the audience is aware that this is unlikely to happen, that doesn't make the movie any less fun. The film has a self-aware slant and doesn't take itself too seriously, making the action sequences easy to enjoy. Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson costar as the NASA astronauts tasked with going into space and returning the moon to its orbit.
There are other more scientifically accurate movies about potential threats from outer space. However, Moonfall does an excellent job of distancing itself from scientific realism and leaning into the sci-fi aspects of the script. This especially comes through in the references to conspiracy theories, which the movie weaves into the narrative. The end of the film leaves off on a small cliffhanger, implying that there is more to the story. A Moonfall sequel could see its heroes exploring the possibilities of other planets, moons, and stars falling to Earth.
7 Armageddon (1998)
Directed by Michael Bay
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Armageddon
- Release Date
- July 1, 1998
- Runtime
- 151 minutes
- Director
- Michael Bay
Cast
Billy Bob Thornton
WHERE TO WATCH
In Michael Bay's sci-fi action thriller Armageddon, a colossal asteroid is found barrelling toward Earth, guaranteed to wipe out all life. To stop it, NASA concocts a plan that involves drilling into its core to denote a nuclear bomb inside of it - and to make that happen; they'll need the right crew. Led by the head of an oil drilling company, Harry Stamper, a group of blue-collar workers are given the crash course for Astronaut preparation as the crew races against time to save the planet.
- Studio(s)
- Disney
Like most films from Michael Bay, the movie centers on the everyman rather than an elite team of scientists.
If for no other reason, Armageddon deserves a sequel because a reasonable explanation can be introduced for sending oil drillers into space instead of astronauts. Armageddon faced some criticism for the fact of its already outlandish premise, as the plot begins with a meteor on track to crash into Earth, and scientists deciding the best course of action is to dig a hole into the meteor and detonate a nuclear blast. Like most films from Michael Bay, the movie centers on the everyman rather than an elite team of scientists.
Bay's approach to filmmaking is likely why oil drillers are tasked with the dangerous mission instead of highly trained astronauts. However, Armageddon is one of Bruce Willis' best science fiction movies, and it's Willis and his costars' dedication to the plot that makes it worth watching. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that Willis would return for a sequel, but plenty of other actors could make an appearance, including Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, and Owen Wilson. They could foster the next generation of action stars in a story that makes them drill into the Earth's surface for a follow-up film.
6 Earthquake (1974)
Directed by Mark Robson
The further back into cinema history you go, the more exciting the practical effects in disaster movies get. In Earthquake, it's thrilling to watch buildings collapse and cars veer off freeways as an unprecedented earthquake hits Los Angeles. Unlike Twisters, Earthquake is an ensemble film that takes many intertwined storylines of separate individuals living in the city and brings them together in the wake of the disaster. This is an effective way to keep the story moving and incorporate different perspectives on the situation.
If an earthquake the size of the one in the film were to happen in Los Angeles today, even more people would be affected by the fallout. Additionally, a sequel would have to grapple with the forest fires, landslides, and other environmental issues that have become increasingly apparent in recent years. However, a reboot of Earthquake could move away from Los Angeles and focus on a new city where earthquakes are less common, leading to greater effects.
5 Dante’s Peak (1997)
Directed by Roger Donaldson
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Dante's Peak
- Release Date
- February 7, 1997
- Runtime
- 108 Minutes
- Director
- Roger Donaldson
Cast
Pierce BrosnanHarry Dalton
Rachel Wando-
Jamie Renée SmithLauren Wando
-
Jeremy FoleyGraham Wando
WHERE TO WATCH
Dante's Peak is a disaster film directed by Roger Donaldson, where Pierce Brosnan stars as a volcanologist who discovers that the dormant volcano near a small Pacific Northwest town is about to erupt. Linda Hamilton co-stars as the town's mayor. The film follows their efforts to save the townspeople and evacuate before the impending volcanic eruption.
More is known about volcanoes today, and recent documentaries like Fire of Love have reignited interest in the field of volcanology.
Volcanoes are well-known as some of the most immediately devastating natural disasters on Earth and one of the most fascinating to scientists and civilians alike. In Dante's Peak, a long-dormant volcano suddenly erupts, and much of the film is spent watching Harry, the protagonist, try to convince the people living near the volcano that disaster preparedness is an important part of life. The movie distinguishes itself through the technical effects used to create the blasts and volcanic eruptions.
Pierce Brosnan plays Harry, and though he's best known for playing the 007 agent in the James Bond movies, he makes a striking volcanologist alongside Linda Hamilton, who had already risen to fame thanks to the Terminator franchise. More is known about volcanoes today, and recent documentaries like Fire of Love have reignited interest in the field of volcanology. A new iteration of Dante's Peak would have even more resources at its fingertips to tell a scientifically accurate story.
4 The Perfect Storm (2000)
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
The Perfect Storm
Cast
John C. Reilly
WHERE TO WATCH
- Release Date
- June 29, 2000
- Runtime
- 129 minutes
- Director
- Wolfgang Petersen
The Perfect Storm of 1991 was chronicled in the book The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger and later was adapted into a movie in 2000. Starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Diane Lane, and many more, The Perfect Storm follows the story of a fishing boat that was lost at sea during a convergence of major weather events off the coast of the Northeastern United States. It had devastating effects on the coastline, and many lives were lost, including the crew of the fishing boat.
It's a tragic story, and unlike the fictional disaster films that see some of the characters make it out with only a few scratches, The Perfect Storm didn't have the luxury of changing the past. As it's based on real events, a sequel could involve how weather forecasting and commercial fishing have changed as a result of these events. Additionally, there is room for commentary about how climate change has altered the livelihoods and safety of fishermen across the world.
3 K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
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K-19: The Widowmaker
- Release Date
- July 19, 2002
- Runtime
- 138 Minutes
- Director
- Kathryn Bigelow
WHERE TO WATCH
K-19: The Widowmaker is a historical drama directed by Kathryn Bigelow, depicting the true story of the first Soviet nuclear ballistic submarine. The film stars Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, focusing on the crew's struggle to prevent a nuclear disaster while navigating complex leadership dynamics during the Cold War. The narrative explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and resilience against a backdrop of geopolitical tension.
Though the film is loosely based on a real submarine command, it exercises creative license with its dramatic choices.
Despite Kathryn Bigelow's later success and acclaim for directing The Hurt Locker, her career took a hit after K-19: The Widowmaker hit theaters to negative critical reception. Unlike other disaster movies, K-19: The Widowmaker isn't about a natural disaster but a manmade one that could start a nuclear war. Since the characters are trapped in a malfunctioning submarine with the capability to trigger a nuclear war, the story couldn't have higher stakes. Though the film is loosely based on a real submarine command, it exercises creative license with its dramatic choices.
It's fair to say that few, if any, of the American actors featured in the movie have a able Russian accent, Harrison Ford included, but this only adds to the campy aspects of the film. There's plenty of room for an updated sequel or spiritual successor to K-19: The Widowmaker. A follow-up to the original could salvage its reputation, leading to a reevaluation of the original. Though nuclear disaster movies are some of the most sensitive and politically complex, it would take a strong script to revitalize the story.
2 The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Directed by Ronald Neame
The Poseidon Adventure
Cast
Gene Hackman-
Ernest Borgnine
-
Red Buttons
-
Carol Lynley
WHERE TO WATCH
- Release Date
- December 13, 1972
- Runtime
- 117 minutes
- Director
- Ronald Neame
The incomparable Gene Hackman plays a leading role in The Poseidon Adventure, a disaster movie that didn't reach the heights of popularity as the other films in its genre from the 1970s. However, this puts The Poseidon Adventure in the perfect position to be revived for modern audiences, especially in the wake of popular movies about shipwrecks like Titanic and Cast Away. The Poseidon Adventure was an early example of a story that sees its characters put in impossible situations after a tsunami capsizes the luxury liner they're sailing on.
Though there's plenty of social commentary to be found in The Poseidon Adventure, today, a reboot of the film would delve even deeper into the hierarchy of class that's exacerbated by the class system on ships. The Poseidon Adventure received strong critical acclaim when it was released, but the same cannot be said for its sequel, Beyond the Poseidon Adventure, which premiered in 1979. If modern filmmakers brought the narrative back, it would be best to ignore the ill-fated sequel.
Every Tornado Scene In The Twister Movies, Ranked By Intensity
The long-awaited sequel, Twisters, reintroduces viewers to the might of tornadoes, intensifying the storm-chasing drama of the original Twister.
1 Crawl (2019)
Directed by Alexandre Aja
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Crawl
- Release Date
- July 11, 2019
- Runtime
- 87 minutes
- Director
- Alexandre Aja
WHERE TO WATCH
Crawl is a horror thriller set during a Florida Hurricane. It follows a young woman named Haley who refuses to heed the mandatory evacuation order to search for her father, who went missing at the beginning of the storm. When Haley finds her father seriously injured, they discover the hurricane is the least of their problems. Suddenly, their home is besieged by a group of massive alligators looking for their next meal.
- Studio(s)
- Paramount Pictures
Crawl preys upon the common perception that Florida is full of dangerous wildlife that is moments away from breaking through the gates of civilization and terrorizing humans.
There's more to fear in this movie than the category-five hurricane that kicks off the events of Crawl. The protagonist, Haley, and her father, Dave, attempt to make it out of their small town amid rain and flooding while being pursued by alligators who have infiltrated the evacuated area through the heightened water levels. While the alligators are arguably much more terrifying than the storm itself, there's a moment in Crawl when Haley and Dave have a moment of intense calm when they through the eye of the hurricane.
Crawl preys upon the common perception that Florida is full of dangerous wildlife that is moments away from breaking through the gates of civilization and terrorizing humans. This is an interesting theme and one that many disaster movies are in conversation with, as emergencies tend to cast aside the veneer of society that's clung to at the start of the film. Unlike Twisters, Crawl sees its characters isolated from the rest of humanity and looking out for their own survival. It would be interesting to see a Crawl sequel that has them pair up with others.
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