Disaster films have always enjoyed incredible success with viewers. They talked about all kinds of natural disasters, which entailed terrible consequences and claimed hundreds, or even thousands of human lives.
The peak of the popularity of the genre occurred in the 90s of the last century. The reason for this was the fact that Hollywood studios got an excellent opportunity to spend huge amounts of money on producing their films without fear of financial failure. And the audience themselves with pleasure began to go to blockbusters.
Another reason for the popularity of the genre was the presence of impressive special effects that were amazing. Every year, computer graphics became more and more realistic. Thus, we got the opportunity to see tense thrillers about disasters for every taste. Often these were stories about earthquakes, tornadoes or floods. However, there is still some subgenre worthy of attention. We are talking about films in which volcanoes appear. Moreover, some of these films were based on real events. We present to your attention a list of the best films about the volcano. We will cover both feature and documentary films.
The best movies about the volcano
We recommend that you start watching movies about the volcano (list of the best below) with feature films. In this section, both classical and the most modern representatives of the genre will be waiting for you.
So, a list of the best movies about the volcano:
- "Dante's Peak".
- "Volcano".
- "Super Volcano".
- "Monstrous eruption."
- "Pompeii".
- "2012".
- "When time is running out."
Now it is worth discussing each film individually.
"Dante's Peak"
This is one of the most successful and popular films around the world about the volcano of incredible power. The film is striking in an unprecedented scope for the 90s, thanks to which the film looks great even after two decades. It is also worth noting a thoughtful plot that allows you to penetrate the heroes with sympathy. Each character is spelled out amazingly. Well, and, of course, one cannot fail to say about the outstanding directing, thanks to which the movie became a cult.
Fans of the 90s cinema will also be interested in looking at the young Pierce Brosnan, who at that time was still gaining popularity in Hollywood. The newly-minted James Bond, despite being busy in the legendary espionage series, continued to act in third-party projects, fully demonstrating all his talent. Also, one of the roles in the movie was played by the notorious Linda Hamilton. By that time, she managed to become famous thanks to her famous role as Sarah Connor in the Terminator series of films. She also became a great addition to the caste.
In the center of the plot of the film "Peak Dante" is a volcanologist who has devoted more than ten years of his life to his profession. Some time ago, the main character suffered a tragedy that forever changed his usual life: a man’s beloved, also engaged in the study of volcanoes, died as a result of one of the eruptions. Even after many months, the protagonist cannot erase that terrible day. And now he has no choice but to immerse himself in work. Once he is entrusted with a new task: to go to a small town located at the foot of the mountain. The sleeping volcano located in it has not been active for hundreds of years. And there were no signs that he would suddenly wake up. However, the next few days will turn into a hell for all residents. Can a volcanologist prevent the threat and save hundreds of people from death?
"Volcano"
This movie was released worldwide in the same year as the aforementioned "Dante's Peak". This is what ultimately caused the box office failure. The film was shot for a record amount of money. However, the filmmakers could not recoup the costs even with the help of a powerful advertising campaign, thanks to which many residents of America learned about the "Volcano". The film was shot by the then famous director Mick Jackson. You can know him from the excellent drama The Bodyguard. However, it was the film "Volcano" (1997) that became the main project in his career. It is also impossible to mention the incredible scenery created without the use of graphics. Enormous money was spent on their construction, thanks to which we got the most realistic movie.
Another undoubted advantage of the film is the presence in the frame of one of the main stars of Hollywood - Tommy Lee Jones. Those years were incredibly successful for him. In addition to the film "Volcano" (1997), he also appeared in the following films: "Men in Black", "The Fugitive", "Batman: Forever" and many others. Also, one of the secondary roles was played by Don Cheadle, who was little known at that time , who was just starting his brilliant career.
The events of the film take place in Los Angeles. At one time, this city has seen many all kinds of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes. However, in recent decades, residents have not had to deal with any tragedies of such a large scale. However, soon their quiet life will end. The reason for this was the unexpectedly awakened ancient volcano, located in one of the most densely populated areas of the city. In the end, he can guard the whole of Los Angeles from the face of the earth. Will anyone be able to escape?
Atlantis: End of the World, Birth of a Legend
This masterpiece film is made both as a feature film and as a documentary. It is devoted to the study of the theory of the origin of Atlantis. The legend is associated with the death of the island of Thira, which really existed. He was wiped off the face of a volcano. The plot of the film "Atlantis: The End of the World, the Birth of a Legend" focuses on two young people who, during the eruption of a volcano, must hurriedly leave the island with the rest of its inhabitants.
"Supervolcano"
The BBC channel for the most part specializes not in feature films, but in documentaries. However, from time to time, they still make exceptions to the rules. Thus, we get the opportunity to watch the most realistic films, the plots of which are based on real events. And one of the most striking examples of such a movie is the film about Yellowstone volcano "Supervolcano", which was released on television in 2005. It’s clear that the TV people didn’t have such colossal money to create special effects. But they decided not to surprise the viewer with this. In the film "Super Volcano" (BBC, 2005 film), the emphasis was on the plot and acting, which was beyond praise.
In the very center of the American Yellowstone National Park, there is one famous place that has been attracting the attention of people from all over the world for several decades. What exactly makes tourists go to such a remote place? The reason for this is a great opportunity to look at the rocks in which the volcano lurks for a long time. And if ever the eruption does happen, it will be able to destroy the whole city. And soon scientists come to the conclusion that the eruption is only a matter of time ... What to do next? Look for the answer in the movie "Super Volcano" (BBC, 2005).
"Monstrous eruption"
Next, we will present you one of the most controversial feature films about volcanoes. We are talking about the next project of the notorious SyFy channel, which specializes mainly in science fiction films, as well as in disaster films. It is also noteworthy that the directors working on this channel have never been shy about filming frank hack or plagiarism (to be more precise - movies of the "mocbaster" genre). They had cheap computer graphics, as well as weak special effects. Famous actors also rarely took part in such projects. However, from time to time, decent films appeared on the screens. And one of their best works is "The Monstrous Eruption" ( 2011 film), which we highly recommend you to watch.
Events unfold in the territory of one of the American cities. In Yellowstone National Park, a volcano has been snoozing for many years. But one day he still wakes up. All this forces the firefighter and volcanologist to combine their efforts, who will try to do everything possible to prevent an imminent catastrophe. Will they succeed? To answer the question, it is worth watching the film "Monstrous Eruption" (2011).
"Pompeii"
Next, let us return to multi-budget cinema. We present to your attention one of the best historical action movies of the last decades, in which the volcano, which demolished the whole city from the face of the earth, plays a key role. We are talking about the infamous ancient settlement of Pompeii, in which cruel laws reigned at that time, because of which any person could become a slave and lose the right to freedom. The film was shot by eminent director Paul W. S. Anderson, who is known primarily for his masterpiece "Resident Evil". Also on his account are other hits, such as "Death Race", "Mortal Kombat" and "Alien vs. Predator". So there is nothing surprising in the fact that such a large project was ultimately entrusted to him. And I must say, he did an excellent job with the task. The film "Pompeii" eventually became one of the main hits of 2014.
At the center of this story is a man named Milo, who is a slave. However, this did not stop him from falling in love with the wife of the Roman senator, for the sake of which he was ready to go to any accomplishments. Once, after the volcanic eruption, the protagonist is forced to risk his life in order to save his beloved, as well as gain long-awaited freedom. Will he be able to achieve his goals?
"Journey 2: The Mysterious Island"
Continuation of one of the most popular fantasy. But only in the first part of the film the main role was played by the popular actor Brendan Fraser, for whom "Journey", in essence, was the last successful project in his career. Unfortunately, then he was finally buried in debt and ceased to receive major roles in the cinema. The well-known actor in the past was replaced by another outstanding artist Dwayne Johnson. He is known to many viewers mainly due to his participation in all kinds of action films, thanks to which he eventually became famous. However, among other things, he is also an excellent comedian, which he repeatedly proved in practice.
The plot focuses again on Sean Anderson, who has already experienced amazing journeys. However, this time a mysterious island will be waiting for him, located where there can be no island at all. Soon, the man is faced with all kinds of fantastic and prehistoric life forms. Also, the main character will have to survive such terrible natural disasters as a volcano and an earthquake. Will he be able to get out of there alive?
2012
Also, one can not fail to mention one of the most expensive and television-disaster films disastrous in the history of cinema. This, of course, is about the 2012 blockbuster. In it, the creators managed to collect almost all natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. All this was created thanks to the most expensive and high-quality special effects, which nobody managed to surpass. Moreover, the film starred a huge number of outstanding actors known to everyone.
The plot focuses on a middle-aged man who went to meet with his children. Soon they find themselves in the midst of incredible destruction caused by natural disasters. Can he save people he loves and take them to a safe place?
"When time is running out"
One of the classic and undeservedly forgotten by many viewers films about the eruption of the volcano. “When Time is Running Out” is an impressive film, shot with a focus on the dramatic component. Of course, in those years the level of special effects left much to be desired. However, this did not stop the director from creating a real masterpiece for all time.
The film tells about a volcanologist who notices strange activity on his instruments. And to personally make sure that the city is not threatened by the eruption of an ancient volcano, he decides to go down to the crater itself. He could not even imagine what consequences this would lead to in the end. Will he be able to get out of the heart of the volcano alive?
Movies Also Noteworthy
We present to your attention several paintings that were not included in the list of the best films about volcanoes, but also worth watching:
- "Pompeii: The Apocalypse."
- "Dangerous area".
- "Eruption".
Volcanoes Documentary
Also, as promised, we present to your attention documentaries about volcanoes:
- "Raging Planet: Volcanoes of Discovery."
- "What are the Volcanoes capable of?"
- "Tomorrow Never Dies / Land of Volcanoes."
Total
This extensive list will allow viewers to enjoy movies about volcanoes in all their manifestations. Spectacular works of outstanding directors will be waiting for you, which are unlikely to leave you indifferent after watching.