Why are audiences so fascinated with mass destruction on the big screen? While we never want to experience world-ending threats, city-wide destruction, and natural catastrophes in reality, that doesn't keep us from wanting to see them in cinema. Disaster movies are some of the most profitable films in the entertainment world. They're massive moneymakers, making up some of the highest-grossing movies of the last several decades. Audiences can't seem to get enough of thrilling flicks as they sure couldn't fail to entertain.

While disaster movies aren't for everyone, and yes, there have been plenty of terrible ones recently. But, mostly, they are what they are: fun and endlessly enjoyable crowdpleasers that can be rewatched again and again. They may not always be the most perfect, but some are truly spectacular and deserve a watch. From 's to 's , here are ten iconic disaster movies that are must-watches for fans.

Starting off with a bang (actually more like multiple bangs) is Armageddon, the 1998 action disaster flick from everyone's favorite explosives-happy director, Michael Bay. For huge explosions, a kick-ass soundtrack, and intense action, look no further than this wild adventure as it follows a team of misfit oil workers, led by 's Harry Stamper, as they journey into outer space to destroy a doomsday-sized asteroid on course to hit Earth.

Admittedly, Armageddon isn't for everyone, especially for those who aren't fans of Bay's rather noticeable directing style. It gets obnoxiously loud, featuring way too many explosions and excessive action sequences. But if you're looking for mindless entertainment, impressive visuals, and glorious destruction scenes, then this one is right for you.

In this thrilling -directed 1996 disaster classic, is a prime example of why no one should underestimate the awesome power of nature. Starring the late and Oscar-winner , it follows a storm-chasing couple and their team as they try to test out their latest weather detection system during a particularly violent tornado season.

It's a pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller with so much intensity and jaw-dropping visuals. Sure, it suffers from a weak plot and a few scientific inaccuracies, but no one can argue that it's not entertaining. The visuals still hold, and the likable main cast gives some of the most enjoyable performances in the disaster genre. It's a must-watch for fans, especially for those who better enjoyed its surprisingly solid 2024 sequel, .

's 2020 disaster drama has become a stellar standout of the genre in recent years. Starring and , it sees the two as struggling parents who desperately try to save their young son by racing against time to reach a bunker in Greenland before a deadly comet strikes Earth.

While it has some impressive visuals and an epic final disaster sequence, l. It's an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, and there are a few moments that can leave you teary-eyed. Though its premise doesn't seem all that compelling, Greenland is a surprisingly deep and emotional film that's more than capable of keeping viewers' attention.

2015's is one of the most compelling disaster films in recent years. Directed by , this Norwegian disaster drama is sure to leave audiences blown away as it tells the story of a geologist, Kristian (), as he struggles to save his family and as many people as he can when a massive rock slide creates a monster-size tsunami that engulfs a mountain-based town.

With powerful direction, stellar writing, exceptional acting, and frighteningly realistic visuals, The Wave has become an essential watch for disaster fans. It's a much more grounded disaster film, as it's based on an actual tragedy and can happen again. It's a gripping movie that's sure to leave you stunned.

If there's one film that perfectly sums up the disaster genre in its early infancy, it would be , a 1972 thriller based on a novel of the same name by Paul Gallico. Featuring an all-star cast, including the late , , , and , it follows a brave reverend as he leads a small band of survivors to the surface after their luxury cruise liner capsizes from a tidal wave.

The Poseidon Adventure is an absolute blast of entertainment, featuring stellar effects, amazing production designs, and glorious stunt work. Sure, some of the acting is over-the-top, but the cast does phenomenal work flushing out their characters here, and it's easy to root for their survival. It's truly heartbreaking to see some of them perish. Overall, this is a necessary watch for disaster fans, and it's honestly one of the most recognizable of the genre.

Based on a remarkable true story, is a 2012 disaster drama set during the devastating events of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. Starring and , it tells the incredible survival of the Bennet family, who, despite impossible odds, managed to find each other after being swept away during the tragedy.

This emotional and, at times, heartbreaking story is truly impactful and must be seen, even if disaster movies aren't usually your thing. The direction is flawless, the effects are award-worthy, and the performances are enough to make anyone cry. Overall, The Impossible can have a profound effect on all who watch it.

Widely considered one of the most thrilling disaster movies ever made, is truly a beloved classic that's only gotten more popular with age. Directed by the king of disasters, , it stars as paleoclimatologist Jack Hall, who races to save as many lives as possible when climate change, caused by melting polar ice caps, creates a superstorm that plunges the Northern Hemisphere into a new ice age. But when his son is caught in the middle of the chaos in New York, Hall goes on a perilous rescue mission to bring him to safety.

Yeah, this is probably not the most scientifically accurate disaster movie, and there's no denying its premise is highly absurd, but when there's so much action and destruction happening on screen, it's impossible not to enjoy.

Taking the disaster and horror genres by storm in the early 2000s, 's iconic zombie thriller is a truly fascinating and frightening flick that fans of both genres should see. Starring Academy Award winner , , and , it follows a lone bicycle messenger as he awakens from a coma to find England ravaged by a deadly virus that turns infected into aggressive killers.

It's a horrifying and bleak story that takes a look at how society could collapse at the start of a viral outbreak. 28 Days Later is an anxiety-inducing film that's sure to scare anyone and leave them worrying about the thought of a biological disaster occurring sometime in the future.

Roland Emmerich returns, this time with arguably his greatest contribution to the disaster gerne, Independence Day, a 1996 action blockbuster smash hit that has gone on to become one of the most explosive and crowd-pleasing movies of the '90s. Starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, and Jeff Goldblum, it follows the brave U.S. President Thomas Whitmore as he leads the last remnants of humanity against a technologically superior alien race.

If you're a fan of huge city-wide destruction sequences, this film is one to go to. Independence Day is an absolute delight and is impossible not to find entertaining. While it's noticeably over-the-top and could be considered mindless fun, it definitely succeeds in giving an enjoyable movie-watching experience. Its action is marvelous, the characters are likable, and the visuals still look incredible today. It's a thrilling popcorn flick that can be watched again and again, and it'll still leave audiences pumping their fists in the air.

Finally, while there are so many iconic entries that are necessary to be watched by fans of the genre, 1997's Titanic is the quintessential disaster movie. Directed by the legendary James Cameron, this incredible cinematic achievement is one that truly deserves to be seen. It's a powerful tale of romance and drama, following two star-crossed lovers as they try to survive the fateful sinking of the infamous RMS Titanic after colliding with an iceberg on her main voyage.

Titanic is one of the greatest disaster movies of all time, and can be enjoyed by everyone. It's a fascinating story with everything, from the stellar cast and excellent performances to the Oscar-winning visuals and Cameron's brilliant directing, coming together to create a true masterpiece. It's an unforgettable watch that only gets better and better with age.

NEXT: 10 Disaster Movies That Are Thrilling From Start to Finish