Imagine being trapped in a skyscraper hotel as disaster strikes. From fires to floods, these films take you on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, showcasing human resilience against the backdrop of architectural marvels turned into death traps. This curated list of 10 disaster films set in high-rise hotels will not only keep you on the edge of your seat but also provide a fascinating look at how these structures can become both a refuge and a peril in times of crisis.

The High and the Mighty (1954)
Description: This film, while not set in a hotel, features a plane crash scenario where passengers must survive in a high-altitude environment, akin to the isolation of a skyscraper hotel.
Fact: John Wayne received his only Academy Award nomination for his role in this film.


The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Description: Although set on a ship, the inverted luxury liner becomes a vertical hotel of sorts, where survivors must navigate upwards to escape. Its theme of survival in an inverted environment mirrors high-rise disaster scenarios.
Fact: The film was remade in 2006 as "Poseidon," but the original remains a classic for its groundbreaking special effects.


The Towering Inferno (1974)
Description: This classic disaster film features a towering skyscraper hotel engulfed in flames, highlighting the chaos and heroism amidst the inferno. It's a must-watch for its depiction of a high-rise disaster scenario.
Fact: The film was one of the first to combine the talents of two major studios, 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros., and it won three Academy Awards.


The Swarm (1978)
Description: While not strictly a hotel, a skyscraper is used as a makeshift hospital in this film about a killer bee invasion. The high-rise setting adds to the tension of the disaster scenario.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the concept of ecological disasters caused by human interference.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: Another film where a high-rise hotel isn't the primary setting, but the survival aspect in a storm at sea parallels the isolation and peril of a skyscraper hotel disaster.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use real-time weather simulation for its storm scenes, providing a realistic portrayal of the disaster.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively set in a hotel, a significant portion of the film takes place in a New York skyscraper hotel where characters seek shelter from a sudden ice age. The film's special effects and survival scenarios are gripping.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use extensive CGI to simulate weather phenomena, earning it an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.


The Tower (2012)
Description: A South Korean remake of "The Towering Inferno," this film focuses on a Christmas Eve fire in a luxury hotel, providing a fresh take on the classic disaster scenario.
Fact: The film was a massive box office success in South Korea, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: While primarily a sea rescue film, a significant part of the story involves survivors taking refuge in a lighthouse, which can be likened to a vertical hotel in its isolation and survival challenges.
Fact: The film is based on a true story of the most daring small-boat rescue in Coast Guard history.


Skyscraper (2018)
Description: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars as a security expert who must rescue his family from a burning skyscraper hotel in Hong Kong. The film's intense action sequences make it a thrilling addition to this list.
Fact: The film's skyscraper, The Pearl, is a fictional building, but its design was inspired by real-world supertall structures like the Burj Khalifa.


Hard Rain (1998)
Description: Set during a massive flood, this film features a hotel that becomes a refuge for looters and survivors alike, showcasing the perils of water in a high-rise setting.
Fact: The film was shot in a real rainstorm, adding authenticity to the flood scenes.
