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10 Best Disaster Movies on Netflix For Fans Of Apocalyptic And Destructive Films

January 28, 2023
disaster movies on netflix

Mass eradication, whether caused by a natural disaster or man, is typically depicted in disaster films. Are you currently looking for the best disaster movies on Netflix? If so, this is just the place for you. We have curated a list of the 10 most thought-provoking disaster movies you’ll ever see on Netflix.


Recently, filmmakers are becoming more interested in movies with zombies, alien invasions, tsunamis, and catastrophe themes. Mother Nature is diverse, nurturing, and inspirational, but it also has its frightening moments. The future of Earth and the human population that lives there are in danger from events like avalanches and hurricanes. Watching films that challenge our survival is not only thrilling and entertaining but provokes the mind to think just how much power humanity possesses to endure such unimaginable situations. 

List of Disaster Movies On Netflix

  1. Cast Away
  2. Don’t Look Up
  3. World War Z
  4. Contagion
  5. Deep Impact
  6. San Andreas
  7. Extinction
  8. The Core
  9. Geostorm
  10. How It Ends

1. Cast Away (2000)

Castaway features Tom Hanks in one of his best performances of all time. The story follows Tom as a FedEx systems engineer, Chuck Noland. He is a married man who as a part of the job, travels with a bunch of FedEx parcels due to unprecedented problems, the plane crashes on a remote island, and he is left alone to survive by himself.  

The movie tests humanity’s most innate ability of survival. Chuck’s challenges run from basics like lighting a fire –to food –to more complex struggles like loneliness. Castaway has become synonymous with the survival/disaster movie genre as it takes you on an emotional journey like no other with Tom’s skin-deep, engaging and riveting performance. Castaway is easily on the top of my list for best natural disaster movies on Netflix, if you watch it then I’m sure it’ll be on yours too.

2. Don’t Look Up (2021)

Don’t Look Up isn’t the kind of serious disaster movie you’ll expect to watch. Rather it’s a satirical film, an allegory for climate change, commenting on the politics, celebrity culture, and the media’s indifference to climate warnings. The film has a bunch of A-list actors, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, and more.

As most satires go, Don’t Look Up is a comical yet hard-hitting story. Two scientists discover a comet – size of 10 Kilometers which is in course to hit Earth directly in 6 months. Still, as the two scientists are freaking out over the possibility of the end of the world, the people on the very top seem to be ‘disinterested’ in taking action, not taking the warnings seriously. Don’t Look Up is surely amongst the best disaster movies on NetFlix for you to watch.

3. World War Z (2013)

The more serious circumstances of this film, World War Z, follow a former UN employee Garry Lane (Brad Pitt), as he runs against time to stop the zombie pandemic that occurred due to a highly infectious virus called Solanum. The high spread of the virus threatens the survival of humanity.

While there are innumerable zombie films out there, World War Z is not like the others, it’s as intelligent, a well-written film focusing on the disastrous pandemic. This may be different from the reality of pandemics we have seen, but this short, dramatic, fast-paced film is a part of the best disaster movies on NetFlix to watch right now.

Also Read: Movies like 2012

4. Contagion (2011)

Having gone through the real-world challenges of a pandemic in 2022, the 2011 film Contagion became one of the most-watched films online. The film follows just what happens when a deadly virus is discovered. The virus kills a lady and her son, putting the Central of Disease Control (CDC) in motion to control the spread as the world falls into panic. 

Almost surreal to watch a film that came a decade ago, warning us about the difficulties, Contagion is mind-blowing. The story entertains and teaches us a lot. One good thing is that the virus in the movie is far deadlier than ours- giving humanity hope of getting through. Contagion is a great option for natural disaster movies on Netflix.

5. Deep Impact (1998)

Deep Impact is another film about a comet in course of collision with Earth. However, in this film, humanity collectively tries everything in its power to prepare for the worst. Deep Impact focuses less on drama and more on the realistic portrayal of how our intelligence and technology can be used to save all of Humanity.

I highly recommend this movie. It is impressive how the story does not feel dated even after being 2 decades older. Special effects sure aren’t as timeless but the heart and soul of the movie is forever. The characters, their emotions and their reactions feel genuine as they take you on a beautiful journey. In my opinion, Deep Impact deserves to be called one of the best disaster movies on Netflix. Check it out.

6. San Andreas (2015)

This film if is the best example of when a seemingly good day turns into the worst nightmare. An earthquake of 9 magnitude hits California and cracks the Earth open. All the buildings start to crumble as the Los Angeles and San Francisco cities start to sink in. A man called Ray ( Dwayne Johnson), an LAFD search-rescues helicopter pilot, navigates the destruction to save his estranged wife and his only daughter.  

Dwayne Johnson’s movie often packs a lot of thrill and action, which is one exception. San Andreas has a good plot, great special effects, and strong acting. It is a bit predictable, but regardless, I highly suggest San Andreas to anyone who loves suspenseful stories and wants to see earthquake movies on Netflix.

7. Extinction (2018)

Extinction opens up with a father who has a recurring dream about losing his family while witnessing an evil force of destruction. Much to his surprise, the evil forces are the way to cause destruction. The father must find a way to save his family from the devastating attacks. 

This is a thought-provoking story with an unexpected twist. The plot and special effects are extremely creative and a joy to watch. The beginning was slow, but the movie picks its pace up really well. I suggest giving Extinction a go, especially if you enjoy disaster movies on Netflix.

Also Read: Movies like Sunshine 

8. The Core (2003)

The Core is about a group of people who have to drill to the center of the Earth and start a series of nuclear explosions to get the Earth’s core to rotate again. The planet’s electromagnetic field rapidly deteriorates when the inner core stops spinning. The only way Earth can be saved is to get the core back in motion.

Despite the fact that at first glance, it all may appear far-fetched, The Core is a fantastic film. The scientific inaccuracies do not take away from the plot. The plot is thrilling and quite jarring, the characters are believable and well-developed (though not always likable), and the visual effects are far ahead of their time when viewed from a fantasy perspective. Hence, The Core is a great pick for natural disaster movies on Netflix for you. 

9. Geostorm (2017)

In the film Geostorm, the satellites that regulate the climate and prevent catastrophic natural disasters are malfunctioning. It’s a race to find the threat before a global storm takes over. I would say this film is rather a work of fiction, as it ignores most scientific foundations.

The film is not very groundbreaking or outstanding due to its simple execution, but it can’t be denied that the film packs a solid punch with its action sequences, plot twists, and visual effects. Trust me, Geostorm is an entertaining choice for tsunami movies on NetFlix or storm movies on NetFlix.

10. How It Ends (2021)

In this feel-good apocalyptic comedy, How It Ends- a woman called Liza decides to take a trip through LA in hopes of making it to her last party before the world ends ‘it all ends’. Along her journey, she encounters eclectic characters. 

Fresh and thought-provoking, How It Ends is a showcase of the mindset differences between the sheltered younger generation and the roughshod older generation. I recommend watching this movie. It depicts very authentic apocalyptic-related issues and very successfully captures the raw and very real emotions that manifest in such situations. Is it one of the best disaster movies on Netflix? Maybe not, but surely entertaining.

Honourable Mentions 

Here are a few disaster movies on Netflix that didn’t make the list (few of these are currently not on Netflix), but you can check them when they become available:

  1. Pandora (Korean)
  2. IO
  3. 2012 
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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