Five essential films on tsunamis and where to see them

The tsunamisnatural phenomena of a devastating force, have been the perfect backdrop for some of the most shocking and exciting stories of cinema. From the fight for survival Until personal dramas that develop in the midst of chaos, these films show us the fragility of life and the incredible capacity of the human spirit to resist.

Here we present 5 outstanding films where a tsunami is much more than a natural disaster, it is the plot engine.

The impossible – The Impossible (2012)

Based on the real history of a Spanish family that survived the devastating tsunami of the Indian Ocean of 2004, this film is a moving testimony of resilience and hope. The plot follows Maria, Henry and her three children while her paradisiacal holidays become a nightmare when a gigantic wave hits her resort in Thailand, separating them and forcing them to fight for their lives in the midst of destruction.

Protagonists: Naomi Watts (María Bennett), Ewan McGregor (Henry Bennett), Tom Holland (Lucas Bennett). Director: Ja Bayona.

Available on Apple TV+

2012 (2009)

In this epic disaster film, the end of the world as we know it is imminent due to a series of massive geological cataclys caused by intense solar activity. As the earth’s cortex moves and causes mega-terremotes and volcanic eruptions, gigantic global tsunamis become the definitive threat. The story follows Jackson Curtis and his family while struggling to reach the secret “coffers” built to save an elite of humanity, in a world that is literally engulfed by huge waves. Tsunamis are a central visual and narrative element, representing the unstoppable force of destruction.

Protagonists: John Cusack (Jackson Curtis), Amanda Peet (Kate Curtis), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Adrian Helmsley), Danny Glover (President Thomas Wilson). Director: Roland Emmerich.

Available in Claro Video, HBO Max and Prime Video

Earthquake: the fault of San Andrés – San Andreas (2015)

Although it focuses mainly on a mega-themeter that shakes California, the film presents a sequence of massive tsunami that is crucial for the survival of the characters. A rescue helicopter pilot, Ray Gaines, must navigate through chaos and destruction to find and rescue his daughter Blake, who is trapped in San Francisco. The constant threat of replicas and tsunamis adds an additional layer of danger to its mission.

Protagonists: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Ray gaines), Carla Gugino (Emma Gaines), Alexandra Daddario (Blake Gaines). Director: Brad Peyton.

Available in Claro Video and HBO Max

Killer tides – The Wave / Bølgen (2015)

This Norwegian film of natural disasters focuses on the geological monitoring of a fjord. A geologist expert, Kristian Eikjord, prepares to leave his job at the Tsunamis Alert Center, when anomalous readings indicate that something serious is about to happen. When a rock emerges from the mountain and falls into the fjord, a tsunami of 80 meters high is generated that threatens to sweep the city of Geiranger in just ten minutes. Kristian must run against the clock to save his family and as many people as possible.

Protagonists: Kristoffer Joner (Kristian Eikjord), ANE DAHL TORP (Idun Karlsen). Director: Roar Uthaug.

Available on Apple TV+

Killer tides – The Wave Bølgen

Haeundae – Tidal Wave (2009)

Summary: This South Korean film of catastrophes is set in the popular tourist city of Haeundae, in Busan. A marine seismologist discovers that a giant tsunami is heading towards the coast, product of an imminent underwater megaterremoto. While the authorities discuss how to react, time is exhausted and the inhabitants and tourists of Haeundae must face the imminent catastrophe and fight for their lives when the wave finally hits. The film combines the disaster show with personal dramas and romances.

Protagonists: Sol Kyung-Gu (Man-Sik), Ha Ji-Won (Yeon-Hee), Park Joong-Hoon (Kim Hwi). Director: Yoon Je-Kyoon.

Available in Disney+